In a breakthrough for bioengineering, researchers have developed organoids that can model the human respiratory tract. The organoids, called AirGels, allow them to uncover the mechanism by which antibiotic-resistant pathogens like Pseudomonas aeruginosa infect the respiratory tract.
Using gemstones’ unique characteristics to uncover ancient trade routes
Gems' unique elemental composition and atomic orientation act as a fingerprint, enabling researchers to uncover the stones' past, and with it, historical trade routes. Scientists now employ three modern spectroscopic techniques to rapidly analyze gems found in the Arabian-Nubian Shield and compare them with similar gems from around the world....
Scientists develop method to predict the spread of armed conflicts
The statistical model identifies links between battles in Africa and can be applied to other armed conflicts, according to a new study.
Illegal shooting kills most birds found dead near power lines
Birds can be electrocuted if they come into contact with two energized parts of a power line at once -- which can happen when they spread their wings to take off from or land on a power pole. Because of this, energy companies invest substantial time and money into making...
When cheating pays — survival strategy of insect uncovered
Researchers have revealed the unique 'cheating' strategy a New Zealand insect has developed to avoid being eaten -- mimicking a highly toxic species.
How heat treatment affects a milk alternative made from rice and coconut water
Whether they're made from soybeans, almonds, oats, or just sourced straight from the cow, milk products must go through heat treatment to prevent harmful bacterial growth and keep them safe. But understanding how these processes affect new, plant-based milk formulations could make the beverages more pleasant to drink as well....
Nuisance vegetation removal in Senegalese waterways reduces the overall prevalence of parasitic infections and increases local food production
It's an elegant solution: Remove the habitat of a parasite-carrying aquatic snail and reduce the level of infection in the local community; all while generating more feed and compost for local farmers.
Lignin separation method could make renewable material profitable
A novel method to extract lignin could help spin wheat straw into gold. Lignin produced using the new method was color-neutral, odorless and homogenous, an advance that could make this carbon-neutral material a more viable candidate for development of high-value products. Researchers extracted up to 93% lignin with up to...
Why you shouldn’t declaw tigers or other big cats
Researchers looked at the effects of declawing on larger cat species and found that declawing disproportionately impacts their muscular capabilities as compared to their smaller brethren.
Researchers find evolutionary adaption in trout of Wyoming’s Wind River Mountains
Scientists found that trout from lakes stocked decades ago in the Wind River Mountains have higher numbers of gill rakers, which are bony or cartilage structures in the gullets of fish that act as sieves to retain zooplankton and nourish the trout. The difference is likely a result of the...