How a hummingbird chick acts like a caterpillar to survive
When Jay Falk and Scott Taylor first saw the white-necked Jacobin hummingbird chick in Panama's dense rainforest, the bird biologists didn't know what they were looking at.
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Researchers propose new hypothesis for the origin of stone tools
Sharp stone technology chipped over three million years allowed early humans to exploit animal and plant food resources, which in turn played a large role in increasing human brain size and kick-starting a technological trajectory that continues to this day. But how did the
Canada's local food system faces major roadblocks without urgent policy changes
As Canada's trade conflict with the United States escalates, governments are encouraging Canadians to buy local to support the country's economic, social and environmental stability and independence.
When is workplace chat 'just gossip' and when is it 'sharing information?' It depends who's doing it
When two junior employees bump into each other in the corridor and start chatting about their manager's overbearing manner, it's typically considered gossip. But what about when two managers have an off-record catch-up to discuss an under-performing employee?
Museums have tons of data, and AI could make it more accessible
Ice cores in freezers, dinosaurs on display, fish in jars, birds in boxes, human remains and ancient artifacts from long-gone civilizations that few people ever see—museum collections are filled with all this and more.
Image: Biomass satellite arrives in French Guiana
Following its arrival at Pariacabo harbor in Kourou, French Guiana, ESA's Biomass satellite has been rolled out of its shipment container, which kept it protected throughout its two-week voyage from France across the Atlantic Ocean to South America.
Mathematicians crack 40-year-old problem on quasiregularly elliptic manifolds
A mathematical problem solved by Susanna Heikkilä relates to the classification of quasiregularly elliptic 4-manifolds, asking what four-dimensional shapes can be obtained by deforming four-dimensional Euclidean geometry. The article by Heikkilä and Pekka Pankka has been
Light-powered artificial neurons mimic brain-like oscillations
International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory (INL) researchers have developed a neuromorphic photonic semiconductor neuron capable of processing optical information through self-sustained oscillations. Exploring the use of light to control negative differential resistance
Fungi are among the planet's most important organisms, yet continue to be overlooked in conservation strategies
Fungi are among the most important organisms on Earth. Even though most of the world's described 157,000 fungal species are only visible with a microscope, these organisms are essential to our ecosystems, our societies and economies.
Unveiling the cosmic choreography that shapes the size and location of sub-Neptunes
A combination of cosmic processes shapes the formation of one of the most common types of planets outside of our solar system, according to a new study led by researchers at Penn State. The research team used data from NASA's Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) to
Grant writing and narrative CVs: Barriers and facilitators
Applying for grant funding is a fundamental part of a researcher's career. However, data from UKRI (2021–2022) indicate that principal investigators who are white and male are more likely to receive funding than women and ethnic minority applicants.
New method tracks contaminant accumulation in Arctic marine mammals
A new method of tracking the dietary habits and contaminant exposure of animals in Arctic marine ecosystems is providing critical insights as climate change reshapes the region's food web.
Wolves make a rapid recovery in Europe, increasing by 58% in a decade
Wolf populations in Europe increased by nearly 60% in a decade, according to a study led by Cecilia Di Bernardi and Guillaume Chapron at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, published in the open-access journal PLOS Sustainability and Transformation.
Social media enhances brand loyalty and consumer engagement: Study
Social media has become a useful tool for companies hoping to boost brand awareness, engagement, and loyalty among consumers. A study published in the International Journal of Business Performance Management has looked at its role in detail and found that many companies are
New analysis confirms severe damage from industrial complex planned near Paranal Observatory
An in-depth technical analysis by the European Southern Observatory (ESO) has evaluated the impact of the INNA megaproject on the facilities at the Paranal Observatory, Chile—and the results are alarming. The analysis reveals that INNA would increase light pollution above the
Gorillas match chimpanzees in self-awareness study
Gorillas may have greater self-awareness than scientists previously thought. A new study finds that gorillas perform just as well as chimpanzees in tests that require awareness of their own bodies. A research team, led by Utrecht University biologist Jorg Massen, performed the
Radioisotope generators—inside the 'nuclear batteries' that power faraway spacecraft
Powering spacecraft with solar energy may not seem like a challenge, given how intense the sun's light can feel on Earth. Spacecraft near the Earth use large solar panels to harness the sun for the electricity needed to run their communications systems and science instruments.
