AI rivals humans in political persuasion
New research reveals that people find AI-delivered political arguments convincing. This could help bridge political divides—or fuel polarization.
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How to spot life in the clouds on other worlds
Cloud cover is bad for picnics and for viewing stars through a telescope. But an exoplanet with dense or even total cloud cover could help astronomers search for signs of life beyond our planet.
Who speaks for the dead? Rethinking consent in ancient DNA research
Would you choose to have a part of your body live on after you died? How might your choice affect your relatives—or even your entire community?
How number systems shape our thinking, and what this means for learning, language and culture
Most of us have little trouble working out how many milliliters are in 2.4 liters of water (it's 2,400). But the same can't be said when we're asked how many minutes are in 2.4 hours (it's 144).
Personalized freedom can increase cooperation, trust and fairness
A new setup for social games suggests that when people are given the freedom to tailor their actions to different people in their networks, they become significantly more cooperative, trusting and fair.
Public favors scenic wild spaces over mowed lawns
A new study from the Durham University Psychology Department has found that people want grass to be mowed less often and would like to see more wild green spaces but only if they look attractive.
Nanopores that act like electrical gates pave way for ion-based computing
Pore-forming proteins are found throughout nature. In humans, they play key roles in immune defense, while in bacteria they often act as toxins that punch holes in cell membranes. These biological pores allow ions and molecules to pass through membranes. Their unique ability to
Metasurfaces show promise in boosting AR image clarity and brightness
Researchers have designed and demonstrated a new optical component that could significantly enhance the brightness and image quality of augmented reality (AR) glasses. The advance brings AR glasses a step closer to becoming as commonplace and useful as today's smartphones.
Mathematical model indicates Neanderthal disappearance can be explained by genetic dilution
Currently, there are several hypotheses surrounding the disappearance of Neanderthals. While they all have at least some scientific support, researchers can't agree on which—or which combination—is most likely. In a new study, published in Scientific Reports, researchers use a
Cracking leishmaniasis: New DNA test can track infection
Leishmaniasis, a parasitic disease transmitted by sand flies, has long challenged veterinarians and public health experts alike. Found in humans and animals across Israel and many other parts of the world, the disease's intricate transmission cycle involves numerous sand fly
Harnessing algae for a greener way to create functional gold nanoparticles
Researchers from Japan have pioneered a novel, sustainable method for synthesizing functionalized gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) using microalgae. The work is published in the journal ACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering.
A century-old mixing puzzle: AI helps predict and understand viscous fingering
Viscous fingering occurs when a thinner fluid pushes a thicker, more viscous fluid in a porous medium, like underground rock, creating unpredictable, finger-like patterns. For decades, this intricate dance between fluids has been a major headache in critical sectors like
AI is powering the search for America's critical minerals
They power green energy, enhance defense systems, and drive the future of microelectronics. Known as critical minerals, elements like lithium, cobalt, and nickel are vital to national security and innovation. Yet the U.S. faces a growing challenge: securing stable, domestic
Researchers track massive ice loss from Berry Glacier in West Antarctica
Berry Glacier, a tributary of the Getz Ice Shelf in West Antarctica, has deteriorated dramatically in the past three decades, according to researchers in the Department of Earth System Science at the University of California, Irvine.
Moving past the mouse—genetic advances inspire new frontiers
Recent epic leaps in genetics have created a biodiversity library. As the genetic make-up of animals, plants, fungi, bacteria, and viruses has been mapped, researchers racing to develop solutions to today's global challenges run into a question:
Artificial enzyme combines vitamin B2 with metal for next-generation catalysts
Vitamin B2 (riboflavin) acts as an important coenzyme that helps convert food into energy within the body. Korean researchers have successfully created a new artificial enzyme for the first time in the world by combining this riboflavin (flavin) with metal, adding the metal's
Grassland degradation shifts biodiversity's role from plants to soil microbes, study finds
Grassland degradation fundamentally reshapes how biodiversity supports ecosystem multifunctionality, shifting it from being plant-dominated to being mediated by soil microbes, according to a new study led by Prof. Yang Yuanhe from the Institute of Botany of the Chinese Academy
'Weird' new species of ancient fossil snake discovered in southern England
An extinct snake has slithered its way out of obscurity over four decades after its discovery. The newly described species of reptile, Paradoxophidion richardoweni, is offering new clues in the search for the origin of "advanced" snakes.
