By measuring the electrical fields near swarming honeybees, researchers have discovered that insects can produce as much atmospheric electric charge as a thunderstorm cloud. This type of electricity helps shape weather events, aids insects in finding food, and lifts spiders up in the air to migrate over large distances. The...
Better ventilation could be key for London Underground to manage air quality, finds new study
A lack of fresh air was found in a deep London Underground station, and air pollution is at its worst during the evening rush hour, according to new research.
Improving light absorption in perovskite/Si tandem solar cells
Engineers have achieved a power conversion efficiency of 23.50% in a perovskite-silicon tandem solar cell built with a special textured anti-reflective coating (ARC) polymeric film.
Avoiding extinction: Some Asian animals found thriving near humans
Some of Asia's largest animals, including tigers and elephants, are defying 12,000 years of extinction trends by thriving alongside humans, a new study has revealed.
Butterfly wing patterns emerge from ancient ‘junk’ DNA
Butterfly wing patterns have a basic plan to them, which is manipulated by non-coding regulatory DNA to create the diversity of wings seen in different species, according to new research.
Central Asia identified as a key region for human ancestors
A new study on early human migration shows that semi-arid and desert zones of Central Asia may have served as key areas for the dispersal of hominins into Eurasia during the Middle Pleistocene. Central Asia is positioned at a crossroads linking several zones important to hominin dispersal during this period,...
Cytoskeleton acts as cells’ bouncer for bacteria
Researchers have discovered that septins -- a part of the cytoskeleton -- form a barrier to the penetration of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The process is dependent on the LecA molecule on the surface of the bacteria.
Research reveals magma activity beneath Mount Edgecumbe
Magma beneath long-dormant Mount Edgecumbe volcano in Southeast Alaska has been moving upward through Earth's crust, according to research the Alaska Volcano Observatory rapidly produced using a new method.
Tire particles can impact fresh water
Ever wonder what happens to the rubber tread that wears off a vehicle's tires? New modelling suggests an increasing amount of microplastics -- fragments from tires and roadways -- are ending up in lakes and streams.
World’s largest no-fishing zone benefits fish and fishermen
A new study shows for the first time that carefully placed no-fishing zones can help to restore tunas and other large, iconic fish species.