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Newswise: A Mathematical Model Connects the Evolution of Chickens, Fish and Frogs
Released: 6-Dec-2023 2:00 PM EST
A Mathematical Model Connects the Evolution of Chickens, Fish and Frogs
University of California San Diego

One of the most enduring questions of life is: How does it happen? One line of scientific inquiry lies in understanding gastrulation — the stage at which embryo cells develop from a single layer to a multidimensional structure. New research suggests that the same physical principles behind multicellular self-organization may have evolved across vertebrate species.

Released: 5-Dec-2023 5:05 PM EST
'Shocking' discovery: Electricity from electric eels may transfer genetic material to nearby animals
Nagoya University

The electric eel is the biggest power-making creature on Earth. It can release up to 860 volts, which is enough to run a machine. In a recent study, a research group from Nagoya University in Japan found electric eels can release enough electricity to genetically modify small fish larvae. They published their findings in PeerJ - Life and Environment.

Released: 5-Dec-2023 4:05 PM EST
Forecasting forest health using models to predict tree canopy height
Journal of Remote Sensing

Tree height is an important indicator of a forest’s maturity and overall health. Forest restoration projects rely on tree height as a predictor and measurement of success, but forecasting a forest’s future tree height based on observations alone is almost impossible. There are too many factors that contribute to the growth and health of trees.

Released: 5-Dec-2023 4:05 PM EST
When do brains grow up?
Argonne National Laboratory

Mice typically live two years and monkeys live 25 years, but the brains of both appear to develop their synapses at the same time. This finding, published in a recent study led by neuroscientist Bobby Kasthuri of the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Argonne National Laboratory and his colleagues at the University of Chicago, is a shock for neuroscientists.

Newswise:Video Embedded green-macroalga-caulerpa-has-replaced-seagrass-in-florida-s-indian-river-lagoon
VIDEO
Released: 5-Dec-2023 8:30 AM EST
Green Macroalga Caulerpa Has Replaced Seagrass in Florida’s Indian River Lagoon
Florida Atlantic University

Since 2011, parts of the Indian River Lagoon’s benthic cover has changed from primarily seagrass until 2015, to primarily the green macroalga C. prolifera after 2018. While native to the lagoon, C. prolifera acts as an invasive species that can move into new spaces and dominate due to its competitive ability in impaired habitats.

Newswise: More than 100 “magic mushroom” genomes point the way to new cultivars
Released: 4-Dec-2023 6:05 PM EST
More than 100 “magic mushroom” genomes point the way to new cultivars
Cell Press

Scientists have amassed genome data for dozens of “magic mushroom” isolates and cultivars, with the goal to learn more about how their domestication and cultivation has changed them. The findings, published December 4 in the journal Current Biology, may point the way to the production of intriguing new cultivars, say the researchers.

Newswise: Researchers map crocodile family tree to shed light on their evolution
Released: 4-Dec-2023 6:05 PM EST
Researchers map crocodile family tree to shed light on their evolution
University of York

The research team, led by scientists at the University of York, mapped the family tree of the ferocious ambush-predators and their extinct relatives known as Pseudosuchia.

Released: 4-Dec-2023 3:05 PM EST
Following in polar bears' footprints: DNA from snow tracks could help monitor threatened animals
Frontiers

Polar bears are icons of the Arctic, elusive and vulnerable. Detailed monitoring of their populations is crucial for their conservation — but because polar bears are so difficult to find, we are missing critical data about population size and how well connected those populations are

Released: 4-Dec-2023 2:05 PM EST
Soil drought weakens forest microclimatic cooling
Stockholm University

Scientists from Stockholm University have investigated the mechanisms that create cool microclimates beneath forest canopies during warm and dry summer days. The study reveals how canopy shading and water evaporation together create cooler forest microclimates compared to temperatures outside forests.

