Biology
At an old steel site in Pittsburgh, bacteria evolved to survive—and eat—industrial pollution
Across Appalachia and the Rust Belt region, including throughout the city of Pittsburgh, former industrial sites are being transformed into new neighborhoods, research centers and…
How the malaria parasite boosts its transmission potential under stress conditions
The malaria parasite is able to detect changes in its host's environment and respond by increasing the production of sexual forms capable of being transmitted to mosquitoes. A stu…
A molecular bridge connects two signaling pathways critical for pollen development
Cells rely on complex signaling networks in which different molecular pathways communicate with one another. Small GTPases act as molecular switches in these networks, controlling…
Meet Earth's newest wild cat species, the first named in over a century
A previously unknown cat species has been identified in plain sight: at a wildlife sanctuary in Bolivia, where the small, spotted feline had been living for years.
A humpback whale was spotted in a California river, 60 miles from its Pacific Ocean home
Denny Glover was hoping for a big catch when he went fishing with buddies on the Sacramento River, but he wasn't expecting a fully grown humpback whale.
Florida scrub-jays attempt to breed at unusually young age after large-scale translocation
For nearly two decades, biologist Lauren Deaner has worked with Florida scrub-jays, contributing to population recovery efforts and translocations. Now, as a doctoral researcher i…
Protein map reveals how red blood cells rapidly adjust to low oxygen
Scientists map the hidden protein network that helps red blood cells adapt to oxygen
Loss of Y chromosome in men could be an early warning sign of cancer
A study initiated by Dr. Dan Theodorescu, a physician-scientist at the University of Arizona Cancer Center, revealed that the loss of the Y chromosome in men's body tissue could p…
The US air force admitted to deploying weapons in space. Don’t expect the White House to explain why
The revelation ‘left experts scratching their heads at exactly what Donald Trump has in his cosmic arsenal’In Hollywood at least, space weapons are a relatively simple concept. Th…
Scientists hope deeper-rooted soybeans can withstand climate extremes and store more carbon
Research scientist Ashish Rajurkar kneels in the dirt, lifting a large clod of soil tangled around a soybean plant. He knocks away pieces of earth from the plant's roots, which sl…
Discovery of CRISPR's long lost ancestor may expand gene-editing toolkit
CRISPR may be a powerful technology for gene editing, but the system existed in bacteria long before scientists began using it. For billions of years, CRISPR has acted as a natura…
'Plasticorals,' coral rubble fused with plastic, represent a new form of plastic pollution
During routine beach litter surveys on the subtropical island of Okinawa, Japan, researchers came across small, brightly colored specks in the pale coral rubble. Back at the lab, …
Tech billionaires trying to live for ever? That’s a waste of time, says physicist
Exclusive: Prof Jim Al-Khalili says he will offer solution to ‘arrow of time’ problem in Royal Institution lecturesTech billionaires attempting to live for ever are, quite literal…
Why high levels of the amino acid cysteine are toxic to cells
Cysteine is one of the main building blocks that cells use to make proteins. But this amino acid is a double-edged sword—too much cysteine is toxic to the cell. Cells therefore ke…
Small gardens are a big barrier to supporting nature—but better planning could protect UK wildlife
A new study by Chester Zoo and Nottingham Trent University scientists revealed that just over a third (38%) of more than 230 householders in Cheshire and North Wales were willing …
From war to weather, Australian farmers are planting spring crops in an uncertain world
Australian farmers are heading into spring with an unusual mix of optimism and uncertainty.
Early heat waves hit wheat yields hardest but boost resilience to subsequent heat waves
New research published in the Journal of Experimental Botany reveals that wheat crops are more sensitive to grain yield losses from heat waves that occur before reaching their flo…
Baby orangutans in India expose 'frightening' scale of trafficking
Five baby orangutans abandoned in an Indian forest have exposed a "massive" exotic wildlife trade, with traffickers smuggling increasingly rare species into the country, experts s…
Bolivia's tilcayo tiger cat becomes first new wildcat species in 100 years
Scientists have discovered a new species of wild cat for the first time in more than a century, a Bolivian researcher told AFP on Thursday.
Improved air quality linked to better mental development in toddlers, study finds
Long-term research in New York shows efforts to reduce air pollution associated with higher cognitive test scoresImprovements in air pollution are leading to brighter, smarter tod…
Grass and clover can provide more than animal feed
Growing leys—grass and clover—is nothing new in Swedish agriculture. But in the arable farming regions dominated by cereal production, leys are less common. One reason is that the…
Robots grow and package lettuce year-round in Norway's fully automated farm
Norway's first fully automated facility for vegetable production was put into operation last fall. This spring, the first products hit store shelves.
Toxic algae can pose a hidden danger to dogs swimming in freshwater
Diving into cool water can be a quick way to escape the summer heat, but during certain times of year, freshwater can pose hidden dangers to people and pets.
Ubiquitin marks abnormal glycogen for destruction to protect the brain, study finds
Researchers at the University of Cambridge and the MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology have discovered a previously unknown cellular defense system that protects the brain from ab…