Sometimes plants are so similar to each other that the methods developed by 18th century scientist Carl Linnaeus for identifying species are not enough.
‘Game Changer’ in Lithium Extraction: Rice Researchers Develop Novel Electrochemical Reactor
A team of Rice University researchers led by Lisa Biswal and Haotian Wang has developed an innovative electrochemical reactor to extract lithium from natural brine solutions, offering a promising approach to address the growing demand for lithium used in rechargeable batteries.
MIT Engineers Make Converting CO2 into Useful Products More Practical
As the world struggles to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, researchers are seeking practical, economical ways to capture carbon dioxide and convert it into useful products, such as transportation fuels, chemical feedstocks, or even building materials.
On the origin of life: How the first cell membranes came to exist
Few questions have captivated humankind more than the origin of life on Earth. How did the first living cells come to exist? How did these early protocells develop the structural membranes necessary for cells to thrive and assemble into complex organisms? New research has uncovered a plausible explanation involving the...
Bird brain from the age of dinosaurs reveals roots of avian intelligence
A 'one of a kind' fossil discovery could transform our understanding of how the unique brains and intelligence of modern birds evolved, one of the most enduring mysteries of vertebrate evolution.
Anti-fatberg invention could help unclog city sewers
Engineers have invented a protective coating for concrete pipes that could help drastically reduce the formation of fatbergs in sewers.
Building a diverse wildland fire workforce to meet future challenges
Wildland firefighters are under significant strain, often overworked and underpaid despite the growing need to respond to larger, more destructive fires. Building a more resilient and effective workforce will require improving pathways for diverse applicants, strengthening commitments to health equity, and investing in workplace culture, according to a new Stanford...
Young coral use metabolic tricks to resist bleaching
Coral larvae reduce their metabolism and increase nitrogen uptake to resist bleaching in high temperatures, according to a new study.
Fossil fuel CO2 emissions increase again in 2024
Global carbon emissions from fossil fuels have reached a record high in 2024, according to new research.
Swirling Polar Vortices Likely Exist on the Sun, New Research Finds
Model simulations offer insights into the fundamental properties of the solar magnetic field.