Zebrafish predict the future to avoid virtual danger

Scientists from the RIKEN Center for Brain Science (CBS) and collaborators in Japan have discovered particular neurons in the brain that monitor whether predictions made by fish actually come true. By making use of a new virtual-reality-outfitted aquarium where brain imaging of zebrafish can be done as the fish learn and navigate through virtual reality cues, researchers found neurons that allow efficient risk avoidance and create a "hazard map" in the brain that allows for escape to safety. The study was published in Nature Communications on September 29.

New leads in research into the origin of identical twins

An international group of researchers has made a groundbreaking discovery that could lead to new insights into the blueprint of identical twins.

Climate and water in a changing Africa

The following is an excerpt from an article originally published in a special issue of the journal Daedalus of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences.

Disaster relief and the psychology of 'once in a lifetime' events

In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, my fourth-grade class raised money for the Red Cross by selling rubber wristbands. We lined up in the cafeteria to buy them, coming together as a school to support the victims of a "once in a lifetime" event.

AI-driven dynamic face mask adapts to exercise, pollution levels

During the coronavirus pandemic, many people have grown accustomed to wearing face masks to protect themselves and others, but that doesn't mean the masks are always comfortable—especially during exercise. Now, researchers reporting in ACS Nano have developed a dynamic respirator that modulates its pore size in response to changing conditions, such as exercise or air pollution levels, allowing the wearer to breathe easier when the highest levels of filtration are not required.

Why are there so few women Members of Parliament? Research shows discrimination against women candidates

Australian women have long been under-represented in parliament. Although our country was the first in the world to give women the right to stand for election, we currently rank 56th in the world for female representation, just behind Uzbekistan, Zimbabwe, Germany and Suriname.

How much carbon dioxide snow falls every winter on Mars?

Like Earth, Mars experiences climatic variations during the course of a year because of the tilted nature of its orbit (aka. seasonal change). Similarly, these variations in temperature result in interaction between the atmosphere and the polar ice caps. On Earth, seasonal variations in temperature and precipitation cause the polar ice cap in one hemisphere to grow while the ice cap in the other hemisphere shrinks.

Swimming mechanics of the gossamer worm revealed

Many animals in the midwater—the vast expanse of water between the surface and the deep seafloor—are always on the move. Unlike its bottom-dwelling kin, the gossamer worm (Tomopteris sp.) lives in constant motion. This ethereal worm is a graceful swimmer that "dances" through the midwater with the rhythmic paddling of its swimming legs.

Sunlight filtering through Venus' clouds could support Earth-like photosynthesis in the cloud layers

New data analysis has found that the sunlight filtering through Venus' clouds could support Earth-like photosynthesis in the cloud layers and that chemical conditions are potentially amenable to the growth of microorganisms.

Research shows the first offer in a negotiation can have a significant impact on the eventual outcome

In a negotiation, how tough should your first offer be? New research shows the first offer can have a significant impact on the eventual outcome, and if you try to drive too hard a bargain, it could backfire.

Stark divides in parenting attitudes toward education

Middle class parents of school-age children are more likely than working class parents to ask teachers for information regarding their children's education (61 percent versus 46 percent).

From mines to COVID: Cambodia dogs train to sniff out virus

Cambodian anti-landmine authorities are training dogs to sniff out COVID-19, hoping the sharp-nosed canines normally used to detect underground explosives can keep the virus on a tight leash.

Two new species of large predatory dinosaur discovered on Isle of Wight

A new study led by palaeontologists at the University of Southampton suggests that bones found on the Isle of Wight belong to two new species of spinosaurid, a group of predatory theropod dinosaurs closely related to the giant Spinosaurus. Their unusual, crocodile-like skulls helped the group expand their diets, allowing them hunt prey on both land and in the water.

NASA's Lucy mission to probe Jupiter's mysterious Trojan asteroids

NASA is poised to send its first spacecraft to study Jupiter's Trojan asteroids to glean new insights into the solar system's formation 4.5 billion years ago, the space agency said Tuesday.

New lizard species discovered in Peru

Scientists have discovered a new lizard species in Peru, the national conservation agency said Tuesday.

Canaries volcano lava reaches sea, raising toxic gas fears

Lava from an erupting volcano in the Canary Islands has reached the ocean, volcanologists said, raising fears of toxic gases being released as the magma hits the seawater.

US bans swimming with Hawaii's nocturnal spinner dolphins

U.S. regulators on Tuesday banned swimming with Hawaii's spinner dolphins to protect the nocturnal animals from people seeking close encounters with the playful species.

US says ivory-billed woodpecker, 22 other species extinct

Death's come knocking a last time for the splendid ivory-billed woodpecker and 22 more birds, fish and other species: The U.S. government is declaring them extinct.

Social inclusion of women by male colleagues in STEM fields can improve their workplace experience

Organizations working to meaningfully improve diversity and inclusion in STEM may be missing a crucial consideration, new research suggests.

Cruise ships must be effectively regulated to minimise serious environment and health impact

The cruise ship industry should be subject to global monitoring and effective legislation because of its continuous increasing impact on both the environment and human health and wellbeing, according to new research.