Researchers found that treatment reorganized immune cells and changed the behavior of macrophages, immune cells that can support or suppress an immune response. The study suggests that creating an environment where different immune cells can work together against cancer is crucial for effective immunotherapy.
Despite decades of experimentation, natural capital markets remain a small source of finance for conservation and restoration. The authors identify five common flaws, including prioritizing financial returns over socio-ecological outcomes and marginalizing local communities. Reimagining nature finance is crucial to deliver diverse and ...
A new study found that contact with natural environments positively influences intuitive eating habits, with pathways involving body appreciation and self-compassion being key. The research suggests that nature exposure can promote healthier eating behaviors, particularly when combined with greater self-awareness and emotional regulation.
A research team led by KAIST proposes a definition of the Anthropocene, using 1952 as a starting point, to better understand human impact on the environment. The proposed framework aims to establish a consistent understanding of the Anthropocene across disciplines.
Researchers at FSU used ultrahigh-resolution mass spectrometry to identify molecular fingerprints of human activity in water systems worldwide. The study reveals changes in dissolved organic matter composition can diagnose human impacts on aquatic environments.
UNM researchers have identified evidence of early food production in the Maya speaking region, dating back 6,000 years to maize farming in wetland areas. The study, co-led by UNM professor Keith Prufer, reveals a significant shift in farming practices as populations grew and the environment changed.
Researchers at MIT developed a new navigation system, called SANDO, that charts an efficient and safe flight path for drones in unknown environments. The system provides a mathematical guarantee of safety, even in dynamic environments with moving obstacles.
The American College of Lifestyle Medicine welcomes a national resolution advancing nature as a foundation for health and well-being, recognizing nature's role in supporting human health and promoting collaboration among healthcare, research, and conservation communities. The resolution also supports the establishment of a strategic pa...
Researchers found that stroke can reshape the tumor environment, accelerating glioma growth and spread by exploiting the brain's repair system. The study identified tumor-associated astrocytes with reduced calcium activity as a key driver of this process.
Researchers at Cornell University have developed microrobots that can sense temperature and coordinate to change their environment. The robots use a feedback loop inspired by natural systems to alter physical conditions, such as pumping liquid from hot to cold regions.
A research team at Sungkyunkwan University has identified a mechanism to restore a disrupted brain immune environment and reduce abnormally elevated neuronal activity in an animal model of Alzheimer's disease. Modulating an immune protein in the brain may provide a new therapeutic strategy for the disease.
Researchers developed a new culture membrane that recreates the biochemical composition and soft physical environment of native intestinal tissue, enhancing intestinal cell growth and behavior. The membrane, combined with human colon organoid-derived epithelial cells, exhibited increased characteristics associated with intestinal stem ...
A new study reveals that pre-cancerous blood cells can actively reshape the bone marrow environment, creating conditions that favor their growth and increasing the risk of blood cancer. By targeting the aging bone marrow environment, scientists may be able to slow down or prevent blood cancers before they arise.
A study by the University of Queensland suggests that urban parks lack vital midstorey vegetation, which is essential for small animals and birds. The researchers propose designing parks with denser, midstorey vegetation to improve the quality of urban green space and support wildlife, while also promoting community wellbeing.
A new research tool, PGS-TRI, analyzes family data to understand how genetics and environment contribute to autism risk. The tool provides a more precise look at how 'nature' and 'nurture' interact within families, allowing researchers to better understand the complex factors that shape a child's health.
A randomized trial in 21 Japanese elementary schools found that students respond more strongly to environmental education when nature is framed around its human benefits rather than its intrinsic value. This approach increased students' short-term interest in the environment. In contrast, students who received an ecocentric framing sho...
A study found that natural forest regeneration delivered significant carbon and biodiversity benefits, and could be up to 96% cheaper than traditional tree-planting programs. The research identified 'holistic hotspots' in areas like Indonesia, Madagascar, and the Amazon basin where natural regeneration provided high carbon benefits and...
A Barcelona trial shows nature-based social prescribing with facilitated groups reduces loneliness among adults experiencing greater loneliness. Participants with higher emotional and social difficulties benefited more from the intervention.
A study by Goethe University found that zoo education programs can genuinely strengthen people's sense of connection to nature, especially among those with low or moderate connections. Programs with direct animal encounters and longer durations showed the strongest effects.
Researchers at Duke University have developed a method to systematically develop novel probiotic and prebiotic combinations to maintain gut health and treat gastrointestinal diseases. The approach uses machine learning and automation to explore complex interactions between microbes, nutritional sources, and the environment.
