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New Dual-Reactor Tech Turns CO2 Into Protein for Food and Sustainability
A team of engineers in China has developed an innovative dual-reactor system that converts carbon dioxide into a high-protein product suitable for human and animal consumption. The two-stage process uses microbial electrosynthesis to turn CO2 into acetate, which is then used by bacteria to produce single-cell protein. This system promises a more su...
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Two Private Lunar Landers Launch Aboard SpaceX Falcon 9 for Moon Missions
Marking a milestone in space exploration, two private lunar landers, Blue Ghost by Firefly Aerospace and Resilience by ispace, were launched aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center on January 15. Blue Ghost, under NASA's CLPS program, will study lunar regolith and environmental elements, landing in Mare Crisium. Resilienc...
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2024 Marks Earth's Hottest Year Ever, Surpassing Critical 1.5 degree Celsius Warming Limit
In 2024, Earth recorded its hottest year ever, surpassing the critical 1.5 degree Celsius warming threshold for the first time in history. This significant temperature increase has been linked to intensified weather events, rising sea levels, and widespread environmental damage. The year saw an alarming rise in climate-related disasters, with the U...
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Japan's Wooden Satellite LignoSat Launched: Everything You Need to Know
Japan has launched LignoSat, the world’s first wooden satellite, into orbit, marking a step toward sustainable space technology. Developed by JAXA, the satellite is crafted from honoki magnolia wood, chosen for its durability and resistance to environmental stress. Sensors onboard will monitor temperature, radiation, and physical strain to assess...
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Here's How Environmental and Physical Traits Shape Bird Sounds Across Habitats
A global study of over 100,000 bird sound recordings reveals how environmental and physical factors shape bird communication. Birds adapt their calls in response to habitat noise, with species in noisy areas producing higher-pitched sounds for better visibility. Physical traits like body size and beak shape also play a significant role in sound fre...
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PFAS Chemicals Harm Freshwater Turtles in Australia, New Research Finds
Recent studies have highlighted the alarming effects of PFAS (forever chemicals) on freshwater turtles in Australia. The research, led by environmental biochemist David Beale and his team, discovered that PFAS exposure is causing serious health issues in both adult turtles and their hatchlings. The chemicals accumulate in key organs like the liver,...
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Scientists Uncover Remains of Larger Mesosaurs in Uruguay’s Ancient Seas
Paleontologists in Uruguay have uncovered fossils of mesosaurs that exceed previous size records, revealing that these ancient reptiles may have grown to lengths of up to 2.5 metres. The specimens, found in the Mangrullo Formation, include fragmentary skulls and other bones, offering a glimpse into the gigantism that occurred in mature mesosaurs. R...
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Crystal-Based Cooling Technology Could Offer Sustainable Solution for Fridges and Air Conditioners
A new crystal-based cooling technology could significantly reduce the environmental impact of refrigerators and air conditioners. The unique plastic crystals absorb heat under pressure, providing a climate-friendly alternative to traditional refrigerants. However, challenges remain, such as the extreme pressures required for operation. Experts expr...
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Lake Mendota's Bacteria Are Stuck in an Evolutionary Loop, Finds Study
Research in Lake Mendota reveals seasonal bacterial evolution, with microbes adapting to environmental shifts over 20 years. Despite rapid changes, many species return to prior genetic states, highlighting cyclical evolution patterns. Extreme weather events, like those seen in 2012, led to lasting genetic adaptations, offering insights into how mic...
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Common Noctule Bats Use Warm Winds to Migrate More Than 1000 km Across Europe, Claims Study
Researchers have tracked the migration of common noctule bats using lightweight transmitters, uncovering their remarkable ability to travel over 1000 kilometers in just a few days. These bats adapt their routes and timing based on environmental factors, such as tailwinds and warming weather conditions, to maximise efficiency. The study provides cri...
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New Species Discovered in Peru’s Alto Mayo Region, Including Blob-Headed Catfish
A recent biodiversity survey in Peru’s Alto Mayo region led to the discovery of 27 new species, including a unique blob-headed bristlemouth armored catfish. The survey, conducted by Conservation International, uncovered new mammals, amphibians, fish, butterflies, and plants, emphasizing the area’s ecological importance. Researchers used innovat...
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Fungus Wiping Out Frogs: Innovative "Frog Saunas" Offer Hope for Survival
Frog populations worldwide are being decimated by the chytrid fungus, which is responsible for the decline and extinction of many species. Scientists have developed "frog saunas," simple heated structures that allow frogs to warm up and combat the infection. Studies show that this method can help infected frogs recover faster and even develop resis...
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Tracing the Origins of Oaks: How Climate and Tectonic Changes Shaped Modern Trees
Oaks, iconic trees in today’s forests, evolved over millions of years, influenced by significant climatic events like the Paleocene-Eocene Thermal Maximum. Fossils found in Austria reveal the earliest oak evidence, while tectonic movements led to the diversification of oak species across continents. Oaks adapted to changing climates, making their...
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UNSW Develops Miniature Sensor to Detect Nitrogen Dioxide with High Sensitivity
A team from UNSW Sydney has created a miniature, highly sensitive gas sensor that can detect nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) in real-time without needing external power. This sensor, using innovative 2D-printing technology, addresses common issues in gas detection, such as size and energy consumption. Its sensitivity to NO₂, combined with its ability to...
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Biodegradable Microbeads Could Replace Plastic Exfoliants in Skincare Products
A new biodegradable microbead has been developed as a potential replacement for plastic exfoliants in skincare products. These polymer-based beads break down into molecules resembling sugars and amino acids, making them environmentally safe. When tested on pig skin, the beads demonstrated superior performance in removing permanent marker and eyelin...
