A new study reveals that plants domesticated by pre-Columbian peoples are more likely to dominate Amazonian forests, with 85 species showing significant impacts from past human influence. The research suggests a lasting impact of human activities on plant distribution and could aid in uncovering unidentified areas of past civilization.
Researchers created an AI system called DeepStack that outperforms human players in heads-up no-limit poker by leveraging asymmetrical information about the game state. The system solves approximately 10^7 decision points in 5 seconds, enabling potential advances in real-world problems involving information asymmetry.
The discovery of two ancient skulls in central China provides a unique glimpse into the biology of early humans in the region. The skulls, dated to around 100,000 years ago, exhibit a mix of features from different human populations, suggesting regional interconnectedness and population continuity across Eastern Eurasia.
A new study reveals that nanotechnology can be used to rapidly rewarm cryogenically treated samples without damaging delicate frozen tissues. This technology may help make organ cryopreservation a reality, eliminating transplant waiting lists and reducing rejection rates.
Intentional microsecond delays were introduced into the US's fastest financial network, resulting in significant trading behavior changes. Policy-makers are seeking to better understand these effects before widespread adoption.
Researchers found that bees can solve a complex task by watching others, even improving upon the original process, and that observation is enough to learn the behavior, unlike simply copying it.
A new study identified six 'hot spots of marine biodiversity' severely impacted by climate change and fishing pressures, including the Atlantic, Indian, and Pacific Oceans. Industrial fishing has reduced global fish stocks, with harvest pressure expected to further exacerbate decline in these areas.
Researchers discovered two new antibiotics in harmless skin bacteria that effectively fought off Staphylococcus aureus, a common cause of skin infections. Personalized lotions with these friendly bacteria prevented colonization in patients with Atopic Dermatitis, offering a potential solution to frequent skin infections.
Scientists have identified a neutron star consuming material at an incredible rate, producing x-rays that exceed the Eddington limit by 1,000 times. The star's strong, multipolar magnetic field is believed to be responsible for its extreme properties.
Researchers developed predictive models that accurately anticipate the smell of molecules based on just a handful of features, outperforming traditional methods. The DREAM Olfaction Prediction Challenge demonstrated the potential for crowdsourced competition to advance our understanding of scent perception.
The use of CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing technology is restricted due to competing claims over foundational patent rights. Exclusive licenses granted to spinoff companies formed by institutions and researchers could bottleneck the development of human therapeutics.
A new study reveals that seagrass meadows can reduce bacteria pathogenic to humans and marine life by up to 50%. The presence of seagrasses also reduces the prevalence of disease in corals located nearby, with field surveys showing a 2-fold decrease in disease compared to coral without seagrass neighbors.
The AAAS Leshner Leadership Institute has selected 15 infectious disease researchers to engage on science and society issues. These fellows will receive public engagement training, networking opportunities, and resources to develop their institutions' capacity for public engagement.
A new study reveals that nectar-feeding moths can avoid oxidative damage to their muscles by converting carbohydrates into antioxidants. The researchers found that the moths rely on the pentose phosphate pathway to produce antioxidants, a mechanism that may be shared with other animals, including humans.
Scientists have detected aliphatic organic compounds on Ceres, suggesting that they formed on the asteroid itself. The findings indicate that the extreme heat from an impact would have destroyed these types of compounds, ruling out external delivery.
A study reveals that parasitic infections, particularly with Onchocerca volvulus, may trigger the onset of Nodding Syndrome by triggering an inappropriate immune response against brain cells. This could lead to devastating epilepsy in children, with no clear cause or remedy yet discovered.
A new miniaturized camera inspired by eagles' sharp vision uses multi-aperture design to capture high-resolution images with improved center sharpness. The 'foveated imaging' system has potential in areas like endoscopy, optical sensors, and surveillance drones.
The AAAS report emphasizes the need for immersive science-policy connection mechanisms and recommends establishing core competencies for boundary-spanning experts. The report suggests fostering civic engagement, broadening diversity, and strengthening science diplomacy to address global challenges.
Dr. Kurt Gottfried was awarded the 2016 AAAS Scientific Freedom and Responsibility Award for his long-standing career as a 'civic scientist,' advocating for arms control and human rights. He co-founded organizations like the Union of Concerned Scientists and American Physical Society's Committee on International Freedom of Scientists.
A new study analyzing ancient horse fossils reveals that patterns of migration and environmental changes are key drivers of evolutionary development. Contrary to the rapid phenotypic evolution theory, researchers found no significant difference in body size evolution between lineages with high and low speciation rates, suggesting that ...
Researchers used time-reversed convection modeling to reconstruct ancient mantle structure, finding a second upwelling contributing to the Deccan Traps eruption. A currently active hotspot, Réunion, was also active 65 million years ago.
A new study reveals that disease-causing bacteria become resistant to antibiotics by acquiring mutations that allow them to tolerate the antibiotic. The research found that strains with pre-existing tolerant mutations developed resistance more quickly than those without tolerance.
A new film developed by Yao Zhai and colleagues can dissipate the sun's thermal energy, resulting in a cooling effect. The material is lightweight, easily conforms to curved surfaces, and relatively easy to mass produce, making it a promising solution for passive radiative cooling.
Modified bacteria successfully infiltrated tumors and activated the immune system to eliminate malignant cells. In a mouse model of human colon cancer, the combination of Salmonella and FlaB shrunk tumors and prolonged survival.
Suzanne Gage, a scientist and podcast host, has been awarded the 2016 AAAS Early Career Award for Public Engagement with Science. Her podcast, 'Say Why To Drugs,' aims to counter misinformation and myths surrounding recreational drugs, reaching an audience of young adults.
