A new study finds people who have nature-based experiences report better well-being and lower psychological distress than those who do not. Birdwatching in particular yielded promising results, with higher gains in subjective well-being and more reduction in distress than more generic nature exposure, such as walks. Because birdwatching is an easily accessible activity, the results …

Birdwatching can help students improve mental health, reduce distress Read More »

Land plants cover the surface of our planet and often tower over us. They form complex bodies with multiple organs that consist of a broad range of cell types. Developing this morphological complexity is underpinned by intricate networks of genes, whose coordinated action shapes plant bodies through various molecular mechanisms. All of these magnificent forms …

Genomes of ‘star algae’ shed light on origin of plants Read More »

Artificial intelligence analysis of data gathered by acoustic recording devices is a promising new tool for monitoring the marbled murrelet and other secretive, hard-to-study species. ​Artificial intelligence analysis of data gathered by acoustic recording devices is a promising new tool for monitoring the marbled murrelet and other secretive, hard-to-study species. Artificial intelligence analysis of data gathered …

Artificial intelligence enhances monitoring of threatened marbled murrelet Read More »

Recent findings that plants employ a drought-survival mechanism to also defend against nutrient-sucking pests could inform future crop breeding programs aimed at achieving better broadscale pest control. ​Recent findings that plants employ a drought-survival mechanism to also defend against nutrient-sucking pests could inform future crop breeding programs aimed at achieving better broadscale pest control. Recent findings …

Plants utilize drought stress hormone to block snacking spider mites Read More »

New research examines how the bacteria Escherichia coli, or E. coli — responsible for most UTIs — is able to use host nutrients to reproduce at an extraordinarily rapid pace during infection despite the near sterile environment of fresh urine. ​New research examines how the bacteria Escherichia coli, or E. coli — responsible for most …

How E. coli get the power to cause urinary tract infections Read More »

Cells constantly navigate a dynamic environment, facing ever-changing conditions and challenges. But how do cells swiftly adapt to these environmental fluctuations? A new study is answering that question by challenging our understanding of how cells function. A team of researchers suggests that cells possess a previously unknown information processing system that allows them to make …

Cells may possess hidden communication system Read More »

Blood vessels in the lungs aren’t like the others in the body. This difference becomes clear in pulmonary hypertension, in which only the lungs’ blood vessels stiffen progressively, leading to chronic lung disease, heart failure and death. The underlying reasons for this organ-specific vessel stiffening remained a mystery until researchers made a surprising discovery about …

Dietary changes may treat pulmonary hypertension Read More »

Climate change and human activities like deforestation are causing more fires in central and west Africa’s wet, tropical forests, according to the first-ever comprehensive survey there. The fires have long been overlooked. ​Climate change and human activities like deforestation are causing more fires in central and west Africa’s wet, tropical forests, according to the first-ever …

Wildfires in wet African forests have doubled in recent decades Read More »

Scented products with relevant images on their packaging and branding, such as flowers or fruit, are more attractive to potential customers and score better in produce evaluations, new research confirms. And such images, the researchers conclude, are particularly effective if manufacturers and marketers choose pictures that are more likely to stimulate a stronger sense of …

Scent sells — but the right picture titillates both eyes and nose, research finds Read More »

The placenta’s response to infections from malaria, toxoplasmosis and listeria has been mapped in high resolution, possibly paving the way for new treatment options. ​The placenta’s response to infections from malaria, toxoplasmosis and listeria has been mapped in high resolution, possibly paving the way for new treatment options. The placenta’s response to infections from malaria, toxoplasmosis …

Source of pregnancy complications from infections revealed by placenta map Read More »