Terry Chapin, a University of Alaska Fairbanks professor emeritus, has been awarded the 2019 Volvo Environment Prize for his groundbreaking work on Earth stewardship. His research focuses on the interconnectedness of ecosystems and human impact on the environment.
A team of researchers discovered that single-celled organisms like protozoa can protect pathogenic bacteria and prime them for human infection. The bacteria are expelled into the environment after being ingested by protozoa and become more infectious in humans, potentially threatening public health.
DNA molecules have a hydrophobic interior that groups together when exposed to water, controlling the binding process. The discovery opens doors for new understanding in medicine and life sciences, with potential applications in fighting resistant bacteria and curing cancer.
Researchers discover that the physical structure of animal groups, not individual animals, plays a crucial role in processing information and responding to environmental changes. By changing the group's structure, individuals can amplify risk signals and respond effectively to threats, highlighting the importance of social connectivity.
Researchers from the US Army Combat Capabilities Development Command led experiments using hand gestures and head gaze to control autonomous robots in a real-world urban environment. The system successfully mapped the environment, located objects of interest, and provided situational awareness for soldiers.
New research suggests that societal complexity is linked to personality traits, with more complex societies exhibiting greater diversity of personality types. This is explained by the presence of multiple socioecological niches, which shape individual behavior and contribute to success or reinforcement within a given environment.
The University of Houston Law Center has been awarded a three-year energy research grant to explore ways to facilitate public and private efforts to achieve goals of the Paris Agreement on climate change. The partnership will focus on key global issues in addressing climate change, with faculty members working together to develop new s...
A new study from Oregon State University found that underwater soundscapes varied widely across four protected marine sites, driven by differences in animal vocalization rates, human activity and weather. The study provides a baseline for these regions and can be used for comparison over time.
Researchers proposed a new type of plasmonic surface lattice resonance (SLR) supported by metal-insulator-metal arrays, which exhibit higher quality factors in less symmetric dielectric environments. This allows for diverse applications, including ultrasensitive sensing and nanolasers.
New research shows that particle transport in crowded cells can be faster than in non-crowded environments, especially when moving from densely crowded areas to less crowded ones. The study used microfluidics and tracer colloids to investigate the effects of non-uniformly distributed crowding molecules on particle movement.
A single amino acid change in the light-sensing rhodopsin protein is crucial for herring adaptation to the Baltic Sea. Over 1/3 of all fish in brackish or freshwater carry this genetic change, enabling them to thrive in the region.
Researchers isolated melanopsin cell functions and demonstrated their importance in perceiving visual environment. The study showed that melanopsin plays a crucial role in detecting light intensity, contributing to a new understanding of the biology of the eye.
Researchers found that pancreatic tumours produce more perlecan to remodel the environment, helping cancer cells spread and resist chemotherapy. Lowering perlecan levels improved response to treatment in mouse models.
Expert David Schwebel outlines a model to reduce accidental injuries in children, grouping risk factors into environment-based, caregiver-based, and child-based categories. The model aims to stop an injury from occurring by preventing just one risk factor.
A novel soft robot with color-changing capabilities has been developed by mimicking the chameleon's skin cells. The robot can sense its environment and exhibit dynamic color change in response. Its unique properties make it suitable for sensing, communication, and disguise in soft robotics.
A recent study published in Applied and Environmental Microbiology found that genetics has a greater impact on the microbiome of mice than their maternal birth environment. The researchers tested two different inbred laboratory strains of mice and found that the offspring's microbiomes were similar regardless of which parent was black ...
Scientists discovered that microbes adopting a 'co-operative' approach to acquiring nutrients thrive in fluctuating environments. In contrast, internal nutrient breakdowns lead to instability and population decline due to exploitation by neighboring microbes.
Researchers developed a novel computational approach to assign functions to unknown genes, revealing transporters play a critical role. The study highlights the importance of environmental conditions shaping minimal genomes and paves the way for focused research on essential and facilitator gene sets.
A substantial increase in BMI has been observed since the 1960s, with both genetically predisposed and non-predisposed individuals experiencing weight gain. The study's findings suggest that genetic predisposition interacts with an increasingly obesogenic environment to contribute to higher BMI in recent decades.
Researchers developed a technology to transform game design according to latency levels, predicting player success rates and maintaining gaming performance. The team modified the Flappy Bird game's pillar heights to achieve similar success rates with added latency.
