Twelve UNIST students have won a total of 2 Gold, 3 Silver, and 5 Bronze awards at the 2020 Samsung Humantech Paper Awards. The winners include TaeJung Lim and MinHo Seong for their innovative research in mechanical engineering and energy/environment.
Researchers from diverse fields collaborate to understand plant-environment interactions, bridging paleoecology, physiology, ecology, genetics, and more. Key findings reveal how plants leverage their genomes to adapt to abiotic stressors and interact with microbes.
A NUS study analyzed over 31,500 photographs from 185 countries to find a positive correlation between nature experiences and life satisfaction globally. The research team discovered that images of fun activities and vacations are more likely to contain elements of nature.
A new study published in Frontiers in Psychology found that connectedness to nature has a positive association with sustainability practices and behaviors in children, leading to higher levels of happiness. The study suggests that promoting exposure to nature can encourage pro-environmental behaviors and environmental care in younger g...
A participatory study in Bilbao reveals that the urban environment influences eating behavior, with socioeconomic differences affecting food choices. The study identified six themes, including unhealthy eating behaviors, cultural diversity, and limited involvement of citizens and authorities in improving neighborhoods.
A new study found that an enriched environment with physical activity, socialization, and cognitive stimulation helps heal young, injured brains in premature newborns. The study suggests that recovery of the brain's white matter requires a combination of all experimental interventions, not just a single one.
A new publication in Nature Communications presents a unifying model that explains diverse interactions between decision strategy and the environment, highlighting the similarity of their features. The findings shed light on the tight-knit forces that link changes in strategic action to environmental change, and vice versa.
Researchers found that reconnecting with nature enhances human health and encourages environmental protection. People who visit natural spaces weekly report better wellbeing, while also being more likely to engage in eco-friendly activities.
The Helsinki Declaration emphasizes the need for a multidisciplinary approach to protect human health and the environment. Key findings include the importance of social justice, long-term goals, and scientific knowledge in addressing planetary health threats.
A new study by the University of Exeter found that people who live in areas with more natural exposure are more likely to engage in environmentally friendly behaviors. Urban greening initiatives could play a key role in reducing carbon emissions and promoting sustainability.
Researchers have identified a repeating Fast Radio Burst source in a nearby spiral galaxy, which is radically different from previous studies. The discovery challenges assumptions about the origin of these mysterious radio pulses and may indicate that FRBs are produced in a large zoo of locations across the Universe.
Researchers link various environmental factors such as food access, recreational opportunities, and natural amenities with engagement in weight management programs. The study also examines the impact of changes in the food, built, and socioeconomic environment on BMI in US counties.
A new study by University of Chicago biologists found that Mediterranean mussels with existing genetic variation can adapt to declining pH levels in seawater caused by carbon emissions. The surviving population in the low pH environment differed genetically from others, suggesting a faster adaptation process if no new mutation arises.
The Wyss Academy for Nature tackles biodiversity losses, climate change, and land resource demands by bringing together experts from policy, business, and civil society. The initiative aims to develop forward-looking solutions on a global scale.
Researchers at the University of Michigan discovered that oxidative stress in early life increases subsequent stress resistance later in life. Oxidative stress, which occurs when cells produce more oxidants than they can deal with, is part of the aging process but can also arise from stressful conditions.
A study published in Nature Communications reveals that humans form mental representations of uncertainty by integrating incomplete sensory evidence into a larger context. Participants predicted the likelihood of future events based on contextual information, demonstrating a refined probabilistic representation of their environment.
Researchers found that space travel disrupts intestinal epithelial cell barrier function even after return to Earth. The microgravity environment weakens the immune system and increases gastrointestinal permeability.
Researchers analyzed pleural effusion fluid from patients with non-small cell lung cancer and malignant mesothelioma, discovering unique cytokine profiles that may influence the tumor environment. The study suggests harnessing the local pleural immune environment could lead to improved treatment outcomes.
A growing digital connection to wildlife is crucial for securing broad public support for wildlife protection, according to a new study. Digital innovations such as fitness apps, live feeds, and virtual reality experiences are changing cultural relationships with wildlife.
Researchers explore controlled environment agriculture as a means to address urban food systems, offering advantages such as year-round crop production and reduced energy consumption. The study highlights the potential for controlled environments to increase food security and support local economies.
The Nature Index supplement reveals that Chinese and US researchers co-authored over 4,600 articles between 2015 and 2018, showcasing the resilience of international collaboration. In contrast, UK-EU collaborations have stagnated since 2016, despite growth in high-energy physics and genetics research.
