The combination of dogged field expeditions and machine learning algorithms has revealed that long-distance hyena calls feature signatures unique to individuals -- a form of caller ID distinct enough that hyenas can likely tell one from another.
Researchers go ‘outside the box’ to delineate major ocean currents
Researchers have quantified the energy of ocean currents larger than 1,000 kilometers. Using a novel coarse-graining technique, they have discovered that the most energetic is the Antarctic Circumpolar Current, some 9,000 kilometers in diameter.
Earth’s newest secret: How volcanoes really work
It isn't every day that we learn something that fundamentally changes how we understand our world. But for volcanologists across the globe, such a revelation has occurred.
Pollutants from burning structures linger in waterways post-wildfire
As the frequency of wildfires has increased, so have pollutants in the waters from burned watersheds, say researchers in a review paper that highlights the need for more research in the area.
How songbirds’ striking colors put them at risk
Bright, uniquely colored songbirds are at higher risk of extinction and more likely to be traded as pets. Researchers also predict that almost 500 additional bird species, most of them living in the tropics, are at risk of future trade based on their unique and desirable coloration.
Decoupling from China on clean tech comes with far more risks than reward, study finds
The current U.S. trajectory to decouple from China on clean energy technologies can harm national and global efforts to mitigate climate change, reveals a new study.
‘Blanket-covered’ single-molecules: Breakthrough in revealing the origin of life
A research team succeeds in observing the difference in structural dynamics of one-nanometer single-molecules at room temperature. The new technology can be applied to the research on the cause and treatment of untreatable diseases in the future.
Ecologists find evidence that pet and medicine trades bring tokay geckos from across Asia into Hong Kong, impacting resident gecko populations
New research has been investigating the origins of tokay geckos in Hong Kong, both the wild ones and those sold in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) shops.
Discovery of extinct prehistoric reptile that lived among dinosaurs
Researchers have discovered a new extinct species of lizard-like reptile that belongs to the same ancient lineage as New Zealand's living tuatara. A team of scientists describe the new species Opisthiamimus gregori, which once inhabited Jurassic North America about 150 million years ago alongside dinosaurs like Stegosaurus and Allosaurus. In...
Soybean virus may give plant-munching bugs a boost in survival
Most viral infections negatively affect an organism's health, but one plant virus in particular -- soybean vein necrosis orthotospovirus, often referred to as SVNV -- may actually benefit a type of insect that commonly feeds on soybean plants and can transmit the virus to the plant, causing disease, according to...