Newswise: Nature and Indigenous Peoples Must Be Central In All Decisions, Processes, and Outcomes at COP28
Released: 4-Dec-2023 8:05 AM EST
Nature and Indigenous Peoples Must Be Central In All Decisions, Processes, and Outcomes at COP28
Wildlife Conservation Society

The following statement was issued by Sushil Raj of the Wildlife Conservation Society, Dr. Myrna Cunningham Kain of the Pawanka Fund, and Roberto Múkaro Agüeibaná Borrero of the Inclusive Conservation Academy:

Newswise: At COP28: WCS and Republic of Congo Sign MoU on Implementation Of a High-Integrity Forest Investment Initiative in Nouabalé-Ndoki National Park
Released: 4-Dec-2023 7:05 AM EST
At COP28: WCS and Republic of Congo Sign MoU on Implementation Of a High-Integrity Forest Investment Initiative in Nouabalé-Ndoki National Park
Wildlife Conservation Society

Recognizing the importance of ecological integrity to biodiversity conservation and ecosystem services, including climate regulation, the Government of the Republic of Congo, represented by the Ministry of Forest Economy, and WCS have initiated a new program to attract investment in the conservation of high-integrity tropical forests.

Newswise: Top 10 Climate Science Insights Unveiled
Released: 4-Dec-2023 3:05 AM EST
Top 10 Climate Science Insights Unveiled
University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg

Top 10 Climate Science Insights Unveiled: Global experts in social and natural sciences unveiled the annual 10 New Insights in Climate Science Report.

Released: 30-Nov-2023 4:05 PM EST
Fungus from Arrakis: New species named after Dune’s giant worms
Pensoft Publishers

A new species of stalked puffball, a gasteroid fungus, has been named after the ‘Shai-Hulud’ sandworms of Frank Herbert's iconic science fiction novel series ‘Dune.’

Released: 30-Nov-2023 12:05 PM EST
Broadband buzz: Periodical cicadas' chorus measured with fiber optic cables
Entomological Society of America (ESA)

Annapolis, MD; November 30, 2023—Hung from a common utility pole, a fiber optic cable—the kind bringing high-speed internet to more and more American households—can be turned into a sensor to detect temperature changes, vibrations, and even sound, through an emerging technology called distributed fiber optic sensing.

Newswise: How shifting climates may have shaped early elephants’ trunks
Released: 29-Nov-2023 6:05 PM EST
How shifting climates may have shaped early elephants’ trunks
eLife

Researchers have provided new insights into how ancestral elephants developed their dextrous trunks.

Released: 29-Nov-2023 1:05 PM EST
The venom preceded the stinger: Genomic studies shed light on the origins of bee venom
Goethe-Universität Frankfurt am Main

Venoms have developed in many animal groups independently of each other. One group that has many venomous species is Hymenoptera, an insect order that also includes aculeates (stinging insects) such as bees, wasps and ants. Hymenoptera is very species-rich, with over 6,000 species of bees alone.

Released: 29-Nov-2023 1:05 PM EST
Protection of Highly Threatened Sharks and Rays Inadequate
University of Zurich

Sharks, rays and skates are the ocean’s most threatened vertebrate group. Research led by the University of Zurich into their functional diversity has now revealed previously overlooked, critical conservation priorities, thereby underscoring the urgent need for targeted action to safeguard the threatened species.

Newswise: A 2023 hurricane season success story: 
Cedar Key’s living shorelines bolster resilient community
Released: 29-Nov-2023 10:05 AM EST
A 2023 hurricane season success story: Cedar Key’s living shorelines bolster resilient community
University of Florida

As the 2023 hurricane season comes to a close, the living shorelines of Cedar Key should be considered one of the year’s success stories in fight against impact of climate change.

Released: 28-Nov-2023 3:05 PM EST
A laboratory test demonstrates that applying silicon to olive leaves promotes their growth
University of Cordoba

A DAUCO team finds that silicon is a potential means of promoting plant growth, probably by favoring the absorption of nutrients such as potassium Restrictions on the use of certain agrochemicals, such as fertilizers or pesticides, in the field of agribusiness have boosted interest in looking for alternatives to protect and strengthen crops like olive groves.

Newswise: New Agreement Provides Long-term Annual Funding to Protect Climate-Critical Madagascar Wilderness Area
Released: 28-Nov-2023 2:05 PM EST
New Agreement Provides Long-term Annual Funding to Protect Climate-Critical Madagascar Wilderness Area
Wildlife Conservation Society

Madagascar’s Makira-Masoala wilderness will receive an annual $1 million grant through a new agreement between the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) and Legacy Landscapes Fund (LLF), with support from Arcadia.

