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Eating ultra-processed foods may harm your health

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250508113139.htm

Published: May 8, 2025 11:31

Consumption of ultra-processed foods, such as sugar-sweetened beverages, potato chips and packaged cookies, may be associated with adverse health outcomes. Study finds each additional 100 grams/day consumption of ultra-processed foods increased risk of…

Satellites observe glacier committing 'ice piracy'

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250508113134.htm

Published: May 8, 2025 11:31

A glacier in Antarctica is committing 'ice piracy' -- stealing ice from a neighbor -- in a phenomenon that has never been observed in such a short time frame, say scientists.

Waxing and waning prairie: New study unravels causes of ancient climate changes

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250508113112.htm

Published: May 8, 2025 11:31

A long period of drought in North America has been recognized by scientists for decades. A new study links the severe climate to a change in Earth's orbit.

Robotic dog mimics mammals for superior mobility on land and in water

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250508112731.htm

Published: May 8, 2025 11:27

A team of researchers has unveiled a cutting-edge Amphibious Robotic Dog capable of roving across both land and water with remarkable efficiency.

All of the biggest U.S. cities are sinking

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250508112609.htm

Published: May 8, 2025 11:26

A new study of the 28 most populous U.S. cities finds that all are sinking to one degree or another. The cities include not just those on the coasts, where relative sea level is a concern, but many in the interior. Furthermore, using newly granular data,…

AI-designed DNA controls genes in healthy mammalian cells for first time

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250508112324.htm

Published: May 8, 2025 11:23

A recent study marks the first reported instance of generative AI designing synthetic molecules that can successfully control gene expression in healthy mammalian cells. As a proof-of-concept, the authors of the study asked the AI to design synthetic…

Biologists create a one-stop shop for world's most charismatic plants, ferns

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250507141137.htm

Published: May 7, 2025 14:11

Biologists have create a web portal for the world's most charismatic plants, ferns.

Warming climate making fine particulate matter from wildfires more deadly and expensive

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250507141127.htm

Published: May 7, 2025 14:11

Scientists say human-caused climate change led to 15,000 additional early deaths from wildfire air pollution in the continental United States during the 15-year period ending in 2020.

Feat of 'dung-gineering' turns cow manure into one of world's most used materials

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250507130753.htm

Published: May 7, 2025 13:07

A new technique to extract tiny cellulose strands from cow dung and turn them into manufacturing-grade cellulose, currently used to make everything from surgical masks to food packaging, has been developed.

The world's wealthiest 10% caused two thirds of global warming since 1990

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250507130519.htm

Published: May 7, 2025 13:05

Wealthy individuals have a higher carbon footprint. A new study quantifies the climate outcomes of these inequalities. It finds that the world's wealthiest 10% are responsible for two thirds of observed global warming since 1990 and the resulting increases…

Is virtual-only couture the new clothing craze?

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250507130506.htm

Published: May 7, 2025 13:05

As fast fashion continues to fill wardrobes and landfills at a staggering pace, new research suggests that the future of fashion might lie not in fabric, but in pixels.

Triassic fossil reveals nature's best jaw for hunting fast fish

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250507125952.htm

Published: May 7, 2025 12:59

Newly discovered species of extinct fish shows striking similarities to unrelated modern-day predators, suggesting certain traits have emerged multiple times and remained consistent over hundreds of millions of years.

Birds form bonds that look a lot like friendship

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250507125846.htm

Published: May 7, 2025 12:58

A study of starlings in Africa shows that they form long-term social bonds similar to human friendships.

Comb jellies reveal ancient origins of animal genome regulation

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250507125840.htm

Published: May 7, 2025 12:58

Life depends on genes being switched on and off at exactly the right time. Even the simplest living organisms do this, but usually over short distances across the DNA sequence, with the on/off switch typically right next to a gene. This basic form of…

Climate change: Future of today's young people

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250507125838.htm

Published: May 7, 2025 12:58

Climate scientists reveal that millions of today's young people will live through unprecedented lifetime exposure to heatwaves, crop failures, river floods, droughts, wildfires and tropical storms under current climate policies. If global temperatures rise…

