Researchers have captured how a molecule redistributes energy after absorbing light, differentiating the roles of individual atoms in the process. They used X-ray flashes from the European XFEL to show that different atoms in the same molecule can reveal different aspects of
Pollinators—including bees, flies, wasps, moths, butterflies and some nectar-loving birds—are a cornerstone of our natural environment. By helping plants reproduce, they keep our ecosystems healthy and ensure we can grow vital food crops.
Climate change discussions in southern Africa often focus on farming, where the effects of environmental shocks are most visible. The debate frequently centers on droughts, floods, declining crop productivity and heat stress affecting livestock systems. This is largely because
Progress in chemistry is often gradual, with some of its most important advances taking years—sometimes decades—to unfold. A case in point is the discovery of a novel "ferrocenophane" from the class of compounds known as "sandwich molecules"—so named because of their particular
A new study finds a widely used technique for assessing the health of freshwater streams is not effective at detecting a range of water quality problems, including those related to acidity, oxygen levels and the presence of pathogens.
EPFL researchers have discovered that a soft material originally optimized for 3D printing may solve a longstanding challenge in materials science: making 3D-printable elastomers both tough and durable.
Headers have accounted for a shrinking percentage of World Cup goals, dropping from 23.7% in 2018 to 18.4% in 2022 to 17.9% in 2026 through the round of 16, according to Northeastern's NetSI Sport research group, which is analyzing this year's tournament data. However, headers
A giant mirror to create "sunlight on demand" was just approved by the United States Federal Communications Commission (FCC), despite opposition from astronomers and the public, and real safety concerns.
Sugars are key biomolecules in living organisms, as they form the backbone of DNA and RNA and play a fundamental role in metabolic processes. In theories of the origin of life, sugars are also essential for the synthesis of the first nucleic acids. Despite their importance, one
A team of researchers from the University of Aberdeen has developed a new framework for identifying the often-subtle signs of child abuse and neglect in antiquity. Previous osteoarchaeological studies have tended to focus on skeletal signs of severe physical injury, but this
Researchers looking for the origins of left-right dominance in the brain found no innately better motor skills on either side.
A material made from yttrium, barium and copper oxide (better known as YBCO) has intrigued scientists since its discovery in 1987, largely because it retains its superconductive properties at a higher-than-normal temperature. However, it is extremely brittle, which makes it
Earth scientists at Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (NTU Singapore) have published an international study showing that major earthquakes in Southeast Asia can affect regional relative sea-level projections.
The growing presence of nanoplastics in the environment has highlighted the need for simpler detection methods, leading researchers at Science Tokyo to develop a rapid biosensor for detecting polystyrene nanoparticles in water. Tested in both model water samples and real water
A team led by bioengineers at the University of California San Diego has developed a genome-scale reference map that details how individual genes control the functions and identities of human stem cells. This open-access resource could help researchers build virtual cell models
Buried in the rubble outside an ancient city, archaeologists have discovered golden diadems and mouthpieces stamped with sun-crowned bulls and running ibexes. Their designs borrow from nearly every corner of the ancient Mediterranean, providing a snapshot of ancient trade in
Not every World Cup goal is a classic. Sometimes a half-hearted shot goes in as a result of little more than a goalkeeper's error. And on those occasions, goalies may be inclined to find an excuse.
Inside the cell nucleus, genes must be turned on and off with precision to regulate biological processes. The first models of gene regulation were developed in the 1960s, yet modern science continues to uncover new layers of control. A new study involving researchers from the
A new study from Virginia Tech found that scientists' credibility often hinges on their perceived motivations. "Our study finds that perceptions of scientists' motivation to serve the public good are the strongest predictor of whether Americans trust them, accept their
An invasive species found across West Texas may pose a greater threat to native bighorn sheep than previously understood.
As scientists around the world closely monitor the possible development of a powerful "Super El Niño," a new study suggests that another tropical ocean deserves equal attention. Researchers have found that temperature changes in the Indian Ocean can significantly influence
Sleeping about an hour and 20 minutes less each night for six weeks caused participants to gain weight and spend more time inactive. Researchers found that even mild, realistic sleep loss, similar to what many adults experience, had measurable effects. They warn that if this
Memories of pandemics are often contentious. They can be disputed, uncomfortable and politically charged. As the COVID-19 pandemic begins to feel more distant, governments, communities and families have started asking how it should be remembered.
Any loss of lithium reduces the capacity and service life of lithium batteries. Recent research suggested that lithium is lost to the current collector during charging. Researchers at Ruhr University Bochum, Germany, working with Professor Tong Li at the Helmholtz Institute Ulm
IMDEA Materials Institute has developed mechanically tunable hydrogel membranes that closely mimic the mechanical environment of human skin while remaining highly biocompatible, representing an improved platform for skin tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.
