Patulin is a harmful mycotoxin produced by fungi typically found in damaged fruits, including apples, pears, and grapes. In a recent breakthrough, researchers identified a new filamentous fungal strain that can degrade patulin by transforming it into less toxic substances. Their findings provide important insights into the degradation mechanisms for...
Mutation rates in whales are much higher than previously reported
An international team of marine scientists has studied the DNA of family groups from four different whale species to estimate their mutation rates. Using the newly determined rates, the group found that the number of humpback whales in the North Atlantic before whaling was 86 percent lower than earlier studies...
The Search for the Super Potato
As climate change continues to pose severe challenges to ensuring sustainable food supplies around the world, scientists from McGill University are looking for ways to improve the resilience and nutritional quality of potatoes.
Two out of three volcanoes are little-known. How to predict their eruptions?
What is the risk of a volcano erupting? To answer this question, scientists need information about its underlying internal structure. However, gathering this data can take several years of fieldwork, analyses and monitoring, which explains why only 30% of active volcanoes are currently well documented. A team has developed a...
A New Way to Capture and Recycle Carbon Dioxide From Industrial Emissions
Carbon capture is a promising method to help slow climate change.
Can This Forest Survive? Predicting Forest Death or Recovery After Drought
How long can trees tolerate drought before the forest dies?
Direct Formation of Sulfuric Acid in the Atmosphere Without Considering SO2
In the atmosphere, gaseous sulfuric acid can form particles that influence the physical properties of clouds.
Using evidence from last Ice Age, scientists predict effects of rising seas on coastal habitats
The rapid sea level rise and resulting retreat of coastal habitat seen at the end of the last Ice Age could repeat itself if global average temperatures rise beyond certain levels, according to an analysis by an international team of scientists.
A new breakthrough in obesity research may allow you to lose fat while eating all you want
This is a significant development that brings hope to the one billion individuals with obesity worldwide. Researchers have discovered new insights into the regulation of fat metabolism. The focus of their study lies within the star-shaped non-neuronal cells in the brain, known as 'astrocytes'. Furthermore, the group announced successful animal...
A global observatory to monitor Earth’s biodiversity
At a time of unparalleled rates of biodiversity loss, a new interconnected system to monitor biodiversity around the world is needed to guide action quickly enough to target conservation efforts to where they are most needed.