ScienceDaily: Top Environment News

A 3400-year-old city emerges from the Tigris River

Posted: 01 Jun 2022 05:00 PM PDT

Archaeologists have uncovered a 3400-year-old Mittani Empire-era city once located on the Tigris River. The settlement emerged from the waters of the Mosul reservoir early this year as water levels fell rapidly due to extreme drought in Iraq. The extensive city with a palace and several large buildings could be ancient Zakhiku -- believed to have been an important center in the Mittani Empire (ca. 1550-1350 BC).

Researchers show dynamic soaring isn't just for albatrosses

Posted: 01 Jun 2022 02:02 PM PDT

A new study shows how small seabirds have mastered the art of working smarter not harder when soaring at sea.

Scientists developing the axolotl as a model for regeneration

Posted: 01 Jun 2022 02:02 PM PDT

Scientists are working toward establishing the Mexican salamander, or axolotl, as a laboratory model for the study of regeneration. With the ability to regenerate almost any body part, the axolotl is nature's champion of regeneration. The development of new tools to work with the axolotl is elevating it to the level of established research models and positioning the community of scientists who work with it for exponential growth.

Less air pollution leads to higher crop yields

Posted: 01 Jun 2022 11:28 AM PDT

New analysis shows crop yields could increase by about 25% in China and up to 10% in other parts of the world if emissions of a common air pollutant decreased by about half.

Consumers embrace milk carton QR codes, may cut food waste

Posted: 01 Jun 2022 11:28 AM PDT

The 'use-by' and 'best-by' dates printed on milk cartons and gallon jugs may soon become a thing of the past, giving way to more accurate and informative QR codes. A new study finds that consumers will use the QR codes -- to better depict how long the milk is drinkable and create substantially less agricultural and food waste.

Visible light triggers molecular machines to treat infections

Posted: 01 Jun 2022 11:28 AM PDT

Chemists have created light-activated molecular machines and shown they can drill holes through the membranes of gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria, killing them in as little as two minutes. Their study offers a potential new strategy for fighting antibiotic-resistant bacteria, which have no natural defenses against the mechanical invaders.

How electric fish were able to evolve electric organs

Posted: 01 Jun 2022 11:28 AM PDT

A new study explains how small genetic changes enabled electric fish to evolve electric organs. The finding might also help scientists pinpoint the genetic mutations behind some human diseases.

Research shows how Gulf of Mexico escaped ancient mass extinction

Posted: 01 Jun 2022 10:30 AM PDT

An ancient bout of global warming 56 million years ago that acidified oceans and wiped-out marine life had a milder effect in the Gulf of Mexico, where life was sheltered by the basin's unique geology. The findings could help scientists determine how current climate change will affect marine life and aid in efforts to find deposits of oil and gas.

The persistent effects of colonialism in Caribbean science

Posted: 01 Jun 2022 10:30 AM PDT

A new study shows how the legacy of colonialism is still deeply entrenched within scientific practice across the Caribbean archipelago. Rather than solely critiquing these practices, however, the authors hope the study serves as a map to help researchers avoid the pitfalls of extractive science.

Combination anti-HIV antibody infusions suppress virus for prolonged period

Posted: 01 Jun 2022 08:18 AM PDT

Individuals with HIV who began taking antiretroviral therapy (ART) in the early stages of infection achieved a lengthy period of HIV suppression without ART after receiving two broadly neutralizing anti-HIV antibodies (bNAbs), according to a small study. The findings suggest that combination bNAb therapy might offer a future alternative to daily ART for people living with HIV.

Forests: Spatial aspects of biodiversity, homogenization threat to forest ecosystems

Posted: 01 Jun 2022 08:18 AM PDT

A study highlights the importance of spatial aspects of biodiversity for healthy functioning of naturally occurring forests. Biologists determined that tree beta diversity -- a measure of site-to-site variation in the composition of species present within a given area -- matters more for ecosystem functioning than other components of biodiversity at larger scales. The research also shows that the relationship between beta diversity and tree biomass strengthens with increasing spatial scale (the size of an area) a finding that has implications for conservation planning.

New virus variant threatens the health of bees worldwide

Posted: 01 Jun 2022 08:18 AM PDT

A dangerous variant of the deformed wing virus is on the rise worldwide. The virus infects honeybees, causing their wings to atrophy and the animals to die. The new variant, which has already replaced the original strain of the virus in Europe, is spreading to other regions of the world and causing entire bee colonies to collapse.

