As the world shifts towards using more biodegradable and bio-based plastics, it's crucial to understand how these tiny pieces, known as microplastics, affect plants and animals. Plant lovers, beware! High doses of polylactic acid (PLA) microplastics can cut down on nitrogen and biomass in plants and
A new orca calf, J61, has joined the endangered southern resident killer whale population in British Columbia. But scientists are concerned about her health. The calf, spotted on December 20 with J pod, is believed to be premature. Her mom, J35 Tahlequah, might not be in the best shape to nurse her.
Substance use disorders are complex issues that are influenced by both our genes and our environment. One key player in this mix is serotonin, a chemical in our brain that's linked to how we feel and behave. Scientists have found that variations in the genes that control serotonin receptors might ma
In the land of the rising sun, where cherry blossoms bloom and typhoons rage, another cycle plays out: the struggle of dry eyes. The eye, our window to the world, is constantly buffeted by the weather outside. Dry eye, a common ailment, sees spikes in treatment during the grim winter months. Researc
Have you ever wondered why blue light-emitting perovskite materials aren't as efficient as they could be? The problem lies in intrinsic defects that trap charge carriers. Scientists have found a clever solution: wrap CsPb(Cl/Br)3 nanocrystals in silica. This combination, known as CsPb(Cl/Br)3 NCs@Si
Imagine you're a business leader in China. Would you believe that paying taxes on pollution could actually boost your exports? Well, that's what happened with the Environmental Protection Tax Law (EPTL) introduced in 2018. This law charged companies for the pollution they produced, and the result? A
Imagine walking through the streets of Colorado during the COVID-19 pandemic. You might have noticed that some counties were hit harder than others. Why was that? Researchers found a surprising link between the outcome of the 2020 presidential election and COVID-19 mortality rates. Let's break it d
Have you ever wondered what drives the population of disease-carrying mosquitoes, like Aedes aegypti, along the U. S. -Mexico border? This mosquito species, known for spreading viruses like dengue, Chikungunya, Zika, and yellow fever, is becoming more common in temperate regions. Our study aimed to
A strange thing happened in Alaska. Around half of the common murres, those tuxedo-looking seabirds, died between 2014 and 2016. This isn't the first time they've had trouble, but it's the worst. Scientists blamed a big heat wave in the ocean, called "the Blob, " which made their food scarce. And ev
Think about this: the things we do to stay active might not be so great for the planet. This study dives into how people choose to travel for their workouts and what gear they use. It's like asking, "Can we be fit and eco-friendly at the same time? " The researchers looked at how people see themselv
