In the absence of human intervention, most of the forests in the Amazon River basin are too wet to burn. Yet for as long as scientists have observed the region by satellite, they have detected an abundance of fire activity, especially during the driest months of the year.
‘Blanket-covered’ single-molecules: Breakthrough in revealing the origin of life
A research team succeeds in observing the difference in structural dynamics of one-nanometer single-molecules at room temperature. The new technology can be applied to the research on the cause and treatment of untreatable diseases in the future.
Ecologists find evidence that pet and medicine trades bring tokay geckos from across Asia into Hong Kong, impacting resident gecko populations
New research has been investigating the origins of tokay geckos in Hong Kong, both the wild ones and those sold in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) shops.
Discovery of extinct prehistoric reptile that lived among dinosaurs
Researchers have discovered a new extinct species of lizard-like reptile that belongs to the same ancient lineage as New Zealand's living tuatara. A team of scientists describe the new species Opisthiamimus gregori, which once inhabited Jurassic North America about 150 million years ago alongside dinosaurs like Stegosaurus and Allosaurus. In...
Soybean virus may give plant-munching bugs a boost in survival
Most viral infections negatively affect an organism's health, but one plant virus in particular -- soybean vein necrosis orthotospovirus, often referred to as SVNV -- may actually benefit a type of insect that commonly feeds on soybean plants and can transmit the virus to the plant, causing disease, according to...
The bolder bird gets (and keeps) the girl
Researchers demonstrate a clear connection between personality in wandering albatross (Diomedea exulans) and the likelihood of divorce. Though the link between personality and relationship outcomes in humans is well-established, this is the first study to do so with animals.
Pioneering research using bacteria brings scientists a step closer to creating artificial cells with lifelike functionality
Scientists have harnessed the potential of bacteria to help build advanced synthetic cells which mimic real life functionality.
Scientists Harness Artificial Intelligence to Advance Ability to Measure Arctic Sea Ice and Improve Climate Forecasting
Pioneering research deploying Artificial Intelligence (AI) and satellite modelling means the thickness of Arctic sea ice can be measured all year round for the first time, bringing significant benefits for future weather forecasts and shipping in the region.
Stanford Researchers Model Thawing at Base of Antarctic Ice Sheet
Across Antarctica, some parts of the base of the ice sheet are frozen, while others are thawed.
Are we missing a crucial component of sea-level rise?
Across Antarctica, some parts of the base of the ice sheet are frozen, while others are thawed. Scientists show that if some currently frozen areas were also to thaw, it can increase ice loss from glaciers that are not currently major sea-level contributors.