Tired mosquitoes would rather catch up on sleep than bite you

Posted: 01 Jun 2022 08:18 AM PDT

Turns out you're not the only one who needs a good night's rest to function well the next day. Researchers found that mosquitoes whose slumber is disrupted are more interested in catching up on their sleep than looking for food the next day. The research demonstrates how vital this biological function is even among insects.

Engineers uncover secret 'thinking' behind dandelions' seed dispersal

Posted: 01 Jun 2022 08:17 AM PDT

High on sunshine, humans often decide when dandelions get to spread their species -- but the puffballs have their own ideas on how best to proliferate.

Study suggests that most of our evolutionary trees could be wrong

Posted: 01 Jun 2022 08:17 AM PDT

New research suggests that determining evolutionary trees of organisms by comparing anatomy rather than gene sequences is misleading. The study shows that we often need to overturn centuries of scholarly work that classified living things according to how they look.

Widespread futile care could contribute to veterinary burnout

Posted: 01 Jun 2022 08:17 AM PDT

More than 99% of veterinarians surveyed said they'd encountered useless or non-beneficial veterinary care in their careers, according to a new Cornell-led study that documents the prevalence of futile care for the first time. The authors use a working definition of futile care as continuing treatment when relevant goals can no longer be reached.

Researchers design a method to pinpoint the origin of illegally traded chimpanzees

Posted: 01 Jun 2022 08:17 AM PDT

Researchers have produced the first catalog of genomic diversity for endangered chimpanzees in the wild. The catalog, which includes 828 chimp samples from across their range, offers a detailed reconstruction of chimp population structure and fine-scale patterns of isolation, migration, and connection. The researchers use this information to design a method to link confiscated chimpanzees to their place of origin within about 100 kilometers, with the goal to support efforts to combat the illegal trade of chimpanzees and related products.

Scaling new heights with new research showing how plants can grow at altitude

Posted: 01 Jun 2022 08:17 AM PDT

A new study has found that plant species are adapted to the altitude where they grow by 'sensing' the oxygen levels that surround them.

New type of triterpenes discovered

Posted: 01 Jun 2022 08:17 AM PDT

A remarkable discovery and collaborative effort have revealed a new type of triterpenes, a group of organic compounds which are an important source of many medicines. Until now, all triterpenes were believed to be derived from squalene, itself a type of triterpene. However, for the very first time, researchers witnessed biosynthesis, the formation of complex compounds from simple ones in living organisms, of triterpenes in fungi without the use of squalene. This important discovery opens up a whole new world of possibilities for pharmaceutical science.

Antibiotics wreak havoc on athletic performance

Posted: 01 Jun 2022 06:22 AM PDT

New research demonstrates that by killing essential gut bacteria, antibiotics ravage athletes' motivation and endurance. The mouse study suggests the microbiome is a big factor separating athletes from 'couch potatoes'.

Wind turbines operating without curtailment claim many victims among protected bat species in Germany

Posted: 01 Jun 2022 06:22 AM PDT

Protected and rare bats regularly die at wind turbines (WT). This is why the operation of new wind turbines is temporarily curtailed during periods of high bat activity. Old wind turbines run without curtailment, however. A scientific team has now produced an exemplary estimate of bat fatality rates at such old turbines by systematically recording bat carcasses in the vicinity of the turbines. During two months, 70 bats died on average per wind turbine. Even if these figures cannot be extrapolated one-to-one to all 20,000 old turbines in Germany, there is a considerable need for action. The operation of old turbines should be adjusted to the current regulations for new turbines, the authors argue.

About 3 grams a day of omega-3 fatty acids may lower blood pressure, more research needed

Posted: 01 Jun 2022 06:21 AM PDT

While there is some evidence that consuming omega-3 fatty acids in food or dietary supplements may reduce the risk of high blood pressure, the optimal amount to consume for this benefit is unclear. A review of dozens of studies suggests that the optimal amount of omega-3 fatty acids to consume to lower blood pressure is likely about 3 grams daily. Consuming higher amounts of omega-3 fatty acids may be beneficial for people at high risk for developing cardiovascular disease, though more research is needed researchers said.

Automated drones could scare birds off agricultural fields

Posted: 01 Jun 2022 06:21 AM PDT

A research team has developed a system where cameras could spot pest birds in vineyards or orchards and launch drones to drive off the avian irritants, then return to watch for the next invading flock. All without a human nearby.

