A study by Duke University researchers found that selectively logged Indonesian rainforests have comparable levels of tree species diversity to unlogged forests eight years later. The results suggest that these forests are more resilient than previously thought and may hold conservation potential.
Researchers developed a unique micro-scratch tester to examine tiny scratches in real-time, revealing that small cracks appear and create voids before material loss. This discovery led to the creation of new coatings with improved scratch durability, which have been applied to cars for field testing.
UK entries made up over half of finalists in the biennial European Academic Software Awards, demonstrating a growing commitment to quality educational software. The full list of EASA finalists can be viewed online.
Lab tests conducted by Allan Butterfield show that vitamin E can prevent the death of brain cells exposed to a toxic protein found in Alzheimer's brains. The study suggests that antioxidants may be a key to unlocking better therapies for the devastating disease.
A study by NIEHS found that variations in two genes (NAT1 and NAT2) interact with environmental exposure to tobacco smoke, increasing the risk of bladder cancer. Individuals carrying both at-risk copies of these genes have a tenfold higher risk of developing bladder cancer.