The moon determines when migratory birds head south
A new study shows that the presence or absence of moonlight has a considerable bearing on when migratory birds take flight in the autumn.
Read moreGeochemistry
Synthetic cells make long-distance calls
Synthetic biologists design transcriptional circuits that allow single-cell microbes to form networks that spur collective action, even in large communities. The work could lead to engineered microbes that treat conditions in gut microbiomes or communicate with bioelectronics.
Read moreFast-acting German insecticide lost in the aftermath of WWII
A new study explores the chemistry as well as the complicated and alarming history of DFDT, a fast-acting insecticide.
Read morePlacenta transit of an environmental estrogen
The human fetus is considered to be particularly sensitive to environmental contaminants. A team has now been able to demonstrate for the first time how the widespread food estrogen zearalenone behaves in the womb. Using a new analytical method, it was shown that the xenoestrogen migrates through the placenta and is partially converted to other harmful substances.
Read moreNanoparticles may have bigger impact on the environment than previously thought
In a first-of-its-kind study, researchers have shown that nanoparticles may have a bigger impact on the environment than previously thought.
Read moreCRISPR-BEST prevents genome instability
Scientists have developed CRISPR-BEST, a new genome editing tool for actinomycetes. It addresses the problem of genome instability caused by DNA double-stranded breaks in current CRISPR-technologies.
Read morePlants alert neighbors to threats using common 'language'
New research shows that plants can communicate with each other when they come under attack from pests.
Read moreGlowing bacteria in anglerfish 'lamp' come from the water
New research shows that female deep-sea anglerfish's bioluminescent bacteria — which illuminate their 'headlamp' — most likely come from the water.
Read moreNatural selection alters genes that control roundworms' sense of smell
Researchers have produced some of the first evidence that shows that artificial selection and natural selection act on the same genes, a hypothesis predicted by Charles Darwin in 1859.
Read moreHumankind did not live with a high-carbon dioxide atmosphere until 1965
Humans have never before lived with the high carbon dioxide atmospheric conditions that have become the norm on Earth in the last 60 years, according to a new study.
Read more