-
New Dual-Reactor Tech Turns CO2 Into Protein for Food and Sustainability
A team of engineers in China has developed an innovative dual-reactor system that converts carbon dioxide into a high-protein product suitable for human and animal consumption. The two-stage process uses microbial electrosynthesis to turn CO2 into acetate, which is then used by bacteria to produce single-cell protein. This system promises a more su...
-
Two Private Lunar Landers Launch Aboard SpaceX Falcon 9 for Moon Missions
Marking a milestone in space exploration, two private lunar landers, Blue Ghost by Firefly Aerospace and Resilience by ispace, were launched aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center on January 15. Blue Ghost, under NASA's CLPS program, will study lunar regolith and environmental elements, landing in Mare Crisium. Resilienc...
-
2024 Marks Earth's Hottest Year Ever, Surpassing Critical 1.5 degree Celsius Warming Limit
In 2024, Earth recorded its hottest year ever, surpassing the critical 1.5 degree Celsius warming threshold for the first time in history. This significant temperature increase has been linked to intensified weather events, rising sea levels, and widespread environmental damage. The year saw an alarming rise in climate-related disasters, with the U...
-
Japan's Wooden Satellite LignoSat Launched: Everything You Need to Know
Japan has launched LignoSat, the world’s first wooden satellite, into orbit, marking a step toward sustainable space technology. Developed by JAXA, the satellite is crafted from honoki magnolia wood, chosen for its durability and resistance to environmental stress. Sensors onboard will monitor temperature, radiation, and physical strain to assess...
-
Here's How Environmental and Physical Traits Shape Bird Sounds Across Habitats
A global study of over 100,000 bird sound recordings reveals how environmental and physical factors shape bird communication. Birds adapt their calls in response to habitat noise, with species in noisy areas producing higher-pitched sounds for better visibility. Physical traits like body size and beak shape also play a significant role in sound fre...
-
PFAS Chemicals Harm Freshwater Turtles in Australia, New Research Finds
Recent studies have highlighted the alarming effects of PFAS (forever chemicals) on freshwater turtles in Australia. The research, led by environmental biochemist David Beale and his team, discovered that PFAS exposure is causing serious health issues in both adult turtles and their hatchlings. The chemicals accumulate in key organs like the liver,...
-
Scientists Uncover Remains of Larger Mesosaurs in Uruguay’s Ancient Seas
Paleontologists in Uruguay have uncovered fossils of mesosaurs that exceed previous size records, revealing that these ancient reptiles may have grown to lengths of up to 2.5 metres. The specimens, found in the Mangrullo Formation, include fragmentary skulls and other bones, offering a glimpse into the gigantism that occurred in mature mesosaurs. R...
-
Crystal-Based Cooling Technology Could Offer Sustainable Solution for Fridges and Air Conditioners
A new crystal-based cooling technology could significantly reduce the environmental impact of refrigerators and air conditioners. The unique plastic crystals absorb heat under pressure, providing a climate-friendly alternative to traditional refrigerants. However, challenges remain, such as the extreme pressures required for operation. Experts expr...
-
Lake Mendota's Bacteria Are Stuck in an Evolutionary Loop, Finds Study
Research in Lake Mendota reveals seasonal bacterial evolution, with microbes adapting to environmental shifts over 20 years. Despite rapid changes, many species return to prior genetic states, highlighting cyclical evolution patterns. Extreme weather events, like those seen in 2012, led to lasting genetic adaptations, offering insights into how mic...
-
Common Noctule Bats Use Warm Winds to Migrate More Than 1000 km Across Europe, Claims Study
Researchers have tracked the migration of common noctule bats using lightweight transmitters, uncovering their remarkable ability to travel over 1000 kilometers in just a few days. These bats adapt their routes and timing based on environmental factors, such as tailwinds and warming weather conditions, to maximise efficiency. The study provides cri...
-
New Species Discovered in Peru’s Alto Mayo Region, Including Blob-Headed Catfish
A recent biodiversity survey in Peru’s Alto Mayo region led to the discovery of 27 new species, including a unique blob-headed bristlemouth armored catfish. The survey, conducted by Conservation International, uncovered new mammals, amphibians, fish, butterflies, and plants, emphasizing the area’s ecological importance. Researchers used innovat...
-
Fungus Wiping Out Frogs: Innovative "Frog Saunas" Offer Hope for Survival
Frog populations worldwide are being decimated by the chytrid fungus, which is responsible for the decline and extinction of many species. Scientists have developed "frog saunas," simple heated structures that allow frogs to warm up and combat the infection. Studies show that this method can help infected frogs recover faster and even develop resis...
-
Tracing the Origins of Oaks: How Climate and Tectonic Changes Shaped Modern Trees
Oaks, iconic trees in today’s forests, evolved over millions of years, influenced by significant climatic events like the Paleocene-Eocene Thermal Maximum. Fossils found in Austria reveal the earliest oak evidence, while tectonic movements led to the diversification of oak species across continents. Oaks adapted to changing climates, making their...
-
UNSW Develops Miniature Sensor to Detect Nitrogen Dioxide with High Sensitivity
A team from UNSW Sydney has created a miniature, highly sensitive gas sensor that can detect nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) in real-time without needing external power. This sensor, using innovative 2D-printing technology, addresses common issues in gas detection, such as size and energy consumption. Its sensitivity to NO₂, combined with its ability to...
-
Biodegradable Microbeads Could Replace Plastic Exfoliants in Skincare Products
A new biodegradable microbead has been developed as a potential replacement for plastic exfoliants in skincare products. These polymer-based beads break down into molecules resembling sugars and amino acids, making them environmentally safe. When tested on pig skin, the beads demonstrated superior performance in removing permanent marker and eyelin...