The first fossil thrips in Africa: this tiny insect pest met its end in a volcanic lake 90 million years ago
Thrips are tiny insects—their sizes range between 0.5mm and 15mm in length and many are shorter than 5mm. But the damage they cause to crops is anything but small. A 2021 research paper found that in Indonesia "the damage to red chili plants caused by thrips infestation ranges
An acoustic Ising machine: Novel system tackles hard combinatorial problems
Researchers at the University of Gothenburg have developed a novel Ising machine that utilizes surface acoustic waves as an effective carrier of dense information flow. This approach enables fast, energy-efficient solutions to complex optimization problems, offering a promising
China's dwindling marriage rate is fueling demand for brides trafficked from abroad
China's marriage rate is in steep decline. There were 6.1 million marriage registrations nationwide in 2024, down from 7.7 million the previous year. This decline has prompted Chen Songxi, a Chinese national political adviser, to propose lowering the legal marriage age from 22
Discovery of how oldest enzyme of cellular respiration works may aid in CO₂ removal
Animals, plants and many other living organisms inhale oxygen to "burn" (oxidize) compounds like sugar into CO2 and water—a process during which the energy-rich molecule ATP is produced. Cells require ATP to power vital reactions. In the early phase of our planet's existence,
Machine learning framework accelerates theoretical design of nonlinear optical materials
A research team from the Xinjiang Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry of the Chinese Academy of Sciences has made strides in the theoretical design of nonlinear optical (NLO) materials by leveraging machine learning techniques. The team introduced a new strategy to
This antibiotic is effective against anthrax and has no detectable resistance
The antibiotic teixobactin—developed a decade ago by Northeastern University professors Kim Lewis and Slava Epstein in collaboration with university startup NovoBiotic—has already proven itself against MRSA and pneumonia.
Addressing the needs of vulnerable populations unable to move away from climate risk areas
People in informal settlements, urban deprived areas, refugee camps, prisons, and war zones can be particularly vulnerable to climate threats and natural hazards. A new study, led by IIASA researchers, explores how policymakers can ease their burden.
Twisting 2D materials creates artificial atoms that could advance quantum computers
By taking two flakes of special materials that are just one atom thick and twisting them at high angles, researchers at the University of Rochester have unlocked unique optical properties that could be used in quantum computers and other quantum technologies.
Cancer nanotech nurtures sustainable agriculture innovation
Cancer drugs and agrichemicals can be powerful, but toxic, tools. Now, UNSW scientists are applying nanomedicine insights in a project to make greener agrichemicals more affordable.
Octupole excitation: Research provides direct evidence for rare, pulsing pear shapes in gadolinium nuclei
For the first time, scientists have acquired direct evidence of rare, pulsing pear-shaped structures within atomic nuclei of the rare-earth element gadolinium, thanks to new research led by the University of Surrey, the National Physical Laboratory (NPL) and the IFIN-HH
Q&A: Crystallizing time—physicists create a new phase of matter in the center of a diamond
In their ongoing efforts to push the boundaries of quantum possibilities, physicists in Arts & Sciences at Washington University in St. Louis have created a new type of "time crystal," a novel phase of matter that defies common perceptions of motion and time.
From order to chaos: Understanding the principles behind collective motion in bacteria
The collective motion of bacteria—from stable swirling patterns to chaotic turbulent flows—has intrigued scientists for decades. When a bacterial swarm is confined in small circular space, stable rotating vortices are formed. However, as the radius of this confined space
Tunneling nanotube-like structures offer insight into how the heart's layers communicate during formation
From his lab at the University of Houston College of Pharmacy Drug Discovery Institute, Mingfu Wu, associate professor, is offering new hope for treating heart disease by sharing his insights into the fundamental process of how the heart is formed in utero. His findings,
Natural insect predators may serve as allies in spotted lanternfly battle
Insect predators found in the United States could help keep spotted lanternfly populations in check while potentially reducing reliance on chemical control methods, according to a new study conducted by researchers at Penn State.
RNA origami technique folds nanotubes to create artificial cytoskeletons for synthetic cells
With the long-term goal of creating living cells from non-living components, scientists in the field of synthetic biology work with RNA origami. This tool uses the multifunctionality of the natural RNA biomolecule to fold new building blocks, making protein synthesis superfluous.
