Researchers uncover the 'cortex' gene responsible for leaf mimicry in Kallima butterflies, revealing a complex interplay between genetics and environmental pressures. The study provides insights into the evolution of this remarkable adaptation and its potential applications in understanding biodiversity.
Research predicts that bird species extinction will decrease morphological diversity among remaining birds at a rate greater than species loss alone. Birds with extreme features are most likely to be affected, including the largest and smallest species, as well as regions like the Himalayan mountains and south Vietnam/Cambodia.
Cognitive impairment can lead to population declines, particularly for species relying on learning and memory. Infections can impact cognitive abilities differently across animals, depending on their survival strategy and pathogen manifestation.
A new blockchain model proposes to give Indigenous governments control over how genomic data are used, prioritizing community priorities and respecting Indigenous Nations' rules and regulations. This framework aims to prevent the misuse of genomic data and reinforce stereotypes.
A team of scientists has designed a system that uses water, CO2, and sunlight to produce synthetic kerosene, which can power long-haul commercial flights. The design has been implemented in the field, and its efficiency is around 4%, with plans to improve it to over 15%.
A team has developed a plan to retrofit train cars with direct air capture technology, which can remove up to 6,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide per year. The system uses energy generated from the train's braking system, reducing costs and environmental impact.
A study reveals that over 1,400 genes in 218 insect species originated from bacteria, viruses, fungi, and plants through horizontal gene transfer. This discovery suggests that these genes contributed to beneficial traits such as mating behavior, nutrition, and adaptation to environmental changes.
Researchers found that woodpeckers do not absorb the shock of their beak impacts with trees, which contradicts the long-held theory of shock absorption. Their smaller brains can withstand deceleration shocks exceeding the concussion threshold for humans and monkeys.
Researchers sequenced ancient human fossils from southern China, revealing a link to the East Asian ancestry of Native Americans. The findings propose that some southern East Asia people migrated north and crossed the Bering Strait to become the first people to arrive in the New World.
Researchers found that healthy underweight individuals consume 12% less food and are 23% less active than those with normal BMIs. They also have higher resting metabolic rates, suggesting that low body fat may trump physical activity in downstream consequences.
Researchers have discovered that pocket gophers cultivate and harvest their own root crops to meet their high energy demands. This unique behavior, known as root cropping, is believed to be a key factor in the gophers' ability to maintain extensive tunnel systems.
The new species, Meraxes gigas, has disproportional short arms like T. rex and evolved independently to have such characteristics. The team proposes that the short arms may have supported reproductive behavior or helped with movement, offering a unique survival advantage.
Researchers found dengue and Zika viruses increase acetophenone production in infected hosts, making them more attractive to mosquitoes. Treatment with acne medication reduces this effect, potentially mitigating virus spread.
Researchers at Lawrence Berkeley Lab have found a way to generate an alternative jet fuel by harvesting an unusual carbon molecule produced by soil-dwelling bacteria. The fuel, which works similarly to biodiesel, has the potential to be powerful enough to send a rocket into space.
A team proposes banking stool samples for future use in autologous fecal microbiota transplants to rejuvenate the human gut microbiome. This approach aims to treat various diseases, including asthma and type 2 diabetes, by restoring an ancestral state of the microbiome.
Feminicide, a worldwide problem resulting in 87,000 intentional killings of women in 2017, has incomplete data due to undercounting and narrow legislation. Researchers using counterdata aim to enact alternative epistemological approaches centering care, memory, and justice.
Researchers found that cats' damage to catnip releases higher amounts of strong insect repellents, which are 10-fold higher than from intact leaves. This altered iridoid mixture promotes a prolonged response in cats, effectively repelling mosquitoes.
A commentary in Trends in Cognitive Sciences suggests using gender-neutral terms to minimize gender bias, while a 'gender-marking' approach can highlight women's success in male-dominated fields. However, this latter approach may reinforce negative stereotypes if used thoughtlessly.
Researchers have developed a method to create living human skin on robots, providing a realistic texture and self-healing properties. The skin is made up of collagen and human dermal fibroblasts, which conform to the robot's surface and can even repair wounds with the help of a collagen bandage.
A genetic variant in nearly 30% of Greenlanders is linked to high cholesterol and an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. The variant, p.G137S, has a marked population-level impact, increasing the risk of high cholesterol and cardiovascular disease for up to 30% of the Greenlandic population.
Researchers surveyed 34 women leaders in marine science, finding that 70% thought interdisciplinary research was more challenging for them. They shared personal experiences of discrimination and suggested institutional encouragement, networking opportunities, and mentorship programs to address these inequities.
Indigenous Borneans' traditional knowledge is proven correct by genetic analysis, confirming the existence of two distinct species: lumok and pingan. The study highlights the importance of engaging with Indigenous knowledge for a more comprehensive understanding of biodiversity.
Researchers emphasize the need for targeted recruitment to make genetic tests clinically useful for non-European groups. By addressing cultural concerns and underrepresentation, efforts can reduce the incidence of variants of uncertain significance (VUS) in genetic databases.
The study creates a catalogue of genomic diversity for endangered chimpanzees, allowing researchers to pinpoint the origin of confiscated animals within 100 kilometers. This information can support conservation efforts and combat the illegal trade of chimpanzees.
Researchers discovered that salamanders rely on aerial postures similar to skydivers to slow and direct their descent. These 'parachuting' animals use fine-scale control to maintain upright body postures and execute banking turns.
