Scientists discover Lost City, the tallest hydrothermal vent system ever seen, which can persist for hundreds of thousands to millions of years. This discovery increases the chances of finding early life on the seafloor, with potential implications for life beyond Earth.
Researchers have discovered that the history of community assembly is a key predictor of future biodiversity and ecosystem productivity. The study used microorganisms to manipulate productivity and found that the sequence of species arrival from a regional pool of colonists had a large effect on the productivity-diversity relationship.
The US-EC Biotech Task Force is exploring the potential of transkingdom biology to bring together life forms from diverse kingdoms. This new field has opened up a broader relevance due to commonalities in molecular machinery, enabling researchers to share findings and perspectives.
Researchers have developed a new catalyst that can produce hydrogen at lower temperatures and with reduced greenhouse gas emissions compared to traditional methods. The catalyst, based on nickel, tin, and aluminum, has the potential to be used in industrial applications such as fertilizers production and petroleum products processing.
Scientists from NSF and DFG present striking new results from the Gakkel Ridge research cruise, which contradicts expectations of volcanic activity. The slowest spreading rate was found to have higher levels of volcanic activity than predicted, highlighting the importance of other factors in crust formation.
Researchers have successfully assembled three-dimensional patterns from two different types of nanoparticles with complementary properties. The combination may exhibit novel magneto-optical properties and key features for quantum computing.
The discovery of Herto fossils, dated between 100,000 to 300,000 years ago, provides critical evidence for the Out of Africa theory. The fossils demonstrate a transition from primitive African hominids to modern humans, bridging a previously unexplained period in human evolution.
Researchers have completed a 'finished' sequence of rice's smallest chromosome, revealing twice as many genes as initially predicted. The detailed genome map shows significant similarities to other grains like sorghum and maize, providing valuable insights into the genetics of plant biology.
Researchers used ancient pollen data to test hypotheses on species diversity and coexistence in forests. They found that stabilizing forces, not neutral dynamics, were maintaining forest diversity, contradicting long-held views.
Researchers discovered that blinking behavior in single-molecule wires is caused by temporary breaks in chemical bonds between the molecule and gold contacts. The study highlights limitations of the current gold surface material for electronic circuits.
Scientists create a nanoscale, layered material that replicates the properties of mother-of-pearl, including its iridescence. The artificial nacre consists of alternating layers of clay and a polymer, providing strong, yet flexible, materials for various applications.
The North Pole Environmental Observatory project aims to investigate the interplay of ocean currents and other factors related to climate change. The research team has established a temporary camp on sea ice near the North Pole for the third consecutive year to retrieve mooring instruments, insert buoys, and sample Arctic Ocean waters.
A Stanford team has developed three techniques to speed up computing Google-style Web rankings, with speeds of up to five times faster than current methods. The techniques, including extrapolation, BlockRank, and Adaptive PageRank, can reduce computation time by 50-300% in realistic conditions.
A new computational method, developed by Stanford University and Hebrew University researchers, efficiently identifies regulatory genes in Saccharomyces cerevisiae (baker's yeast). The method reveals previously unknown control genes and predicts their regulatory roles, making the experimental process more efficient.
A new series of special reports on 'Living on Earth' will follow cutting-edge research on environmental topics, including a 20-year study on the effects of lead on human development in Cincinnati. The study has found an association between childhood exposure to lead paint and patterns of delinquency and crime among adolescents.
The National Science Foundation has awarded $1.8 million to seven faculty members for their efforts in connecting research to teaching. The recipients, including David P. Billington and Lee Spector, will use the grants to improve how science, technology, engineering, and mathematics research translates into undergraduate instruction.
The Management of Knowledge-Intensive Dynamic Systems (MKIDS) program supports research on how information technologies can streamline processes for organizations responding to rapidly changing situations. Researchers are developing tools to design optimal organizational structures, predict failure points, and monitor organizational pe...
Scientists have discovered fossilized evidence of a dinosaur, Majungatholus, that regularly consumed members of its own species. The discovery expands our understanding of dinosaur relationships and provides insight into the animal kingdom's common practice of cannibalism.
Researchers have spotted a spectacular 'bull's eye' effect in a star explosion, revealing new insights into the object's distance and characteristics. The discovery, led by Howard Bond of the Space Telescope Science Institute, used NASA Hubble Space Telescope images to calculate the star's distance from Earth at least 20,000 light years.
The Illinois team developed a new technique to create three-dimensional microchannel networks that improve fluid mixing efficiency compared to traditional two-dimensional channels. The technology also enables the creation of self-healing materials with integrated 'circulatory systems' for transporting repair chemicals.
Researchers have discovered that spherical crystals develop unique 'scar' defects to compensate for the curved surface, allowing them to pack in place. The findings, supported by experiments with water droplets and tiny beads, provide insights into how such structures form and persist in nature.
Researchers have developed a model that may mimic how cells assemble themselves to form large-scale supramolecular structures. The technique uses tree-like organic molecules to create spheres with complex lattices, potentially paving the way for photonics applications.
Researchers found that cockatiels and turtledoves generate more power in linear flight than magpies, attributed to their tail and wing structure. The study provides insight into how muscles are used to produce power for flight at different speeds.
Scientists have discovered that ancient birds used a unique 'wing-assisted incline running' behavior to help them climb vertical surfaces, which may be the key to explaining how dinosaurs learned to fly. This behavior, found in modern-day birds, involves rapid movement of the front appendages to gain foot traction as it climbs.
