Science & Technology
Acid sensor and calcium store discovered in plants
Using optogenetics, researchers have detected a new acid sensor in plant cells that is addressing a cell-internal calcium store.
Scientists measure the distance to stars by their music
A team of astronomers has used asteroseismology, or the study of stellar oscillations, to accurately measure the distance of stars from the Earth. Their research examined thousands of stars and checked the measurements taken during the Gaia mission to …
Understanding atmospheric flash droughts in the Caribbean
The word ‘drought’ typically conjures images of parched soil, dust-swept prairies, depleted reservoirs, and dry creek beds, all the result of weeks or seasons of persistently dry atmospheric conditions. In the sun-soaked islands in the Caribbean, howev…
Pesticides and adjuvants disrupt honey bee’s sense of smell
It has long been known that exposure to pesticide sprays is harmful to honey bees. In a new study, researchers have uncovered the effect of such sprays on the sense of smell in bees, which could disrupt their social signals.
Computational model captures the elusive transition states of chemical reactions
Researchers developed a way to quickly calculate the transition state structure of a chemical reaction, using machine-learning models.
Prone to abandoning New Year’s resolutions? Research suggests blaming money worries rather than being time-poor
People who abandon New Year’s resolutions or other commitments can maintain the respect of their peers by blaming external factors such as lack of money, new research suggests. Studies have found that people were more likely to be seen as having good s…
US adults eat a meal’s worth of calories of snacks in a day
Snacks constitute almost a quarter of a day’s calories in U.S. adults and account for about one-third of daily added sugar, a new study suggests. Researchers analyzing data from surveys of over 20,000 people found that Americans averaged about 400 to 5…
Coevolution helps Santa’s reindeer feast after flight
A new study suggests that it’s not Rudolph’s red nose that helps reindeer find food during snowy Arctic winters, but instead a unique adaptation of their eyes to their favorite food. Reindeer may have developed their unique ability to see in the ultrav…
Ultrafast lasers map electrons ‘going ballistic’ in graphene, with implications for next-gen electronic devices
Research reveals the ballistic movement of electrons in graphene in real time. The observations could lead to breakthroughs in governing electrons in semiconductors, fundamental components in most information and energy technology.
Positive tipping points must be triggered to solve climate crisis
Positive tipping points must be triggered if we are to avoid the severe consequences of damaging Earth system tipping points, researchers say.
Endocrine-disrupting chemicals found in menstrual products
A new systematic review furthers our understanding of the amount of potentially harmful chemicals in menstrual-related products. Endocrine-disrupting chemicals can interfere with human hormones and cause medical issues.
Study shows exposure to household chemicals can lower odds of getting pregnant
Exposure to phthalates, a group of plasticizing and solvent chemicals found in many household products, was linked to a lower probability of getting pregnant, but not to pregnancy loss, according to research by environmental and reproductive epidemiolo…