While the Diprotodon -- the extinct megafauna species that is distantly related to wombats but was the size of a small car -- is commonly (but incorrectly) thought of as Australia's 'giant wombat', researchers have shed light on a large species that does belong in the modern-day wombat family. The complete...
Hummingbird flight could provide insights for biomimicry in aerial vehicles
Using a novel modeling method, a team of researchers gained new insights into how hummingbirds produce wing movement, which could lead to design improvements in flying robots.
Extinct ‘monkey lemur’ shows similarities to fossil humans
Analysis of teeth of extinct lemurs has revealed fascinating clues to the evolution of humans, a new study has found.
Newly discovered scorpionfly genus with bizarre appearance
Zoologists have described and classified previously unknown species of scorpionflies from Nepal. These species belong to a completely new genus.
Reliance on moose as prey led to rare coyote attack on human
Wildlife researchers have completed a study that may settle the question of why, in October 2009, a group of coyotes launched an unprovoked fatal attack on a young woman who was hiking in a Canadian park. Researchers concluded that the coyotes were forced to rely on moose instead of smaller...
A peculiar protected structure links Viking knots with quantum vortices
Mathematical analysis identifies a vortex structure that is impervious to decay.
Paper-thin solar cell can turn any surface into a power source
MIT researchers developed a scalable fabrication technique to produce ultrathin, flexible, durable, lightweight solar cells that can be stuck to any surface. Glued to high-strength fabric, the solar cells are only one-hundredth the weight of conventional cells while producing about 18 times more power-per-kilogram.
Primordial germ cells made from northern white rhino stem cells
In its race to advance assisted reproduction and stem cell associated technologies to save the northern white rhinoceros from extinction, researchers announce a major breakthrough: the creation of primordial germ cell-like cells (PGCLSs) from induced pluripotent stem cells of the northern white rhino Nabire. Now there is one last step...
Researchers shed (laser) light on emerging water treatment technique
Assuring that a growing global population has access to clean water will require new water treatment methods. One of these next-generation methods involves a form of iron called ferrate, which creates fewer toxic byproducts than chemicals like chlorine and is potentially cheaper and easier to deploy than complex ozone treatment...
Epigenetic emergency switch improves defense against infections
During infections, the hematopoietic system switches from normal to emergency mode. This improves the defense against the pathogens. Scientists have now found an epigenetic switch in blood stem cells and progenitor cells of mice that can trigger the switch from one mode to the other.