Researchers identified a molecular mechanism linking early-life environments with memory by activating AP-1, which regulates genes involved in neuronal plasticity and learning. Early-life experiences produce long-lasting modulation of AP-1 activity, boosting gene networks that strengthen neuronal connections.
Researchers at Rutgers University have created plastics that can self-destruct at programmed speeds, offering a solution to the global plastic crisis. The biodegradable plastics are made by mimicking nature's structural tricks, allowing them to break down naturally under everyday conditions without heat or harsh chemicals.
A study found that 85% of nature organization subscribers support regulated lethal control of wild deer. The practice was widely used and supported among respondents, with only differing opinions on deer management making collaboration challenging. Researchers hope the findings will help increase confidence in recommending lethal control.
Researchers found that small group counseling improved students' anger management, academic and life skills, feelings of connectedness and safety. Students learned practical strategies and developed social-emotional skills, leading to a positive perception of the school environment.
The University of Oxford has launched the Nature's Intelligence Studio, a programme that translates principles from biological systems into technologies supporting sustainable innovation. The studio aims to align conservation and industrial decarbonisation through bio-inspired solutions.
A study reconstructed key genomic adaptations in animal lineages transitioning to land, revealing convergent molecular responses to similar ecological challenges. The research found that many adaptive functions evolved independently and repeatedly, with gene losses playing a crucial role in the transition to life outside water.
Researchers develop system to test and optimise self-driving strategies for agricultural tractors in a virtual environment, creating realistic vineyard scenarios and evaluating control algorithms. The goal is to reduce human presence and improve agricultural automation solutions based on sensors and predictive algorithms.
A new method enables scientists to read the genomes of individual cells and viral particles in the environment more quickly and efficiently. The approach, known as environmental microcompartment genomics, increases throughput by an order of magnitude and provides unique insights into the diverse world of marine viruses.
A Griffith University study published in Nature Mental Health found that integrating nature-based therapies into clinical healthcare could address global declines in mental health. Nature experiences designed to improve mental health are not yet incorporated in regulated clinical healthcare, but embedding nature therapy into clinical h...
Scientists from Japan developed a theoretical framework that explains how collective cells can perform complex tasks. The key is distributed information processing and reinforcement learning in the environment.
A team of astronomers has discovered a mysterious dark object in the distant universe with a mass about 1 million times that of our Sun. The discovery is significant as it could confirm or refute theories about the nature of dark matter.
A new journal, Energy & Environment Nexus, calls for a science-based approach to balancing economic growth, social well-being, and environmental protection. The journal introduces the concept of the 'Energy and Environment Nexus', emphasizing the interdependence of energy, society, and the environment.
Researchers identify pesticide toxicity as a major concern, while PFAS accumulation poses long-term environmental risks. The study advocates for reducing the number of chemicals produced and used to ensure regulatory control over their impact on humans and the environment.
Researchers from UMass Amherst identified a unique mineral on Mars, ferric hydroxysulfate, which provides clues about the Martian environment and history. The mineral was formed at high temperatures in an acidic environment and is believed to have been created via geothermal heat.
Current methods for measuring soil carbon sequestration are limited by small-plot experiments that lack external validity, making it difficult to generalize findings to diverse farms and climates. Collecting large-scale data at the scale of commercial agriculture is necessary to validate models and underpin trustworthy carbon markets.
Research from the University of Copenhagen shows that exercising in nature improves mood, reduces stress levels, and boosts heart rate. Participants who exercised outdoors reported greater joy, satisfaction, and optimism than those who exercised in urban or indoor environments.
The Event Horizon Telescope collaboration unveils dynamic environment with changing polarization patterns near M87*'s supermassive black hole. The new images show how the environment around the black hole may be changing more than previously thought.
Researchers found that patients have more confidence in autonomous robotic ultrasound systems when an avatar guides them through the process. The virtual agent explains what it is doing and answers questions in any language.
Researchers used zebrafish with a mutation in the ube3a gene to investigate how environmental factors affect social behavior in individuals with autism spectrum disorders. The study found that environmental adjustments could hold therapeutic potential for ASD-related behavioral challenges.
Researchers have developed a new method to accurately measure the acidity of PFAS, finding some to be thousands of times more acidic than previously thought. This breakthrough could help track the persistence and spread of these toxic chemicals in the environment.
