Science & Technology
Early long-distance trade links shaped Siberian dogs
Analysis of ancient canine DNAs reveals that the inhabitants of Arctic Siberia began importing dogs from Eurasia some 2000 years ago.
Coral reef biodiversity predicted to shuffle rather than collapse as climate changes
Most coral reef biodiversity consists of tiny organisms living deep within the three-dimensional reef matrix. New research reveals that the species which dominate experimental coral reef communities shift due to climate change, but the total biodiversi…
Researchers call for a focus on fitness over weight loss for obesity-related health conditions
The prevalence of obesity around the world has tripled over the past 40 years, and, along with that rise, dieting and attempts to lose weight also have soared. But according to a new article, when it comes to getting healthy and reducing mortality risk…
Astrophysicists solve ’empty sky’ gamma-ray mystery
Star-forming galaxies are responsible for creating gamma-rays that until now had not been associated with a known origin.
Extreme volcanism did not cause the massive extinction of species in the late Cretaceous
A new study rules out that extreme volcanic episodes had any influence on the massive extinction of species in the late Cretaceous. The results confirm the hypothesis that it was a giant meteorite impact what caused the great biological crisis that end…
All-nitride superconducting qubit made on a silicon substrate
Researchers have succeeded in developing an all-nitride superconducting qubit using epitaxial growth on a silicon substrate that does not use aluminum as the conductive material. This qubit uses niobium nitride (NbN) with a superconducting transition t…
How university students understand and demonstrate kindness
A small act of kindness can go a long way, especially say researchers, towards bolstering student health and wellness. A new study explores how the inclusion of a kindness assignment in an undergraduate course impacted student perceptions of themselves…
Using internet in retirement boosts cognitive function
Scientists have studied the effect of internet usage on cognitive function. Examining more than 2000 retirees from 10 European countries, researchers found that, on average, retirees who used the internet were able to recall 1.22 extra words in a recal…
Augmented reality helps tackle fear of spiders
Researchers have developed an augmented reality app for smartphones in order to help people reduce their fear of spiders. The app has already shown itself to be effective in a clinical trial, with subjects experiencing less fear of real spiders after c…
Gene for sex hormone synthesis could play key role in eczema
A study led by dermatologists suggests that a common inflammatory skin condition may stem from poorly regulated sex hormones. The finding could offer an unexpected new target to fight this condition.
The nanophotonics orchestra presents: Twisting to the light of nanoparticles
Physics researchers discover a new physical effect relating to the interactions between light and twisted materials — an effect that is likely to have implications for emerging new nanotechnologies in communications, nanorobotics and ultra-thin optica…
More than 40% of adults with no known heart disease had fatty deposits in heart arteries
More than 40% of middle-aged adults with no known heart disease had signs of atherosclerosis, a buildup of fatty deposits that reduce blood flow to the heart, in a study of more than 25,000 adults in Sweden. In more than 5% of the people who had a buil…
Meds, surgery may help obesity-related high blood pressure if diet, exercise fall short
Being overweight or having obesity, weight that is higher than what is considered healthy for an individual’s height, is a major risk factor for high blood pressure. A healthy diet, more physical activity and less sedentary time are recommended to redu…
South American musical instruments reflect population relationships
A new study provides a systematic review of musical instrument diversity in the archaeological and ethnographic history of the continent, suggesting cultural contact over long geographic distances, and cases of recent extinction.
Conservation study: Fostering wanderlust benefits pandas
New study shows home sweet home can be too sweet for some wildlife, and easing conservation standards can benefit both wildlife and people.