Cornstarch can thicken soup or serve as a base for a DIY shampoo, but there's more to the humble pantry staple. Given the right conditions, it seems to defy the laws of physics. Mixing cornstarch with water creates "oobleck"—a shape-shifting substance classified as a
A 23-year-old student overturned an ancient conjecture about one of math’s simplest operations
Scientists at Nanyang Technological University in Singapore have discovered a surprisingly simple way to create exotic light structures called optical skyrmions using a 200-year-old optical effect known as the Poisson spot. Instead of relying on expensive, highly engineered
A Netflix adaptation helped transform "Heartstopper" from a popular graphic novel into a global mainstream publishing success, according to new research from The University of Manchester and Princeton University.
Earth has a natural thermostat that has kept the planet habitable for more than 100 million years. Scientists have struggled to fully explain how it works, but new research identifies a missing link between phosphate availability and sea level. Temperature influenced the size
The mysterious substance that binds galaxies together could naturally be "in tune" with a hidden fifth dimension, according to a new University of Sheffield theory aiming to shed light on one of science's biggest enigmas: dark matter.
Two “superpuff” planets orbiting a sunlike star over 1,000 light-years from Earth are as big as Jupiter and as dense as cotton candy.
For over a century, the accepted value for a firefly's brightness has mostly stood, tracing its origins to experiments carried out in 1912. Through rigorous new analysis published in the American Journal of Physics, David Silver of Remiza AI in New York has discovered that this
Large language models (LLMs) are gradually transforming research in the life sciences in ways that extend far beyond improving productivity, and they are becoming a new normal before scientists have agreed on the limits of their use.
A new study suggests the brain begins making decisions much earlier than scientists previously thought. Researchers found that even primary sensory regions are influenced by higher brain areas through rapid feedback loops, rather than simply passing information forward. This
With international football facing increasing criticism over its carbon footprint, University of Bath students are working with Bath City FC to show how community football could help tackle climate change.
Our universe is known to be remarkably homogeneous and isotropic. This essentially means that matter is distributed evenly throughout the universe and that it looks almost the same in all directions.
Pyrite, an iron sulfide ore, is often known as fool's gold because its shiny metallic luster and pale brass-yellow color can easily fool the untrained eye into mistaking it for real gold. This time, however, 360 kilometers (220 miles) south of Tokyo, scientists have uncovered
An unexpected study found that young non-smokers with healthier diets had higher rates of lung cancer, raising questions about whether pesticide exposure from conventionally grown produce could play a role. Researchers stress that the findings are preliminary and require
Korean researchers have developed, for the first time in Korea, a 200Gbps-class photodetector device for use in hyperscale AI data centers and 5G/6G mobile communications infrastructure. The technology enables ultrahigh-speed data reception fast enough to transmit five 5GB full
Researchers at Nagoya University in Japan have developed a method to form dome-shaped bumps on nanofilms in water using a computer-guided electron beam. The bumps form within 10 seconds and can be flattened, reshaped or repositioned as needed.
Scientists have developed a new framework that could finally apply the laws of thermodynamics to real, ever-changing black holes instead of only perfectly stable ones. The advance may improve our understanding of black hole mergers, evaporation, and the powerful gravitational
Untreated synthetic dye effluents severely threaten aquatic ecosystems by blocking sunlight, depleting dissolved oxygen and releasing compounds with potential ecological toxicity. Among the various treatment strategies, biological treatment is considered a cost-effective and
Researchers analyzing data from more than 214,000 people found that dementia risk factors differ widely across countries, challenging the idea of a one-size-fits-all prevention strategy. At the same time, they uncovered surprisingly consistent patterns that could help shape
In a study recently published in the journal Environmental Research, scientists from the University of Sharjah have drawn renewed attention to contamination by polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), a class of man-made chemicals formerly used as flame retardants in a wide
New research by the University of Oxford and the Stockholm Resilience Centre at Stockholm University has revealed that most biodiversity commitments made by large, influential companies are not precise enough to enable society to evaluate whether they are making progress toward
In most modern cells, DNA stores the genetic blueprint, and proteins replicate, repair and build from those blueprints. At the same time, proteins require instructions from DNA to be made in the first place.
Recent improvements in our understanding of how the principles of thermodynamics apply in the quantum realm could give a boost to quantum technology, and a clearer picture of quantum thermodynamics could in turn enhance our understanding of classical thermodynamics. Now, Aalto
A record-breaking heat wave baked the central United States on Sunday, smashing temperature records from the northern Plains to the Rocky Mountain region.
At least 2,700 people died in England and Wales as a result of heat waves that struck in May and June, according to a study released Monday.