Newswise: image.jpg
Released: 28-Nov-2023 12:05 PM EST
Horticulture agent offers tips on winter holiday plant acquisition and care
Virginia Tech

Ed Olsen, an agent at Henrico unit of Virginia Cooperative Extension, shares tips for holiday plant care.

Released: 28-Nov-2023 12:05 AM EST
Nextgen computing: Hard-to-move quasiparticles glide up pyramid edges
University of Michigan

A new kind of "wire" for moving excitons, developed at the University of Michigan, could help enable a new class of devices, perhaps including room temperature quantum computers.

Released: 27-Nov-2023 12:05 PM EST
Honeybee cluster—not insulation but stressful heat sink
University of Leeds

New research suggests that honeybees huddle together to generate heat, not for insulation

Released: 22-Nov-2023 4:05 PM EST
How do temperature extremes influence the distribution of species?
McGill University

McGill biology researchers found that there are patterns regarding the importance of temperature in determining where species live, shedding light on their sensitivity to climate change

Released: 22-Nov-2023 12:05 PM EST
This sea worm’s butt swims away, and now scientists know how
SCHOOL OF SCIENCE, THE UNIVERSITY OF TOKYO

Armed with its own eyes, antennae, and swimming bristles, the posterior body part detaches for spawning. UTokyo scientists revealed its developmental mechanism for the first time.

Released: 22-Nov-2023 12:05 PM EST
Danish researchers puncture 100-year-old theory of odd little 'water balloons'
University of Copenhagen, Faculty of Science

Scientists discover that bladder cells on quinoa plants are not for salt and drought tolerance but for pest and disease protection

Newswise: Forest modeling shows which harvest rotations lead to maximum carbon sequestration
Released: 22-Nov-2023 8:05 AM EST
Forest modeling shows which harvest rotations lead to maximum carbon sequestration
Oregon State University

Forest modeling by Oregon State University scientists shows that a site’s productivity – an indicator of how fast trees grow and how much biomass they accumulate – is the main factor that determines which time period between timber harvests allows for maximum above-ground carbon sequestration.

Newswise: Study highlights need to keep an eye on the ozone hole
Released: 22-Nov-2023 8:05 AM EST
Study highlights need to keep an eye on the ozone hole
University of Otago

Despite public perception, the Antarctic ozone hole has been remarkably massive and long-lived over the past four years, University of Otago researchers believe chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) aren’t the only things to blame.

Newswise: Study Reveals New Clues About How Whales and Dolphins Came to Use Echolocation
Released: 21-Nov-2023 8:05 AM EST
Study Reveals New Clues About How Whales and Dolphins Came to Use Echolocation
New York Institute of Technology, New York Tech

Research provides new insight into how toothed whales and dolphins evolved to navigate the underwater world using sound waves.

Newswise: What dynamics act in animal migrations and parasitic infections?
Released: 21-Nov-2023 8:05 AM EST
What dynamics act in animal migrations and parasitic infections?
Universite de Montreal

Whether to find food, reproduce, reduce competition, escape predators or escape winter, migration is a survival mechanism for many animal species.

Newswise: AI finds formula on how to predict monster waves
Released: 20-Nov-2023 7:05 PM EST
AI finds formula on how to predict monster waves
University of Copenhagen, Faculty of Science

Long considered myth, freakishly large rogue waves are very real and can split apart ships and even damage oil rigs. Using 700 years’ worth of wave data from more than a billion waves, scientists at the University of Copenhagen and University of Victoria have used artificial intelligence to find a formula for how to predict the occurrence of these maritime monsters. The new knowledge can make shipping safer.

Released: 17-Nov-2023 1:05 PM EST
Fishing chimpanzees found to enjoy termites as a seasonal treat
Frontiers

Seasonal rain and termite dispersal flights make protein-rich termites vulnerable to fishing chimpanzees

Released: 17-Nov-2023 12:05 PM EST
Scientists have solved the damselfly color mystery
Lund University

For over 20 years, a research team at Lund University in Sweden has studied the common bluetail damselfly. Females occur in three different colour forms – one with a male-like appearance, something that protects them from mating harassment. In a new study, an international research team found that this genetic colour variation that is shared between several species arose through changes in a specific genomic region at least five million years ago.

