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When Chimpanzees Make a Splash: The Surprisingly Social Nature of Urination

A new study has described a phenomenon researchers refer to as 'contagious urinations.' The study in 20 captive chimpanzees living at the Kumamoto Sanctuary in Japan shows that, when one chimp pees, others are more likely to follow. A new study reported in the Cell Press journal Current Biology on January 20 is the first

Studying Historical Hurricanes to Mitigate Future Disasters

New research emphasizes that studying the impacts of past tropical storms can help communities better prepare for future storms. A key part of the study is analyzing the types and quantities of storm-related precipitation in affected regions to understand its role on local water resources. By mitigating excessive damage, such preparation could enable more people

When Chimpanzees Make a Splash: The Surprisingly Social Nature of Urination

A new study has described a phenomenon researchers refer to as 'contagious urinations.' The study in 20 captive chimpanzees living at the Kumamoto Sanctuary in Japan shows that, when one chimp pees, others are more likely to follow. A new study reported in the Cell Press journal Current Biology on January 20 is the first

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When Chimpanzees Make a Splash: The Surprisingly Social Nature of Urination

A new study has described a phenomenon researchers refer to as 'contagious urinations.' The study in 20 captive chimpanzees living at the Kumamoto Sanctuary in Japan shows that, when one chimp pees, others are more likely to follow. A new study reported in the Cell Press journal Current Biology on January 20 is the first

Revolutionizing Confocal Microscopy: The AI-Driven Evolution of Label-Free Photoacoustic Techniques

In life sciences, confocal fluorescence microscopy (CFM) is widely regarded for producing high-resolution cellular images. However, it requires fluorescent staining, which poses risks of photobleaching and phototoxicity, potentially damaging the cells under study. Conversely, mid-infrared photoacoustic microscopy (MIR-PAM) allows for label-free imaging, preserving cell integrity. Yet, its reliance on longer wavelengths limits spatial resolution, making

Studying Historical Hurricanes to Mitigate Future Disasters

New research emphasizes that studying the impacts of past tropical storms can help communities better prepare for future storms. A key part of the study is analyzing the types and quantities of storm-related precipitation in affected regions to understand its role on local water resources. By mitigating excessive damage, such preparation could enable more people

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Unlocking Color Perception: How Two Genes in the Pineal Gland Assist Fish in Seeing Color

Researchers have elucidated how a single photoreceptor in the pineal gland of zebrafish detects color. We see color because photoreceptor cones in our eyes detect light waves corresponding to red, green, and blue, while dimness or brightness is detected by photoreceptor rods. Many non-mammalian vertebrates like fish, however, are known to detect color and brightness

Harnessing Satellite Imagery to Track Hazardous Glacial Lakes Around Mountain Communities

A new study analyzing a lake formed by a glacier surge in the Karakoram Mountains has revealed how satellite images can be used to monitor the potential for lake drainage hazards. New research has tracked the evolution of a glacier lake dammed by a surge using satellite images, to help better understand its life cycle

The Intriguing Relationship Between Crickets and Their Ant Hosts

Researchers have identified the behavioral strategies that parasitic cricket species employ to infiltrate and inhabit host ant colonies. Their research demonstrates that these crickets use 'distancing' and 'dodging' behaviors, adapting their evasive responses to host ant actions. These findings illuminate how social parasitic crickets achieve successful coexistence within hostile ant host colonies. Researchers at Nagoya

Nature-Inspired Dynamic Shade Solutions: A Revolutionary Approach to Weather Adaptation

Pine cones as a model: Researchers have developed a new, energy-autonomous facade system that adapts passively to the weather. Pine cones as a model: Researchers at the universities of Stuttgart and Freiburg have developed a new, energy-autonomous facade system that adapts passively to the weather. The journal Nature Communications has published the research results. "Most

Biochar: A Game-Changer for Addressing DDT Contamination in Soil

DDT soil pollution is still a major problem in many parts of the world. Researchers have developed a new method to manage ecological risks from the toxin by binding it with biochar. When they mixed biochar into contaminated soil at a former tree nursery, DDT uptake by earthworms in the soil was halved. This method

Revealing Secrets: How Certain Species Flourish in Darkness and Oxygenless Realms

A new study sheds light on how a species of foraminifera, single-celled organisms found in almost all marine habitats, thrives in a dark, oxygen-free environment. Most life on Earth relies on the sun's energy for survival, but what about organisms in the deep sea that live beyond the reach of its rays? A new study

Revolutionary Findings: DNA Motors Can Change Their Pace!

Scientists have discovered that the protein machines that shape our DNA can switch direction. Until now, researchers believed that these so-called SMC motors that make loops into DNA could move in one direction only. The discovery is key to understanding how these motors shape our genome and regulate our genes. Scientists from Delft, Vienna, and

Strengthening Community Water Systems: A Comprehensive Guide to Wildfire Preparedness

Wildfires increasingly threaten public drinking water systems, but guidance on how to address damage to these systems from a wildfire has been insufficient, conflicting or inaccurate. A new publication offers the first comprehensive guidance for public drinking water system staff, outlining the decision-making process for testing and recovering water distribution systems after a wildfire. Wildfires

Revolutionary Advancements in Carbon Nanotube Recycling: A Step Towards Eco-Friendly Materials

In a significant step toward creating a sustainable and circular economy, researchers have demonstrated that carbon nanotube (CNT) fibers can be fully recycled without any loss in their structure or properties. This discovery positions CNT fibers as a sustainable alternative to traditional materials like metals, polymers and the much larger carbon fibers, which are notoriously

Unlocking Genetic Mysteries: A New Era for Cockatoo Conservation

Ecologists have made valuable discoveries that could transform the conservation of two iconic cockatoo species: the Sulphur-crested cockatoos and the critically endangered Yellow-crested cockatoos -- with only 2,000 individuals remaining in the wild for the latter. Until now, no whole-genome research had been conducted on either species, which were identified solely by subtle morphological differences.

Ancient Mussel Beds Flourish: A Pre-War Treasure Tale

A mussel bed in Northern California is as healthy and biodiverse as it was about 80 years ago, when two young students surveyed it shortly before one was sent to fight in World War II. Resampling the site reveals a thriving mussel bed community that also shows the mark of climate change. A mussel bed

A Glimpse into Our Vegetarian Ancestors from Three Million Years Ago

Human ancestors like Australopithecus -- which lived around 3.5 million years ago in southern Africa -- ate very little to no meat, according to new research. This conclusion comes from an analysis of nitrogen isotope isotopes in the fossilized tooth enamel of seven Australopithecus individuals. The data revealed that these early hominins primarily relied on