Environment

A new study suggests that the use of high potency cannabis leaves a distinct mark on DNA, providing valuable insights into the biological impact of cannabis use. High potency cannabis use leaves a distinct mark on DNA, according to new research by the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience (IoPPN) at King's College London and

A new study has found that folate may weaken the link between blood-lead levels in pregnant women and autistic-like behaviors in their children. New research gives another reason to take folic acid supplements while pregnant. A new study by Simon Fraser University researchers has found that folate may weaken the link between blood-lead levels in

Grasslands are responding to climate change almost in real time, according to new research. Although all ecosystems are affected by a changing climate, the impacts can take a while to appear. Changes in forest biodiversity, for example, are known to lag behind changes in a habitat's temperature and precipitation. Grasslands, on the other hand, are

A mysterious find on Easter Island, investigated by a team of geologists, suggests that the Earth's mantle seems to behave differently than once thought. Geography textbooks describe the Earth's mantle beneath its plates as a well-mixed viscous rock that moves along with those plates like a conveyor belt. But that idea, first set out some

Researchers have developed a method for culturing fertilized chick eggs without their shells. The eggs were placed in an artificial culture vessel made of transparent film, allowing for real-time observation of the chick embryo's development from laying to hatching. Researchers at University of Tsukuba, have developed a method for culturing fertilized chick eggs without their

With vigorous debate surrounding the health of the monarch butterfly, new research may have answered the biggest question plaguing butterfly researchers. Why are the wintering populations declining while breeding populations are stable? With vigorous debate surrounding the health of the monarch butterfly, new research from the University of Georgia may have answered the biggest question

A new review systematically shows the harmful effects of nano- and microplastics on bees and other beneficial insects. Their function as pollinators is impaired by the plastic particles. This harbors risks for global food security. Nano- and microplastic particles (NMP) are increasingly polluting urban and rural landscapes, where bees and other beneficial insects come into

Climate change has a negative impact on food security. Researchers have now conducted a study to investigate the natural variation of different chickpea genotypes and their resistance to drought stress. The scientists were able to show that chickpeas are a drought-resistant legume plant with a high protein content that can complement grain cultivation systems even

Researchers tracked the behavior of mice using machine learning to understand how they handle aggressive behavior from other mice. The researchers' findings show that male mice deescalate aggressive encounters by running over to a female mouse to distract the aggressive male mouse. A research group led by Joshua Neunuebel at the University of Delaware, USA

A new analysis leverages machine learning to help answer a thorny question: where should new protected bike lanes be placed to provide maximum benefit? The research team use machine learning and optimization to help inform such decisions. It's a challenge that required new computational approaches. A new analysis from University of Toronto Engineering researchers leverages

More stable and efficient materials for solar cells are needed in the green transition. So-called halide perovskites are highlighted as a promising alternative to today's silicon materials. Researchers have gained new insights into how perovskite materials function, which is an important step forward. More stable and efficient materials for solar cells are needed in the

The lack of air-quality monitoring capabilities across the U.S. affects the health of millions of people and disproportionately impacts minority and low socioeconomic-status communities, say researchers. Motivated by a new U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) standard for air pollution, the team employed a model for fine-scale air pollution mapping using real-world data, and it indicates