A recent study has discovered evidence of a distinct group of 'archaic' humans existing outside Africa over 30,000 years ago. The Denisovans, as they are known, interbred with the ancestors of some modern humans and contributed 4-6% of their genetic material to present-day New Guineans.
Marine scientists found that ocean acidification decreases nitrification rates globally, which could lead to reduced nitrous oxide emissions. This decrease may also shift the available form of dissolved nitrogen in surface oceans, favoring certain plant species.
The IceCube Neutrino Observatory is a cubic kilometer instrumented ice detector that records rare collisions of neutrinos with the atomic nuclei of water molecules in the Antarctic ice. The observatory provides an innovative means to investigate fundamental particles originating from cosmic phenomena.
Researchers found that global river networks are the source of at least 10% of human-caused nitrous oxide emissions to the atmosphere, three times the IPCC estimate. Nitrous oxide is a potent greenhouse gas contributing to climate change and stratospheric ozone destruction.
Genetic analysis suggests a single common ancestor triggered the emergence of flowers from pine cone-like structures, with water lilies as potential 'genetic fossils'. This discovery challenges expectations of distinct genetic instructions for each floral organ in early angiosperms.
A joint US-Swedish expedition will study the Amundsen Sea, one of Antarctica's least-explored bodies, to gauge climate change effects. The research aims to determine nutrient availability, phytoplankton blooms, and sea-ice coverage.
Researchers used a novel technique to count disease-spreading events in a high school population of 788 volunteers. They found that most people had a fairly high number of person-to-person interactions, but there were no super-spreaders who stood out from the rest.
The new report presents a statistical overview of the U.S. doctoral education system, showcasing trends and changes in the number of international students pursuing a doctorate at U.S. universities. The report aims to inform improvements in the U.S. doctoral education system, emphasizing the need to revitalize America's STEM pipeline.
Scientists studied ice cores to find evidence of biomass burning fluctuations in Southern Hemisphere. Biomass burning trends differ from Northern Hemisphere records, suggesting changes for climate models.
A team of scientists reconstructed colonial US hydrology by integrating modern data with historical records, highlighting human activities' role in shaping watersheds. The study provides new insights into past water residence times and biogeochemistry, shedding light on diseases transmission.
A study published in Nature found that species loss leads to increases in disease-causing organisms, increasing the risk of infectious diseases such as Lyme disease and hantavirus. The researchers argue that preserving natural habitats is crucial to preventing this effect.
Researchers found extremely high levels of oxidized mercury above the Dead Sea, a phenomenon previously only observed in polar regions. The findings suggest that bromine in the atmosphere plays a key role in initiating mercury oxidation.
Researchers have isolated and observed the kinetochore, a molecular complex that pulls chromosomes apart during cell division, outside of cells. The kinetochore's precise mechanism involves a balance of tension and disassembly to ensure accurate DNA replication.
Researchers found that mammal body size patterns changed dramatically after the dinosaurs went extinct. The study, funded by NSF, reveals a thousand-fold increase in mammalian body size over time.
The National Science Foundation has signed a five-year, $34.5-million agreement with the University of Wisconsin-Madison to operate the IceCube Neutrino Observatory in Antarctica. The observatory records rare collisions of neutrinos with ice, providing insights into these elusive sub-atomic particles.
The number of US research doctorate degrees awarded grew to 49,562 in 2009, up 1.6% from the previous year. Doctorates in science and engineering fields increased by 1.9%, largely driven by growth in female recipients.
Months of volcanic restlessness preceded the 2010 eruptions of Icelandic volcano Eyjafjallajökull, suggesting magma movement may have triggered its reawakening. By monitoring volcanoes, scientists can understand processes that drive them to erupt.
Research from University of Michigan Marketing Professor Scott Rick shows that tightwads and spendthrifts tend to spend about the same amount on gifts during Black Friday. This discrepancy arises due to differences in psychological pain associated with spending decisions, particularly when purchases are optional.
A new analysis by an international team of fisheries scientists found that the widely adopted indicator, average catch trophic level, led to inaccurate conclusions in 13 out of 29 trawl surveys from 14 ecosystems. The study suggests that this measure is a woefully inadequate assessment of marine fisheries health.
A new study suggests that parts of Peru and Bolivia will become a desert-like setting if temperatures rise more than 1.5 to 2 degrees Celsius above modern times. The change would be disastrous for the water supply and agricultural capacity of La Paz, affecting its two million inhabitants.
Researchers have isolated P450 compound I, a highly reactive chemical species involved in human metabolism of pharmaceuticals, enabling larger-scale studies to understand its chemical reactions. This breakthrough has significant implications for medicine and basic chemistry, driving research into specificity control.
Frequent parent-child interactions about numbers are crucial for developing young children's mathematical knowledge. Research shows that high-frequency number talk by parents predicts better performance on standardized tests. Encouraging parents to engage in effective number-talk with their children may positively impact school achieve...
Researchers have developed a holographic system that can transmit near-real-time 3D images using a novel photorefractive polymer. The system can refresh images every two seconds, making it faster than previous versions by over 100 times.
Excess nitrogen in groundwater and water bodies harms aquatic life; new denitrifying bioreactors can treat agricultural runoff and urban wastewater at a lower cost. Research confirms successful operation in various settings, including agricultural fields and small townships.
Researchers have solved some of the mysteries of the zebrafish's neural circuit that underlies its vision. By analyzing the brain activity of retinal cells, they found that large visual stimuli are filtered out to prevent overreacting, while small moving objects activate the output neurons efficiently.