Researchers analyzed interplay between environment and income inequality, identifying theoretical mechanisms and empirical evidence. The study suggests that good climate policy can promote social balance by increasing labour productivity and wages.
A new Finnish study reveals that nature experiences play a significant role in people's long-term well-being, particularly in boosting self-acceptance and purpose in life. The research found that younger and older participants alike valued the sense of connection with nature, which helped them tap into their own values and agency.
Researchers at DTU calculate the impact of everyday activities on the environment, providing a framework for consumers to make informed choices. The study assesses 23 common activities across six environmental categories, revealing that some lifestyle changes have a significant impact on the climate budget.
Energy & Environment Nexus is a pioneering open-access platform exploring the dynamic interplay between energy and the environment. The platform spans key areas such as renewable energy, sustainable technologies, and pollution control, aiming to accelerate innovation and impact.
Researchers have developed a hydrogel electrolyte that regulates the coordination environment of water molecules, enabling high-stability and flexibility in zinc-based devices. This breakthrough can lead to advanced energy storage solutions for extreme environments.
A pilot study found that a four-week nature-based programme, Roots and Shoots, improved mood, mindfulness, and reduced stress in adults. The programme, led by the University of Exeter, empowered individuals to spend more time in nature and improve their wellbeing.
A new study from South Dakota State University reveals how grapevine canes can be converted into a biodegradable plastic-like material. The resulting films are stronger than traditional plastic and will decompose in the environment, providing a potential solution to the plastic waste problem.
New research highlights four components where nature-based climate actions have fallen short, including inadequate accounting for albedo and carbon leakage. The study proposes reforms to improve the performance and scalability of these strategies.
New research from UT Arlington reveals that nature-focused livestreams help people reconnect with nature and form new online communities. The study shows that these streams offer more than passive entertainment, sparking natural conversations and promoting environmental attitudes.
Face masks degrade into nanoplastics under sunlight, changing their chemical nature and affecting ecosystems. Researchers found that exposure to sunlight is required for the formation of manganese oxide on plastic particles, altering their interaction and transport in the environment.
Researchers propose reforms to nature-based climate actions by accounting for feedbacks and ensuring outcomes that wouldn't have happened otherwise
A study by the University of Exeter found that immersive VR nature scenes can reduce symptoms of long-term pain. Participants who felt more present during the experience experienced the strongest effects. The study suggests that nature scenes delivered using VR can help change how pain signals are transmitted in the brain and spinal cord.
Researchers identified a key neural switch that controls instinctive behaviors, fine-tuning the brain for survival based on environment. By comparing two deer-mouse species, they found a hypersensitive response in mice living in densely vegetated environments.
The EU-wide requirement emphasizes five key steps for successful nature restoration: clear communication, agreed targets, coordinated measures, supportive frameworks, and attractive incentives. Effective implementation is crucial to achieving long-term biodiversity goals and mitigating climate change.
A new study published in Nature provides a comprehensive overview of all chemicals that can be present in plastics, their properties, uses, and hazards. The study identified 4,200 plastic chemicals as of concern due to health and environmental hazards.
A new study reports the easy preparation of copper single atoms (Cu SACs) using a mesoporous silica KIT-6 templating agent. The resulting product exhibits excellent catalytic performance in CO2 cycloaddition reactions, with a yield of 91.7% and high turnover frequency (TOF).
Insilico Medicine secured a position among the Top 100 global corporate institutions for biological sciences and natural sciences publications. The company's remarkable rise was driven by two studies published in Nature Biotechnology, highlighting the transformative potential of AI in providing solutions for unmet medical needs.
The Nature Relationship Index (NRI) aims to measure a country's sustainable path by assessing its relationships with nature, tracking progress and development. The NRI adds an environmental dimension to the Human Development Index, fostering mutually beneficial relationships between humans and the natural world.
A new paper proposes a global framework to measure how well people and nature are thriving together, introducing the Nature Relationship Index to complement the Human Development Index. The index assesses countries' relationships with ecosystems, access to nature, and environmental protection.
Researchers at Tel Aviv University found that neutrophils recruited by the tumor environment support tumor progression. They identified neutrophils and endothelial cells as key players in advanced-stage breast cancer tissues.