Researchers found that electric vehicles can improve air quality in Houston by reducing nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds emitted by gasoline and diesel vehicles. The study suggests that complete electrification of transportation could prevent up to 246 premature deaths annually in greater Houston by 2040.
A new study suggests converting farmland to grasslands near existing natural areas for maximum environmental benefits. The conversion should consider balancing multiple goals, including improvement of nature and aquatic environments, biomass production, and land usage.
Researchers at Virginia Tech have gained a new understanding of the complex interactions between macrophages and fibroblasts as they work together to clean up and repair damaged tissue. The study shows that manipulating the environment around these cells could lead to improved treatments for wounds and tumors.
Bats use echolocation by emitting ultrasonic signals and analyzing echoes to detect objects, but their navigational system relies on a surprisingly small amount of spatial information. This allows them to navigate effectively despite receiving an 'extremely fuzzy picture' of their environment.
Researchers developed a system that automatically separates audio from different speakers in a crowded environment and compares these voices to the listener's brainwaves. This allows the voice of the speaker who is the center of the listener's attention to sound louder.
A study by IIASA suggests prioritizing water for the environment can be achieved by shifting crop production to water-abundant regions and tripling international food trade. This approach could help maintain both food security and environmental flow requirements by 2050.
Marine scientists investigate the relationship between bumphead parrotfish and their coral reef habitat using molecular analysis, finding that coral rock contains more calories than live coral. The study sheds light on the complex dynamics of coral reef ecology and the role of bumphead parrotfish in shaping their environment.
Research finds that current affiliation's prestige shapes the scientific productivity of early-career faculty, not past training environment. Faculty at more prestigious institutions produce significantly more scholarly output than those at less prestigious institutions.
A new study by the University of Plymouth found that biodegradable plastic bags remained functional as carrier bags for over three years when exposed to air, soil, and sea. The compostable bag completely disappeared after just three months in a marine environment, while others continued to show signs of deterioration but remained intact.
Boston College's Institute for Scientific Research has been awarded a $10.6-million contract to study the space environment and improve capacities to understand and respond to various space phenomena. The research will focus on topics such as solar emissions analysis, radio frequency wave propagation, and ionospheric remote sensing.
Researchers found that the nutrient composition of interstitial fluid surrounding pancreatic tumors differs from blood and culture medium used to grow cancer cells. This discrepancy suggests growing cancer cells in a more similar environment could help predict how experimental drugs will affect cancer cells.
Researchers genetically engineered yeast cells to control their response to environment, improving our understanding of cell signaling. This breakthrough has immediate biotechnology uses and could lead to new treatments for diseases by modifying diseased cells.
Researchers have identified bacteria with promising antibiotic activity against known pathogens in the protective mucus that coats young fish. The study found five bacterial extracts strongly inhibited methicillin-resistant S. aureus and three inhibited Candida albicans, a fungus pathogenic to humans.
A meta-analysis from Penn Nursing's Center for Health Outcomes & Policy Research has linked better nurse work environments to lower odds of negative outcomes, including patient mortality. The study analyzed data from over 2,600 hospitals and found a strong association between the nurse work environment and patient and clinician well-be...
Researchers discovered a novel strategy used by microorganisms to survive in the hypersaline environment of the Dead Sea subsurface. They found that remains from extreme halophilic archaea were recycled by other microbial populations, allowing them to build carbon stocks and mitigate extreme salinity.
Scientists have created a hydrogel matrix whose stiffness can be reversibly tuned using light, enabling the investigation of how cells respond to dynamic changes in their environment. The matrix has potential applications in cancer immunotherapy and understanding cell migration patterns.
A recent study by the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing found that the nursing work environment plays a significant role in how nurses evaluate EHR usability and its impact on quality and safety of care. The study, which analyzed data from over 12,000 nurses, showed that hospitals with better work environments had fewer repo...
A study of rat body sizes over time provides new evidence for the local environment during the time of Homo Floresiensis. The results indicate that the habitat was mostly open grasslands more than 100,000 years ago but shifted rapidly to a more closed forested environment around 60,000 years ago.
A new study by Prof. Sarah-Maria Fendt and her PhD student Ilaria Elia found that breast cancer cells require pyruvate to reshape the lung environment and create a pro-tumor niche. In contrast, normal bone cells rely on glutamine for this process.
