Few singers reach their sunset years with the same voice they had in younger days. Songbirds are no different. New research reveals that elderly swamp sparrows don’t sound quite like they used to — nor do they strike the same fear in other males who m…
Read moreCategory: Environment
Environment News
What is an endangered species?
What makes for an endangered species classification isn’t always obvious.
Read moreHuman fetal lungs harbor a microbiome signature
The lungs and placentas of fetuses in the womb — as young as 11 weeks after conception — already show a bacterial microbiome signature, which suggests that bacteria may colonize the lungs well before birth. This first-time finding deepens the mystery…
Read moreTransformational innovation needed to reach global forest restoration goals
New research finds that global South countries have pledged the largest areas of land to forest restoration, and are also farthest behind in meeting their targets due to challenging factors such as population growth, corruption, and deforestation.
Read moreNeuron found in mice could have implications for effective diet drugs
A CALCR cell found in mice may stop feeding without subsequential nauseating effects, as well as influence the long term intake of food.
Read moreNot all of nature’s layered structures are tough as animal shells and antlers
Engineers looking to nature for inspiration have long assumed that layered structures like those found in mollusk shells enhance a material’s toughness, but a study shows that’s not always the case. The findings may help engineers avoid ‘naive biomimic…
Read moreReal risks associated with cannabis exposure during pregnancy
A new study has definitively shown that regular exposure to THC, the main psychoactive ingredient in cannabis, during pregnancy has significant impact on placental and fetal development.
Read moreHuman ancestors started biodiversity decline millions of years ago
The human-caused biodiversity decline started much earlier than researchers used to believe. According to a new study the process was not started by our own species but by some of our ancestors.
Read moreIt takes more than two to tango: Microbial communities influence animal sex and reproduction
It is an awkward idea, but a couple’s ability to have kids may partly depend on who else is present. The reproductive tracts of males and females contain whole communities of micro-organisms. These microbes can have considerable impact on (animal) fert…
Read moreMicroplastics affect sand crabs’ mortality and reproduction
Sand crabs, a key species in beach ecosystems, were found to have increased adult mortality and decreased reproductive success when exposed to plastic microfibers, according to a new study.
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