Researchers found the first active 'miniature inverted-repeat transposable element' (MITE) in rice, which can move DNA to different places in the genome. The discovery provides new insights into how genomes change and what role transposons play in promoting plant diversity.
The Nearby Supernova Factory has achieved its best rookie year due to the high-speed link provided by the High Performance Wireless Research and Education Network (HPWREN). This allows for rapid image processing and analysis, leading to a higher number of discovered supernovae. The project's success demonstrates the benefits of partner...
Researchers at JILA have developed a new waveguide structure that coaxes light waves into traveling along at the same speed, producing well-synchronized photons firing out of the system. The breakthrough enables electromagnetic radiation with peak powers approaching a megawatt and produces nanometer-scale light waves.
Scientists uncover a unique ecosystem in Lake Vida, with ancient organic material and sediment, and a liquid zone beneath the ice. The discovery provides insights into the evolution of life on Earth and potentially offers clues to finding signs of ancient Martian microbial life.
Researchers found evidence of the earliest form of writing in the New World on a cylindrical seal and greenstone plaque fragments. The discoveries date back to the Olmec era, a pre-Mayan civilization, and challenge previous notions about the earliest written communication in Mesoamerica.
The COSEE network promotes better understanding of ocean's role in global environmental cycles and processes. Ocean science researchers will work with educators to develop high-quality educational materials, increasing access to ocean education for underrepresented groups.
The National Science Foundation (NSF) has funded a $10.2 million project to sequence the maize genome, which is estimated to be 20 times larger than Arabidopsis. The project aims to develop tools for large-scale sequencing and improve genome mapping techniques.
A nationwide longitudinal study of psychological responses to September 11 found that six months after the attacks, effects continued throughout the country among individuals not directly affected. Those with preexisting mental or physical health difficulties and greater exposure to the attacks showed continued stress symptoms over time.
Dr. Vladimir Voevodsky and Madhu Sudan received the prestigious awards for their innovative contributions to algebraic geometry, number theory, computer science, and probabilistically checkable proofs.
Researchers measured the chemical reactions and light emission from a single water bubble excited by sound waves, finding temperatures high enough to break water molecules apart. The experiment showed that only a small fraction of sound energy is converted into light, with most energy going into mechanical energy.
The National Science Foundation is launching four new institutes to bolster mathematical research and education. The institutes will focus on interdisciplinary collaboration and data-driven scientific challenges, with an emphasis on underrepresented groups.
Researchers at Cornell University and Harvard University develop transistors using single cobalt and di-vanadium molecules, controlling electron flow and demonstrating nanoscale electronics potential. The advancements pave the way for building smallest possible electronic components.
A new climate study found that glaciers in the tropical Andes Mountains retreated several thousand years earlier than North American glaciers during a period of wet climate conditions. The research contradicts traditional thinking on global glaciation and suggests an alternative trigger for climate change.
A team of microbiologists has found that the bacterium Geobacter metallireducens can locate and home in on its metal food source using a built-in sensor. The bacteria can also grow flagella to swim towards the metal, allowing it to thrive in environments where other microorganisms cannot.
Researchers predict that global climate change will cause substantial changes in the distribution of Mexican bird, mammal, and butterfly species. The study found that changing climate is predicted to bring about great instability, with some local communities losing up to 40% of their species.
Researchers at Stanford University study hydrogen atom collision with deuterium molecule, finding product travels in opposite direction than expected. The results suggest a more complex process involving multiple reaction mechanisms.
A study using virtual blue jays as predators found that they drove the evolution of diverse wing markings in a population of virtual moths. The research, funded by the NSF, used a genetic algorithm to favor moths with more cryptic markings and found evidence of increased diversity after 100 generations.
Researchers have learned how bacteriophage T4 uses a needle-like device to infect its host E. coli, potentially leading to new antibiotic tools. The baseplate portion of the virus tail is essential in this process and could help create 'designer viruses' with improved infectivity.
The Math and Science Partnership (MSP) aims to improve student achievement by ensuring all students are engaged in a challenging curriculum. The program also seeks to increase the number, quality, and diversity of science and math teachers.
The Gemini Observatory has dedicated its second telescope, Gemini South, marking a decade of work by hundreds of people to build two advanced 8-meter instruments. Astronomers in the US and around the world now have access to unprecedented sky coverage.
Researchers equipped Weddell seals with cameras and data recorders to track their movements and interactions with prey, gaining new insights into the habits of Antarctic silverfish and toothfish. The 'seal cam' technique sheds light on the behaviors of these little-known species, including migration patterns and depth ranges.
Researchers at NSF Longterm Ecological Research in Antarctica found a cooling trend on the continent, contradicting global warming expectations. The study indicates that most of the continent is cooling, posing challenges to climate models and potentially affecting unique ecosystems.
Researchers have discovered abstract representations of ochre pieces in a South African cave, dating back to at least 70,000 years ago. The findings indicate that early humans were able to think abstractly and behave as modern humans earlier than previously thought.
Giant icebergs, unprecedented ice conditions, are posing a significant threat to Antarctic penguin colonies. The Adelie colony at Cape Crozier is expected to fail this year due to the destruction of their breeding area, while Emperor Penguin colonies are also struggling to raise chicks.
Researchers have successfully created a novel chemical sensor based on an experimental physics phenomenon, allowing for the direct detection of molecules. This innovation has significant implications for various industrial applications, including manufacturing processes and environmental monitoring.
Researchers Levitt and Porter studied fatal two-car crashes to determine the percentage of people estimated to be driving drunk. Their findings show that drivers who had been drinking were seven times more likely to cause a fatal crash than sober drivers.