Scientists have discovered that viruses that infect microbes contribute to climate change by playing a key role in cycling methane, a potent greenhouse gas, through the environment. ​Scientists have discovered that viruses that infect microbes contribute to climate change by playing a key role in cycling methane, a potent greenhouse gas, through the environment. Scientists have …

Microbial viruses act as secret drivers of climate change Read More »

The crucial role of social emotions in our lives and in society cannot be overstated. Empathy, guilt, embarrassment, pride and other feelings we experience in the context of other people govern and motivate how we act, interact and the countless decisions we make. Which is why a more holistic approach, one that integrates the various …

A holistic framework for studying social emotions Read More »

Language-processing difficulties are more of an indicator than memory loss of amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI), a risk factor for dementia due to Alzheimer’s disease, according to a new study. ​Language-processing difficulties are more of an indicator than memory loss of amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI), a risk factor for dementia due to Alzheimer’s disease, …

How cognition changes before dementia hits Read More »

Leafy green vegetables are important sources of dietary fiber and nutrients, but they can harbor harmful pathogens. In particular, lettuce has often been involved in outbreaks of foodborne illness across the U.S. A new study examines factors that affect E. coli contamination on five different leafy greens — romaine lettuce, green-leaf lettuce, spinach, kale, and …

Refrigerate lettuce to reduce risk of E. coli contamination Read More »

Researchers have characterized, in exacting detail, the rapid series of events that transform a single fertilized cell into a living, complex being. The work not only has enabled the team to explore which genes drive the differentiation of hundreds of cell types, but also shows, for the first time, that there are very rapid changes …

A landmark study maps the precise orchestration of prenatal development Read More »

Tracking data shows that young white storks spend more time exploring new places, while older ones take a more direct route on their annual migrations ​Tracking data shows that young white storks spend more time exploring new places, while older ones take a more direct route on their annual migrations Tracking data shows that young white …

Storks refine their migration routes as they learn from experience Read More »

Mysterious green sunsets were reported after the massive eruption of Krakatoa in 1883 – now simulations show how they were created and just how rare they are ​Mysterious green sunsets were reported after the massive eruption of Krakatoa in 1883 – now simulations show how they were created and just how rare they are Mysterious green …

Eerie green sunsets after 1883 Krakatoa eruption finally explained Read More »

MethaneSAT will orbit the planet 15 times a day to capture unprecedented amounts of data on methane emissions from human and natural sources ​MethaneSAT will orbit the planet 15 times a day to capture unprecedented amounts of data on methane emissions from human and natural sources MethaneSAT will orbit the planet 15 times a day to …

Satellite launched to track down leaks of potent greenhouse gas Read More »

Membranes of vertically aligned carbon nanotubes (VaCNT) can be used to clean or desalinate water at high flow rate and low pressure. Recently, researchers carried out steroid hormone adsorption experiments to study the interplay of forces in the small pores. They found that VaCNT of specific pore geometry and pore surface structure are suited for …

Cleaning or desalinating water quickly: Looking deep into smallest pores Read More »