Exotic tree plantations can disturb local wildlife, researchers find
Initiatives using non-native tree species can impact tropical insects in neighbouring forests, according to an international study.
Death of bats at wind turbines interrupts natural food chains
The numerous casualties of bats at wind turbines (WT) have a negative impact on the populations of affected species and potentially far-reaching consequences for the biodiversity in rural areas. Until now, it could only be assumed that the death of bat…
Changing the channel: Study sheds new light on a promising antidepressant
A study reveals new details about how ketamine works, paving the way toward the development of safe, effective treatments for depression.
Creating mRNA with an all-chemical process may allow for customized mRNA vaccines
A new synthesis method offers hope for creation of advance mRNA vaccines to fight viruses and even cancers.
How genetics influence immunity in patients with type 1 diabetes
Scientists have characterized the genetic factors that affect the immune response in type 1 diabetes patients, with potential implications for developing new treatments.
Earth’s magnetic poles not likely to flip anytime soon
The emergence of a mysterious area in the South Atlantic where the geomagnetic field strength is decreasing rapidly, has led to speculation that Earth is heading towards a magnetic polarity reversal. However, a new study that pieces together evidence s…
How fast-growing bacteria can resist antibiotics
New insights into how some bacteria survive antibiotics could lead to the development of novel treatment strategies.
Low levels of high-risk salmonella evade traditional methods of detection
Poultry is responsible for more than one out of every five cases of salmonella infection in the U.S. But traditional methods of testing the chicken you grab off the grocery shelf may not be enough to detect all strains of the bacteria, according to new…
Are ultra-processed foods harmful? Experts weigh the evidence
In new papers and a live debate, leading scientists present arguments for and against incorporating the concept of ultra-processed foods into dietary guidelines.
Data reveal 20-year transformation of Gulf of Maine
Two decades of research show a startling transformation of the Gulf of Maine. Many trends point to an overarching pattern: more warm, North Atlantic water is coming in and changing the foundation of the Gulf’s food web.
Detecting new particles around black holes with gravitational waves
Clouds of ultralight particles can form around rotating black holes. A team of physicists now show that these clouds would leave a characteristic imprint on the gravitational waves emitted by binary black holes.
Lessons from the past: How cold-water corals respond to global warming
Corals react to changes in their environment. This is true for tropical as well as cold-water corals and includes, among others, changes in temperature, salinity and pH values. Researchers have now investigated how warmer temperatures occurring as a re…
Earth-abundant solar pixels found to produce hydrogen for weeks
Devices made of readily available oxide and carbon-based materials can produce clean hydrogen from water over weeks — according to new research. The findings could help overcome one of the key issues in solar fuel production, where current earth-abund…
How mothers calm their distressed infants with soothing signals
This study demonstrates empirically, for the first time, that synchronized physiology between mothers and babies plays a role in soothing distressed infants, and that treating postpartum depression with cognitive behavioral therapy can improve the sync…
Progress toward personalized prevention of preterm birth: When progesterone works and when it does not
The most effective intervention to prevent preterm birth is the administration of a natural hormone, progesterone, in patients at risk for premature delivery. Two categories of patients have been eligible for this treatment: those with a short cervix a…
Colossal collisions linked to solar system science
A new study shows a deep connection between some of the largest, most energetic events in the universe and much smaller, weaker ones powered by our own Sun.
Neuroscientists identify role of basolateral amygdala neurons
The basolateral amygdala (BLA) is a region of the brain that has been almost exclusively studied in the context of fear and emotion. Only recently have researchers begun to question whether the BLA may play a larger, overarching role in memory and beha…
Scientists develop novel computational model for aptamer generation, with wide applications
Aptamers are single-stranded oligonucleotides generated by the systematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment (SELEX). They have a wide variety of applications, but computational approaches are necessary to efficiently identify candidate apt…
Deciphering the migratory pattern of the smallest seabird in the Mediterranean
It had always been thought that the Mediterranean population of the European storm petrel — the smallest seabird in the Mediterranean — spent the year in this sea and that only a small part of the population migrated to the Atlantic during the winter…
Deep nerve stimulation consistently reduces blood pressure
Biomedical engineers are expanding the study of wireless electrodes to treat hypertension and are reporting that blood pressure can be consistently controlled by bioelectronic treatment.