Birds fly more efficiently by folding their wings during the upstroke, according to a recent study. The results could mean that wing-folding is the next step in increasing the propulsive and aerodynamic efficiency of flapping drones.
Why chocolate feels so good — it is all down to lubrication
Scientists have decoded the physical process that takes place in the mouth when a piece of chocolate is eaten, as it changes from a solid into a smooth emulsion that many people find totally irresistible. By analyzing each of the steps, the interdisciplinary research team hope it will lead to...
Turning abandoned mines into batteries
A novel technique called Underground Gravity Energy Storage turns decommissioned mines into long-term energy storage solutions, thereby supporting the sustainable energy transition.
Fossils reveal dinosaurs of prehistoric Patagonia
A study is providing a glimpse into dinosaur and bird diversity in Patagonia during the Late Cretaceous, just before the non-avian dinosaurs went extinct. The fossils represent the first record of theropods -- a dinosaur group that includes both modern birds and their closest non-avian dinosaur relatives -- from the...
Hand washing fabrics reduces microplastic release compared with machine washing
From tiny plankton to massive whales, microplastics have been found throughout the ocean food chain. One major source of this pollution are fibers shed while laundering synthetic fabrics. Although many studies show microfibers are released during machine washing, it's been less clear how hand washing contributes. Now, researchers report that...
The U.S. is Committed to Conservation. Now, How Do we Do it?
When the U.S. government committed last January to conserving 30% of the United States’ natural land and water by the year 2030, the decision was embraced by the majority of Americans.
Storms Soak California
A series of back-to-back atmospheric rivers has drenched much of California since late December 2022, leading to floods, debris flows, road closures, and over a billion dollars of damage.
Thinning of the Northeast Greenland Ice Stream
Greenland is home to the planet’s largest ice sheet outside of Antarctica. Observations collected from the ground, air, and space, have revealed rapid thinning in the northeast part of this ice sheet that could contribute more to sea level rise than previously thought.
Fish-hunting and eating behaviors confirmed in Japanese macaques
Consumption of fish in monkeys has been thought of to be a rare occurrence, potentially even happening accidentally. However, through fecal studies of Japanese macaques in the Kamikochi area, evidence of fish-eating amongst this group of monkeys has been suggested. The frequency in which fish DNA has been detected in...
Enzyme ‘atlas’ helps researchers decipher cellular pathways
A new atlas maps more than 300 protein kinases found in human cells, and identifies which types of protein substrates they target. The atlas could help scientists understand what happens when cells become cancerous or are treated with specific drugs.