A comprehensive study explores reciprocity with nature worldwide, highlighting its impact on sustainability and social well-being. The research showcases diverse cultural practices that foster reciprocal relationships with nature, offering hope for a more sustainable future.
Researchers develop a new offline reinforcement learning algorithm that incorporates causal structure into the environment model. The proposed method, FOCUS, achieves superior performance compared to existing causal model-based reinforcement learning algorithms in the offline setting.
Researchers at Beijing Institute of Technology developed an efficient method to represent the environment as a hybrid of feasible planar regions and heightmaps. The method accelerates planar region extraction and ensures walking safety for biped robots, completing the perception process in 0.16 s per frame.
A new book calls for a transition to a nature-positive world, valuing the living natural world in economic decision-making. The authors propose shifting from GDP to Gross Ecosystem Product, and encourage businesses to contribute to a nature-positive economy now.
New research challenges conventional views on the link between environment and conflict, highlighting global inequalities that disproportionately harm countries in the Global South. The study finds that ecological sustainability and peace are not positively correlated, but comprehensively sustainable peace is possible.
A new international collaboration by the University of Exeter found that people living in greenest neighbourhoods are 13% less likely to smoke and 31% less likely to drink daily. Intentional visits to nature also have benefits, reducing smoking rates.
Research reveals nature-relatedness is crucial for improving well-being in urban areas with poor socioeconomic conditions. Early-life exposure and equitable access to nature are essential factors in public health.
A new tool developed by McGill University researchers can detect nanoplastics and microplastics in the environment at a low cost and high accuracy. The technology, called HoLDI-MS, enables direct analysis of samples without complex sample preparation, facilitating global monitoring of plastic pollution.
A new study reveals a gap in how nature playspaces are designed and delivered across Australia, with no clear evidence-based guidelines to support children of all ages and capabilities. Researchers call for national, research-backed recommendations to ensure consistency and quality across the country.
A new study published in Nature Ecology & Evolution shows that integrating nature restoration with land management strategies can ensure long-term sustainability. Strategic restoration efforts can yield significant biodiversity and climate benefits while ensuring continued food and timber production across Europe.
The CHANCE collaboratory at Concordia University allows researchers to examine the social aspects of gambling behavior and its influence on gamblers' interactions with their environment. The facility features a simulated gaming space with interactive terminals, cameras, and conference rooms for discussion.
A new study by Griffith University reveals that the term 'nature positive' is being used more for political rhetoric than actual conservation efforts, posing a threat to biodiversity. The research found that only 0.01% of the global tourism sector makes net positive contributions to conservation.
A team of researchers has identified a novel oncometabolite that accumulates in tumors and impairs immune cells' ability to fight cancer. The study highlights how the metabolic environment of tumors influences T cell function, opening new possibilities for improving cancer immunotherapy by targeting tumor metabolism.
A study by Associate Professor Mitsuko Tanaka found that a good group work environment significantly increases motivation among English language learners, regardless of individual factors. The research suggests that educators should prioritize environmental preparation for successful project-based learning outcomes.
Researchers have developed a method to prepare copper single atoms using a nano-constrained environment, resulting in improved catalytic performance. The new catalyst exhibits high activity and selectivity in CO2 cycloaddition reactions.
Researchers developed a method that uses high-resolution satellite imagery and deep machine learning to double the mapped infrastructure of Alaska, more accurately projecting economic risks associated with permafrost thaw. The new model nearly doubles the amount of information available for Alaska on OpenStreetMap.
A $1.2M grant will fund a comprehensive study on the potential links between neighborhood environment and cancer risk. The research team, led by Dr. Chris Lim, will analyze data from two ongoing studies to identify factors contributing to increased obesity-related cancer risk in specific neighborhoods.
Researchers found that watching nature videos reduces acute physical pain and brain activity related to pain processing. This effect is attributed to the reduced raw sensory signal received by the brain when exposed to nature.
A new study found that viewing nature can help ease how people experience pain by reducing the brain activity linked to pain perception. The research suggests that the pain-relieving effect of nature is genuine and could provide an alternative way to relieve pain, potentially used in conjunction with medication.
A recent VR study on locusts' navigation challenges classical models of collective swarming behavior, revealing internal cognitive decision-making processes. The findings suggest that locusts do not follow fixed interaction rules as previously thought, but instead respond to their sensory environment with probabilistic decision-making.