Researchers analyzed long-term aerosol satellite observation big data focusing on the Pacific Ocean downwind of China. Using a newly developed metric that considered aerosols as tracers, they detected altered atmospheric transport patterns associated with climate change. They observed that the distance of transboundary air pollution moving east from China had...
Giant prehistoric flying reptile took off using similar method to bats, study finds
The pterosaur likely used all four limbs to propel itself in the air, as seen in bats today, researchers have found.
Unexpected link between grooming and physiological stress in wild baboons
New research has found a surprising link between grooming and physiological stress in wild baboons. While grooming often calms, this study suggests it can sometimes elevate stress levels. This gives us an intriguing look into primate behavior and social dynamics.
When mammoths roamed Vancouver Island
Mammoths, the massive pre-historic ice age cousins of the modern-day elephant, have always been understood to have inhabited parts of British Columbia, but the question of when has always been a bit woolly. Now, a new study has given scientists the clearest picture yet when the giant mammals roamed Vancouver...
Scientists reach consensus for fasting terminology
38 scientists from five continents presented an international consensus on fasting terminology and key definitions. The recent study reflects the increasing popularity of diets tied to fasting and a significant increase in scientific studies of fasting. While the application of fasting is rapidly growing, there was previously no globally established...
Living with a killer: How an unlikely mantis shrimp-clam association violates a biological principle
When clams gamble on living with a killer, sometimes their luck may run out, according to a new study.
Elephants on the move: Mapping connections across African landscapes
Elephant conservation is a major priority in southern Africa, but habitat loss and urbanization mean the far-ranging pachyderms are increasingly restricted to protected areas like game reserves. The risk? Contained populations could become genetically isolated over time, making elephants more vulnerable to disease and environmental change.
Smallest arm bone in human fossil record sheds light on the dawn of Homo floresiensis
A new study reports the discovery of extremely rare early human fossils from the Indonesian island of Flores, including an astonishingly small adult limb bone. Dated to about 700,000 years old, the new findings shed light on the evolution of Homo floresiensis, the so-called 'Hobbits' of Flores whose remains were...
Antarctic-wide survey of plant life to aid conservation efforts
The first continent-wide mapping study of plant life across Antarctica reveals growth in previously uncharted areas and is set to inform conservation measures across the region. The satellite survey of mosses, lichens and algae across the continent will form a baseline for monitoring how Antarctica's vegetation responds to climate change.
Forecasting climate’s impact on a debilitating disease
In Brazil, climate and other human-made environmental changes threaten decades-long efforts to fight schistosomiasis, a widespread and debilitating parasitic disease. Now, researchers have developed models that can predict how the disease risk will shift in response to environmental changes.