Globally, the coastal lagoons of Lagos (Nigeria), Sakumo (Ghana) and Bizerte (Tunisia) -- close to large urban centers and without waste and sewage treatment systems -- are among the most affected water ecosystems of this nature by microplastic pollution. However, the highest concentrations of microplastics have been detected in Barnes...
Fearful cats also express other problematic behavior: Socialization important already at early stages of life
Researchers have discovered a number of mutual connections between feline fearfulness, aggression and excessive grooming. Identifying such connections can provide means for preventing problematic behavior.
Entomologists issue warning about effects of climate change on insects
In a new scientific review, a team of 70 scientists warned that climate change affects insects in ways that will 'drastically reduce our ability to build a sustainable future based on healthy, functional ecosystems' if no action is taken.
The Paris Agreement — better measurement methods needed
The Paris Agreement says that we should reduce the emission of greenhouse gases to limit the rise in global temperature to 2 degrees Celsius. But do we have the measurement methods needed to achieve this? This is the question posed by researchers. Their answer is disheartening.
Lianas more likely to infest smaller trees in Southeast Asian forests, transforming knowledge in understudied area
Woody climbing plants, known as lianas, are more likely to infest smaller trees in Malaysian forests and therefore stop them growing to their full potential, which may have implications for climate change.
Fecal microbial transplants show lack of predictability when no prior antibiotic treatment is given to recipient
Fecal microbial transplants have been given to alter a recipient's metabolism to reduce obesity or alter immunity to fight cancer, and in those transplants recipients are not given suppressive antibiotics to eliminate the microbial community prior to the transplant. Researchers now report there is a lack of predictability for fecal...
Researchers seek to understand why vaccine responses vary from person to person
New findings from a meta-analysis examine the biological mechanisms responsible for why some people's immune systems respond differently to vaccinations, which could have global implications for the development and administration of vaccines.
Endangered Devils Hole pupfish is one of the most inbred animals known
Researchers have compiled the first genome sequences of desert pupfish from the American Southwest, including the unique Devils Hole pupfish. The genomes of the 8 Devils Hole pupfish sequenced contained an amazing number of identical stretches of DNA, amounting to 58% of the genome -- among the most inbred of...
Potential secret to viral resistance unearthed
Scientists have unearthed a secret that may explain why some people are able to resist viral infections, having screened the immune systems of women exposed to hepatitis C (HCV) through contaminated anti-D transfusions given over 40 years ago in Ireland. The extraordinary work has wide-ranging implications from improving our fundamental...
Extreme temperatures take deadly toll on people in Texas prisons, study finds
A research team found higher death rates among people in prisons without air conditioning compared to those in climate-controlled institutions.