A new model, aggregate-label learning, proposes that neurons serve as reliable clue detectors to their host by matching spike output to the magnitude of a cue. This approach outperforms existing models in processing continuous streams of sensory information.
The United Nations seeks a new international policy for managing seabed resources in ABNJ areas, where laws are poorly specified. A new policy could address concerns by integrating inputs from research institutions, industries, and NGOs.
Pandor has been recognized for her efforts to integrate science into policymaking, promote young scientists, and foster international cooperation. She has also expanded research chairs and initiated the Science Forum South Africa.
This special issue of Science explores advances in forecasting policy, political violence, human behavior, and election predictions. Researchers unveil a modeling technique that can predict election outcomes with high accuracy, finding strong correlations between polling data and presidential election results.
Two studies reveal that synapses shrink after mice sleep, only to grow again upon waking, suggesting a balance mechanism between activity and rest. A gene called Homerla plays a role in synaptic weakening during sleep by remodeling a molecular signaling complex.
A new study identified a genetic mechanism in rice that provides resistance to devastating disease without compromising grain yield. Researchers discovered that co-expression of PigmS limits seed damage associated with PigmR, allowing for increased protection and yield.
Researchers investigated using two approved autoimmune drugs to reduce joint swelling in mice infected with Chikungunya virus, a mosquito-borne illness with no known therapies. Fingolimid and Abatacept showed promise in stopping T cell trafficking and inflammation, potentially paving the way for new treatments.
The AAAS/Subaru SB&F Prizes for Excellence in Science Books recognize recent publications that promote high-quality science writing and illustration, engaging readers of all ages. Winners include Sara Levine's 'Tooth by Tooth' and Pamela S. Turner's 'Crow Smarts', which explore fascinating topics like animal teeth and crow intelligence.
Genetic analysis reveals dozens of chemical compounds associated with tomato flavor that have been lost in modern varieties. Selection for size and firmness has led to a reduction in sweetness and flavor content, highlighting the need to reintroduce flavor-infusing genes.
Researchers used remote sensing data to identify functional diversity hotspots in the Peruvian Andes and Amazon basin, revealing 36 forest functional classes. Up to 46% of these areas are currently protected, with government control over two-thirds and indigenous lands holding one-third.
Researchers used remote sensing data to identify 36 forest functional classes and 6 groups, revealing conservation hotspots. The study found that 32-46% of each group is currently protected, with opportunities for protection in highly threatened forests.
A new study found that six-year-old girls are less likely than boys to believe they themselves are brilliant. This trend is concerning given the impact of gender stereotypes on career aspirations. The research suggests girls' perceptions of school achievement and intelligence remain separate until age 7.
Researchers successfully demonstrate metallic properties in hydrogen at pressures between 465-495 GPa and 5.5 Kelvin. The discovery has potential implications for high-temperature superconductivity and energy production.
Researchers developed a universal CAR T cell therapy that overcomes the obstacle of generating personalized cancer-killing cells from young children. The treatment successfully eradicated leukemia from two infant patients, who remained disease-free for 10 and 16 months.
A new study links mutations in blood cells to atherosclerosis, a leading cause of death in the elderly. The research found that accumulated DNA mutations in hematopoietic cells contribute to plaque formation and inflammation.
Studies demonstrate that social belonging interventions can significantly increase persistence rates among learners from lower developed countries, while affirmation interventions show mixed results. By addressing concerns about group identity and promoting psychological well-being, these simple interventions have the potential to turn...
A new study reveals that sea-surface temperatures during the last interglaciation period were comparable to those of today. The analysis of 104 marine sediment core sites suggests that global ocean SSTs simulated by most climate models are too low, and that oceans may respond differently to modern warming.
A new study found that high-aneuploidy tumors have increased expression of genes involved in DNA replication and cell cycle, but decreased expression of genes characteristic of immune cells. This suggests that jumbled chromosomes in tumors may limit the effectiveness of immunotherapy treatments.
Researchers developed an implantable soft-robotic device that gives the heart gentle squeezes, improving blood flow and reducing risk of infection. The device successfully restored normal blood flow in living pigs and could be tailored for individual patient needs with further investigation.
New studies reveal how soil biota affects plant diversity, with arbuscular mycorrhizas and ectomycorrhizas playing key roles in tree species recruitment and survival. The presence of certain fungi can increase or decrease local diversity, depending on the type of plant.
Researchers have identified a subpopulation of neurons that represent navigational goals in the bat brain. These 'tuners' vary their activity based on the angled directionality of flight paths toward specific locations, suggesting goal-directed memory is essential for navigation.
Researchers identified a specific region in the prefrontal brain essential for metamemory decision making in macaques. Inactivation of this region impaired metamemory but not memory itself, offering insights into the neuronal underpinnings of metacognition.
Researchers successfully used CRISPR-Cas9 technology to repair genetic mutations in blood stem cells of patients with chronic granulomatous disease, a rare and life-threatening disorder. The engineered cells maintained their gene edits long-term without side effects when implanted into mice.
Margaret Werner-Washburne, a renowned biologist, has received the AAAS Lifetime Mentor Award for her groundbreaking work in mentoring underrepresented students. Her initiatives have led to a significant increase in Hispanic and Native American doctorates in biological sciences.
President Obama expresses confidence in a clean energy economy driven by economic growth and cost savings. He cites evidence of reduced emissions and carbon dioxide drops alongside businesses profiting from renewable energy investments.