Storing electrons from hydrogen for clean chemical reactions
Researchers from Kyushu University have developed a hydrogen energy carrier to address some of the biggest hurdles in the path toward a sustainable hydrogen economy. As explained in a paper published in JACS Au, this novel compound can efficiently "store electrons" from hydrogen in a solid state to use in chemical reactions later.
Safe-guarding an ethical future for AI in education
Digital literacy experts are advocating for the need to change the way we engage with and teach Artificial Intelligence (AI), setting students up for success in the future.
Congestion pricing approved in New York City—expect it elsewhere soon, traffic expert says
At the end of each semester in his traffic engineering class, Northeastern University professor Peter Furth gives a lecture about transportation of the future.
Economic performance of wine production in the EU
A study of economic indicators in the wine industry across the European Union has shown significant variation between member states. Many of these are influenced by factors such as vineyard size and specialization.
Coastal dunes are retreating as sea levels rise. Research reveals the accelerating rate of change
In some parts of Australia, coastal dunes are retreating from the ocean at an alarming rate, as waves carve up the beach and wind blows the sand inland. But coastal communities are largely oblivious to the changes.
To manage chronic wasting disease, some animals die so more can live
Things are moving quickly, and they need to. On March 13, the Government of British Columbia announced that it would be harvesting 25 deer in the Kootenays. This announcement came six weeks after chronic wasting disease (CWD)—a 100% fatal disease of cervids (deer, elk, moose, caribou)—was first detected in the province.
How can schools make sure gifted students get the help they need?
Earlier this month, the New South Wales government announced it would roll out programs for gifted students in every public school in the state.
The total solar eclipse in North America could shed light on a persistent puzzle about the sun
A total solar eclipse takes place on April 8 across North America. These events occur when the moon passes between the sun and Earth, completely blocking the sun's face. This plunges observers into a darkness similar to dawn or dusk.
Cross-species insights: Study finds calcium link in plant and animal immunity
A new study provides insights into how a family of immune proteins in plants confers disease resistance. The study builds on previous research by the same research group, which highlighted the structural similarities of this protein family between plant and animal immune systems.
New method provides automated calculation of surface properties in crystals
Computer-based methods are becoming an increasingly powerful tool in the search for new materials for key technologies such as photovoltaics, batteries, and data transmission. Prof. Dr. Caterina Cocchi and Holger-Dietrich Saßnick from the University of Oldenburg in Germany have now developed a high-throughput automatized method to calculate the surface properties of crystalline materials starting...
More than half of Colorado River's water used to irrigate crops, assessment shows
Irrigation for agriculture uses more than half of the Colorado River's total annual water flow, reports a paper published in Communications Earth & Environment. This finding is part of a new comprehensive assessment of how the Colorado River's water is consumed—including both human usage and natural losses—and provides a more complete understanding of how the river's water is used along its...
NASA's attempt to bring home part of Mars is unprecedented: The mission's problems are not
Massive cost overruns. Key deadlines slipping out of reach. Problems of unprecedented complexity, and a generation's worth of scientific progress contingent upon solving them.
Song lyrics have become simpler and more repetitive since 1980, study finds
The lyrics of English-language songs have become simpler and more repetitive over the past 40 years, according to a study published in Scientific Reports.
How extratropical ocean-atmosphere interactions can contribute to the variability of jet streams
The interaction between the oceans and the atmosphere plays a vital role in shaping the Earth's climate. Changing sea surface temperatures can heat or cool the atmosphere, and changes in the atmosphere can do the same to the ocean surface. This exchange in energy is known as "ocean-atmosphere coupling."
New tomographic images shed light on the cessation of Indian continental subduction and ending the Himalayan orogeny
In a recent development in geology published in Science Bulletin, an international research team, including scientists from the Institute of Geology and Geophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, the University of Texas at Austin, the University of Missouri, and Guilin University of Technology, has provided crucial insights into the dynamics of the India-Eurasia collision and the Himalayan orogeny.
Plan to shoot thousands of West Coast owls ignites protest
A federal government plan for hunters to kill thousands of invasive owls to protect the rapidly declining northern spotted owl has ruffled the feathers of dozens of animal advocacy groups.
Bone marrow transplants spread Alzheimer’s-like disease in mice, controversial study reports
Bone marrow transplants between mice can transmit symptoms and pathology associated with Alzheimer’s disease, according to a controversial study published today in
Stem Cell Reports
. Its authors found that healthy mice injected with marrow from a mouse strain carrying an extremely rare, Alzheimer’s-linked genetic mutation later developed cognitive problems...
Going 'back to the future' to forecast the fate of a dead Florida coral reef
Rising temperatures and disease outbreaks are decimating coral reefs throughout the tropics. Evidence suggests that higher latitude marine environments may provide crucial refuges for many at-risk, temperature-sensitive coral species. However, how coral populations expand into new areas and sustain themselves over time is constrained by the limited scope of modern observations.
Model suggests how ancient RNA may have gained self-cutting ability essential for life
Scientists have long pondered the beginnings of life on Earth. One theory is that RNA, which is ubiquitous across all domains of life, played a central role in early life. Similar to DNA, RNA possesses the ability to store genetic information. However, to initiate life's processes, early RNA must have also possessed the capability to self-replicate and catalyze biochemical reactions independently,...
Texas county issues disaster declaration for solar eclipse, expects 200K people
A North Texas county issued a disaster declaration ahead of the April 8 solar eclipse, warning of traffic and potential gridlock as the celestial event ends.
How to enable insider social change agents to tackle social and environmental issues in organizations
Businesses play a crucial role in building a sustainable future, but it's the passionate individuals within these organizations who often lead the change. Known by many names— tempered radicals, social intrapreneurs, champions, reformers, advocates, activists, and more—these insider social change agents are the driving force behind efforts to tackle social and environmental issues.
What can Charleston and other coastal cities teach South Florida about sea-level rise?
South Florida is considered one of the most at-risk areas of the U.S. when it comes to sea-level rise. But what can the region learn from other areas facing similar challenges?