Researchers at TU Wien have created a calculation method to determine the perfect wave form for manipulating small particles in complex environments. This allows for precise control over particles without direct physical contact, opening up new possibilities for biological research and applications.
Researchers found that emergency blankets provided insufficient thermal insulation, leading to decreased sleep efficiency and increased fatigue. The study suggests that simple measures such as wearing down jackets can help regulate body temperature and improve sleep quality in low-temperature environments.
Researchers from the University of Basel found that adding white noise to a quiet environment improves the brain's ability to distinguish subtle tone differences. This is achieved through reduced neuronal activity in the auditory cortex, allowing for more precise sound perception and potentially improving cochlear implant results.
New research finds that bacteria launch exploration when thriving in their current environment, using a mechanism to optimize population movement. The study also shows that slower bacteria have advantages at smaller distances, contradicting traditional wisdom that faster is always better.
Researchers from Florida Atlantic University and the University of Pennsylvania analyzed crash risk, exposure, and built environment factors. They identified specific variables related to exposure and risk, but found a lack of clarity on the role of built environment in traffic injury and death.
Researchers at Trinity College Dublin have successfully created a self-assembling material that forms predictable and reproducible 2D networks. This breakthrough has far-reaching implications for various fields, including targeted drug delivery, printing, and electronic applications.
A new interactive global map reveals where people receive the most benefits from nature, with up to 5 billion at higher risk by 2050. The study highlights inequitable distribution of environmental impacts, with developing countries bearing a disproportionate share.
A new global model shows that as many as five billion people could face water and food insecurity by 2050, particularly in Africa and South Asia. The model highlights the urgent need to determine where nature's contributions matter most to people and who is most at risk if these contributions cease.
A Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution study finds that polystyrene breaks down faster than previously thought when exposed to sunlight, transforming into CO2 and other compounds. The research suggests additives in polystyrene play a key role in its breakdown.
Researchers found non-antibacterial nanoparticles can cause rapid bacterial resistance in Shewanella oneidensis MR-1. The study suggests that nanoparticles could have significant effects beyond bacteria, affecting ecosystems and human health.
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.
A new research study has revealed that humans lived in a low-carbon-dioxide atmosphere for 2.5 million years, with concentrations averaging 230 parts per million, until 1965. Today's levels are about 410 parts per million.
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.
A recent study analyzed four popular David Attenborough series, finding that Netflix's Our Planet dedicated more time to environmental threats and conservation than the BBC's Blue Planet II. The researchers highlight the lack of visual depictions of human impacts on nature in these documentaries.
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.
A West Virginia University researcher used science and data to uncover the impact of nature on microorganism traits. The study found that evolutionary history shapes microbial characteristics more than local environment, with potential implications for predicting ecosystem responses to climate change.
Researchers at Clemson University discovered that salamanders use temperature rather than humidity to anticipate changes in their environment, and harness limb regeneration to minimize the impact of hot temperatures. This adaptation may have implications for other animals and plants, and could provide insights into regenerative medicine.
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.
Managed retreat can achieve societal goals like community revitalization, equity, and sustainability. However, barriers include financial constraints and psychological issues, which must be addressed through strategic planning and social programs. Implementing equitable relocation policies is crucial to ensure the most vulnerable house...
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.
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.
An international team developed a framework for cities to quantify and incorporate nature's benefits on mental health, considering elements of nature, contact, interactions, and benefits. This tool aims to address environmental justice and health disparities in underserved communities.
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.
The latest Nature Index annual tables reveal that smaller institutes are punching above their weight, with Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory and the Institute of Science and Technology Austria leading the normalized rankings. These institutions have common features such as ambition, interdisciplinarity, and backing from Nobel laureates.
Research from the University of Exeter found that spending at least 120 minutes in nature a week significantly boosts psychological wellbeing. The study's findings suggest two hours of natural exposure is crucial for promoting overall health and wellbeing.
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.
A study using social media data revealed that popular bird species sites have higher visitation rates, while sites with high tourism facilities receive more visitors. The research suggests that these areas face potentially great threats or opportunities due to high numbers of visitors, emphasizing the need for conservation efforts.
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.
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.
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.
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.
A study published in Frontiers found that taking a 20- to 30-minute nature experience significantly lowers cortisol levels. The research suggests a daily dose of 'nature pills' could be a simple and effective way to reduce stress.
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.