The Earth's surface is covered by plants. They make up the majority of biomass on land and exhibit a wide range of diversity, from mosses to trees. This astounding biodiversity came into existence due to a fateful evolutionary event that happened just once: plant terrestrialization. This describes the point where...
California Group Exploring Viability of a Community-Centered Direct Air Capture Hub
Researchers from Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (Berkeley Lab) and the Center for Law, Energy, and the Environment (CLEE) at the UC Berkeley School of Law are leading a project to explore the creation of a Direct Air Capture (DAC) facility that uses cutting-edge technologies to remove carbon dioxide from the...
Long Time Lag in Heavily Polluted Regions as Improvement in Air Quality Warms Climate
In a recent study, scientists at Leipzig University have revised previous assumptions about the influence of pollutant particles, known as aerosols, on global warming.
World’s Coastal Wetlands and Coral Reef Islands Face Urgent Sea Level Threat, New Study Shows
Coastal wetlands and coral reef islands will struggle to grow fast enough to keep pace with rising sea levels driven by climate change, according to a new study published in Nature.
New ‘droplet battery’ could pave the way for miniature bio-integrated devices
Researchers have developed a miniature battery that could be used to power tiny devices integrated into human tissues. The design uses an ionic gradient across a chain of droplets -- inspired by how electric eels generate electricity. The device was able to regulate the biological activity of human neurons. This...
Rare 14-ft smalltooth sand tiger shark washes up on Irish coast
Scientists believe a huge 14ft smalltooth sand tiger shark, which washed up at Kilmore Quay, Co. Wexford, earlier this year, represents the first of its species to have been found in Ireland's waters. Two other individuals of the same species also washed up on the UK coastline, suggesting this species'...
Antibiotics promote the growth of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in the gut
Antibiotic-resistant bacteria get extra nutrients and thrive when the drugs kill 'good' bacteria in the gut.
Short Naps At The Right Time Of Day Can Have Myriad Benefits
Napping during the day is an ancient custom that is practiced worldwide.
Tiny, Shape-Shifting Robot Can Squish Itself Into Tight Spaces
Coming to a tight spot near you: CLARI, the little, squishable robot that can passively change its shape to squeeze through narrow gaps—with a bit of inspiration from the world of bugs.
Rising Seas Will Devastate Coastal Habitats
Research published today in Nature warns that rising seas will devastate coastal habitats.