The psychology behind anti-trans legislation: How cognitive biases shape thoughts and policy
A state law signed Feb. 28, 2025, removes gender identity as a protected status from the Iowa Civil Rights Act, leaving transgender people vulnerable to discrimination. The rights of transgender people—those who present gender characteristics that differ from what has
Decoding the interplay between genes and mechanics in tissues at single-cell resolution
Researchers at the Kennedy Institute have developed a new computational framework that allows simultaneous analysis of gene expression and mechanical forces within cells and tissues, uncovering insights into how the interplay between transcriptional and mechanical signals
A 'surprisingly large' disk galaxy discovered in the early universe
An international team has discovered a giant spiral disk galaxy in the early cosmos which is three times larger than similar galaxies of the same epoch.
Climate reporting cuts are bad for business
New Zealand has been at the forefront of mandating climate-related financial disclosures for big corporates. Following a landmark law change in 2021, about 200 large financial institutions and publicly listed companies are now required to report annually on their
Trade agreements can keep global economies stable
International trade relationships have kept the global economy running since ancient times. In the last 40 years, the processes and regulations governing international trade have become more organized and structured. Now countries create trade agreements to establish standards
Fiordland's marine habitats surveyed to develop first complete picture of biodiversity
Scientists have long known Fiordland's marine habitats are home to a diverse range of species, from bright orange cup corals to huge black corals. A project to survey and catalogue these habitats is now underway to help support evidence-based management of this unique
Drug found 'remarkably' effective in common canine oral cancer
Dogs that have oral squamous cell carcinomas often need surgery that disfigures their jaws and lower their quality of life—and in 20% of dogs diagnosed, the cancer has metastasized to a point where surgery is no longer an option.
Stock market performance enhanced through integrated reporting
Companies can significantly enhance their stock market performance by adopting integrated reporting (IR) and combined assurance (CA) practices, according to new research from Murdoch University.
Should Kids Do Chores?
They may hate them, but kids who help around the house report feeling accomplished and competent, not to mention happy
Boosting mental muscle can lead to better performance for elementary school students
If lifting weights to build muscle can improve performance for weightlifters, can increased stamina in learning lead to smarter students?
Carbon catalyst uses airborne oxygen to boost green hydrogen peroxide production
Hydrogen peroxide is one of the world's top 100 industrial chemicals with a wide range of applications in the chemical, medical, and semiconductor industries. Currently, hydrogen peroxide is mainly produced through the anthraquinone process, but this process has several
Iron shackles found at Ghozza suggest at least some gold miners during Egypt's Ptolemaic period were slaves
A historian with Laboratoire HiSoMA, Maison de l'Orient et de la Méditerranée Jean Pouilloux, in France, has theorized that iron shackles found at a dig site in Ghozza, Egypt, suggest that at least some of the workers at a gold mine during Egypt's Ptolemaic period were slaves.
Spider mite discovery in plant–pest warfare could lead to sustainable farming solutions
As global food demand continues to increase, effective pest control remains one of agriculture's most pressing challenges. Worldwide, farmers apply nearly 4 million tons of chemical pesticides annually to protect their crops, representing a $60 billion industry.
Innovative boot sock sampling reveals E. coli levels in surface soils of informal settlements
Researchers in Fiji's informal settlements are using their own footsteps to detect the hidden pathogens in soil that traditional techniques often miss.
NASA super pressure balloons return to New Zealand for test flights
NASA's Scientific Balloon Program has returned to Wānaka, New Zealand, for two scheduled flights to test and qualify the agency's super pressure balloon technology. These stadium-sized, heavy-lift balloons will travel the Southern Hemisphere's mid-latitudes for planned missions
Milestone achieved in predicting turbulence in fusion plasmas
In a comprehensive experimental study, an international team of researchers has confirmed the calculations of a leading turbulence simulation code to an unprecedented degree. This marks a major breakthrough in understanding turbulent transport processes in nuclear fusion devices.
NASA space station research helps power moon science
The International Space Station supports a wide range of scientific activities, from looking out at our universe to breakthroughs in medical research, and is an active proving ground for technology for future moon exploration missions and beyond.
Bronze Age pottery reveals El Argar's economic and political boundaries
Researchers from the UAB and the Max Planck Institute for Social Anthropology have identified the economic and political borders separating El Argar, considered to be the first state-society in the Iberian Peninsula, from its La Mancha and Valencia Bronze Age neighbors some
