A new experimental approach captures how soil ecosystems respond to multiple drivers, revealing shifts in soil properties and microbial communities. The study's results could help identify dangerous factor combinations and tipping points for soil ecosystems in the future.
A team of scientists has created a new microparticle-based platform that can preserve and deliver micronutrients such as iron. The particles address issues with preservation, which have hindered treatment of micronutrient deficiencies in developing countries.
A new study suggests that climate change played a role in the collapse of the Neo-Assyrian Empire by exacerbating agricultural productivity declines. The research used high-resolution paleoclimate records from northern Iraq to show that a megadrought may have encouraged invading armies and led to political unrest.
The 2019 AAAS Kavli Science Journalism Awards honored reporters from around the world for their coverage of topics such as killer whales, air quality, and nuclear research facilities. Reporters from The Seattle Times won multiple awards for their in-depth series on Puget Sound's dying orcas.
A new approach to atom interferometers allows for highly sensitive measurements of gravity and could be used in tests of general relativity. The trapped atom design greatly enhances sensitivity and precision over previous iterations, improving the signal-to-noise ratio by over 10,000-fold.
A study of 127 ancient individuals' genomes found two major ancestry shifts, one during Neolithic farmers' arrival and another during the Bronze age. The results suggest that by Rome's founding, central Italy's genetics were similar to modern populations, but genetic diversity increased over time.
Daily satellite observations show that NOx lifetime decreases even as concentrations increase in 34 cities from 2005-2014. Accounting for these changes is crucial to accurately estimating NOx emissions and understanding the relationship between emissions and concentrations.
A study by Jonathan Schultz et al. reveals how the medieval Catholic Church's marriage policies replaced extended kin networks with nuclear households, contributing to increased individualism and less conformity in Western populations. The researchers controlled for variables such as education and income to support their findings.
Researchers created a Liver-Chip using Organs-on-Chips technology to predict liver toxicity across species. The platform accurately assesses the liver-specific effects of various drugs on liver cells from rat, dog, and human sources.
A study by Masumi Yamamuro and colleagues found that neonicotinoid pesticide use led to a 83% decrease in average springtime zooplankton biomass, causing the collapse of two commercial fisheries on Lake Shinji. The impact was felt throughout the aquatic food chain, with smelt harvests plummeting from 240 tons to 22 tons in just one year.
Researchers found that slow-wave sleep triggers waves of cerebrospinal fluid that flush out toxic metabolic waste products from the brain. This process supports memory processing and consolidation, and may be crucial for preventing neurodegeneration and diseases like Alzheimer's.
A new study finds that hybridization significantly influences the evolutionary history of Heliconius butterflies, contributing to their unique wing patterns. The research suggests that hybridization can provide genetic material for rapid adaptive divergence and radiation, leading to beneficial consequences in species evolution.
In unvaccinated children, measles infection can cause a significant weakening of the immune system, leading to impaired immunity against viruses and bacteria for months or even years. This phenomenon, known as 'immune amnesia,' was observed in two separate studies published in Science Immunology and Science.
Elderly individuals with random changes in daily movement are at greater risk of frailty, disability, and death. Analyzing daily motor activity using fractal physiology may help predict wellness and health outcomes.
Researchers found that mice no longer use the primary motor cortex to control movements once they have mastered a task. After mastering a movement, mice may stop relying on primary motor cortex, suggesting multiple movement control systems in the brain.
Researchers have created a synthetic abscisic acid (ABA) mimic, opabactin, nearly 10 times more effective in manipulating crop water use than natural ABA. The molecule demonstrates high potency in wheat and tomato plants and provides long-lasting protection against underwatering.
A new study in Science documents life's rebound after the Cretaceous-Paleogene extinction event through a collection of fossils found in central Colorado. The findings provide a detailed snapshot of the first million years of taxonomic and ecological recovery, revealing a dynamic interplay between plants, animals, and climate.
A widely used healthcare algorithm was found to show significant racial bias in predicting health risks of black patients. The algorithm underestimates the health needs of black patients and overestimates their health, leading to reduced care allocation.
A new report found that climatic variables are the most important predictors of earthworm biodiversity at global scales. Earthworm communities were typically greatest in mid-latitudes, highlighting their sensitivity to climate change.
A rapid triage test can distinguish active TB from similar diseases in adults, potentially helping to diagnose cases in vulnerable populations such as those with HIV. The ultra-sensitive immunoassay screens for four blood proteins and achieved sensitivity and specificity of 86% and 69%, respectively.
Researchers studied blue bottle fly landing behaviors using high-speed videography, uncovering a wide range of rotational maneuvers. The results suggest the flies may use neural processes and sensory cues for inverted landings, informing efforts to engineer small robotic fliers.
A recent study reveals that modern Melanesians have inherited beneficial genetic variants from archaic Neanderthal and Denisovan hominins. These genes are associated with positive selection in the Melanesian genomes, particularly at chromosomes 16p11.2 and 8p21.3, suggesting an adaptive role in environmental adaptation.
Researchers have developed a new approach to rapid and large-scale stereolithographic 3D printing, called HARP, which surpasses the capabilities of existing methods like CLIP. The method uses a flowing layer of fluorinated oil as a heat exchanger, allowing for faster rates and wider resin compatibility.
A new analysis reveals that global biodiversity is undergoing a large-scale reorganization, with the greatest loss of species in tropical marine biomes. The study, published in Science, suggests that conservation efforts should be tailored to local contexts and locations.
