For The Better

Researchers have developed an automated technique that uses satellite imagery to determine when swine waste lagoons were constructed, allowing researchers to determine the extent to which these facilities may have affected environmental quality.

New research has broken an important ‘barrier’ in neutrino physics which is relevant for both particle physics and cosmology. A new upper limit of 0.8 electronvolt (eV) for the mass of the neutrino has been obtained. This first push into the sub-eV mas…

Researchers report on a novel disorder-engineering technique for inorganic solar cells that achieves a record-breaking power conversion efficiency.

Blood levels of many commonly used antiepileptic drugs drop dramatically with the onset of pregnancy, report researchers.

Scientists have used genetic testing of ivory shipments seized by law enforcement to uncover the international criminal networks behind ivory trafficking out of Africa. The genetic connections across shipments that they’ve uncovered exposes an even hig…

Nuclear power generation can play a crucial role in helping the world reach a key goal of zero carbon emissions by the middle of the century, especially in countries with low wind resources, according to new work.

Increased oxidative damage is linked to neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Even though the pathophysiology of AD has been widely investigated, the likely relationship between mitochondrial dysfunction and the disease remains …

An assessment of chemical exposures among nail salon technicians in Canada found unexpectedly high exposures to several chemicals used as plasticizers and flame retardants.

Human eggs often contain the wrong number of chromosomes, leading to miscarriages and infertility. A research team has discovered that human eggs are missing an important protein, which acts as a molecular motor. This motor helps to stabilize the machi…

Nitrogen fertilizers are critical for growing crops to feed the world, yet when applied in excess can pollute our water for decades. A new study provides six steps to address nitrogen pollution and improve water quality.

Interferons are the host’s first line of defense against infections. Different subtypes of these messenger substances have different effects. Researchers showed which subtypes are most effective against SARS-CoV-2. The researchers not only elucidated t…

Researchers have identified hundreds of new proteins that could play a role in cystic fibrosis, and which may shed light on why some patients respond better than others to current therapies.

For over 100 years, Fusarium, one of the most important fungal plant pathogens, has affected banana production worldwide. In Viet Nam, predictions on its impact are dramatic: an estimated loss in banana production area of up to 71% within the next 25 y…

This is a story about vultures, feral dogs, rabies — and piles of rotting animal carcasses. Buckle up. But in the end, it’s about the power of conservation to keep ecosystems, even urban ecosystems, in balance, benefiting the people who live there.

New research reveals a mechanism behind the inflammation that is a feature of the common skin disease.

Within the next 30 years, a highly destructive Nankai Trough megathrust earthquake is predicted to hit southwest Japan. Understanding long-term slow slip events that occur along the plate interface between the subducting Philippine Sea plate and overri…