A culturally adapted obesity prevention for Latino families

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250507125702.htm

Published: May 7, 2025 12:57

A research team has adapted an intervention for childhood obesity prevention to better serve Latina mothers, non-maternal caregivers, and families of low-income backgrounds in Inland Southern California. The study could make significant contributions to…

Researchers restore antibiotic effect in the event of resistance

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250507125659.htm

Published: May 7, 2025 12:56

Bacterial resistance negates the effect of antibiotics in the treatment of infection. Using mouse models, researchers now show that if antibiotics are administered with an enzyme called endolysin, the combined effect protects against infection by resistant…

Cracking the code: Deciphering how concrete can heal itself

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250507125653.htm

Published: May 7, 2025 12:56

Lichen is an understated presence in our everyday world, often found clinging to trees and rocks. Its true beauty lies in its unique symbiotic system of fungi and algae, or cyanobacteria, that form a self-sustaining partnership, allowing it to thrive in…

T. rex's direct ancestor crossed from Asia to North America

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250506224418.htm

Published: May 6, 2025 22:44

Tyrannosaurus rex evolved in North America, but its direct ancestor came from Asia, crossing a land bridge connecting the continents more than 70 million years ago, according to a new study.

Replanted rainforests may benefit from termite transplants

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250506224350.htm

Published: May 6, 2025 22:43

Termites -- infamous for their ability to destroy wood -- are rarely welcomed into rainforests that have been painstakingly replanted. But a new paper suggests that termite transplants may be necessary to help regenerating forests to thrive. Scientists…

Discovery: a better, more targeted termite terminator

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250506170943.htm

Published: May 6, 2025 17:09

Researchers have identified a chemical that kills about 95 percent of a western drywood termite colony without off-target effects on mammals.

AI has untapped potential to advance biodiversity conservation

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250506170938.htm

Published: May 6, 2025 17:09

A new study suggests the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to rapidly analyze vast amounts of biodiversity data could revolutionize conservation efforts by enabling scientists and policymakers to make better-informed decisions.

Study of velvet worm slime could revolutionize sustainable material design

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250506170931.htm

Published: May 6, 2025 17:09

A new discovery about the slime ejected by velvet worms could revolutionize sustainable material design. The findings outline how a naturally occurring protein structure, conserved across species from Australia, Singapore and Barbados over nearly 400…

New drone-assisted 3D model offers a more accurate way to date dinosaur fossils

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250506170928.htm

Published: May 6, 2025 17:09

A new study is reshaping how scientists date dinosaur fossils in Alberta's Dinosaur Provincial Park (DPP). Using advanced drone-assisted 3D mapping, researchers have uncovered significant variations in a key geological marker, challenging long-standing…

Two new crocodile species discovered

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250506170923.htm

Published: May 6, 2025 17:09

Biologists have discovered two previously unknown species of crocodiles, one living on the island of Cozumel and the other on the atoll of Banco Chinchorro, both off the Yucat n Peninsula. The findings challenge long-held assumptions about the American…

Practical new tool created for detecting nanoplastics and microplastics in the environment

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250506170918.htm

Published: May 6, 2025 17:09

A team of researchers has developed a cost-effective, high-throughput technology for detecting nanoplastics and microplastics in the environment. These particles are pervasive, posing health and environmental risks, yet detecting them at the nanoscale has…

Okra, fenugreek extracts remove most microplastics from water

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250506152214.htm

Published: May 6, 2025 15:22

The substances behind the slimy strings from okra and the gel from fenugreek seeds could trap microplastics better than a commonly used synthetic polymer. Previously, researchers proposed using these sticky natural polymers to clean up water. Now, they…

2024 sea level 'report cards' map futures of US coastal communities

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250506135744.htm

Published: May 6, 2025 13:57

Researchers have released their 2024 U.S. sea level 'report cards,' providing updated analyses of sea level trends and projections for 36 coastal communities. Encompassing 55 years of historical data in a new, interactive dashboard, the report cards aid…

Development, agriculture present risks for drinking water quality

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250506131518.htm

Published: May 6, 2025 13:15

Converting forest land to urban development or agricultural use can present risks to water quality when done near streams or river sources. This study examined data from 15 water treatment plants in the Middle Chattahoochee watershed to model the impacts…

Slickrock: Geologists explore why Utah's Wasatch Fault is vulnerable to earthquakes

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250506131515.htm

Published: May 6, 2025 13:15

Using rock samples collected from the Wasatch Fault, geoscientists combined experiments and analysis with examinations of fault rock textures. The team's research revealed significant clues about the Wasatch Fault's earthquake risk. Researchers explain why…

Breakthrough in fuel cell recycling turns 'forever chemicals' into renewable resources

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250506131506.htm

Published: May 6, 2025 13:15

A new technique that uses soundwaves to separate materials for recycling could help prevent potentially harmful chemicals leaching into the environment.