Zapping orange peel oil into new, pleasant aroma compounds

Posted: 01 Jun 2022 06:21 AM PDT

As oranges are peeled, they spray a tangy, citrus scented oil into the air. The main compound in the fragrant mist is limonene, which can be collected from discarded peels and used in flavorings, perfumes and all-purpose cleaners. Now, researchers have treated limonene with electricity and ethanol, transforming it into a mixture of pleasant-smelling aroma compounds, some of which haven't been identified before.

Investigational drug attacks synovial sarcoma, a rare type of tumor

Posted: 31 May 2022 03:19 PM PDT

Researchers have developed a way to attack synovial sarcoma -- a rare tumor of soft tissues, such as ligaments and muscles -- using an investigational drug that triggers cell death.

As the grid adds wind power, researchers have to reengineer recovery from power outages

Posted: 31 May 2022 03:19 PM PDT

When electric grids go down, there's no way to restore them -- 'blackstart' them -- with power from wind turbines. A team is now working to develop strategies and controllers that would reenergize power grids dominated by wind power. In Iowa, wind turbines now produce 55% of the state's electricity.

Air pollution linked to adverse outcomes in pregnancy

Posted: 31 May 2022 03:19 PM PDT

A new study in mice reveals how exposure to traffic-related air pollutants causes cellular changes in the placenta that can lead to pregnancy complications and affect the health of both mother and offspring.

What guppy guts can teach us about evolution

Posted: 31 May 2022 12:19 PM PDT

Thanks to a unique combination of biology and ecology, the guppies have provided researchers with insights into evolution for decades. Evans and Fitzpatrick have pushed those insights a step further, showing the guppies' potential to help probe big questions about how microbes living in host organisms contribute to health, survival and quality of life.

New insights into the movement of pine cone scales

Posted: 31 May 2022 09:21 AM PDT

Pine cones open when dry and close when wet. In this way, pine seeds are released only under advantageous conditions, namely when it is dry and the seeds can be carried far by wind. Opening and closing is of particular interest to researchers because the actuation is passive, that is, it does not consume metabolic energy. This is why the pine cone has already served as a model for biomimetic flap systems that react to moisture and are used, for example, in building envelopes to regulate the climate.

Oil spill remediation: Research confirms effectiveness of oil dispersants

Posted: 31 May 2022 08:18 AM PDT

Chemical dispersants are some of the best tools to clean up after an oil spill. However, scientists do not fully understand how well they work. A new study validated their efficacy in order to better prepare for the next disaster.

Palms at the poles: Fossil plants reveal lush southern hemisphere forests in ancient hothouse climate

Posted: 31 May 2022 08:18 AM PDT

Plant fossils dating back 55 to 40 million years ago, during the Eocene epoch reveal details about the warmer and wetter climate. These conditions meant there were palms at the North and South Pole and predominantly arid landmasses like Australia were lush and green. By focusing on the morphology and taxonomic features of 12 different floras, the researchers developed a more detailed view of what the climate and productivity was like in the ancient hothouse world of the Eocene epoch.

The secret to a longer lifespan? Gene regulation holds a clue

Posted: 31 May 2022 08:18 AM PDT

Researchers investigated genes connected to lifespan. Their research uncovered specific characteristics of these genes and revealed that two regulatory systems controlling gene expression -- circadian and pluripotency networks -- are critical to longevity. The findings have implications both in understanding how longevity evolves and in providing new targets to combat aging and age-related diseases.

Urban magnetic fields reveal clues about energy efficiency, pollution

Posted: 31 May 2022 08:18 AM PDT

Researchers present a comparative analysis of urban magnetic fields between two U.S. cities: Berkeley, California, and the Brooklyn borough of New York City. They explore what kinds of information can be extracted using data from magnetic field sensors to understand the working of cities and provide insights that may be crucial for preventative studies.

Great white sharks may have contributed to megalodon extinction

Posted: 31 May 2022 08:18 AM PDT

The diet of fossil extinct animals can hold clues to their lifestyle, behavior, evolution and ultimately extinction. However, studying an animal's diet after millions of years is difficult due to the poor preservation of chemical dietary indicators in organic material on these timescales. An international team of scientists has applied a new method to investigate the diet of the largest shark to have ever existed, the iconic Otodus megalodon. This new method investigates the zinc isotope composition of the highly mineralized part of teeth and proves to be particularly helpful to decipher the diet of these extinct animals.