Released: 17-Nov-2023 3:05 AM EST
Study proposes new framework to identify keystone microbial species
Brigham and Women’s Hospital

Microbial communities are thought to contain keystone species, which can disproportionately affect the stability of the communities, even if only present in low abundances. Identifying these keystone species can be challenging, especially in the human gut, since it is not feasible to isolate them through systematic elimination.

Newswise: Love thy neighbor: Cooperation extends beyond one’s own group in wild bonobos
Released: 17-Nov-2023 3:05 AM EST
Love thy neighbor: Cooperation extends beyond one’s own group in wild bonobos
Harvard University

A new study published this week in Science challenges the notion that only humans are capable of forming strong and strategic cooperative relationships and sharing resources across non-family groups.

Released: 16-Nov-2023 3:05 PM EST
MSU expert: Chronic wasting disease threatens deer populations
Michigan State University

Sonja Christensen, an assistant professor in the Department of Fisheries and Wildlife in Michigan State University’s College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, is focused on protecting deer from disease, specifically chronic waste disease.

Released: 16-Nov-2023 2:05 PM EST
New global stocktake: Healthy forests could store much more carbon
GFZ GeoForschungsZentrum Potsdam

Large international study combines satellite and ground data

Released: 16-Nov-2023 12:05 PM EST
Bear genes show circadian rhythms even during hibernation
Washington State University

Researchers found that grizzly bears' internal clocks keep ticking through hibernation, which helps them survive going without food for months.

Released: 16-Nov-2023 12:05 PM EST
New study reveals that bees cannot taste even lethal levels of pesticides
University of Oxford

New research from the University of Oxford has revealed that bumblebees cannot taste pesticides present in nectar, even at lethal concentrations. This means bumblebees are not able to avoid contaminated nectar, putting them at high risk of pesticide exposure

Released: 16-Nov-2023 11:05 AM EST
Rabies virus variants from marmosets are found in bats
Sao Paulo Research Foundation (FAPESP)

The emergence of rabies in distinct wildlife species is a potential source of human infection and poses life-threatening risks. A 36-year-old farm worker died in May, in Northeast Brazil, only weeks after being bitten by a marmoset

Released: 16-Nov-2023 11:05 AM EST
Non-native diversity mirrors Earth’s biodiversity
Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel (GEOMAR)

New study reveals huge potential for future waves of invasive species

Released: 15-Nov-2023 3:05 PM EST
Pseudoscorpions of Israel: Two New Family records Discovered
Hebrew University of Jerusalem

New study discovers two previously unknown pseudoscorpion families in Israel, expanding our understanding of the region's biodiversity.

Released: 15-Nov-2023 1:05 PM EST
New deep learning AI tool helps ecologists monitor rare birds through their songs
British Ecological Society

Researchers develop deep learning AI tool that generates life-like birdsongs to train bird identification tools. This helps ecologists monitor rare species in the wild.

Released: 15-Nov-2023 12:05 PM EST
Multiple evolutionary trajectories in aquatic crocodiles
University of Liege

Research carried out by paleontologists has made it possible to trace the evolutionary convergence of these groups using 3D models

Released: 15-Nov-2023 11:20 AM EST
From Farm to Newsroom: The Latest Research and Features on Agriculture
Newswise

The world’s total population is expected to reach 9.9 billion by 2050. This rapid increase in population is boosting the demand for agriculture to cater for the increased demand. Below are some of the latest research and features on agriculture and farming in the Agriculture channel on Newswise.

Newswise: Harris Lewin, leader of the Earth BioGenome Project to address the world’s biodiversity crisis, joins Arizona State University
Released: 15-Nov-2023 11:00 AM EST
Harris Lewin, leader of the Earth BioGenome Project to address the world’s biodiversity crisis, joins Arizona State University
Arizona State University (ASU)

To help mitigate the world’s biodiversity crisis, Arizona State University’s Julie Ann Wrigley Global Futures Laboratory has recruited Harris Lewin, a prominent genome scientist currently spearheading one of biology’s most ambitious ‘moonshot’ goals, a complete DNA catalog of the genetic code for life on Earth by the end of this decade.



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