Biology: Biochemistry Biology: General Biology: Zoology Ecology: Animals Ecology: Endangered Species Ecology: Extinction Ecology: General Ecology: Invasive Species Ecology: Nature Ecology: Research Environmental: Biodiversity
Published

Reptile roadkill reveals new threat to endangered lizard species      (via sciencedaily.com)     Original source 

The chance sighting of a dead snake beside a sandy track in remote Western Australia, and the investigation of its stomach contents, has led researchers to record the first known instance of a spotted mulga snake consuming a pygmy spiny-tailed skink, raising concerns for a similar-looking, endangered lizard species.

Physics: Acoustics and Ultrasound
Published

Shape-shifting ultrasound stickers detect post-surgical complications      (via sciencedaily.com)     Original source 

Gastrointestinal surgeries carry risk of fluid leaks, a potentially life-threatening complication. But no existing methods can reliably and non-invasively detect these leaks. To address this unmet need, researchers developed a tiny, soft, flexible sticker that changes in shape inside the body, enabling standard ultrasound tech to detect leaks for earlier detection and intervention. After the patient has recovered, the soft, tiny sticker simply dissolves away.

Ecology: Endangered Species Ecology: Extinction Ecology: General Ecology: Nature Ecology: Research Environmental: Biodiversity Environmental: Ecosystems Environmental: General Geoscience: Environmental Issues
Published

Loss of nature costs more than previously estimated      (via sciencedaily.com)     Original source 

Researchers propose that governments apply a new method for calculating the benefits that arise from conserving biodiversity and nature for future generations.

Physics: Acoustics and Ultrasound
Published

Doctors can now watch spinal cord activity during surgery      (via sciencedaily.com)     Original source 

Scientists can make high resolution images of the human spinal cord during surgery. The advancement could help bring real relief to millions suffering chronic back pain.

Biology: General Biology: Marine Ecology: Endangered Species Ecology: General Ecology: Invasive Species Ecology: Nature Ecology: Research Ecology: Sea Life Environmental: Ecosystems Environmental: General Environmental: Water Geoscience: Earth Science Geoscience: Environmental Issues Geoscience: Geography Geoscience: Oceanography
Published

Herbivores, displaced by ocean warming, threaten subtropical seagrass meadows      (via sciencedaily.com)     Original source 

The findings suggest that subtropical seagrasses are less resilient to heavy grazing from marine herbivores, in part because they receive less sunlight relative to their tropical counterparts. As tropical herbivores move into subtropical waters, overgrazing may prevent subtropical seagrass meadows from persisting in these environments.

Chemistry: Biochemistry Physics: Acoustics and Ultrasound
Published

Advanced noise suppression technology for improved search and rescue drones      (via sciencedaily.com)     Original source 

Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) are beneficial in search and rescue missions during natural disasters like earthquakes. However, current UAVs depend on visual information and cannot detect victims trapped under rubble. While some studies have used sound for detection, the noise from UAV propellers can drown out human sounds. To address this issue, researchers have developed a novel artificial intelligence-based system that effectively suppresses UAV noise and amplifies human sounds.

Chemistry: Biochemistry Physics: Acoustics and Ultrasound Physics: Optics
Published

New cardiovascular imaging approach provides a better view of dangerous plaques      (via sciencedaily.com)     Original source 

Researchers have developed a new catheter-based device that combines two powerful optical techniques to image the dangerous plaques that can build up inside the arteries that supply blood to the heart. By providing new details about plaque, the device could help clinicians and researchers improve treatments for preventing heart attacks and strokes.

Biology: Biochemistry Biology: General Biology: Microbiology Ecology: Research
Published

Advances in forensic science improve accuracy of 'time of death' estimates      (via sciencedaily.com)     Original source 

Accurate 'time of death' estimates are a mainstay of murder mysteries and forensic programs, but such calculations in the real world are often complex and imprecise. In a first-of-its-kind study, researchers have discovered a group of common microbes that work together specifically to decompose flesh. These microorganisms serve as a biological clock and allow scientists to investigate the post-mortem breakdown of tissue with unprecedented precision.

Biology: General Biology: Marine Ecology: Animals Ecology: Research Ecology: Sea Life Offbeat: General Offbeat: Plants and Animals
Published

Orcas demonstrating they no longer need to hunt in packs to take down the great white shark      (via sciencedaily.com)     Original source 

An orca (killer whale) has been observed, for the first-ever time, individually consuming a great white shark -- and within just two minutes.

Biology: Biochemistry Biology: Biotechnology Biology: Cell Biology Biology: General Biology: Microbiology Ecology: General Ecology: Research Environmental: Ecosystems Environmental: General
Published

Measuring electrical conductivity in microorganisms, approaching understanding of microbial ecosystems      (via sciencedaily.com)     Original source 

Researchers have developed an innovative methodology for measuring the electrical conductivity of microbial communities. This methodology holds promise for the development of batteries and electrochemical sensors using microorganisms and may serve as a pivotal tool in elucidating the role of electricity within microbial ecosystems.

Biology: Botany Ecology: General Ecology: Research Environmental: General Environmental: Water Geoscience: Geochemistry Geoscience: Geography
Published

Lake ecosystems: Nitrogen has been underestimated      (via sciencedaily.com)     Original source 

An ecological imbalance in a lake can usually be attributed to increased nutrient inputs. The result: increased phytoplankton growth, oxygen deficiency, toxic cyanobacterial blooms and fish kills. Until now, controls in lake management have focused primarily on phosphorus inputs to counteract this effect. Now, this dogma is shaken by a study showing that nitrogen is also a critical driver for phytoplankton growth in lakes worldwide.

Biology: Biochemistry Biology: Cell Biology Biology: Evolutionary Biology: General Ecology: Endangered Species Ecology: Extinction Ecology: Invasive Species Ecology: Nature Ecology: Research
Published

Genetic research revealed several new fern species in tropical America      (via sciencedaily.com)     Original source 

Researchers have clarified the evolutionary history of a previously poorly known group of ferns from the tropical rainforests of America using DNA methods. The study discovered many new fern species, 18 of which have now been given official names and species descriptions.

Mathematics: General Physics: Acoustics and Ultrasound
Published

Pythagoras was wrong: there are no universal musical harmonies, new study finds      (via sciencedaily.com)     Original source 

The tone and tuning of musical instruments has the power to manipulate our appreciation of harmony, new research shows. The findings challenge centuries of Western music theory and encourage greater experimentation with instruments from different cultures.