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Human societies have not just adapted to the natural world. They have steadily learned how to transform it. Drawing on research from archaeology, ecology, anthropology, and evolutionary theory, Erle Ellis, professor of geography and environmental systems at the University of Maryland Baltimore County, explains how cultural practices have evolved to…
Researchers led by Northwestern University have developed a fuel cell that generates electricity using microbes naturally found in soil. The device, roughly the size of a paperback book, produces small amounts of power by capturing energy released as these microorganisms break down organic material in dirt. This soil-powered system is…
As computing demands continue to surge, scientists are exploring the quantum world for smarter ways to process massive amounts of data. One promising direction is a field called orbitronics, which focuses on using the motion of electrons around an atom’s nucleus, known as orbital angular momentum, to carry and store…
Out of more than 4,500 known planet-hosting stars, one surprising pattern stands out. While planets are expected to form around most stars and many stars exist in pairs, worlds that orbit both stars are unusually uncommon. Among the more than 6,000 confirmed extrasolar planets, or exoplanets, discovered so far —…
Think, know, understand, remember. These are everyday words people use to describe what goes on in the human mind. But when those same terms are applied to artificial intelligence, they can unintentionally make machines seem more human than they really are. “We use mental verbs all the time in our…
Extra virgin olive oil has long been a cornerstone of the Mediterranean diet, known for supporting heart and metabolic health. Now, new research suggests it may also help protect the brain. Scientists have found that its benefits could extend beyond the body to the mind, working through the gut microbiome…
Researchers have taken a major step toward understanding how black holes influence the universe by directly measuring the power of their jets. Using a network of radio telescopes spread across the globe, a team led by Curtin University captured detailed images that reveal just how energetic these jets can be.…
For people who spend long hours at a desk, new research offers encouraging news. A study from the University of Sydney’s Charles Perkins Centre (Australia) suggests that increasing your daily step count may help reduce the health risks linked to prolonged sitting. The findings, published in the British Journal of…
If you have ever used a “magic eraser” sponge to scrub away scuffs on white shoes or crayon marks on a wall, you have seen how powerful these cleaners can be. Melamine sponges are known for removing stubborn stains without the need for extra chemicals. But scientists are now raising…
Ants that consume a sugary treat mixed with caffeine become noticeably better at finding their way back to it. A new study published in iScience shows that these ants take more direct routes to the reward, even though they do not move any faster. This suggests caffeine improves their ability…
A new study from GreenDrill — a project co-led by the University at Buffalo to recover rock and sediment buried beneath the Greenland Ice Sheet — has revealed that the Prudhoe Dome ice cap completely vanished about 7,000 years ago. This is far more recent than scientists had previously believed.…
Engineers at Northwestern University have created printed artificial neurons that go beyond imitation and can directly interact with real brain cells. These flexible, low-cost devices produce electrical signals that closely resemble those generated by living neurons, allowing them to activate biological brain tissue. In experiments using slices of mouse brain,…
A new study has found that some of the ocean’s most powerful predators are running hotter than expected, and the consequences could be severe. These animals already require large amounts of energy to survive, and now they face a growing challenge as ocean temperatures rise and food becomes less available.…
A new study reveals that cities across the United States and Canada experienced a noticeable drop in ground vibrations during the April 8, 2024 total solar eclipse. Researchers presented the findings at the 2026 SSA Annual Meeting, showing that urban areas within the “path of totality” briefly became seismically quieter…
A new study led by researchers at UCL (University College London) shows that combining quantum computing with artificial intelligence can significantly improve predictions of complex physical systems over long periods. The hybrid approach outperforms leading models that rely only on conventional computers. The results, published in Science Advances, could enhance…
Eating plenty of fruits, vegetables and whole grains is widely recommended to improve health and reduce the risk of cancer and other diseases. But new findings from USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, part of Keck Medicine of USC, suggest there may be an unexpected risk for a specific group. Research…
New research led by the University of Warwick shows that forests were already growing across Doggerland, a now-submerged landmass beneath the North Sea, far earlier than scientists once believed. The findings indicate this lost landscape may have served as a welcoming refuge for plants, animals, and possibly humans long before…
Most glaciers around the world are shrinking as temperatures rise. But a smaller group behaves in a very different way, and their actions can be far more dangerous. An international team of scientists led by the University of Portsmouth has completed a large global study of these so-called surging glaciers.…
Measuring low-frequency electric fields with high precision is still a major scientific challenge. Existing sensing technologies often fall short when trying to achieve three key goals at once: accurate calibration, compact size, and the ability to determine both the strength and direction of a field. Rydberg atoms have emerged as…
Scientists have uncovered new details about how bacteria share genes, including those that drive antimicrobial resistance (AMR), a growing global health threat. The findings come from researchers at the John Innes Centre, who studied unusual particles known as gene transfer agents (GTAs). GTAs resemble bacteriophages (viruses that infect bacteria), but…
Sparkling water may play a small role in weight management by slightly increasing blood glucose uptake and metabolism, which is the process the body uses to convert energy. However, the effect appears to be minimal. A brief analysis published in BMJ Nutrition Prevention & Health concludes that carbonated water alone…
Scientists have discovered how a naturally occurring hormone can reverse obesity in mice, and the answer lies in the brain. Researchers at the University of Oklahoma found that the hormone works by sending signals to a brain region that helps control metabolism and appetite. This is the same general area…
Researchers in Brazil are advancing a promising form of cancer immunotherapy by making natural killer (NK) cells more powerful and precise. In a recent study, scientists at the Ribeirão Preto Blood Center and the Center for Cell-Based Therapy (CTC) used the NK-92 cell line to test new designs of chimeric…
As people get older, their blood and immune systems gradually lose strength. A major reason is the decline of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs), which are responsible for producing all types of blood cells. Under healthy conditions, these stem cells can renew themselves and create a balanced mix of blood cells.…
UCLA scientists have uncovered a harmful group of immune cells that quietly builds up in aging tissues and in the livers of people with fatty liver disease. When these cells were removed in mice, inflammation dropped sharply and liver damage was reversed, even though the animals continued eating an unhealthy…
The 1987 Montreal Protocol is often described as the most successful environmental treaty ever created. It has led to a steady global phaseout of chemicals that once damaged the ozone layer and increased risks such as skin cancer. Research led by MIT has shown that cutting these ozone-depleting substances is…
Airlines have strict rules about where you can pack your laptop, and lithium-ion batteries are the reason. These batteries, which power everything from phones to electric cars, can pose a fire risk under certain conditions. The danger comes from lithium itself. This lightweight metal is highly reactive, meaning it can…
A new large-scale study led by researchers at Cedars-Sinai Health Sciences University is raising questions about the long-term safety of some medications commonly used to treat irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). The findings suggest that certain drugs, including antidepressants, may be linked to a small but measurable increase in the risk…
The world’s oceans may be playing a larger role in climate change than scientists once realized, quietly boosting global warming through processes that are only now coming into focus. A new study published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences reveals an important driver of methane production…
Recent research from Mass General Brigham suggests that aiming for more aggressive blood pressure control could provide greater health benefits than previously believed. The findings indicate that the advantages of lowering blood pressure more intensively may outweigh concerns about overtreating patients with hypertension. The results come from a simulation study…
