Worms as model for personalized medicine

Using four unrelated strains of the microscopic nematode C. elegans originating from different parts of the world, a group of worm biologists have developed a model system to study individual differences in metabolism. This advancement represents a pot…

Hopping space dust makes asteroids look rougher

When NASA’s OSIRIS-REx spacecraft arrived at the asteroid Bennu, scientists discovered something surprising: The asteroid’s surface wasn’t smooth like many were expecting but was covered in large boulders. Now, a team of physicists think they know why.

Pocket gophers are underground root ‘farmers’

Pocket gophers are known for living solitary, underground lives, eating roots in North and Central American grasslands. Now, researchers have found that pocket gophers keep up with the high energy demands of their burrowing lifestyle by ‘farming’ roots…

Nanoparticles can save historic buildings

Buildings made of porous rock can weather over the years. Now scientists have studied in detail how silicate nanoparticles can help save them. Many historical buildings were built of sandstone. It is easy to work with, but does not withstand weathering…