A new theory suggests that our relationship with the environment is like a social exchange, leading to the belief that eco-friendly behavior can cancel out harmful ones. Researchers argue that this mindset can lead to misguided quick fixes and that stricter legislation and immediate feedback on environmental impact are needed.
According to Binghamton University professor Nina Flanagan, a positive mindset is crucial for maintaining a productive work environment in the healthcare field. Negativity can spread from leaders if not addressed.
Research by University of Nottingham scientists found that environmental contaminants like DEHP and PCB153 can damage sperm quality in both men and domestic dogs. The study suggests that exposure to these chemicals may be contributing to declining human male fertility.
Carla Ng will use her NSF CAREER award to study the health and environmental impact of per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances. She aims to identify ways to eliminate them from the environment and design selective sorbents for efficient removal.
A new EU Pilot Project will monitor butterfly population trends across Europe to assess the health of the environment and inform EU biodiversity and agricultural policies. The project, ABLE, aims to build on existing data from thousands of volunteers in 11 EU countries and expand monitoring to cover at least eight additional countries.
Scientists are creating new receptor-molecules and nanostructures to detect and destroy industrial pollutants like pesticides, herbicides, and pharmaceuticals. The goal is to develop a more effective technology for cleaning the environment, addressing a major issue due to the 'chiral' nature of these pollutants.
Researchers at Delft University of Technology developed a new approach to calculate the fast estimation of solar energy potential in urban environments. The method uses two parameters derived from the skyline profile, which simplifies calculations and enables quick assessments of large urban areas.
The Harvard Museum of Natural History announces a new Climate Change exhibit featuring multimedia displays, interactive stations, and real-time ocean monitoring data. The exhibit aims to educate visitors about the global impacts of climate change and provide solutions for reducing fossil fuel emissions.
Researchers have charted the environment surrounding a stellar-mass black hole using NASA's NICER payload. The study reveals changes in the environment's size and shape, including the corona contracting vertically from 100 to 10 miles at vast distances.
Research on dietary fiber polymers reveals they physically influence the small intestine environment by causing solid particles to group together. This aggregation can impact nutrient and drug absorption, highlighting a previously underappreciated role of dietary fibers in gut function.
A study published in Cognition found that children with ASD learn language at a continuous pace, influenced by cognitive abilities and parental input. The research highlights the active role children play in shaping their linguistic environment, leading to diverse language development outcomes.
Research at the University of Göttingen found that mice growing up in stimulating environments transmit increased brain plasticity to their offspring, even if the young mice were raised in less enriching conditions. This transgenerational transmission affects primary sensory areas of the cerebral cortex.
Researchers found that physical structures in an environment can influence species coexistence, with certain structures stabilizing interactions between species. The study used supercomputer simulations to explore relationships between biodiversity and environmental physical structure.
A WSU sociologist's analysis of over 20,000 people's opinions reveals that environmental support declines with age and has minimal impact from cohort, but is significantly affected by presidential politics. Republican voters tend to oppose Democratic environmental policies, while supporting them when a Democrat is in office.
A study found that mice raised in an enriched environment with social interaction and mental stimulation can transmit the brain benefits to their offspring through changes in gene expression. Despite being raised in the same impoverished environment, the offspring maintained lifelong visual cortex plasticity.
Researchers used a massive insurance database to analyze the effects of genes and environment in 560 common conditions among over 56,000 twin pairs. The study found that nearly 40% of diseases had a genetic component, while 25% were driven by environmental factors.
Researchers at the University of Liverpool have synthesized a flexible crystalline porous material that can change its structure in response to its environment, mimicking the properties of proteins. This breakthrough enables the design of materials that can dynamically select the structure needed for specific tasks.
After obesity surgery, new microbial strains emerged in the human fecal microbiota, changing the gut environment. The study used a novel informatics technique to identify these new strains, which were more competitive in the altered GI tract environment.
A recent study published in Nature Communications reveals a strong correlation between
Researchers discovered bone and tooth specimens of wild camels, elephants, horses, and antelopes at Azraq Basin site, providing insights into ancestral human adaptation to changing environments. The team found evidence of butchery and suggests that humans may have faced challenges from predatory competitors like lions and hyenas.
Researchers have discovered a mechanism that enables flowering plants to 'remember' changes in their environment, triggering flowering in response to stress or seasonal changes. The PRC2 complex, containing the VRN2 protein, detects environmental signals and becomes stable under challenging conditions.