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Antarctica’s Cretaceous Treasure: Discovery of the First Modern Bird Fossil

Sixty-six million years ago, at the end of the Cretaceous Period, an asteroid impact near the Yucat n Peninsula of Mexico triggered the extinction of all known non-bird dinosaurs. But for the early ancestors of today's waterfowl, surviving that mass extinction event was like ... water off a duck's back. Location matters, as Antarctica may

Groundbreaking Discovery: 16 New Grasshopper Species Enhance Desert Biodiversity

A scientist has discovered a hopping treasure trove -- 16 new species of grasshoppers living in the thorny scrubs of U.S. and Mexican deserts. A Mississippi State University scientist has discovered a hopping treasure trove -- 16 new species of grasshoppers living in the thorny scrubs of U.S. and Mexican deserts. Prior to JoVonn Hill's

Antarctica’s Cretaceous Treasure: Discovery of the First Modern Bird Fossil

Sixty-six million years ago, at the end of the Cretaceous Period, an asteroid impact near the Yucat n Peninsula of Mexico triggered the extinction of all known non-bird dinosaurs. But for the early ancestors of today's waterfowl, surviving that mass extinction event was like ... water off a duck's back. Location matters, as Antarctica may

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Antarctica’s Cretaceous Treasure: Discovery of the First Modern Bird Fossil

Sixty-six million years ago, at the end of the Cretaceous Period, an asteroid impact near the Yucat n Peninsula of Mexico triggered the extinction of all known non-bird dinosaurs. But for the early ancestors of today's waterfowl, surviving that mass extinction event was like ... water off a duck's back. Location matters, as Antarctica may

The Arctic: A Transformative Landscape by 2100

Based on the current pledges of countries for limiting their emissions of greenhouse gases, global temperatures are projected to reach 2.7 degrees Celsius beyond pre-industrial levels by the end of this century. A new review paper highlights how this would dramatically reshape the Arctic, the fastest-warming region of Earth. In 2024, annual average global air

Groundbreaking Discovery: 16 New Grasshopper Species Enhance Desert Biodiversity

A scientist has discovered a hopping treasure trove -- 16 new species of grasshoppers living in the thorny scrubs of U.S. and Mexican deserts. A Mississippi State University scientist has discovered a hopping treasure trove -- 16 new species of grasshoppers living in the thorny scrubs of U.S. and Mexican deserts. Prior to JoVonn Hill's

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Assessing the Influence of Agricultural Research Investments on Biodiversity and Land Management

New, groundbreaking research shows how, at a local scale, agricultural research and development led to improved crop varieties that resulted in global benefits to the environment and food system sustainability. New, groundbreaking research shows how, at a local scale, agricultural research and development led to improved crop varieties that resulted in global benefits to the

The Ancient Legacy of Octopus Sex Chromosomes

Researchers have identified a sex chromosome in the California two-spot octopus. This chromosome has likely been around for 480 million years, since before octopuses split apart from the nautilus on the evolutionary tree. That makes it one of the oldest known animal sex chromosomes. The finding also is evidence that octopuses and other cephalopods, a

“Unveiling the Secrets of Yellowstone: Discoveries of Ancient Life in Hot Springs”

New work offers insight into how early life adapted from a low-oxygen atmosphere to the one that exists today. In a new publication in the journal Nature Communications, Montana State University scientists in College of Agriculture highlight fresh knowledge of how ancient microorganisms adapted from a low-oxygen prehistoric environment to the one that exists today.

Investing in the Survival of Australia’s Endangered Species: A Financial Perspective

A new study has estimated it would cost $15.6 billion per year for 30 years to prevent extinction for 99 of Australia's priority species. The research highlights the urgent need for increased funding to combat threats such as habitat destruction, invasive species and climate change. A new study has estimated it would cost $15.6 billion

Adapting to the Mountains: How African Farmers are Navigating Climate Change Challenges

A new international study highlights the severity of climate change impacts across African mountains, how farmers are adapting, and the barriers they face -- findings relevant to people living in mountain regions around the world. A new international study highlights the severity of climate change impacts across African mountains, how farmers are adapting, and the

How Daily Climate Factors Propel Glacier Movement

Detailed study of a Greenland glacier's flow rate reveals the impact of environmental conditions. Even though 'glacial' is commonly used to describe extremely slow, steady movement, a new study has found that glaciers speed up and slow down on a daily -- even hourly -- basis in response to changes in air temperature, rainfall and

Optimal Treatment Timing: A Game Changer in Combating Varroa Mite Infestations in Honey Bees

Honey bee mortality can be significantly reduced by ensuring that treatments for the parasitic Varroa mite occur within specific timeframes, a new study reveals. Honey bee mortality can be significantly reduced by ensuring that treatments for the parasitic Varroa mite occur within specific timeframes, a new study reveals. The mites -- belonging to the species

Copper Petals: Unveiling a New Era of Clean Fuel with Artificial Leaves

Tiny copper 'nano-flowers' have been attached to an artificial leaf to produce clean fuels and chemicals that are the backbone of modern energy and manufacturing. Tiny copper 'nano-flowers' have been attached to an artificial leaf to produce clean fuels and chemicals that are the backbone of modern energy and manufacturing. The researchers, from the University

Unveiling the Hidden Impact of Urban Particles on Climate Change

A recent study has uncovered compelling evidence suggesting that the climate effects of new particles in urban areas have been significantly underestimated. Particles play a crucial role in climate regulation, influencing processes such as cloud formation and radiation balance. Traditionally, research in urban environments has focused largely on primary particles -- those directly emitted from

Escalating Crevasses on Greenland’s Ice Sheet: A Growing Concern for Sea Level Rise

More crevasse activity could lead to positive feedback loop threatening Greenland glacier's stability. In just five years, 930 million cubic meters of crevasses opened up in the Greenland ice sheet, equivalent to adding a crack the size of the Great Pyramid of Giza to the world's second largest ice sheet every few days. The increased

Revolutionary Rice: A Game-Changer in Methane Emissions Reduction

Rice cultivation is responsible for around 12% of global methane emissions, and these emissions are expected to increase with global warming and as the human population continues to grow. Now, scientists have identified chemical compounds released by rice roots that determine how much methane the plants emit. They report that this information enabled them to

“Unveiling the Altar Tent: The Intersection of Islamic Art and Medieval Christianity”

A 13th-century fresco rediscovered in Ferrara, Italy, provides unique evidence of medieval churches using Islamic tents to conceal their high altars. The 700-year-old fresco is thought to be the only surviving image of its kind, offering precious evidence of a little-known Christian practice. A 13th-century fresco rediscovered in Ferrara, Italy, provides unique evidence of medieval