The movement of herders and livestock into the eastern steppe is of great interest to researchers, but few scholars have linked the introduction of herds and horses to the rise of complex societies.
Flu causes cardiac complications by directly infecting the heart
Researchers have shown for the first time in mice that heart problems associated with the flu are not caused by raging inflammation in the lungs, as has long been predicted. Instead, the electrical malfunctions and heart scarring seen in some of the sickest flu patients are caused by direct influenza...
Toxoplasmosis: Propagation of parasite in host cell stopped
A new method blocks the protein regulation of the parasite Toxoplasma gondii and causes it to die off inside the host cell.
Seeing more species at the coast improves wellbeing: Yet another benefit of biodiversity
Seeing a larger number of species on urban coastlines -- from marine animals to seaweed -- is likely to improve the wellbeing of local people and visitors, new research has revealed. The findings provide further evidence that biodiversity brings wide-ranging benefits. Studies of land-based environments such as meadows, woodlands,...
Ancient microorganisms found in halite may have implications for search for life
Primary fluid inclusions in bedded halite from the 830-million-year-old Browne Formation of central Australia contain organic solids and liquids, as documented with transmitted light and UV-vis petrography. These objects are consistent in size, shape, and fluorescent response to cells of prokaryotes and algae, and aggregates of organic compounds. This discovery...
Fruit flies prioritize mating over survival
Fruit flies continue to mate with each other even when infected with deadly pathogens -- reveals a new study.
Efficient production technique for a novel ‘green’ fertilizer
A purely mechanical method can produce a novel, more sustainable fertilizer in a less polluting way. Scientists have optimized a production method that is an adaptation of an ancient technique: by milling two common ingredients, urea and gypsum, the scientists produce a new solid compound that slowly releases two chemical...
DNA provides unique look at moa and climate change
Ancient moa DNA has provided insights into how species react to climate change, a new study has found.
New research documents domestic cattle genetics in modern bison herds
A new study has revealed the strongest evidence to date that all bison in North America carry multiple small, but clearly identifiable, regions of DNA that originated from domestic cattle.
4D composite printing can improve the wings of drones
The aviation industry faces multiple pressures from higher fuel costs and increased scrutiny over the environmental and quality-of-life impacts from its aircraft. Researchers are looking for new methods of keeping expenses down while improving overall efficiency, and the relatively new market of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) -- or drones --...