New study shows signs of early creation of modern human identities. Ancestors collected eye-catching shells that radically changed the way we looked at ourselves and others.
Tag: Science
Water makes all the difference
In order to fulfil their function, biological cells need to be divided into separate reaction compartments. This is sometimes done with membranes, and sometimes without them: the spontaneous segregation of certain types of biomolecules leads to the formation of so-called condensates.
Biological Particles Play Crucial Role in Arctic Cloud Ice Formation
An international team of scientists from Sweden, Norway, Japan, and Switzerland, has presented research findings that reveal a crucial role of biological particles, including pollen, spores, and bacteria, in the formation of ice within Arctic clouds.
Solar cell material can assist self-driving cars in the dark
Material used in organic solar cells can also be used as light sensors in electronics. This is shown by researchers at Linköping University, Sweden, who have developed a type of sensor able to detect circularly polarised red light.
Atlantic walrus more vulnerable than ever to Arctic warming
Today, the last remaining stocks of Atlantic walrus are more at danger than ever, due to a combination of Arctic warming and a long history of devastating human exploitation. Rising global temperatures are significantly impacting Arctic marine ecosystems and their inhabitants.
New Proof for Black Hole Spin
Super massive black holes, monsters up to billions of times heavier than the Sun that eat everything around them including light, are difficult to study because no information can escape from within. Theoretically, there are very few properties that we can even hope to measure.
Perimeter and Haiqu partnership forges new model for quantum computing research
The Perimeter Institute and quantum software startup Haiqu have established a new partnership to more closely connect fundamental research and technological innovation.
Despite being properly treated and highly diluted, wastewater still impacts on the river ecosystem
A study by the University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU) underscores the need to intensify efforts in the treatment of polluted water in order to preserve aquatic diversity
Richard W. Mies awarded Livermore’s 2023 John S. Foster Medal
Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory Director Kim Budil today announced the 2023 John S. Foster, Jr. Medal is awarded to retired U.S. Navy Admiral Richard W. Mies.
A new way to create germ-killing light
While it has long been known that ultraviolet (UV) light can help kill disease-causing pathogens, the COVID 19 pandemic has put a spotlight on how these technologies can rid environments of germs.
Uncovering Camel Spiders’ Hidden Evolutionary Secrets with a Modern Genetic Tree
In a new study led by the laboratories of Prof. Prashant Sharma of the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and Dr. Efrat Gavish-Regev of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, a team of researchers has uncovering the mysteries surrounding camel spiders (Solifugae), by successfully establishing the first-ever comprehensive molecular tree (phylogeny) of this enigmatic arachnid order.
Groundbreaking research shows that the limits of nuclear stability change in stellar environments where temperatures reach billions of degrees Celsius
New research is challenging the scientific status quo on the limits of the nuclear chart in hot stellar environments where temperatures reach billions of degrees Celsius.
Scientists call for a tree planting drive to help tackle heatwaves
Adding more natural areas across our towns and cities could cool them by up to 6°C during heatwaves, according to new research from the University of Surrey’s Global Centre for Clean Air Research (GCARE).
Wits launches new PG Diploma in Innovation and Entrepreneurship
Wits launches new PG Diploma in Innovation and Entrepreneurship. Graduates and third year students encouraged to apply now for the new PG Dip to drive business ownership and job creation.
The Future of Medicine Rises in University City: University of Pennsylvania Opens New Multi-Disciplinary Research Labs in One uCity Square
Wexford Science & Technology, LLC and the University of Pennsylvania today announced that the University has signed a lease for new laboratory space that will usher in a wave of novel vaccine, therapeutics and engineered diagnostics research to West Philadelphia.
Tufts Ranks in Top 100 U.S. Universities Granted Utility Patents in 2022
Tufts ranks 66 in the Top 100 U.S. Universities Granted Utility Patents in 2022, a list published today by the National Academy of Inventors (NAI). The list celebrates American innovation and showcases universities that play a large role in advancing innovation.
To Cut Global Emissions, Replace Meat and Milk with Plant-Based Alternatives
Replacing 50% of meat and milk products with plant-based alternatives by 2050 can reduce agriculture and land use related greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 31% and halt the degradation of forest and natural land, according to new research in Nature Communications journal.
Pioneering research sheds surprising new light on evolution of plant kingdom
A new study has uncovered intriguing insights into the evolution of plant biology, effectively rewriting the history of how they evolved over the past billion years.
Plesiosaurs doubled their neck-length by gaining new vertebrae
Plesiosaurs gained their famous long necks rapidly, researchers have shown.
