A team of experimental neurobiologists and theoretical biologists has managed to solve a mystery that has been baffling scientists for decades. They have been able to determine the nature of the electrical activity in the nervous system of insects that controls their flight. They report on a previously unknown function...
The problems with coal ash start smaller than anyone thought
Burning coal doesn't only pollute the air. The resulting ash can leach toxic chemicals into the local environments where it's kept. New research shows that the toxicity of various ash stockpiles relies heavily on its nanoscale structures, which vary widely between sources. The results will help researchers predict which coal...
When pigeons dream
Dreams have been considered a hallmark of human sleep for a long time. Latest findings, however, suggest that when pigeons sleep, they might experience visions of flight. Researchers studied brain activation patterns in sleeping pigeons, using functional magnetic resonance imaging. The study revealed that similar to mammals, most of the...
Robot ‘chef’ learns to recreate recipes from watching food videos
Researchers have trained a robotic 'chef' to watch and learn from cooking videos, and recreate the dish itself.
Viruses hidden in coral symbiont’s genetic material are a potential threat to reefs
Microscopic algae that corals need for survival harbor a common and possibly disease-causing virus in their genetic material.
Ancient viruses discovered in coral symbionts’ DNA
The symbiotic organisms that live in corals and provide them with their dramatic colors contain fragments of ancient RNA viruses that are as much as 160 million years old.
Genomes of 233 primate species sequenced
Researchers from 24 countries have analyzed the genomes of 809 individuals from 233 primate species, generating the most complete catalog of genomic information about our closest relatives to date. The project provides new insights into the evolution of primates, including humans, and their diversity. In baboons, for example, hybridization and...
Below the surface: Researchers uncover reasons to rethink how mountains are built
A study suggests that the answers to how and why mountains form are buried deeper than once thought. Clues in the landscape of southern Italy allowed researchers to produce a long-term, continuous record of rock uplift, the longest and most complete record of its kind.
Multiple species of semi-aquatic dinosaur may have roamed pre-historic Britain
Palaeontologists studying a British dinosaur tooth have concluded that several distinct groups of spinosaurs -- dinosaurs with fearsome crocodile-like skulls -- inhabited southern England over 100 million years ago.
Little-known microbes could help predict climate tipping points
Rising temperatures could push ocean plankton and other single-celled creatures toward a carbon tipping point that fuels more warming. The carbon-eaters could become carbon-emitters. But new research shows it's also possible to detect early distress signals before they get there.