Researchers found that noisy jackdaws use a 'democratic' decision-making process to coordinate their daily takeoffs, relying on the intensity of calls to achieve consensus. The findings suggest that changes in calling intensity serve as a reliable source of information for synchronization.
Research suggests that increasing ambient temperatures negatively impact human sleep around the globe, with a potential loss of 50-58 hours of sleep per person per year. The study found that lower-income countries, older adults, and females are more affected by warmer temperatures.
Researchers found that Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins rub against corals to agitate tiny polyps, releasing mucus with antibacterial and antioxidative properties. This discovery suggests the mucus regulates the dolphin's skin microbiome and treats infections.
Researchers develop system to measure power distribution between sexes in animals, finding females rule in some species, with reproductive control as common thread. The study proposes a new framework to quantify intersexual power relationships across mammalian societies.
Researchers have developed a novel CRISPR-Cas9 method for gene editing in cockroaches, achieving efficiency rates of up to 22% and over 50% in the red flour beetle. The technique, named DIPA-CRISPR, allows for efficient and accessible gene editing without requiring expensive equipment or skilled laboratory personnel.
A new study suggests that the world's first farmers did not originate from a single group but from the mixing of two groups of hunter-gatherers. The research team used deep sequencing to analyze ancient DNA and found evidence of population divergence, expansions, and admixture dates, providing a more detailed understanding of the demog...
A study published in Current Biology observed toddlers with autism achieving joint attention during toy play with parents at typical levels. Children with autism also used hand-following cues to follow their parent's attention into joint attention.
Researchers found that greater mouse-eared bats imitate the buzzing sound of a stinging insect to avoid predatory owls. The study, published in Current Biology, provides evidence of interspecific mimicry between mammals and insects.
Researchers have discovered that lunar soil can convert carbon dioxide into oxygen and fuels, paving the way for sustainable space exploration. The team proposes an 'extraterrestrial photosynthesis' strategy using lunar soil to electrolyze water and produce desired products.
Research reveals that older men with higher BMI display reduced reproductive health, particularly in terms of sperm cell production. The study also highlights the potential biomarkers for diagnosis of testis aging and directions for potential treatment.
Researchers investigated two common soluble fibers, arabinoxylan and long-chain inulin, on human physiology. They found that AX reduced LDL cholesterol, while LCI decreased inflammation markers and increased beneficial gut microbes, but high doses of inulin caused negative effects.
Researchers found that humans' natural tendency is to run at a speed that conserves caloric loss, defying the common goal of racing to shave time off miles. By analyzing data from wearable fitness trackers and lab experiments, scientists discovered that most runners maintained a consistent speed for short and long distances.
A comprehensive genetic analysis of the native people in China's southwestern region reveals a more complex peopling and migration history than previously thought. The study found that all ethnic groups are genetically similar, suggesting a common ancestor, but with closer relationships to Tibetan Highlanders and southeast Asians.
The review identifies a need for further study on how sex steroids affect drug metabolism in transgender adults, who may have altered enzyme activity due to hormonal treatment. This is crucial for minimizing unintended side effects from combining hormone therapies with other medications.
Bloodworms use copper harvested from sediments to form their jaws, which are strong enough to last five years. The worm synthesizes a material with mechanical properties similar to manufactured metals through a complex process involving protein and melanin.
Researchers found that male spiders use a catapult mechanism to escape female mates in an act of sexual cannibalism, with successful matings ending in catapulting and all surviving males. The study shows that this behavior evolved to fight against female predation pressure.
Researchers found that industry-sponsored clinical trials neglect to cite previous trials by up to 30%, while non-industry-funded trials do so at a rate of 20%. This omission may lead to redundant or less impactful research. The authors call for complete and impartial citation of prior studies in trial protocols.
Researchers found that bacteria in tumors play a critical role in promoting cancer cell metastasis by modulating the cellular actin network and enhancing cell survival. This discovery could lead to new targets for preventing metastasis, potentially improving cancer treatment outcomes.
The article highlights the need for a more diverse approach to stem cell policy, including consideration of Muslim contexts and perspectives. Researchers argue that this could lead to a more nuanced understanding of bioethics and potentially expand the use of embryonic stem cells in research.
Researchers found that an intranasal application of oxytocin could make lion interactions less life-threatening. After the treatments, lions displayed reduced vigilance towards other lions and became more tolerant of their presence.
Researchers found that brown carbon from biomass burning contributes significantly to Arctic warming, exceeding previous estimates. The study highlights the importance of wildfire mitigation and suggests a positive feedback loop where increased wildfires emit more brown carbon aerosols, further heating the earth.
A team of paleogeneticists successfully sequenced the genome of the extinct Christmas Island rat, but found that key genes related to olfaction were missing. The study reveals the challenges and limitations of de-extinction across all species, highlighting the need for a more nuanced approach.
Researchers developed tools to measure biological aging of various organ systems using biomarkers, statistical modeling, and machine learning. They found diverse correlations between different bodily systems, with some unexpected findings such as a link between gut microbiota diversity and kidney aging.
Using insect exoskeletons and feces to promote sustainable crops could enhance plant growth, health and resilience. Insect-rearing byproducts may also act as pest control agents.
Scientists in Saudi Arabia developed a solar-driven system that uses hydrogel to condense water from air while generating electricity. The system successfully grew spinach in a hot climate, producing over 2 liters of water and 1,519 watt-hours of electricity.