A new study highlights the annual AU$7 trillion value of nature in mental health benefits and calls for urgent government action to expand access to nature as a frontline response to the worsening global mental health crisis. Regular, intentional exposure to natural environments is proposed as a proven yet underused solution to improvi...
A new study by Swansea University introduces a One Health Sustainability Framework linking biodiversity, ecological condition, and environmental sustainability with wellbeing outcomes in nature prescribing. The framework highlights the need to understand what kinds of nature and how much are needed to support health in a sustainable way.
The proposed GPDG method leverages a Gaussian Process-based learning paradigm to capture intra-domain information and inter-domain correlations. It generates domain-specific functions capable of adapting to unseen domains through a Dirichlet Mixup-based domain augmentation strategy.
Two new policy briefs support evidence-based decision-making in EU environmental policies, including the Nature Restoration Regulation and Biodiversity Strategy 2030. The briefs provide a framework for monitoring ecosystem pressures and recovery across the European Union.
A new study suggests that environmental factors can influence which bird songs are passed down through generations. Common song types, with higher frequencies and broader frequency bandwidths, traveled more effectively through the environment than rare songs. This makes it easier for young birds to hear and learn these songs, potential...
A KAIST research team has developed a technology that controls the chemical environment around catalysts at the nanometer scale by designing DNA sequences. This allows for improved hydrogen production efficiency and increased yield of desired chemical products. The DNA layer acts like a traffic control center, guiding the movement of i...
Researchers identified microRNA-25 as a key player in creating an immune-suppressive tumor environment that resists cancer immunotherapy. Removing miR-25 reshaped the environment and activated anti-tumor immune responses, suggesting a potential target for converting 'cold' tumors into responsive 'hot' tumors.
A study by University of Exeter experts found that unified and local efforts can support a thriving environment and improve community well-being. The researchers propose tech-driven, community-led action to rescue local environmental enforcement from funding cuts and jurisdictional confusion.
A study found that school anthems referencing local mountains, such as Mt. Takao, correlate with the use of nearby green spaces for educational activities. This suggests a potential link between symbolic cultural representations and concrete actions in nature-related education.
A large-scale international study found that spending time in nature is associated with greater life satisfaction due to increased self-compassion and positive body image. The study also identified a pathway through which nature contact helps people feel restored, leading to improved mental wellbeing.
A team of scientists has developed a novel navigation strategy inspired by honeybees, allowing small robots to travel far away from home and return successfully. The 'Bee-Nav' system uses a neural network to process panoramic images of the environment, enabling lightweight, safe robots to navigate on their own.
A study by the University of Helsinki found that nature-based group activities can boost wellbeing, health, and connection to nature in older adults living in care homes. The activities improved sleep, cognition, and social connections, even among those with multiple diseases and mobility issues.
A social media analysis by the University of Helsinki reveals that nature has an important role to play in tourism beyond the beaches, with 25% of photos taken in conservation areas and a third in natural settings. This finding suggests that Central and Southern Europeans tend to focus more on nature than British or Nordic visitors.
Ecotech aims to develop scalable solutions inspired by nature to tackle environmental challenges. The field combines biology, engineering, and earth sciences for interdisciplinary collaboration.
A host of positive 'tipping points' can spark rapid nature recovery, according to Professor Tim Lenton. This includes triggering large-scale ecosystem regeneration and spreading nature-positive activities.
Villouta's research aims to characterize root exudates and understand their role in plant stress and productivity in hydroponic systems. He will explore how temperature variations affect spinach growth in hydroponic environments, with the goal of improving crop viability and informing best practices for other temperature-sensitive crops.
A new study found that public sector workers' motivation is closely tied to their work environment. The research identified four profiles of public servants with varying levels of motivation, which are shaped by both individual psychology and environmental constraints.
A new paper warns that halting and reversing biodiversity loss by 2030 is urgent to avoid destabilizing the Earth's vital systems. The authors call for a unified 'Nature Positive' approach to global environmental goals and governance.
A study published in Nature Health reveals a strong link between pesticide exposure and the risk of developing certain cancers. The research shows that pesticide exposure increases the risk of cancer by 150% in areas with high levels of pollution, and highlights early biological effects before cancer develops.
The US Nature Assessment Report documents human impact on nature, including resource extraction and habitat loss, but also shows restoration and Indigenous stewardship approaches can help turn things around. The report highlights the importance of farmer involvement in protecting ecosystems and preserving biodiversity.
