Science & Technology
Study reveals influence of krill availability on humpback whale pregnancies
Scientists show reduced krill supplies lead to fewer pregnancies in humpback whales — a finding that could have major implications for industrial krill fishing. Data from Antarctica show more humpback whales get pregnant after years with abundant kril…
Virus plus microplastics equal double whammy for fish health
Microplastics — tiny particles generated as plastics weather and fragment — pose a growing threat to ecosystem and human health. A new laboratory study shows these threats extend beyond direct physical or chemical impacts, revealing that the presence…
Click beetle-inspired robots jump using elastic energy
Researchers have made a significant leap forward in developing insect-sized jumping robots capable of performing tasks in the small spaces often found in mechanical, agricultural and search-and-rescue settings. A new study demonstrates a series of clic…
Asteroid findings from specks of space dust could save the planet
New research into the durability and age of an ancient asteroid made of rocky rubble and dust, revealed significant findings that could contribute to potentially saving the planet if one ever hurtled toward Earth.
Can elephants save the planet?
Researchers report that elephants play a key role in creating forests which store more atmospheric carbon and maintaining the biodiversity of forests in Africa. If the already critically endangered elephants become extinct, rainforest of central and we…
The key to weathering rapid sea-level rise may lie in a Massachusetts salt marsh
Researchers recently announced that salt marshes, critical habitats threatened by rapid sea-level rise, may in fact thrive despite higher water levels. The key factor that determines whether salt marshes collapse or flourish involves not water, but sed…
New soft robots poised to be more agile, controlled
One of the virtues of untethered soft robots is their ability to mechanically adapt to their surroundings and tasks. Now they are poised to become even more agile and controlled.
New tool uses ultrasound ‘tornado’ to break down blood clots
Researchers have developed a new tool and technique that uses ‘vortex ultrasound’ — a sort of ultrasonic tornado — to break down blood clots in the brain. The new approach worked more quickly than existing techniques to eliminate clots formed in an i…
Targeted test for antibiotic resistance in clinical Enterobacter species
Bacteria of the genus Enterobacter are among the most dangerous bacteria associated with hospital infections worldwide. Some of their representatives are highly resistant to commonly used antibiotics, so that the reserve antibiotic colistin is increasi…
Targeted test for antibiotic resistance in clinical Enterobacter species
Bacteria of the genus Enterobacter are among the most dangerous bacteria associated with hospital infections worldwide. Some of their representatives are highly resistant to commonly used antibiotics, so that the reserve antibiotic colistin is increasi…
The single oil spill that can disrupt the global energy supply
A maritime area three times the size of the city of London holds the highest risk for oil spills in the Gulf which can have devastating consequences locally and globally.
New discovery: Endangered Amami rabbit disperses seeds for non-photosynthetic plant
Seed dispersal is an essential process for the evolution and ecology of terrestrial plants, making discoveries of uncommon seed dispersal agents particularly interesting. Scientists now reveal that the Amami rabbit (Pentalagus furnessi) is a major seed…
Hypertension drug could be repurposed to delay aging, animal study suggests
Researchers have found that the drug rilmenidine can extend lifespan and slow aging.
Hypertension drug could be repurposed to delay aging, animal study suggests
Researchers have found that the drug rilmenidine can extend lifespan and slow aging.
Agriculture linked to changes in age-independent mortality in North America
The transition to agriculture from hunting and gathering in pre-colonial North America led to changes in age-independent mortality, or mortality caused by factors that are not associated with age, according to a new study. The team found that the inten…
Agriculture linked to changes in age-independent mortality in North America
The transition to agriculture from hunting and gathering in pre-colonial North America led to changes in age-independent mortality, or mortality caused by factors that are not associated with age, according to a new study. The team found that the inten…
Pheasants at risk on unfamiliar ground
Pheasants are most likely to be killed by predators on unfamiliar ground, new research shows.
Pheasants at risk on unfamiliar ground
Pheasants are most likely to be killed by predators on unfamiliar ground, new research shows.
Our memory for objects might be better than we think
The next time you’re struggling to remember exactly where you left your keys, parked your car or put down your glasses, don’t necessarily give up on your memory completely. Previous research has shown that, if people are shown a large number of objects…