Environment

As urban centers in mountainous regions grow, more people are driven to build on steeper slopes prone to slow-moving landslides, a new study finds. Slow-moving landslides are frequently excluded from estimates of landslide risk, but they could threaten hundreds of thousands of people globally, the researchers conclude. As urban centers in mountainous regions grow, more

A research team proposes a method to calculate, compare and communicate how different crops affect the loss of agricultural soil, with the aim of raising awareness of this problem and promoting solutions to preserve this vital resource. A team from the Department of Agronomy proposes a method to calculate, compare and communicate how different crops

Scientists have discovered a new species of fish, the 'grumpy dwarfgoby'. Found among coral reefs in the Red Sea, it has large canines and a fierce expression, even though it is only 2 cm long. Its existence highlights the region's rich biodiversity, but also stresses the need for conservation efforts as climate change causes major

Recent research has revealed that a family of proteins called COI1, previously associated with defense mechanisms in other plant species like Arabidopsis and rice, primarily regulates growth in maize (corn). This finding could lead to developing more robust and productive maize varieties. Maize (corn) is one of the most important staple crops in the world

A new study reveals the surprisingly convergent evolution in the inner ear of mammals. An international research team showed that a group of highly divergent mammals known as Afrotheria and distantly related, but ecologically very similar mammals independently evolved similar inner ear shapes. A new study reveals the surprisingly convergent evolution in the inner ear

Some plants are able to take over uninhabited spaces like sand dunes, volcanic substrates and rockfall areas. The first colonizers have specific traits that allow them to grow in such hostile environments. Other plants lack such traits but will soon follow these pioneers. Some plants are able to take over uninhabited spaces like sand dunes

Small marine crustaceans are as valuable as key coastal habitats for storing carbon and should be similarly protected, according to new research. Small marine crustaceans are as valuable as key coastal habitats for storing carbon and should be similarly protected, according to new research. The study shows that a single species, Antarctic krill, store similar

People's deep connection with the ocean -- their 'marine identity' -- can help us reset society's relationship with the seas, new research suggests. People's deep connection with the ocean -- their "marine identity" -- can help us reset society's relationship with the seas, new research led by Dr Pamela Buchan, from the University of Exeter

If seabirds can catch avian flu by stealing food from infectious birds, it gives scientists a clue where to monitor for outbreaks among these vulnerable birds. The deadly H5N1 avian influenza virus, which has killed millions of birds worldwide since 2021 -- and in rare cases can be transmitted to humans -- may be spread

Consuming moderate amounts of coffee and caffeine regularly may offer a protective effect against developing multiple cardiometabolic diseases, including type 2 diabetes, coronary heart disease and stroke, according to new research.  Consuming moderate amounts of coffee and caffeine regularly may offer a protective effect against developing multiple cardiometabolic diseases, including type 2 diabetes, coronary heart

A new study examined whether neighborhood food access in early life is associated with trajectories of child body mass index and obesity risk. Study results show that neighborhood food access matters. Residing in low-income, low-food-access neighborhoods during pregnancy or early childhood is linked to a higher body mass index (BMI) z-score and a more than

Scientists discovered that certain plants can survive stressful, dry conditions by controlling water loss through their leaves without relying on their usual mechanism -- tiny pores known as 'stomata'. Scientists have discovered that certain plants can survive stressful, dry conditions by controlling water loss through their leaves without relying on their usual mechanism -- tiny