Mount Everest is about 15 to 50 meters taller than it would otherwise be because of uplift caused by a nearby eroding river gorge, and continues to grow because of it.
The Vikings were part of a global network trading in ivory from Greenland
New research shows that the Vikings traveled more than 6,000 kilometers to the Arctic to hunt for walrus. DNA analyses reveal that walrus ivory from Greenland was brought to Europe and probably as far as the Middle East [M1] via extensive trade networks.
Research reveals impact of gut microbiome on hormone levels in mice
Researchers have shown that the balance of bacteria in the gut can influence symptoms of hypopituitarism in mice. They also showed that aspirin was able to improve hormone deficiency symptoms in mice with this condition.
Discovery of 3,775-year-old preserved log supports ‘wood vaulting’ as a climate solution
A new study suggests that an ordinary old log could help refine strategies to tackle climate change. A team of researchers analyzed a 3,775-year-old log and the soil it was excavated from. Their analysis revealed that the log had lost less than 5% carbon dioxide from its original state.
Return of the elephants seals: From a few to thousands
A new international study has revealed the genetic impact of hunting in northern elephant seals. The research shows that this species narrowly escaped extinction by hunting, resulting in lasting genetic effects in the present population.
In or out of a biological cell: Who transports what here?
Transport proteins are responsible for the ongoing movement of substrates into and out of a biological cell. However, it is difficult to determine which substrates a specific protein can transport. Bioinformaticians have now developed a model -- called SPOT -- which can predict this with a high degree of accuracy...
Scientists design new drug to fight malaria
A team has designed a new drug against malaria and identified its mechanism of action.
Bacteria involved in gum disease linked to increased risk of head and neck cancer
More than a dozen bacterial species among the hundreds that live in people's mouths have been linked to a collective 50% increased chance of developing head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), a new study shows. Some of these microbes had previously been shown to contribute to periodontal disease, serious...
Study unveals a novel protective mechanism in bacterial cell wall
Researchers have discovered a widespread mechanism in bacteria that enhances the bacteria's defense against environmental threats. The discovery, which may be important for research into developing new treatments, shows how a specific cross-linking mode in the peptidoglycan cell wall inhibits the activity of certain cell wall degrading enzymes, and thus...
These fish use legs to taste the seafloor
Sea robins are unusual animals with the body of a fish, wings of a bird, and walking legs of a crab. Now, researchers show that the legs of the sea robin aren't just used for walking. In fact, they are bona fide sensory organs used to find buried prey while...