Researchers discovered the gene that gives a rare wheat variety its unusual “triple-grain” trait. When switched on, the gene helps wheat flowers produce extra grain-bearing parts. The finding could allow scientists to grow new, high-yield crops to meet global food demand. It’s a simple genetic change with world-changing potential.
Scientists finally read the hidden DNA code that shapes disease
EMBL researchers created SDR-seq, a next-generation tool that decodes both DNA and RNA from the same cell. It finally opens access to non-coding regions, where most disease-associated genetic variants lie. By revealing how these variants affect gene activity, scientists can better understand complex diseases and develop improved diagnostic tools.
The Southern Ocean’s Low-Salinity Water Locked Away CO2 for Decades, But
An AWI study gives a potential explanation as to why the ocean around Antarctica is defying climate model projections and continuing to absorb CO2, despite the effects of climate change.
Research Shows How Dust Bowl-Type Drought Causes Unprecedented Productivity Loss
A global research effort led by Colorado State University shows that extreme, prolonged drought conditions in grasslands and shrublands would greatly limit the long-term health of crucial ecosystems that cover nearly half the planet.
Road Noise Can Actually Make Squirrels Feel Safer, New Study Finds
Human disturbance has a significant impact on the behaviour and habitat use of urban wildlife, however, in some situations urban grey squirrels may actually feel safer from predators where our activity is high.
MIT finds traces of a lost world deep within planet Earth
Researchers have discovered chemical fingerprints of Earth's earliest incarnation, preserved in ancient mantle rocks. A unique imbalance in potassium isotopes points to remnants of “proto Earth” material that survived the planet’s violent formation. The study suggests the original building blocks of Earth remain hidden beneath its surface, offering a direct...
Acoustic Tagging Seeks Answers to King Salmon Decline
An ambitious new research project is aiming to better understand the lives of king salmon by focusing on their difficult journey from freshwater habitat to the ocean.
Scientists just found real teeth growing on a fish’s head
Scientists discovered true teeth growing on the head of the spotted ratfish, a distant shark relative. The toothed structure, called a tenaculum, helps males hold onto females during mating. Genetic evidence shows these head teeth share the same origins as oral teeth, overturning assumptions that teeth only evolve in jaws....
A giant asteroid hit Earth, but its crater is missing
Researchers discovered a new field of ancient tektites in South Australia, revealing a long-forgotten asteroid impact. These 11-million-year-old glass fragments differ chemically and geographically from other known tektites. Although the crater remains missing, the find exposes a massive event once thought unrecorded, offering clues to Earth’s tumultuous past and planetary...
Forged in fire: The 900°C heat that built Earth’s stable continents
New research reveals that Earth’s continents owe their stability to searing heat deep in the planet’s crust. At more than 900°C, radioactive elements shifted upward, cooling and strengthening the landmasses that support life. This ancient heat engine also distributed valuable minerals, giving scientists new clues for exploration and for spotting...