New research from the University of Sydney sheds light on how coronaviruses emerge in bat populations, focusing on young bats as hotspots for infections and co-infections that may drive viral evolution. By analyzing thousands of samples over three years, scientists discovered that juvenile bats frequently host multiple coronaviruses simultaneously—offering a...
This oat discovery could change your breakfast—and the future of plant-based food
Scientists in Australia have uncovered the biological triggers behind oil production in oats, a discovery that could revolutionize how oats are processed and marketed. By using advanced imaging and molecular techniques, researchers identified key enzymes that drive oil synthesis in oat grains. This opens the door to developing low-oil oat...
Beneath the scales: The secret bone armor that helped lizards survive Australia
Scientists have uncovered hidden bony armor—called osteoderms—beneath the skin of 29 goanna species across Australasia, a discovery that radically changes what we thought we knew about lizard evolution. Using museum specimens and advanced scanning, researchers found these structures are far more widespread than previously known, suggesting they may help with...
Scientists just discovered a secret code hidden in your DNA
What scientists once dismissed as junk DNA may actually be some of the most powerful code in our genome. A new international study reveals that ancient viral DNA buried in our genes plays an active role in controlling how other genes are turned on or off, especially during early human...
Scientists just solved the mystery of the missing ocean plastic—now we’re all in trouble
Millions of tons of plastic in the ocean aren't floating in plain sight—they're invisible. Scientists have now confirmed that the most abundant form of plastic in the Atlantic is in the form of nanoplastics, smaller than a micrometer. These particles are everywhere: in rain, rivers, and even the air. They...
EV Fast Chargers Are Pollutant Hot Spots
Electric vehicle fast-charging stations are pollutant hot spots, according to a new UCLA study.
‘Active Travel’ Study Identifies Pathways for Designing Walking- and Cycling-friendly Cities
A new study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences reveals the transformative potential of walking- and cycling-friendly policies in cities around the world.
Vision Changes on Space Station
When astronauts began spending six months and more aboard the International Space Station, they started to notice changes in their vision.
AI uncovers 86,000 hidden earthquakes beneath Yellowstone’s surface
Beneath Yellowstone’s stunning surface lies a hyperactive seismic world, now better understood thanks to machine learning. Researchers have uncovered over 86,000 earthquakes—10 times more than previously known—revealing chaotic swarms moving along rough, young fault lines. With these new insights, we’re getting closer to decoding Earth’s volcanic heartbeat and improving how...
The heatwave that shattered ecosystems, starved whales, and drove fish north
A scorching marine heatwave from 2014 to 2016 devastated the Pacific coast, shaking ecosystems from plankton to whales and triggering mass die-offs, migrations, and fishery collapses. Researchers synthesized findings from over 300 studies, revealing the far-reaching impacts of rising ocean temperatures. Kelp forests withered, species shifted north, and iconic marine...