Researchers found a tight coupling between intention and action in skilled typists, suggesting conscious control is not an illusion. Typists' fingers slowed down only when they made errors, regardless of whether the error was corrected or not.
A study has characterized a crucial chemical reaction that affects ground-level ozone formation in urban areas. The research, funded by NSF and NASA, reveals that current computer models may underestimate ozone levels in urban areas by up to 10%.
A new study links the rise of early animals to a spike in ancient marine phosphorus concentrations during the mid-Neoproterozoic period. High phosphorus levels facilitated an oxygen-rich ocean-atmosphere system, paving the way for animal diversification and ecological evolution.
The National Science Foundation has awarded $101.9 million in new grants to advance knowledge of genome structure and function, focusing on economically important crop plants such as corn, cotton, and soybean. The projects aim to improve the quality and yield of these crops and support the bio-based economy.
The National Science Foundation has recognized three projects with Breakthrough Awards: an artificial retina restoring sight to the blind; a system using controlled rocking to help buildings withstand earthquakes; and a low-cost medical microscope for detecting malaria-infected blood cells.
A new study by NCAR scientists finds that deciduous plants absorb about a third more oVOCs than previously thought, taking in 36% more compounds globally. This process cleanses the atmosphere, with plants adapting their metabolism to absorb chemicals as a response to stress.
Researchers found that while some plant populations show stable responses to climate change, others experience rapid declines in survival and growth when warmed above a certain threshold. Long-term studies are crucial for understanding these complex effects.
The study predicts that severe and prolonged droughts will affect much of the globe in the next 30 years, with dry conditions increasing substantially across Eurasia, Africa, Australia, and parts of North America. By the end of the century, densely populated regions may face extreme drought conditions.
A study of 36 rivers found that human activities such as droughts and floods alter the length of food chains, particularly eliminating top predators like large-bodied fish. Climate change will exacerbate these effects, making it crucial to factor in the fate of large-bodied fishes in water management.
A new study finds that slowing population growth could significantly impact global carbon dioxide emissions, with urbanization and aging playing crucial roles. By mid-century, a slowdown in population growth could account for 16-29% of the emission reductions necessary to keep global temperatures from causing serious impacts.
The National Science Foundation has renewed two centers for nanotechnology in society, investing $12.5 million to study the ethical, legal, economic, and policy implications of emerging technologies. The centers will focus on developing a strategic vision for anticipatory governance and ensuring responsible development.
A new clinical study reveals a technique called partial wave spectroscopic microscopy can differentiate individuals with lung cancer from those without, even in lifetime smokers or COPD patients. The findings suggest that this minimally invasive test could lead to personalized screening for lung cancer, the leading cause of cancer deat...
A new study reveals that human activities are overloading ecosystems with nitrogen, leading to ecological damage and pollution. Sustainable practices such as crop rotations, optimized fertilizer use, and traditional breeding techniques can help reduce this damage.
A team of astronomers has discovered an Earth-sized planet orbiting a nearby star in the middle of its habitable zone, where liquid water could exist. The newly found planet, Gliese 581g, is tidally locked and has stable surface climates, offering a wide range of temperatures for potential life forms.
Two new species of horned dinosaurs, Utahceratops gettyi and Kosmoceratops richardsoni, have been found in Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument in southern Utah. The discovery provides insight into the biogenographic provinciality of Western North American dinosaur communities.
Researchers at the University of Southern Mississippi have developed a new material that mimics cilia, allowing for control and potential use in sensing and monitoring applications. The material responds to various stimuli, enabling its application in detecting toxins, oxygen levels, or other environmental factors.
Research published in PNAS reveals that windborne dust on high peaks in the Colorado River Basin reduces snow cover duration and increases runoff, leading to a 5% annual loss of water. This decrease in runoff affects water management, as peak flows occur earlier and are more compressed.
Research team isolates aerosol particles in near-pristine pre-industrial conditions, shedding light on cloud formation and precipitation. Organic compounds from plants are found to be a primary source of submicron particles, which can affect climate.
A recent study by Yale University law professor Dan Kahan and others found that scientific consensus on issues like climate change and nuclear waste disposal is not enough to persuade people with competing cultural values. Instead, individuals tend to evaluate expert opinions based on their own cultural predispositions.
Researchers developed a mathematical framework to optimize vaccine stockpile levels, balancing objectives such as minimizing shortages, maintaining coverage, and reducing costs. The model demonstrates that one-size-fits-all approach may not work, and optimal stockpiles depend on disease importance and initial conditions.
The NSF Climate Change Education Partnership aims to increase public understanding of global climate change by connecting climate scientists, experts in learning theory, and education professionals. The program will develop innovative approaches to teaching climate science and disseminate accurate educational resources.
Researchers installed two observatories in the ocean floor to run innovative experiments at the bottom of the sea. The CORKs will help scientists find answers about how ocean crust sections connect and interact with each other. The experiments will provide direct evidence of active flow pathways and rates in the ocean crust.
Researchers have created a new cancer treatment that uses conditional small RNA molecules to selectively kill cancer cells. The approach exploits characteristics of DNA and RNA to separate diagnosis and treatment steps, potentially eliminating unwanted side effects.
Research reveals that a small percentage of bacteria become highly resistant supermutants, while most survive without being resistant to antibiotics. These supermutants produce high levels of indole, a signaling molecule that promotes survival in harsh environments.
The discovery of Balaur bondoc, a large theropod dinosaur from Late Cretaceous Europe, reveals an animal with advanced adaptations and fused bones. Its presence indicates that the region had intermittent faunal connections with the mainland up to the end of the Cretaceous period.