The seeds of Ginkgo biloba hold a nasty secret: they produce a poison called ginkgotoxin and its sugar‑bound form. Scientists wanted to know which genes make these chemicals, but the details were fuzzy. Using a step‑by‑step RNA sequencing plan, researchers collected seed samples at different grow
In many cities across China, people turn kitchen scraps into energy by feeding them to large anaerobic digesters. The amount of gas these machines produce, however, varies a lot from one plant to another. Scientists wanted to know why some digesters make more methane than others. They examined seve
San Diego’s council now has the chance to cut electric bills for its residents. A new study shows that if the city replaces the current profit‑driven utility with a non‑profit public power company, it could save up to $19 billion in the next 30 years. Other analyses suggest savings could reach
Scientists believe that Alzheimer’s and similar brain diseases don’t just come from bad genes—they might also rise from invisible threats we breathe in or swallow every day. Tiny particles like lead, cadmium, and arsenic sneak into our bodies through polluted water, dusty air, or cheap food, then sl
In Ohio, a plan to remove property taxes is picking up steam. Supporters argue it would help homeowners keep more money. But who really wins—and who loses? The debate isn’t just about politics. It’s about age, money, and future generations. Right now, schools and local services in Ohio rely heavily
A federal judge is now deciding whether the government can dig through a reporter’s personal devices—phones, laptops, and more—after they were seized in a leak investigation. The reporter, who has spent years covering government agencies, used these tools to communicate with over 1, 200 confidential
Cholera germs have a smart trick to protect themselves. They carry a built-in gene storage system that holds hundreds of spare parts, mostly unused. A small portion of these genes help fight off viruses. Normally, stressed bacteria shuffle these genes around to pick the best ones. But cholera germs
Workers who joined unions decades ago often look back on their careers with different views than those who entered the workforce just a generation later. A recent look at two groups of older Americans—born 18 years apart—shows how labor unions influenced not just paychecks, but also how people felt
In recent years, the US has tightened its grip on Cuba through economic measures that go beyond just trade restrictions. These policies cut off essential oil supplies, which power most of Cuba’s electricity—including hospitals. Without fuel, blackouts worsen, surgeries get delayed, and life-saving t
Scientists are starting to see a surprising link between autism, usually thought of as a childhood condition, and Alzheimer’s, a disease that shows up in old age. At first glance the two seem unrelated: one is about early brain wiring, the other about later brain decay. But new studies suggest
