Science & Technology
Time watching videos may stunt toddler language development, but it depends on why they’re watching
A new study reveals that passive video use among toddlers can negatively affect language development, but their caregiver’s motivations for exposing them to digital media could also lessen the impact.
Gulf corals still suffering more than a decade after Deepwater Horizon oil spill, scientists report
Deep-water corals in the Gulf of Mexico are still struggling to recover from the devastating Deepwater Horizon oil spill in 2010, scientists report at the Ocean Science Meeting in New Orleans. Comparing images of more than 300 corals over 13 years — t…
Giant new snake species identified in the Amazon
A team of scientists on location with a film crew in the remote Amazon has uncovered a previously undocumented species of giant anaconda.
Engineers achieve breakthrough in quantum sensing
A collaborative project has made a breakthrough in enhancing the speed and resolution of wide-field quantum sensing, leading to new opportunities in scientific research and practical applications.
Mapping potential pathways to MND treatment
Researchers have mapped out the proteins implicated in the early stages of motor neurone disease (MND). They have developed a longitudinal map of the proteins involved in MND across the trajectory of the disease, identifying potential therapeutic pathw…
Researchers are using RNA in a new approach to fight HIV
A pharmacy associate professor has developed a novel nanomedicine loaded with genetic material called small interfering RNAs (siRNA) to fight human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) using gene therapy.
Modifying brain molecule relaxin-3 can potentially reduce side effects in treating anxiety, depression and more
A team of researchers has found a potential way to treat conditions like depression and anxiety with fewer side effects.
Where neural stem cells feel at home
Researchers have created an artificial cell environment that could promote the regeneration of nerves. Usually, injuries to the brain or spinal cord don’t heal easily due to the formation of fluid-filled cavities and scars that prevent tissue regenerat…
The cultural evolution of collective property rights
Common pool resources comprise around 65 percent of Earth’s surface and vast tracts of the ocean. While examples of successful governance of these resources exist, the circumstances and mechanisms behind their development have remained unclear. Researc…
It’s the spin that makes the difference
Biomolecules such as amino acids and sugars occur in two mirror-image forms — in all living organisms, however, only one is ever found. Why this is the case is still unclear. Researchers have now found evidence that the interplay between electric and …
Junk DNA in birds may hold key to safe, efficient gene therapy
For many genetic diseases, disabling or editing a gene using CRISPR is insufficient to overcome the effects of the underlying genetic mutation. A corrective gene needs to be added to the genome to fix the problem. Researchers have discovered a way to u…
Fasting-like diet lowers risk factors for disease, reduces biological age in humans
Cycles of a diet that mimics fasting can reduce signs of immune system aging, as well as insulin resistance and liver fat in humans, resulting in a lower biological age, according to a new study.
Physicists develop more efficient solar cell
Physicists have used complex computer simulations to develop a new design for significantly more efficient solar cells than previously available. A thin layer of organic material, known as tetracene, is responsible for the increase in efficiency.
The immune system’s moonlighters
Scientists have discovered that the immune system stalwart I B has a moonlighting gig. A tiny protein sequence within I B activates another family of key immune proteins called POUs. The discovery may point to a new drug target for various autoimmune d…
Unlocking the energetic secrets of collective animal movement: How group behavior reduces energy costs in fish
Researchers questioned if coordinated group movements by animals moving through a fluid could reduce the energy cost of locomotion. By combining biomechanics and bioenergetics the researchers found not only a significant amount of energy conservation, …
Even very low levels of pesticide exposure can affect fish for generations
Fish exposed to some pesticides at extremely low concentrations for a brief period of time can demonstrate lasting behavioral changes, with the impact extending to offspring that were never exposed firsthand, a recent study found.
Generating ‘buzz’ about new products can influence their success
The way companies announce new products or build up hype can often influence their success once those new products hit the market, according to new research. Whether it’s an upcoming blockbuster movie or a new rollout from major companies like Coca-Col…