Oomycetes, also known as water moulds, are pathogenic microorganisms that resemble fungi and are responsible for a group of diseases affecting several plant species. To reach and infect plants, the spores swim to their target. Physicists and biologists have now precisely measured the movement of each flagellum while a zoospore...
Are new carbon sinks appearing in the Arctic?
Global warming can result in the spread of peatland vegetation in the Arctic. An international research group has discovered signs of 'proto-peat', which may be the beginning of new peatlands.
More difficult than expected for glaciers to recover from climate warming
Ice shelves are floating extensions of glaciers. If Greenland's second largest ice shelf breaks up, it may not recover unless Earth's future climate cools considerably.
Confirmed: Atmospheric helium levels are rising
Scientists used an unprecedented technique to detect that levels of helium are rising in the atmosphere, resolving an issue that has lingered among atmospheric chemists for decades.
Spider can hide underwater for 30 minutes
A tropical spider species uses a 'film' of air to hide underwater from predators for as long as 30 minutes, according to new research.
Chronobiologists identify key circadian clock mechanism in cyanobacteria
The activation and inactivation mechanisms of a key protein involved in the circadian clock system of cyanobacteria -- an important organism in the evolution of such internal clocks -- have long eluded scientists. But researchers have now identified how the system is driven.
Why science doesn’t help sell chocolate chip cookies
People don't want science anywhere near their delicious chocolate chip cookies. But they're happy to have science create body wash that fights odor-causing bacteria.
Future super cyclones would expose many in most vulnerable locations to extreme flooding
A new study has revealed super cyclones, the most intense form of tropical storm, are likely to have a much more devastating impact on people in South Asia in future years.
The forest as a shelter for insects in warmer climates?
Insect diversity is declining in Bavaria. Land use is a major driver, but the impact of climate change is still unknown. A study has now investigated in more detail how both factors interact in driving insect diversity and what can be done to conserve it.
World’s ocean is losing its ‘memory’ under global warming
Using future projections from the latest generation of Earth System Models, a recent study found that most of the world's ocean is steadily losing its year-to-year memory under global warming.