How climate change increased the risk of earthquakes in East Africa
Climate change is accelerating continental rifting, the geological process where landmasses slowly pull apart. According to a new study published in the journal Scientific Reports, the East African Rift System (EARS) became more tectonically active after its major lakes shrank
Chatting with your cells: Natural-language AI for single-cell data analysis
Using sophisticated RNA sequencing technology, biomedical researchers can measure the activity of our genes across millions of single cells, creating detailed maps of tissues, organs, and diseases. Analyzing these datasets requires a rare combination of skills: a deep
Green finance was supposed to contribute solutions to climate change—so far, it's fallen well short
A decade ago, a seminal speech by Mark Carney, then governor of the Bank of England and current Canadian prime minister, set out how climate change presented an economic risk that threatened the very stability of the financial system.
Five key issues at the UN climate summit in Brazil—and why they matter to you and the planet
The world's most important climate summit—known this year as COP30—has begun in the Amazonian port city of Belém, Brazil. It promises to be contentious: key countries haven't submitted new climate plans, and negotiations are held up by disputes over who should pay for climate
Is your child's school using generative AI? Here are eight questions to ask
There have been at least three watershed moments in how humans access information.
This 14th century story fooled the world about the Black Death
Historians have traced myths about the Black Death’s rapid journey across Asia to one 14th-century poem by Ibn al-Wardi. His imaginative maqāma, never meant as fact, became the foundation for centuries of misinformation about how the plague spread. The new study exposes how
Bold new investment fund to channel billions into tropical forest protection—one key change can make it better
The world is losing vast swaths of forests to agriculture, logging, mining and fires every year—more than 20 million acres in 2024 alone, roughly the size of South Carolina.
Cane toads are hopping towards the Pilbara, but a water-free containment zone could stop them
It is early evening in Australia's top end, and a hunter stalks its prey. Keenly alert, the northern quoll follows the sound of rustling in the leaf litter. It must be some kind of frog, the small carnivorous marsupial decides, and pounces. But the quoll is seized by an
I discovered a new Australian native bee, but there are still hundreds we need to identify
The female of the species has devil-like black horns, and a taste for extremely rare pollen. But until now, this Australian native bee has never been officially named or identified.
Babycams confirm Moreton Bay as nursing ground for humpback whales
On Quandamooka Sea Country (Moreton Bay), a team of multi-disciplinary scientists have captured unique footage that cements the popular bayside site's importance as a humpback whale nursing and resting area.
Hidden catalysis: Abrasion transforms common chemistry equipment into reagents
The chemical industry is one of the largest on Earth, essential for supplying us with pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, materials and more. Great care is taken to optimize reagents and conditions for each reaction, striving for efficiency and, increasingly, sustainability.
New deployable structures could help astronauts maintain muscle mass in space
From muscle atrophy to bone loss, astronauts face a number of health risks while in space.
Non-harmonic two-color femtosecond lasers achieve 1,000-fold enhancement of white-light output in water
Scientists at Japan's Institute for Molecular Science have achieved a 1,000-fold enhancement in white-light generation inside water by using non-harmonic two-color femtosecond laser excitation. This previously unexplored approach in liquids unlocks new nonlinear optical
New study shows AI enhances teacher development
Research from the Manchester Institute of Education offers vital early insights into how AI tools can be responsibly and effectively embedded into teacher training. The preliminary findings from year 1 of the three-year longitudinal pioneering research project explore the
Cancerous tumors less common in rapidly-evolving animals, study finds
Species that evolved rapidly in body size—such as the greater kudu and bighorn sheep—have fewer cancerous tumors, but the same is not true for non-cancerous tumors, according to new research.
