From Italy and the World

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…

A new clinical trial led by the Garvan Institute of Medical Research suggests that metformin, a widely used and inexpensive drug for type 2 diabetes, could help people with type 1 diabetes reduce how much insulin they need. The findings point to a potential new way to manage the condition…