Breakthrough discovery uses gut bacteria and AI to diagnose a chronic pain syndrome

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250506131503.htm

Published: May 6, 2025 13:15

Researchers have developed AI technology that can detect patterns in gut bacteria to identify complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) with remarkable accuracy, potentially transforming how CRPS is diagnosed and treated.

Do manta rays benefit from collective motion?

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250506131327.htm

Published: May 6, 2025 13:13

Researchers model the motions of groups of manta rays to study how group dynamics affect their propulsion, studying different formations of three manta rays: in tandem, in a triangular setup with one manta ray in front leading two behind, and in an inverse…

Scientists discover a new way to convert corn waste into low-cost sugar for biofuel

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250506131145.htm

Published: May 6, 2025 13:11

Scientists have found a new way to produce sugar from corn stalks and other crop waste, potentially opening a new pathway to sustainable biofuels.

Sustainability often used as a buzzword in agricultural genomics

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250506105500.htm

Published: May 6, 2025 10:55

Claims about sustainability are increasing in agricultural genomics research, but the term is often not well-defined, leading to potential concerns about the impact and credibility of the research, according to a recent study.

How hunting harriers home in on their prey

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250506105359.htm

Published: May 6, 2025 10:53

Owls, well adapted to hearing the exact location of prey, have something in common with an unrelated group of raptors -- harriers. A new study has found that harriers across the world are able to keep a much better ear out for their next meal than…

Research advances on 'displacing' antibiotic resistance gene from bacteria

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250506105356.htm

Published: May 6, 2025 10:53

Scientists have identified essential genetic code for a method called plasmid curing, which aims to 'displace' antibiotic resistance genes from bacteria.

Fruit and microbes boost biogas production and fermentation

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250506105345.htm

Published: May 6, 2025 10:53

A new study shows that adding fruit and microbes to alfalfa, a protein-rich feed for livestock, improves fermentation and biogas production.

Cutting greenhouse gases will reduce number of deaths from poor air quality

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250506105342.htm

Published: May 6, 2025 10:53

Up to 250,000 deaths from poor air quality could be prevented annually in central and western Europe by 2050 if greenhouse gas emissions are drastically reduced, say researchers.

Western US spring runoff is older than you think

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250505204924.htm

Published: May 5, 2025 20:49

Hydrologists show most streamflow out of the West's mountains is old snowmelt on a multi-year underground journey. New study finds that spring runoff is on average 5 years old.

Evidence review raises concern about cannabis use in pregnancy

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250505204918.htm

Published: May 5, 2025 20:49

A systematic evidence review finds that consuming cannabis while pregnant appears to increase the odds of preterm birth, low birth weight and infant death.

Sampling, lab capacity could be weak links in African swine fever outbreak

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250505171011.htm

Published: May 5, 2025 17:10

A model looked at the numbers associated with detecting and containing a potential African swine fever virus (ASFV) outbreak in the U.S. and found that sampling and laboratory capacity are areas of concern -- particularly in areas with dense swine farm…

Topical gel relieved ear infections in animals after just one dose

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250505170835.htm

Published: May 5, 2025 17:08

Ear infections are a common and painful occurrence in infants and toddlers. Oral antibiotics are often prescribed for a week to treat the condition, but these drugs can trigger side effects that disrupt treatment, which can lead to infection recurrence and…

Certain traits in romantic partners can amplify the impact of a person's genetic risk for alcohol problems

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250505170833.htm

Published: May 5, 2025 17:08

Research led by VCU and Rutgers University provides new insights into how the people we love affect our health.

Min proteins for max efficiency during cell division

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250505170819.htm

Published: May 5, 2025 17:08

The Min protein system prevents abnormal cell division in bacteria, but is poorly understood. Researchers have uncovered how engineered e.coli bacteria control protein levels for maximum efficiency.