A systematic review and meta-analysis of 33 studies found that nature exposure is associated with reductions in negative emotions and increases in positive emotions. Experts recommend integrating nature into urban design to promote brain health and treat mental illnesses.
A study from Murdoch University found that nature exposure does not necessarily translate to improved creative performance, but still has positive impacts on reducing mental fatigue and stress. The research also showed that built environments can increase stress levels, but this does not hinder creativity.
A new study from Drexel University found that individuals who spent more time in nature reported better dietary behaviors, such as eating more fruits and vegetables. Participants who spent more time in nature also experienced improved mental health, including reduced depression, anxiety, and stress.
Oysters have been found to coordinate with microbes to regulate chemistry and support shell calcification, highlighting potential partnerships for resilience in a changing ocean. This discovery may also provide insights into how microbes contribute to resilience in other organisms.
Research by Per Martinsson finds that frequent phone scrolling during breaks impairs relationships and perceptions of the work environment. The study, based on 25 interviews and 1,700 survey respondents, shows a negative association between phubbing and poorer work environments.
Scientists have developed a new catalyst that uses sunlight to break down polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), a group of water-repellent chemicals linked to increased cancer risk. The technology could be scaled up for detection or removal from the environment and human body.
A comprehensive review of over 100 brain-imaging studies reveals that connecting with nature triggers changes in the brain, calming stress and restoring attention. The study supports the emerging field of nature connectedness, suggesting that spending time outdoors can lead to measurable changes and has a broader societal impact.
A University of Tennessee team will evaluate the persistence of RNA interference-based biofungicides in controlled environment agriculture. The study aims to generate data for evidence-based decisions on genetically engineered organisms and their ecotoxicological effects.
Researchers investigate three types of nature values (intrinsic, relational, instrumental) to understand human-nature relationships and their impact on the health of the Earth. The study found that valuing the relationship between humans and nature is linked to attributing agency to nonhuman beings.
A new study published in Nature Communications found that people are more willing to help others when they experience poorer conditions. The researchers tested willingness to help in different contexts and found that people were more likely to stop what they were doing to help others in a poor environment than in a richer one.
Research by Université Laval found that physical exercise and living in favorable conditions reduce depression risk by maintaining blood-brain barrier integrity. Fgf2 protein plays a key role in this mechanism and may serve as a biomarker for mood disorders.
Research reveals structural brain changes in older adults affect ability to shift between tasks and update environmental information. These changes may lead to deficits in behavioral adaptability, emphasizing the importance of identifying age-related brain structure changes.
Researchers used a quantum device to simulate a vibrating molecule, tracking how energy moves within it. They found that vibrations can actively steer energy flow in unexpected ways, speeding up transfer and opening new pathways.
Aspiring nature writers will participate in a unique workshop and ecotour in the remote Smith Inlet, led by Lesley Evans Ogden. The program offers daily writing coaching and feedback sessions, with optional one-on-one coaching, and includes accommodations, meals, and wildlife tours.
A new study from the University of Eastern Finland explores how regenerative farmers partner with nature in their decision-making processes. The study reveals that farmers prioritize ecosystem resilience and holistic well-being, acknowledging nature's agency and including it in deliberation and decision-making.
A new study led by Concordia researchers found that federally funded Indigenous-led conservation programs can deliver highly effective climate and biodiversity outcomes. These programs, known as Indigenous-led Nature-based Solutions (NbS), can match or surpass conventional national and provincial parks in terms of carbon storage and bi...
The article introduces the concept of an Energy and Environment Nexus as a web linking energy services, human well-being and environmental health. It proposes four imperatives of energy: power intensity, energy density, cost and scale to determine practical and sustainable energy systems.
Researchers use model calculations to optimize work extraction from fluctuating environments, enabling the development of nanomachines that can efficiently transport nutrients and other molecules within cells. The study's findings have significant implications for understanding thermodynamics in the microscopic world.
Researchers developed a strategy to regulate the coordination environment of CeO2-x via indium doping, mitigating vacancy defect issues and enhancing photocatalytic CO2 conversion. The introduced In dopants form complexes that suppress unstable vacancy clusters, improving stability and catalytic activity.
A new systematic review examines nearly 200 scientific articles to gather knowledge on biophobia, a negative relationship with nature. The study reveals that both external and internal factors contribute to negative emotions towards nature, threatening conservation efforts.