Extreme Weather as the New Norm: American University Experts Available for Comment
WHAT: As scientists, policymakers and communities continue to grapple with extreme weather events and a changing climate, American University experts are available to comment on a wide range of topics and ramifications. WHEN/WHERE: August 30, 2023 – ongoing; availability in-studio, through email, phone or Zoom WHO: Paul Bledsoe is an adjunct professorial lecturer at the Center for Environmental Policy in AU’s School of Public Affairs.
Immersive experiences with Wits NeuRL
The Wits Neuroscience Research Lab (NeuRL) is working with an interdisciplinary team of researchers to build an immersive virtual reality laboratory. The team recently welcomed close collaborator Dr Harry Farmer, aSenior Lecturer in Psychology from the University of Greenwich, who delivered a hybrid seminar on how embodiment using virtual reality technologies can change previously held attitudes and beliefs.
Artificial Intelligence Beyond the Clinic
Artificial intelligence’s impact goes beyond clinical medicine. It is reshaping science in more profound ways.
Can floating solar panels be a sustainable energy solution in New York?
Steve Grodsky, assistant professor of natural resources, and a multidisciplinary team of researchers, soon will learn how solar panels placed on top of water bodies can affect the biology of aquatic systems.

New research points to possible seasonal climate patterns on early Mars
New observations of mud cracks made by the Curiosity Rover show that high-frequency, wet-dry cycling occurred in early Martian surface environments, indicating that the red planet may have once seen seasonal weather patterns or even flash floods.
The cost of being a non-native English speaker in science
English serves as a convenient, common language for science. However, this practice poses insurmountable barriers to those whose first language is not English — the majority of people around the world. According to research published on July 18th in the open access journal PLOS Biology.
New CFO joins Digital Science Executive Team
Highly experienced industry executive Dr Fedor Zeyer has been appointed Digital Science’s new Chief Financial Officer (CFO).
ESF Launches Indigenous Writer Residency Program at Cranberry Lake
Four indigenous writers will participate in a new residency program at the SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry (ESF). Through the Indigenous Writer Residency Program, each writer will spend three weeks at Cranberry Lake Biological Station, ESF’s satellite campus in the heart of the Adirondack Park on the ancestral lands of the Mohawk Nation of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy.
Incredible events taking place in 2023 in the area of Artificial Intelligence
Associate Vice President Dr. Eman El-Sheikh talks about the current and potential future impacts of Artificial Intelligence.
Smartphone Use Goes Up in City Parks, But Down in Forests
New research shows that smartphone activity actually increases during visits outdoors to city parks—a finding that contradicts popular notions. Thanks to two years of unparalleled access to 700 study participants’ smartphone data, the study is the first to show that young adults now spend far more time on their smartphone screens than in nature. The study finds that people who visit forests or nature preserves experience significant declines in screen time, compared to visits to urban locations for the same duration.
IDAHO RESEARCHERS DEVELOP TOOL TO HELP RESTORE ELECTRICITY AFTER NATURAL DISASTERS
Storm-DEPART helps utilities refine their damage estimates by combining utility infrastructure data with weather data from the National Hurricane Center to efficiently deploy restoration resources.

Research examines key factors related to COVID-19 variant dynamics
A team of researchers at Los Alamos National Laboratory recently published the most comprehensive study of global COVID-19 variant transitions, which showed significant diversity in variant spread around the globe related to vaccination rates, number of co-circulating variants and immunity from previous infection.
Fungal genetics could help develop novel biotechnologies
An essential pillar of Earth’s ecological system, fungi have long been used to better the lives of humans. While these organisms are still vastly understudied, a new review paper suggests that their unique genomes could be used to make progress in the biotech industry.
FAU New Home to Award-winning Website ‘The Invading Sea’
The Invading Sea, an award-winning website featuring content on climate change in Florida, now has a new home at FAU. The Invading Sea was founded in 2018 as a collaboration among the editorial boards of the Miami Herald, Palm Beach Post and Sun Sentinel, with Miami-based public radio station WLRN serving as a news partner. The site will continue to be a nonpartisan source for news and opinion pieces about climate change and other environmental issues in Florida at FAU, while expanding its focus to include more educational content.

TAKING CHARGE OF OUR FUTURE: NEW FEDERAL PROGRAM ENHANCES NATIONWIDE ELECTRIC VEHICLE INFRASTRUCTURE
A series of federal recommendations announced last week aims to make electric vehicle charging more accessible. The announcement paved the way for NEVI to begin implementing these recommendations.