Gorilla study reveals complex pros and cons of friendship

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250505170816.htm

Published: May 5, 2025 17:08

Friendship comes with complex pros and cons -- possibly explaining why some individuals are less sociable, according to a new study of gorillas.

Ancient Andes society used hallucinogens to strengthen social order

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250505170814.htm

Published: May 5, 2025 17:08

Snuff tubes uncovered at Chavin de Huantar in Peru reveal how leaders used mystical experiences to cement their power.

Black tea and berries could contribute to healthier aging

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250505121914.htm

Published: May 5, 2025 12:19

Higher intakes of black tea, berries, citrus fruits and apples could help to promote healthy aging, new research has found.

Biological particles may be crucial for inducing heavy rain

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250505121805.htm

Published: May 5, 2025 12:18

Atmospheric and climate scientists show that biological particles may induce rain events that could contribute to flooding and snowstorms, owing to their ability to precipitate ice formation in clouds. They call for an update of meteorological and climate…

Artificial oxygen supply in coastal waters: A hope with risks

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250505121618.htm

Published: May 5, 2025 12:16

Could the artificial introduction of oxygen revitalise dying coastal waters? While oxygenation approaches have already been proven successful in lakes, their potential side effects must be carefully analysed before they can be used in the sea. This is the…

Saving the Asian 'unicorn' -- if it still exists

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250505121440.htm

Published: May 5, 2025 12:14

The saola, an antelope-like bovine, is one of the world's rarest and most endangered mammals. In fact, it hasn't been observed in over 10 years. Researchers have now mapped the saola's complete genome, and they have used that knowledge to estimate the…

Are at-home water tests worth it? New study shows quality can vary widely

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250505121433.htm

Published: May 5, 2025 12:14

For the cautious -- or simply curious -- homeowner, an at-home water testing kit may seem reassuring. But there are high levels of variability between test kits' abilities to detect potential contaminants in water, a new study has found.

Targeting gluten: researchers delete proteins in wheat harmful to people with celiac disease

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250505121431.htm

Published: May 5, 2025 12:14

Deleting a cluster of genes in wheat may reduce wheat allergies without harming breadmaking, finds anew study.

Ancient poems tell the story of charismatic river porpoise's decline over the past 1,400 years

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250505121426.htm

Published: May 5, 2025 12:14

Endemic to China's Yangtze River, the Yangtze finless porpoise is known for its intelligence and charismatic appearance; it looks like it has a perpetual smile on its face. To track how this critically endangered porpoise's habitat range has changed over…

Traditional forest medicinal plant ghost pipe used differently today

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250502182520.htm

Published: May 2, 2025 18:25

Despite a long history of traditional medicinal use in the United States, the collection, consumption and efficacy of the peculiar forest plant aptly named ghost pipe, scientific name Monotropa uniflora, remains a mystery. Now, with social media and the…

Antivenom neutralizes the neurotoxins of 19 of the world's deadliest snakes

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250502133806.htm

Published: May 2, 2025 13:38

By using antibodies from a human donor with a self-induced hyper-immunity to snake venom, scientists have developed the most broadly effective antivenom to date, which is protective against the likes of the black mamba, king cobra, and tiger snakes in…

Electricity-generating bacteria may power future innovations

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250501164008.htm

Published: May 1, 2025 16:40

A team has discovered how certain bacteria breathe by generating electricity, using a natural process that pushes electrons into their surroundings instead of breathing on oxygen. The findings could enable new developments in clean energy and industrial…

Rhythmically trained sea lion returns for an encore -- and performs as well as humans

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250501122105.htm

Published: May 1, 2025 12:21

Animal research on biomusicality, which looks at whether different species are capable of behaving in ways that show they recognize aspects of music, including rhythm and beat, remains a tantalizing field at the intersection of biology and psychology. Now,…

Ptero firma: Footprints pinpoint when ancient flying reptiles conquered the ground

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250501122043.htm

Published: May 1, 2025 12:20

A new study links fossilized flying reptile tracks to animals that made them. Fossilized footprints reveal a 160-million-year-old invasion as pterosaurs came down from the trees and onto the ground. Tracks of giant ground-stalkers, comb-jawed coastal…