This new robot has a clever spin on lunar mining
Work continues on designs for robots that can help assist the first human explorers on the moon in over half a century. One of the most important aspects of that future trip will be utilizing the resources available on the moon's surface, known as in-situ resource utilization
Study urges shift in how success is measured for care leavers
A new study led by the Rees Centre in the University of Oxford's Department of Education challenges how success is defined for young people leaving the care system, revealing that official metrics often fail to reflect what matters most to care leavers themselves.
Amid new FAA restraints, SpaceX goes for record launch
The government shutdown's strain on air traffic control has not only led to limitations on airlines, but spaceflight too.
CAM photosynthesis discovered in carnivorous plants
Carnivorous plants of the genus Pinguicula (butterworts) from Mexico apparently use the same water-saving photosynthesis type as many succulent plants, such as cacti. Botanists from the SNSB and LMU Munich have now demonstrated CAM photosynthesis in carnivorous plants for the
How plants decide their size: Study maps plant growth strategies across roots, leaves, and stems
What makes plants grow to a certain size? From the tiniest cells to whole leaves, roots, and stems, growth has to be carefully coordinated—but until now, it has been hard to compare findings from different studies.
Thanks to the work of researchers, five Vietnam War MIAs come home
In northeast Laos, close to the mountainous country's border with Vietnam, sits a sheer cliff nearly four times as tall as the Willis Tower. Known as Phou Pha Thi and considered sacred by local communities, it's where the most U.S. Air Force troops were lost in the Vietnam War.
Light-responsive molecule enables reversible cell death control using visible and UV light
A novel technology that utilizes light of different wavelengths to control cellular functions by inducing reversible assembly and disassembly of molecules has been developed. This breakthrough could pave the way for new approaches in treating superficial cancers, such as skin
Forever chemicals affect the genes of unhatched ducklings
The EU is considering introducing a blanket ban on the man-made chemicals called PFAS because of the risks they pose. Researchers have now found that these substances can even alter the genes of birds before they hatch.
Clear frameworks are key to helping schools tackle racism
New research into racism in South Australian schools highlights that clear, consistent frameworks support safer, more inclusive school communities.
Researchers are using acoustic recorders to confirm more koala sightings in remote parts of Australia
There are parts of Australia where koalas are talked about like urban legends.
The barred owl's westward migration threatens other species and a whole ecosystem
A new study of nearly 800 barred owls on the West Coast shows the invasive predator feeds on 29 species given special conservation status by federal and state governments.
How to empower teachers and help students prepare for a sustainable future
Education about climate change and sustainability is a vital part of responding to a rapidly changing world, including the negative effects of climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution.
What is low-carbon supply chain finance?
Dr. Peter Shi from Macquarie Business School explains how low-carbon supply chain finance helps businesses reduce emissions, unlock green funding and build resilient, profitable networks amid global climate challenges.
A sit-stand ratio 'sweet spot' may boost office productivity
New research has found a simple sit-stand routine at work significantly reduces lower back pain, offering a high-impact solution for employees in sedentary work environments. The study was published in Applied Ergonomics.
How life first got moving: Nature's motor from billions of years ago
Research led by the University of Auckland has cast light on the evolutionary origins of one of nature's first motors, which developed 3.5 billion to 4 billion years ago to propel bacteria.
Male pregnancy: A deep dive with seahorses
In seahorses, it is the males who carry offspring to term. The females lay their eggs into a special brood pouch on the bellies of the males where they are fertilized by the male's sperm. In the brood pouches, embryos are provided with nutrients and oxygen from the males'
Odds of asteroid 2024 YR4 hitting the moon may rise to 30 per cent
In February, the James Webb Space Telescope will briefly be able to observe asteroid 2024 YR4, which currently has a 4 per cent chance of hitting the moon in 2032. Depending on what it sees, the odds of collision could drastically increase