Solar-biomass hybrid system satisfies home heating requirements in winter

Posted: 31 May 2022 08:17 AM PDT

Researchers outline a computer simulation model addressing the challenge of solar power's inherent intermittency by adding biomass as another renewable energy source to advance a reliable, affordable heating solution while reducing carbon dioxide emissions. The proposed solar-biomass hybrid system is based on distributed multi-generation technology that integrates photovoltaic-thermal and biomass power sources.

Scientists use AI to update data vegetation maps for improved wildfire forecasts

Posted: 31 May 2022 07:27 AM PDT

A new technique uses artificial intelligence to efficiently update the vegetation maps that are relied on by wildfire computer models to accurately predict fire behavior and spread.

Decoding how a protein on the move keeps cells healthy

Posted: 31 May 2022 07:26 AM PDT

Cells rely on a process known as RNA interference (RNAi) to control protein production. The centerpiece of that process is the protein Argonaute, which seeks out and destroys mRNA molecules. Scientists have now discovered how Argonaute efficiently jumps from one target to the next. Their work may help improve current RNAi-based therapies and develop better ones in the future.

Cuttlefish camouflage may be more complex than previously thought

Posted: 31 May 2022 07:26 AM PDT

A new study suggests that the European cuttlefish (sepia officinalis) may combine, as necessary, two distinct neural systems that process specific visual features from its local environment, and visual cues relating to its overall background environment to create the body patterns it uses to camouflage itself on the sea floor.

New artificial enzyme breaks down tough, woody lignin

Posted: 31 May 2022 06:15 AM PDT

An innovative artificial enzyme has shown it can chew through woody lignin, an abundant carbon-based substance that stores tremendous potential for renewable energy and materials.

How moonlight fine-tunes animal reproduction

Posted: 31 May 2022 06:15 AM PDT

Animals possess circadian clocks, or 24 h oscillators, to regulate daily behavior. These typically take their cues from the periodic change of sunlight and darkness. However, many animals are also exposed to moon-light, which recurs with about 25h periodicity. Scientists have now discovered that moonlight adjusts the daily clock of marine bristle worms, which helps them to fine-tune their reproductive cycle to certain hours during the night. The study provides an explanation for the phenomenon that daily clocks from flies to humans can exhibit plastic run-times.

The history of Lake Cahuilla before the Salton Sea

Posted: 31 May 2022 06:15 AM PDT

Lake Cahuilla went through many cycles of filling and drying out over thousands of years. A new study by a San Diego State University researcher and colleagues used radiocarbon dating to determine the timing of the last seven periods of filling during the Late Holocene. The research sheds light on both the history of human occupation in the area and its seismic past.

Where rivers jump course

Posted: 30 May 2022 05:58 AM PDT

Large floods will sometimes force a river to jump course and forge a new path across the landscape, in rare and catastrophic events known as river avulsions. Scientists have now published a global compilation of river avulsions. The study corroborates roughly a decade of theoretical and experimental work by the group, which fleshed out avulsions from what had been an understudied curiosity.

Fjords emit as much methane as all the deep oceans globally

Posted: 30 May 2022 05:57 AM PDT

During heavy storms, the normally stratified layers of water in ocean fjords get mixed, which leads to oxygenation of the fjord floor. But these storm events also result in a spike in methane emissions from fjords to the atmosphere. Researchers have estimated that the total emissions of this climate-warming gas are as great from fjords as from all the deep ocean areas in the world put together.

Anthropogenic vapors in haze pollution over Hong Kong and Mainland China's megacities

Posted: 28 May 2022 07:03 PM PDT

Scientists have revealed the significant roles of anthropogenic low-volatility organic vapors on the secondary organic aerosols (SOA) formation in four megacities in China, providing new insights for effectively mitigating the urban air pollution issues.

A cushy lab life has its evolutionary costs -- when it comes to fish, that is

Posted: 27 May 2022 09:14 AM PDT

An animal's ability to adapt to its environment is clearly key to its survival, but does that ability come at a physiological cost? A clever experiment comparing laboratory zebrafish with their wild relatives suggests it does.

Easy, flexible access to produce, resources boosts healthy eating for kids

Posted: 27 May 2022 09:13 AM PDT

What children eat affects their lifelong health, but changing their habits can be difficult. However, a new study found that providing easy access to produce and resources can lead to big improvements in kids' diets.