A dangerous variant of the deformed wing virus is on the rise worldwide. The virus infects honeybees, causing their wings to atrophy and the animals to die. The new variant, which has already replaced the original strain of the virus in Europe, is spreading to other regions of the world...
Forests: Spatial aspects of biodiversity, homogenization threat to forest ecosystems
A study highlights the importance of spatial aspects of biodiversity for healthy functioning of naturally occurring forests. Biologists determined that tree beta diversity -- a measure of site-to-site variation in the composition of species present within a given area -- matters more for ecosystem functioning than other components of biodiversity...
Antibiotics wreak havoc on athletic performance
New research demonstrates that by killing essential gut bacteria, antibiotics ravage athletes' motivation and endurance. The mouse study suggests the microbiome is a big factor separating athletes from 'couch potatoes'.
Automated drones could scare birds off agricultural fields
A research team has developed a system where cameras could spot pest birds in vineyards or orchards and launch drones to drive off the avian irritants, then return to watch for the next invading flock. All without a human nearby.
As the grid adds wind power, researchers have to reengineer recovery from power outages
When electric grids go down, there's no way to restore them -- 'blackstart' them -- with power from wind turbines. A team is now working to develop strategies and controllers that would reenergize power grids dominated by wind power. In Iowa, wind turbines now produce 55% of the state's electricity.
Investigational drug attacks synovial sarcoma, a rare type of tumor
Researchers have developed a way to attack synovial sarcoma -- a rare tumor of soft tissues, such as ligaments and muscles -- using an investigational drug that triggers cell death.
Air pollution linked to adverse outcomes in pregnancy
A new study in mice reveals how exposure to traffic-related air pollutants causes cellular changes in the placenta that can lead to pregnancy complications and affect the health of both mother and offspring.
What guppy guts can teach us about evolution
Thanks to a unique combination of biology and ecology, the guppies have provided researchers with insights into evolution for decades. Evans and Fitzpatrick have pushed those insights a step further, showing the guppies' potential to help probe big questions about how microbes living in host organisms contribute to health, survival...
Palms at the poles: Fossil plants reveal lush southern hemisphere forests in ancient hothouse climate
Plant fossils dating back 55 to 40 million years ago, during the Eocene epoch reveal details about the warmer and wetter climate. These conditions meant there were palms at the North and South Pole and predominantly arid landmasses like Australia were lush and green. By focusing on the morphology and...
Oil spill remediation: Research confirms effectiveness of oil dispersants
Chemical dispersants are some of the best tools to clean up after an oil spill. However, scientists do not fully understand how well they work. A new study validated their efficacy in order to better prepare for the next disaster.