Mining the Gap
More and more students are graduating with their bachelor’s degrees and taking a gap year, a period of time before jumping into a postgraduate program. A new grant from the American Cancer Society will help the UNM Comprehensive Cancer Center introduce these students to scientific research.
UNLV Study Sheds Light on Ancient Microbial Dark Matter
Omnitrophota are nano-sized bacteria first discovered 25 years ago. Though common in many environments around the world, until now they’ve been poorly understood. An international research team produced the first large-scale analysis of Omnitrophota genomes, uncovering new details about their biology and behavior. The team’s findings are reported in the March 16 issue of the journal Nature Microbiology.
FROM ATOMS TO EARTHQUAKES TO MARS: HIGH-PERFORMANCE COMPUTING A SWISS ARMY KNIFE FOR MODELING AND SIMULATION
At Idaho National Laboratory, computational scientists use INL’s supercomputers to perform “virtual experiments” to accomplish research that couldn’t be done by conventional means. While supercomputing can’t replace traditional experiments, supercomputing is an essential component of all modern scientific discoveries and advancements.
Registration open for all LLNL summer education programs
Registration is now open for Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory’s (LLNL’s) summer science education programs. Summer programming includes opportunities for both teachers and students.
National Science Foundation awards $90.8M to Arizona State University to advance X-ray science
The National Science Foundation today announced $90.8 million in funding to Arizona State University — the largest NSF research award in the university’s history — to advance groundbreaking research in X-ray science.
VUMC’s Aspirnaut program to install science lab at Wynne High School in Arkansas
A chemical biology research lab fit for an academic medical center is being installed at Wynne High School (WHS) in Wynne, Arkansas, as part of a pilot project of Aspirnaut STEM pipeline at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. Aspirnaut, a K-20 STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) Pipeline for Diversity and Wellness, celebrated its 15th year in 2022.
‘Science on Saturday’ extends into March in Tracy, California
Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory’s popular outreach series, “Science on Saturday,” will continue its programming into March at the Grand Theatre Center for the Arts in Tracy, California.
Harvard Medical School Media Immersion: Boston, June 8-9, 2023
Application deadline: March 31
FAU Harbor Branch Lands U.S. EPA Grant for ‘Hands-on’ Indian River Lagoon Field Trip
The project will host 125 field trips, which will educate as many as 3,125 socially disadvantaged middle and high school students about Florida’s natural resources and the importance of conserving them.
The Rockefeller University’s Erich Jarvis Leads Research Team to Win $50,000 FASEB DataWorks! Prize
Erich Jarvis, PhD, is among the winners of the FASEB DataWorks! Prize. The Prize, a partnership between the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology and National Institutes of Health, recognizes research teams that integrate data sharing and reuse to advance human health.
University of Colorado’s Arjun Krishnan Leads Research Team to Win $12,500 FASEB DataWorks! Prize
Arjun Krishnan, PhD, is among the winners of the FASEB DataWorks! Prize. The Prize, a partnership between the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology and National Institutes of Health, recognizes research teams that integrate data sharing and reuse to advance human health.
Five Tufts Faculty Named National Academy of Inventors Senior Members
Five Tufts faculty have been named as senior members of the National Academy of Inventors (NAI), a prestigious recognition awarded to academic inventors who are rising leaders in their respective fields and who have produced technologies that have brought or aspire to bring a positive impact on society.
New discovery to bulk up gluten-free fibre supplement
Scientists have for the first time constructed the reference genome for the source of the popular fibre supplement, psyllium husk, which could boost supplies of the versatile plant-derived product.
Playtime is purr-fect for your cat’s welfare
Play is often considered an indicator and promotor of animal welfare. Playing with your cat may also nurture closer cat-human bonds. In a new study, scientists have investigated these links by applying in-depth empirical methods to analyse data gathered from around the world.
Lawrence Livermore’s Popular Science on Saturday Lecture Series Moves to Las Positas College
Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory’s (LLNL) popular lecture series, “Science on Saturday,” returns Feb. 4 and runs through Feb. 25 at a new location: Las Positas College.
Seawater split to produce green hydrogen
Researchers have successfully split seawater without pre-treatment to produce green hydrogen. The international team was led by the University of Adelaide’s Professor Shizhang Qiao and Associate Professor Yao Zheng from the School of Chemical Engineering. “We have split natural seawater into oxygen and hydrogen with nearly 100 per cent efficiency, to produce green hydrogen by electrolysis, using a non-precious and cheap catalyst in a commercial electrolyser,” said Professor Qiao.