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Categories: Chemistry: Biochemistry, Ecology: Animals
Published Four in five bird species cannot tolerate intense human pressures



In a recent study, researchers found that 78% of the world's bird species do not thrive in the most modified human-dominated environments. These species are also most likely to have declining populations.
Published Rusty-patched bumblebee's struggle for survival found in its genes



The rusty-patched bumblebee, once common in the United States, has declined from about 90% of its former range. Researchers conducted the first range-wide genetic study of the endangered species to inform recovery efforts.
Published Self-assembly of complex systems: Hexagonal building blocks are better



Physicists show that the shape of components is a major determinant of how quickly and efficiently complex structures self-assemble.
Published 'Tug of war' tactic enhances chemical separations for critical materials



Lanthanide elements are important for clean energy and other applications. To use them, industry must separate mixed lanthanide sources into individual elements using costly, time-consuming, and waste-generating procedures. An efficient new method can be tailored to select specific lanthanides. The technique combines two substances that do not mix and that prefer different types of lanthanides. The process would allow for smaller equipment, less use of chemicals, and less waste production.
Published Developing a vaccine for the 'zombie drug' xylazine



Chemical biologists design an early 'proof-of-concept' vaccine that could lead to the first effective treatment of xylazine overdose in people.
Published Demand for critical minerals puts African Great Apes at risk



A recent study shows that the threat of mining to the great ape population in Africa has been greatly underestimated.
Published 'Smart swarms' of tiny robots inspired by natural herd mentality



Researchers gave nanorobots a trait called adaptive time delay, which allows them to better work together.
Published Machine learning enables viability of vertical-axis wind turbines



Researchers have used a genetic learning algorithm to identify optimal pitch profiles for the blades of vertical-axis wind turbines, which despite their high energy potential, have until now been vulnerable to strong gusts of wind.
Published Plant-based plastic releases nine times less microplastics than conventional plastic



A newly developed plant-based plastic material releases nine times less microplastics than conventional plastic when exposed to sunlight and seawater, a new study has found.
Published Drawing inspiration from plants: A metal-air paper battery for wearable devices



Drawing inspiration from the way plants breathe, a group of researchers has created a paper-based magnesium-air battery that can be used in GPS sensors or pulse oximeter sensors. Taking advantage of paper's recyclability and lightweight nature, the engineered battery holds promise for a more environmentally friendly source of energy.
Published Plastic-free vegan leather that dyes itself grown from bacteria



Researchers have genetically engineered bacteria to grow animal- and plastic-free leather that dyes itself.
Published More social birds are more adventurous feeders



A new study has found that birds that are more social are more likely to use novel sources of food.
Published How and why animals can live alongside humans



New research suggests animals can thrive in human-dominated environments by being expert judges of risk. Researchers examined the behavior of great-tailed grackles, a bird species successfully invading much of urban North America, showing that the dispersing males shy away from risk, which is a characteristic the researchers show is well-suited to chaotic environments like cities. These findings provide unique insight into how and why animals and humans can coexist.
Published When did the chicken cross the road? New evidence from Central Asia



An international team of scholars present the earliest clear archaeological and biomolecular evidence for the raising of chickens for egg production, based on material from 12 archaeological sites spanning one and a half millennia. The research indicates that the domestic chicken, now a staple in diets around the world, is not as ancient as previously thought.
Published Chemistry researchers modify solar technology to produce a less harmful greenhouse gas



Researchers are using semiconductors to harvest and convert the sun's energy into high-energy compounds that have the potential to produce environmentally-friendly fuels.
Published Wound treatment gel fights the battle against antibacterial resistance



Polymer-based hydrogels are used to treat skin ailments and in tissue engineering because of their ability to retain water, deliver drugs into wounds, and biodegrade. However, they are complicated to manufacture and not very resilient to external forces like rubbing against clothing, sheets, or wound dressings. Scientists have now created a hydrogel enhanced with the amino acid polylysine and blood plasma that is easier to synthesize, contains natural antibiotic properties, and promotes cell growth.
Published Researchers discover dual topological phases in an intrinsic monolayer crystal



An international team working with single-atom thick crystals found TaIrTe4's transition between the two distinct topological states of insulation and conduction. The material exhibited zero electrical conductivity within its interior, while its boundaries remain conductive. The team's investigation determined that the two topological states stem from disparate origins. The novel properties can serve as a promising platform for exploring exotic quantum phases and electromagnetism.
Published Canada lynx historic range in US likely wider than previously thought



A broader past could mean a brighter future for Canada lynx in the U.S., according to recent research. The study indicates that lynx might do well in the future in parts of Utah, central Idaho and the Yellowstone National Park region, even considering climate change and the lack of lynx in those areas now. Using a model validated by historic records, researchers first found that in 1900, Canada lynx had more suitable habitat in the U.S. than the few northern corners of the country where they are found currently. The study showed the elusive big cat likely roamed over a larger area in the Pacific Northwest, Rocky Mountains, Great Lakes region and parts of New England.
Published Machine learning provides a new picture of the great gray owl



Researchers upend the notion that the iconic great gray owl -- known as the phantom of the North -- lives far from cities, towns and other markers of human density.
Published Cellphone compass can measure tiny concentrations of compounds important for human health



Nearly every modern cellphone has a built-in compass, or magnetometer, that detects the direction of Earth's magnetic field, providing critical information for navigation. Now a team of researchers has developed a technique that uses an ordinary cellphone magnetometer for an entirely different purpose -- to measure the concentration of glucose, a marker for diabetes, to high accuracy.