Researchers have made a significant advance in the way they produce exotic open-framework superlattices made of hollow metal nanoparticles. The new method for preparing open-framework colloidal crystals leads to synthesis of 12 novel nanoparticle superlattices.
A new kind of wood-based plastic could enable circular home furnishings and building materials
Plastics used in home furnishings and constructions materials could be replaced with a new kind of wood-based degradable plastic with semi-structural strength. Unlike thermoplastic, the material can be broken down without harm to the environment, researchers have reported.
People who struggle to cope with stressful situations could benefit from owning a pet
New research finds that owning a pet could help people who are less resilient cope with stressful situations by improving their mental wellbeing. The findings also revealed that unhealthy attachments to pets can lead to increased feelings of loneliness among owners.
Study reveals soil moisture plays the biggest role in underground spread of natural gas leaking from pipelines
Soil moisture content is the main factor that controls how far and at what concentration natural gas spreads from a leaked pipeline underground, a new study has found.
Climate change is closing daily temperature gap, clouds could be the cause
New research has found that the difference between the daily high temperature and the daily low temperature -- known as the diurnal temperature range -- will continue to shrink in parts of the world as climate changes because of a projected increase in daytime cloud cover. The diurnal temperature range...
New drug is found effective for treating complicated urinary tract infections
An international study comparing new and older treatments against complicated urinary tract infections has found a new drug combination to be more effective, especially against stubborn, drug-resistant infections.
Lower than normal rainfall linked with a higher chance of food insecurity
Food insecurity is a growing problem in certain parts of the world, especially as climate change affects weather conditions around the globe. New research found that a lack of rainfall was associated with the highest risk of food insecurity in Tanzania.
3D flora and fauna at your fingertips
A researcher has developed 'bio-photogrammetry,' using readily available software to scan a variety of plants and animals and reconstruct them into highly detailed 3D models. Over 1,400 models have been created so far, all of them available to the public and online under a CC BY 4.0 license.
Nestling birds recognize their local song ‘dialect’
A recent study has shown that juvenile songbirds react to hearing the songs they will eventually produce as adults, even when they are as young as 12 days old. Experiments conducted on nestling pied flycatchers across Europe demonstrate that they preferentially respond to songs from their own species and, remarkably,...
Vocal communication originated over 400 million years ago
Acoustic communication is not only widespread in land vertebrates like birds and mammals, but also in reptiles, amphibians, and fishes. Many of them are usually considered mute, but in fact show broad and complex acoustic repertoires. According to researchers, the evolutionary origin of vocal communication dates back more than 400...