Plastic pollution in the ocean, which can support microbial communities, may serve as a source for novel antibiotics, according to a new student-led study conducted in collaboration with the Scripps Institution of Oceanography.
Inspired by palm trees, scientists develop hurricane-resilient wind turbines
New results from real-world tests of a downwind turbine could inform and improve the wind energy industry in a world with intensifying hurricanes and a greater demand for renewable energy.
Giving metal to microbes could reduce greenhouse gas
Collaborative research finds a lack of available metals may be responsible for more nitrous oxide than previously thought.
Dog-assisted interventions lead to lower stress levels in children
Dog-assisted interventions can lead to significantly lower stress in children both with and without special needs, according to a new study using salivary cortisol levels.
Researchers discover crocodile species that likely preyed on human ancestors
Researchers have discovered two new species of crocodiles that roamed parts of Africa between 18 million and 15 million years ago and preyed on human ancestors. The giant dwarf crocodile species, called Kinyang, mysteriously disappeared, possibly due to changes in the climate.
AI reveals scale of eelgrass vulnerability to warming, disease
A combination of ecological field methods and cutting-edge artificial intelligence has helped an interdisciplinary research group detect eelgrass wasting disease at nearly three dozen sites along a 1,700-mile stretch of the West Coast, from San Diego to southern Alaska.
New perspective on RNA function: RNA regulates proteins and thereby can control cell growth, study shows
Scientists gained new insights into RNA-mediated regulation of proteins (riboregulation) and its role in controlling cell growth, and most importantly how undifferentiated cells (embryonic stem cells) transform into specialised cells (e.g., liver cells). They discovered this while studying how mRNA molecules bind to and regulate ENO1, an enzyme involved in...
Genetic discovery could spell mosquitoes’ death knell
A genetic discovery could turn disease-carrying mosquitoes into insect Peter Pans, preventing them from ever maturing or multiplying.
Australian bee helps illuminate social evolution: Bridge between flying solo or as a colony
Studying the unusual social behavior of an Australian native bee has enabled researchers to obtain a clear understanding of the earliest stages of social evolution. Evidence of how individuals that live a solitary lifestyle can transition to colonial life unlocks a key biological question about evolution, they say.
Lager beer, whether it contains alcohol or not, could help men’s gut microbes
Like wine, beer can have health benefits when consumed in moderation. Non-alcoholic beers have become wildly popular recently, but are these drinks also healthful? In a pilot study, researchers report that compared to their pre-trial microbiome, men who drank either one alcoholic or non-alcoholic lager daily had a more diverse...