Sea otters protect coastlines from erosion
Once hunted to near extinction, sea otters have returned to California. A new study reveals the key role these critters play in maintaining coastal ecosystems. Continue reading Sea otters protect coastlines from erosion
How Molecular Motors Harness the Power of Thermodynamic Fluctuations
By Mara Casebeer Just like a city has highways to transport goods and people from one area to another, your cells have their own set of highways to transport important components like proteins and genetic material. These cellular highways are called microtubules, and they are traversed not by trucks and cars, but by molecular motors – proteins that can carry cargo and step along microtubules … Continue reading How Molecular Motors Harness the Power of Thermodynamic Fluctuations
Perseverance finds direct evidence of ancient lake bed on Mars
Martian rover Perseverance confirms that it’s sitting on an ancient lake bed, an ideal location to look for signs of life. Continue reading Perseverance finds direct evidence of ancient lake bed on Mars
How does HIV-1 squeeze itself into a cell nucleus?
Researchers have discovered how HIV-1 transports its viral contents into our cell nucleus. Continue reading How does HIV-1 squeeze itself into a cell nucleus?
The brain rewires itself when learning a second language
The brain of an adult undergoes changes to adapt to the process of learning a second language. Continue reading The brain rewires itself when learning a second language
Brain-like structures grown from fetal tissue offer insights into neural development
Self-organizing structures grown from small samples of fetal brain tissue provide a new model for studying brain development and diseases. Continue reading Brain-like structures grown from fetal tissue offer insights into neural development
Gut Cells Don’t Only Digest Food – They Also Fight Disease
Scientists reveal a key role of gut bacteria in preserving health and fighting disease. Continue reading Gut Cells Don’t Only Digest Food – They Also Fight Disease
The Cat’s Out of the Bag! The biological reason why cats can’t get enough of catnip
by Whitney Liebermanfigures by Allie Elchert If you’re a feline enthusiast, you’ve almost certainly noticed the unusual behavior of cats in the presence of catnip. This plant, a member of the mint family, can be purchased at your local pet store or grown in your backyard. A sprinkle of catnip sends most cats into a frenzy characterized by behaviors such as chewing, rolling, and head-rubbing. … Continue reading The Cat’s Out of the Bag! The biological reason why cats can’t get enough of catnip
The Small Magellanic Cloud(s): nearby galaxy has a hidden twin
A recent study of the Small Magellanic Cloud has revealed that this nearby galaxy may actually be two galaxies that overlap from our point of view. Continue reading The Small Magellanic Cloud(s): nearby galaxy has a hidden twin
Out with bulky puffer jackets, in with thin aerogel sweaters to keep warm
Encapsulated aerogel fibers, which mimic polar bear hair, offer a new fabric for warm, thin, and strong clothing. Continue reading Out with bulky puffer jackets, in with thin aerogel sweaters to keep warm