The largest identified single outbreak in U.S. history of West Nile virus disease, a potentially fatal mosquito-borne illness, occurred in Arizona last summer.
Social and communication skills co-evolve
The more complex the social group in lemurs, the more signals the animals use to communicate.
How the Earth is Changing
Climate change is a complicated phenomenon with a variety of both abrupt and gradual effects that scientists are working hard to uncover.
Solving Everest’s Wildlife Mysteries with eDNA
A team of scientists led by the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) and Appalachian State University used environmental DNA (eDNA) to document the breadth of high-alpine biodiversity present on Earth’s highest mountain, 29,032-foot Mt. Everest (8,849 m).
Carbon Emissions and Grocery Shopping: EVs and Home Delivery Better, ‘Trip Chaining’ and Robots Best
The COVID-19 pandemic changed the way grocery stores do business, with online sales rising more than 50% from 2019 to 2020 in the United States.
Fish ‘chock-full’ of antifreeze protein found in iceberg habitats off Greenland
New research based on an expedition to the icy waters off Greenland reveals soaring levels of antifreeze proteins in a species of tiny snailfish, underlying the importance of this unique adaptation to life in sub-zero temperatures. The study also warns that warming oceanic temperatures in the Arctic could pose a...
Wood sharpens stone: Boomerangs used to retouch lithic tools
A new study into the multipurpose uses of boomerangs has highlighted the hardwood objects were used to shape the edges of stone tools used by Australian Indigenous communities. The research demonstrated how boomerangs could function as lithic (or stone) tool retouchers by investigating the use-wear generated on the boomerangs' surfaces during...
First structure of key COVID enzyme at human body temperature
Scientists studying a COVID-19 coronavirus enzyme at temperatures ranging from frosty to human-body warm discovered subtle structural shifts that offer clues about how the enzyme works. The findings may inspire the design of new drugs to counteract COVID-19 -- and possibly help head off future coronavirus pandemics.
Propane — a solution for more sustainable air conditioning
Current severe heatwaves that will likely increase in severity and frequency in the future are driving a rise in the use of air conditioners, threatening the environment with their high energy consumption and refrigerants with high warming potential. A new study finds that switching to propane as a refrigerant could...
New standardized framework allows conservationists to assess benefits of non-native species
A new framework for classifying the positive impacts of non-native species will allow conservationists and policymakers to make better-informed management decisions, according to a new article.