Complex ecosystem changes cause more greenhouse gases to be emitted from peatlands

Peatlands, which make up 3 percent of Earth's total land area, are known by a number of names—moors, mires, bogs, swamps and portions of permafrost tundra. They also store a significant amount of the Earth's carbon.

Scientists report efficient use of waste paper for cellulase production by Trichoderma longiflorum

Researchers at the Institute of Modern Physics (IMP) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) have recently found that waste paper could be efficiently used for enzyme production by Trichoderma longiflorum. The study was published in Journal of Cleaner Production.

Measuring the elimination of plastic particles from the body in mice

The accumulation of micro- and nanoplastics in the environment continues at an alarming rate. A radiolabelling technique developed at the University of Helsinki made it possible to monitor the movement and accumulation of plastics in the mouse body, as well as their elimination from it.

Total solar eclipses shine a light on the solar wind with help from NASA's ACE mission

From traversing sand dunes in the Sahara Desert to keeping watch for polar bears in the Arctic, a group of solar scientists known as the "Solar Wind Sherpas" led by Shadia Habbal, have traveled to the ends of the Earth to scientifically observe total solar eclipses—the fleeting moments when the Moon completely blocks the Sun, temporarily turning day into night. With the images, they've uncovered a surprising finding about the Sun's wind and its wispy outer atmosphere—the corona—which is only visible in its entirety during an eclipse.

Machine learning can reduce worry about nanoparticles in food

While crop yield has achieved a substantial boost from nanotechnology in recent years, alarms over the health risks posed by nanoparticles within fresh produce and grains have also increased. In particular, nanoparticles entering the soil through irrigation, fertilizers and other sources have raised concerns about whether plants absorb these minute particles enough to cause toxicity.

What's driving Australians' unhealthy food habits

Public health experts have long argued that when it comes to preventing obesity, we need to stop blaming individuals.

Adopted 'pandemic puppies' face behavioral, socialization challenges, says expert

At first glance, Gabby appears to be a perfectly normal adolescent dog—a healthy, happy and rambunctious mixed-breed puppy soon to be a year old. She is only one of an avalanche of approximately 3 million new U.S. pets purchased or adopted to brighten their owners' lives during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.

COVID-19, public ignorance and democratic decline chipping away at conservation

Studies examining how the pandemic has affected the environment around the globe have produced mixed results.

Can artificial intelligence open new doors for materials discovery?

The future of clean energy is hot. Temperatures hit 800 Celsius in parts of solar energy plants and advanced nuclear reactors. Finding materials that can stand that type of heat is tough. So experts look to Mark Messner for answers.

Why spiders are cloaking Gippsland with stunning webs after floods

Stunning photographs of vast, ghostly spider webs blanketing the flood-affected region of Gippsland in Victoria have gone viral online, prompting many to muse on the wonder of nature.

Rare triple galaxy merger with at least two supermassive black holes

One of the best things about that universe is that there is so much to it. If you look hard enough, you can most likely find any combination of astronomical events happening. Not long ago, we reported on research that found seven separate instances of three galaxies colliding with one another. Now, a team led by Jonathan Williams of the University of Maryland has found another triple galaxy merging cluster, but this one might potentially have two active supermassive black holes, allowing astronomers to peer into the system dynamics of two of the universe's most extreme objects running into one another.

Uniquely designed research reveals resilience among LGBTQ+ individuals during the pandemic

When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, Kristie Seelman saw an opportunity to empirically counter a false narrative about LGBTQ+ individuals many consider "at risk." New research could document their resiliency and strength.

Can knowledge about brown bears contribute to development of a vaccine against atherosclerosis in humans?

High blood lipids and inactivity are two risk factors for atherosclerosis in humans. When the European brown bear (Ursus arctos) hibernates during winter, it is inactive for 5-6 months and also develops high blood lipids, but still show no signs of atherosclerosis.

Turtle's tale reveals dual fishing threat

The story of a turtle caught twice in fishing nets reveals a dual threat facing many ocean animals.

Is autism linked to a more 'male' brain?

Researchers have been investigating an intriguing theory that links autism to having an 'extreme male brain' – but have found it is not that simple.

India says Twitter knowingly not complying with local laws

The standoff between the Indian government and Twitter escalated Wednesday when the country's technology minister accused the social media giant of deliberately not complying with local laws.

Spain hopes to jumpstart electric car industry with EU funds

Daniel Sánchez is one of the luckier electric car owners in Spain. With a free recharging station less than a kilometer from his home just north of Barcelona, he can keep his Tesla ready to roll.

After enrollment dips, public schools hope for fall rebound

Ashley Pearce's daughter was set to start kindergarten last year in Maryland's Montgomery County school system. But when it became clear that the year would begin online, Pearce found a nearby Catholic school offering in-person instruction and made the switch.

Western US braced for record heat wave

Much of the western United States is braced for record heat waves this week, with approximately 50 million Americans placed on alert Tuesday for "excessive" temperatures, which could approach 120 degrees Fahrenheit (50 degrees Celsius) in some areas.

Southwest Airlines suffers computer troubles for second day

US carrier Southwest Airlines was ramping operations back up Tuesday after canceling some 500 flights following a second major outage in 24 hours due to computer issues.

Cyberpunk 2077 returning to PlayStation store, Sony says

Troubled game Cyberpunk 2077 will return to PlayStation stores from next week, Sony confirmed Wednesday, six months after it was pulled over bugs and compatibility issues.

'No time to waste' warns Japan climate activist

Kimiko Hirata has spent nearly half her life fighting to wean Japan off its dependence on coal, and now isn't the time to slow down, the award-winning activist warns.

China blames minor fuel rod damage for nuclear plant issues

A handful of damaged fuel rods is behind a build-up of radioactive gases at a nuclear power station in southern China, authorities said Wednesday, describing the problem as "common" with no need for concern.