Life in an ant colony is a symphony of subtle interactions between insects acting in concert, more like cells in tissue than independent organisms bunking in a colony. Now, researchers have discovered a previously unknown social interaction that unites the colony, linking ants across developmental stages -- adults, larvae, and...
Major fires an increasing risk as the air gets thirstier, research shows
Greater atmospheric demand for water means a dramatic increase in the risk of major fires in global forests unless we take urgent and effective climate action, new research finds. Researchers have examined global climate and fire records in all of the world's forests over the last 20 years.
New quantum computing feat is a modern twist on a 150-year-old thought experiment
New research demonstrates a 20x improvement in resetting a quantum bit to its '0' state, using a modern version of the 'Maxwell's demon'.
The evolution of Asia’s mammals was dictated by ancient climate change and rising mountains
A new study compiles data on more than 3,000 species to show how climate and geologic changes across Asia over the last 66 million years have shaped the evolution of the continent's mammals.
Novel sex-determination mechanism revealed in mammals
The Sox9 gene is upregulated in the absence of sex-determining Y chromosome and Sry gene in Amami spiny rat.
Strongest Arctic cyclone on record led to surprising loss of sea ice
The strongest Arctic cyclone ever observed struck in January 2022. A new analysis shows that while forecasts accurately predicted the massive storm, models seriously underestimated its effect on sea ice. Results suggest where forecast models for a changing Arctic Ocean could improve.
Mom’s dietary fat rewires male and female brains differently
New findings in mice show that excessive weight gain while pregnant tips the scales for male but not female mice to be more depressed in adulthood due to less brain serotonin. A similar result was found in humans, where the more fat measured in a placenta corresponded to less serotonin...
Researchers discover root exudates have surprising and counterintuitive impact on soil carbon storage
Researchers examined root exudates and their impact on soil carbon storage revealing surprising and counterintuitive results.
Discovery of antibody structure could lead to treatment for Crimean Congo Hemorrhagic Fever virus
A research team has discovered important details about how therapeutically relevant human monoclonal antibodies can protect against Crimean Congo Hemorrhagic Fever virus. Their work could lead to the development of targeted therapeutics for infected patients.
Hydroacoustic signals help study impacts of underwater explosions off French coast
A study of hydroacoustic, acoustic and seismic waves from underwater explosions off the French coast could help guide the disposal of unexploded World War II ordnance (UXO) in those waters, according to a new study.