A new study reveals that some exoplanets have Earth-like geochemistry, with high oxidation levels similar to those in the Solar System. This finding suggests that rocky exoplanets may have similar internal properties to Earth and Mars.
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.
Scientists have discovered a novel cooling method using twistocaloric yarns, which can cool materials by up to 4.7 degrees Celsius in a single cycle. This technology has the potential to replace traditional vapor-compression refrigeration systems with more energy-efficient and sustainable alternatives.
Two studies in mice reveal that sleep deprivation alters daily changes in synaptic functions and proteins, leading to impaired cognitive abilities. The research suggests that sleep pressure plays a crucial role in maintaining synaptic function, independent of the circadian clock.
Research using ancient DNA from German farmsteads (2750 BCE to 1300 BCE) identified a complex family structure and kinship-based social hierarchy, with females often marrying nonlocal men. Wealth and status were inherited by offspring, suggesting social status was passed down through generations.
Researchers created a test using tumor organoids to predict how patients with advanced colorectal cancer respond to chemotherapy treatment. The test correctly classified 80% of patients treated with irinotecan, suggesting it could help identify those who won't benefit from toxic chemotherapies.
A recent study analyzed FEMA-funded voluntary property buyouts, finding they tend to target poorer neighborhoods in wealthier counties. The researchers emphasize the need for increased transparency in reporting to fully evaluate program efficacy.
Researchers detected individual filaments of intergalactic gas in a newly forming cluster, providing insight into the Universe's evolution and galaxy formation. The analysis found that these filaments are arranged like long threads, extending over one million parsecs, and fueling star formation and super massive black hole growth.
The study found that at least 5,579 animals are currently being traded globally, with impacts tend to be higher among certain groups and in threatened species. The researchers predict that up to 8,775 species could soon be at risk of extinction due to future commodification.
Researchers developed a computational algorithm to identify biologically active small molecules encoded in human microbiome-derived sequencing data. They uncovered novel TII-PKS BGCs with antimicrobial activity against neighboring microbes, as well as anti-cancer effects, in samples from diverse countries.
Researchers have identified a unified chemical pathway that generates both purine and pyrimidine nucleosides, key building blocks of RNA. The 'wet-dry' cycling approach provides a plausible solution to the formation of Watson-Crick bases, but synthesis specifics of carbohydrates remain unclear.
Research shows that neurons outside the brain play a crucial role in autism spectrum disorders, particularly in touch perception and social behavior. Peripheral somatosensory neurons are key players in this process, suggesting a potential new approach to treating ASD-related symptoms.
A neuroprosthesis mimics sensory feedback by stimulating nerves in the remaining limb, improving mobility, agility, and preventing falls. The device enabled patients to perform complex tasks with greater ease and a reduced mental burden.
Researchers warn that a nuclear conflict between India and Pakistan would release massive amounts of black carbon into the atmosphere, blocking out sunlight and cooling the planet by 2-5°C. This would lead to severe droughts, diminished plant growth, and potentially mass starvation, threatening global stability.
Astronomers discovered a giant Jupiter-like exoplanet orbiting a small red dwarf star, defying standard planet formation theories. The exoplanet, GJ 5312b, is nearly half as massive as Jupiter and orbits the tiny star with an eccentric 204-day orbit.
A new study suggests that restoring habitat connectivity can increase plant diversity by nearly 14% in fragmented ecosystems. By reconnecting disparate habitat fragments, plant extinctions are reduced by 2% per year and colonization from new species is increased by 5% per year.
A new mouse study shows that disrupting the daily routine of gut microbes in mice increases the risk for metabolic dysfunction and obesity. The findings suggest a link between microbiota damage and human obesity, particularly in modern environments with antibiotics or long-distance jet travel.
Acting on ocean-focused emissions activities can significantly contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The implementation of changes in research, technology, and policy development could lead to a substantial reduction in global emissions by nearly 11 billion tons in 2050.
Researchers created CAR T cells targeting BAFF-R, a surface marker found on B cells and cancerous B cells. This approach showed promise in killing cancer cells that lack CD19, reducing the risk of relapse in patients with lymphoma.
Cetaceans lost genes for saliva secretion and lung function to adapt to aquatic life. They also shed melatonin production genes, leading to novel sleep patterns where one brain hemisphere stays awake to generate heat as needed.
A new study on sheep aging found that declining immune function accelerates parasite infections, leading to early mortality. The research, which tracked over 800 individual animals, discovered a link between antibody availability and mortality risk.
A new study reveals a significant increase in antibiotic-resistant pathogens in chickens and pigs worldwide, particularly in developing countries. The researchers identified hotspots of resistance, including China and India, where more than half of the world's pigs and chickens are raised.
Aiming to limit warming to 1.5°C can maintain Arctic summer sea ice, forests, and coral reefs, with clear benefits for human health and economies. The authors emphasize the need for immediate and transformative actions in the next decade to achieve this goal.
Since 1970, North America has experienced a significant decline in bird populations, with nearly one in four species losing abundance. The study attributes this loss primarily to 12 bird families, including songbirds, and highlights the need for conservation efforts to prevent further declines.
Compound flooding events are projected to occur more than once every six years along the UK and Dutch coastlines. The probability of high sea levels and heavy precipitation occurring simultaneously will heavily increase in Northern Europe under a warmer future climate.
The RV144 vaccine has shown promising results with a new study indicating it may provide protection against multiple strains of HIV. Researchers discovered that the vaccine elicited stronger immune responses, particularly in men, and was well-tolerated, suggesting potential long-term efficacy.