Bluesky Facebook Reddit Email

Humidity makes gecko feet stickier

Researchers found that humidity helps geckos grip tighter by softening the surface of their feet, not through microscopic water bridges. The setae's increased softness strengthens contact with surfaces and makes it easier for geckos to peel their feet off.

House-sharing with microbes

Household dust contains up to 1000 microbial species, including both beneficial and harmful bacteria. Studying these microorganisms is crucial for maintaining indoor air quality and preventing health issues such as allergies and asthma.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

Floods to become commonplace by 2080

New research by Newcastle University forecasts that UK flooding events will increase in intensity and frequency, with a predicted 30% rise in extreme rainfall by 2080. Northern and western regions are expected to be worst hit, with major implications for flood risk management.

Carbon sink capacity in northern forests reduced by global warming

A recent study published in Nature reveals that northern terrestrial ecosystems are losing more carbon dioxide through autumnal warming than they gain during spring, offsetting nearly 90% of increased carbon uptake. This finding highlights the critical role of autumn temperatures in determining the carbon balance of these ecosystems.

Losing more than we gain from autumn warming in the north

A recent study found that northern ecosystems lose more carbon than they gain from warmer autumn temperatures, offsetting up to 90% of spring's increased carbon uptake. This reduction in carbon sequestration capacity is attributed to increased soil decomposition and decreased carbon uptake during autumn.

Northern birds are fatter!

Research on Western Sandpipers reveals that birds fatten more rapidly as they move further north, with longer stays at refuelling sites resulting in lower fattening rates. This suggests changes in behaviour or physiology may be responsible for the observed differences.

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.

Geckos: It's not always about sex

A study found that parthenogenetic Bynoe's geckos, a hybrid species, can reproduce without sex and outperform their sexual counterparts in endurance tests. The geckos' 'clonal' way of reproducing allows them to be genetically identical to their mother, and research suggests they are super tough and robust.

Why thin, flat things rise and glide on the way down

A study by Cornell University researchers found that falling paper and leaves exhibit chaotic motion due to air flow around sharp edges. The force depends strongly on coupling between rotating and translational motions of the object, benefiting plants in seed dispersal.

New research finds summer-born women have fewer children

A study of over 3,000 Austrian women found that those born between June and August had lower average numbers of live-born children compared to other months. This suggests a potential link between birth month and reproductive performance, with possible explanations including environmental factors and early developmental influences.

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

Tourists, soothsayers & scientists try to predict peak Fall foliage color

A new study by University of Vermont scientists sheds light on what makes leaves turn red, finding that nutrient stress, particularly low nitrogen, can instigate early and more intense red color in maples. The research uses computer imaging technology to measure the percentage of color in each leaf throughout the seasonal cycle.

Scientists prove how geckos stick, unlock secrets to making artificial gecko glue

A team of biologists and engineers has discovered that the gecko's adhesive power depends on weak van der Waals forces and geometry, not surface chemistry. They fabricated prototype synthetic foot-hair tips that stick like real geckos' feet, opening doors to manufacturing biologically inspired adhesives with widespread applications.