Researcher discovered that two species in the genus Angelica are pollinated primarily by hornets. This overturns the conventional belief that Angelica species are ‘generalists,’ meaning that there is not one primary pollinator but a variety of species. As hornets are rarely primary pollinators, the discovery also impacts future ecological research and conservation efforts. ​Researcher discovered …

Hornets found to be primary pollinators of two Angelica species Read More »

The warming climate shifts the dynamics of tundra environments and makes them release trapped carbon, according to a new study published in Nature. These changes could transform tundras from carbon sinks into a carbon source, exacerbating the effects of climate change. ​The warming climate shifts the dynamics of tundra environments and makes them release trapped …

Understanding climate warming impacts on carbon release from the tundra Read More »

Researchers have developed tiny, flexible devices that can wrap around individual nerve fibers without damaging them. The researchers combined flexible electronics and soft robotics techniques to develop the devices, which could be used for the diagnosis and treatment of a range of disorders, including epilepsy and chronic pain, or the control of prosthetic limbs. ​Researchers …

Robotic nerve ‘cuffs’ could help treat a range of neurological conditions Read More »

Red foxes and Arctic foxes dive headfirst into snow at up to 4 metres per second to catch small rodents, and the shape of their snouts reduces the impact force ​Red foxes and Arctic foxes dive headfirst into snow at up to 4 metres per second to catch small rodents, and the shape of their …

Foxes’ skulls are specially adapted for diving into snow Read More »

Plastic production is responsible for more greenhouse gas emissions than flying – at a summit in Canada, countries were divided on how to deal with this under-recognised part of the plastic problem ​Plastic production is responsible for more greenhouse gas emissions than flying – at a summit in Canada, countries were divided on how to …

Plastic pollution treaty would be ‘failure’ without tackling emissions Read More »

Many bacteria produce substances to gain an advantage over competitors in their highly competitive natural environment. Researchers have discovered a new so-called lantibiotic, namely epilancin A37. It is produced by staphylococci that colonize the skin and acts specifically against their main competitors there, the corynebacteria. This specificity is presumably mediated by a very special mechanism …

Possible alternative to antibiotics produced by bacteria Read More »

Researchers have discovered enzymes that remove hindrances that stood in the way of developing universal donor blood. ​Researchers have discovered enzymes that remove hindrances that stood in the way of developing universal donor blood. Researchers have discovered enzymes that remove hindrances that stood in the way of developing universal donor blood. 

Investigators have discovered how brain cells responsible for working memory — the type required to remember a phone number long enough to dial it — coordinate intentional focus and short-term storage of information. ​Investigators have discovered how brain cells responsible for working memory — the type required to remember a phone number long enough to …

Workings of working memory detailed Read More »