Patent awarded for compounds that inhibit biofilm formation and persistence
In the current era of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, treatment of unwanted microbial growth presents a difficult challenge for microbiologists and clinicians. The problem is further complicated when these ...
Aerogel catalyst shows promise for fuel cells
(Phys.org)—Graphene nanoribbons formed into a three-dimensional aerogel and enhanced with boron and nitrogen are excellent catalysts for fuel cells, even in comparison to platinum, according to Rice University ...
Himalayan ice shows chemicals ban is working
A unique study of frozen ice cores from the Tibetan Himalayas has shown that international agreements on phasing out the use of toxic persistent organic pollutants are working.
Flawed method puts tiger rise in doubt, calls for new approach
Flaws in a method commonly used in censuses of tigers and other rare wildlife put the accuracy of such surveys in doubt, a new study suggests.
Words used in Chinese books illuminate how a nation's values changed during reforms
As China has undergone rapid economic and social change in recent decades, an increase of individualistic values has been reflected in the word choices of Chinese authors.
Does dark matter cause mass extinctions and geologic upheavals?
Research by New York University Biology Professor Michael Rampino concludes that Earth's infrequent but predictable path around and through our Galaxy's disc may have a direct and significant effect on geological ...
New antibiotic holds promise against antibiotic-resistant infections
Estimates of deaths from methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in the United States range upwards of 19,000 annually. Around 1960, when Staphylococcus aureus developed resistance to first-generation ...
Larger area analysis needed to understand patterns in ancient prehistory
Archaeologists need to study larger areas of land and link those studies to measurable environmental, societal and demographic changes to understand variations in prehistoric societies, according to Penn State anthropologists. ...
Study seeks to understand Amazonia's past to ensure its sustainable future
A new international project led by the University of Exeter will investigate the Amazon's sustainable future by studying the way that ancient societies used and transformed the environment. The study is pioneering ...
Unlikely pairing—an antidepressant plus dye—yields tumor-targeting tool
A team of scientists has created a "conjugate" molecule—one stitched together from two separate molecules—that seeks out and blocks prostate cancer growth in lab animals.
Canada turnaround to keep observatory in first dark skies zone open (Update)
Canada vowed Wednesday to keep open an observatory in eastern North America where the first dark skies reserve was created, hours after its director said budget cuts would force its closure.
Turning plants into meat-like foods to save the planet
Producing the savory, juicy steaks and pork chops that many people crave requires a lot of animals raised on huge, unsustainable amounts of plant protein. But what would happen if, instead of giving so much of it to animals ...
Study shows example of a parasite using a bioweapon to control host
Researchers reveal how hearing evolved
Lungfish and salamanders can hear, despite not having an outer ear or tympanic middle ear. These early terrestrial vertebrates were probably also able to hear 300 million years ago, as shown in a new study ...