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.
Compound Extreme Events Stress the Ocean
When marine heatwaves and ocean acidity extreme events co-occur, it can have severe impacts on marine ecosystems.
‘Beautiful swimmers’ attack at low tide
Researchers observe blue crabs ambushing fiddler crabs from shallow, water-filled pits, like crocodiles ambushing wildebeests in Africa.
Chagas: Less neglect for a neglected tropical disease
A research group implemented a survey over two years to assess vector infestation and the infection risk of the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi in triatomine bugs, the culprits responsible for Chagas disease, throughout El Salvador. Their findings showed the nationwide ubiquity of the principal insect vector and identified areas where these...
Today’s heat waves feel a lot hotter than heat index implies
When the heat index was created nearly 45 years ago, it was a good measure of how hot it feels under increasing humidity. It still is. But with climate change, weather extremes are becoming more common, and the Heat Index can underestimate the apparent temperature and the physiological stress humans...