Scientists have suspected that modern humans have more genes to digest starch than our hunter-gatherer ancestors, but the amylase locus of the genome is hard to study. Researchers have now developed new methods to isolate the multiple amylase genes and compare the locus to ancient genomes. They found that amylase...
How Earth’s most intense heat wave ever impacted life in Antarctica
An atmospheric river brought warm, moist air to the coldest and driest corner of the planet in 2022, pushing temperatures 70 degrees above average. A new study reveals what happened to Antarctica's smallest animals.
Fungus-controlled robots tap into the unique power of nature
In creating a pair of new robots, researchers cultivated an unlikely component, one found on the forest floor: fungal mycelia. By harnessing mycelia's innate electrical signals, the researchers discovered a new way of controlling 'biohybrid' robots that can potentially react to their environment better than their purely synthetic counterparts.
New Research Has Found Prescribing Nature Can Improve Happiness and Reduce Anxiety
A £5.77m cross-governmental funded project has shown that expanding access to Green Social Prescribing can promote wellbeing and improve mental health.
PFAS Influence the Development and Function of the Brain
UFZ study uncovers mechanism of action with new test method.
Uncollected Waste and Open Burning Are Leading Causes of Plastic Pollution Crisis
A new study from the University shines a light on the enormous scale of uncollected rubbish and open burning of plastic waste in the first ever global plastics pollution inventory.
Researchers identify mechanism underlying allergic itching, and show it can be blocked
Researchers identified a mechanism for why some people will itch from an allergen or mosquito bite exposure, while others will not in a new study, and showed this pathway can be targeted to prevent allergic responses in preclinical models.
Wildland Fires Scorch Idaho Wilderness
On July 24, 2024, lightning ignited what became known as the Wapiti fire in central Idaho.
Climate Change Loaded Dice for Brutal Drought in Sicily
Global warming has fueled an exceptional drought on the Italian islands of Sicily and Sardinia, a new analysis finds.
‘Forever chemicals’ influence the development and function of the brain
Some per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are poorly degradable and are also known as 'forever chemicals'. They adversely affect health and can lead to liver damage, obesity, hormonal disorders, and cancer. A research team has investigated the effects of PFAS on the brain. Using a combination of modern molecular biology...