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Despite efforts to mitigate the effects of climate change, companies are not set up for success, due to conflicting national and sectorial targets and differing availability of abatement options, a new study reveals.
Innovation in stone tool technology involved multiple stages at the time of modern human dispersals
A new study illuminates the cultural evolution that took place approximately 50,000 to 40,000 years ago, coinciding with the dispersals of Homo sapiens across Eurasia. The insights gleaned from their examination of stone tool technology challenge the widely held notion of a rapid cultural and technological 'revolution' that enabled anatomically modern humans to surpass Neanderthals and other archaic humans. Instead, the research suggests a nuanced evolutionary process, unfolding gradually over an extended period, with changes occurring at various times. These findings challenge the conventional theory on the timing and nature of cultural transitions during this pivotal period in human history.
New study sheds new light on forests' role in climate and water cycle
Forests, which cover a third of Earth's land surface, are pivotal in carbon storage and the water cycle, though the full scope of their impact remains to be fully understood. In a new study, researchers provide new insights into the complex role forests play in the climate system and water cycle.
Nature is particularly beneficial for people on lower income
Data from a representative sample of the Austrian population suggests that the relationship between nature contact and well-being is consistently stronger for people on lower than higher incomes. However, this pattern was only found when people actively visited nature and not when they merely lived near greenspaces. Findings suggest the availability, accessibility and use of green and blue spaces can play an important role in reducing income-related health inequalities.
Inexpensive, carbon-neutral biofuels are finally possible
When it comes to making fuel from plants, the first step has always been the hardest -- breaking down the plant matter. A new study finds that introducing a simple, renewable chemical to the pretreatment step can finally make next-generation biofuel production both cost-effective and carbon neutral.
3D printed nanocellulose upscaled for green architectural applications
For the first time, a hydrogel material made of nanocellulose and algae has been tested as an alternative, greener architectural material. The study shows how the abundant sustainable material can be 3D printed into a wide array of architectural components, using much less energy than conventional construction methods.
New approach for fast and cost-effective pathogen detection
The ability to detect diseases at an early stage or even predict their onset would be of tremendous benefit to doctors and patients alike. A research team now develops intelligent, miniaturized biosensor devices and systems using nanomaterials to determine biomolecules and cells as well as biochemical reactions or processes as disease markers. The team's current publication describes the development of a portable, palm-sized test system that can simultaneously carry out up to thirty-two analyses of one sample.
New method to more accurately spot underground nuclear tests
A more accurate way of identifying underground nuclear tests, including those conducted in secret, has been developed.
Gut microbiome changes during pregnancy may influence immune system response
A new study identifies numerous pathways by which the gut microbiome may change the immune system.
Warmer water may help rivers keep antimicrobial resistance at bay
New study suggests that temperature can influence the microbial competition in rivers.
MXene-coated devices can guide microwaves in space and lighten the payload
One of the most important components of satellites that enable telecommunication is the waveguide, which is a metal tube for guiding radio waves. It is also one of the heaviest payloads satellites carry into orbit. As with all space technology, reducing weight means reducing the amount of expensive and greenhouse gas-producing fuel it takes to launch a rocket, or increasing the number of devices carried by the same rocket to space. Researchers are trying to lighten the load by creating and testing a waveguide made from 3D-printed polymers coated with a conductive nanomaterial called MXene.
Japan's electric vehicle transition by 2035 may be insufficient to combat the climate crisis, but there are solutions
Researchers report that Japan's policy of banning the sale of new gas vehicles by 2035 may be insufficient to reduce the country's CO2 emissions. The team's analysis showed that to effectively reach their climate goals, Japan must also implement policies that extend vehicle lifetime, implement more renewable energy into its energy sector, and decarbonize the manufacturing process of vehicles.
Bacteria in the mouth linked to pulmonary fibrosis survival
Bacteria in the mouth may play a role in survival from idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), finds a new study.
Spent hemp biomass: A feed use that supports milk production in dairy cows
A new study explores whether the plentiful, fibrous byproduct of CBD production holds potential promise as a nutritious, efficiency-boosting feed ingredient for the dairy sector
How kelp forests persisted through the large 2014-2016 Pacific marine heatwave
New research reveals that denser, and more sheltered, kelp forests can withstand serious stressors amid warming ocean temperatures.
New study finds 'sweet spot' for length of yarn-shaped supercapacitors
Researchers have identified a 'sweet spot' at which the length of a threadlike energy storage technology called a 'yarn-shaped supercapacitor' (YSC) yields the highest and most efficient flow of energy per unit length.
New approach to tackling bacterial infections identified
Researchers have identified a new approach to controlling bacterial infections. The team found a way to turn on a vital bacterial defense mechanism to fight and manage bacterial infections. The defense system, called cyclic oligonucleotide-based antiphage signaling system (CBASS), is a natural mechanism used by certain bacteria to protect themselves from viral attacks. Bacteria self-destruct as a means to prevent the spread of virus to other bacterial cells in the population.
Researchers reveal elusive bottleneck holding back global effort to convert carbon dioxide waste into usable products
Think of it as recycling on the nanoscale: a tantalizing electrochemical process that can harvest carbon before it becomes air pollution and restructure it into the components of everyday products. The drive to capture airborne carbon dioxide from industrial waste and make it into fuel and plastics is gaining momentum after a team of researchers uncovered precisely how the process works and where it bogs down.
Researchers discover key to molecular mystery of how plants respond to changing conditions
A team of researchers recently published a pioneering study that answers a central question in biology: how do organisms rally a wide range of cellular processes when they encounter a change -- either internally or in the external environment -- to thrive in good times or survive the bad times? The research, focused on plants, identifies the interactions between four compounds: pectin, receptor proteins FERONIA and LLG1 and the signal RALF peptide.
Complex tree canopies help forests recover from moderate-severity disturbances
Extreme events wipe out entire forests, dramatically eliminating complex ecosystems as well as local communities. Researchers have become quite familiar with such attention-grabbing events over the years. They know less, however, about the more common moderate-severity disturbances, such as relatively small fires, ice storms, and outbreaks of pests or pathogens.