Between April and August this year, Switzerland and central Europe have experienced the driest summer season since 1864. Especially the forest seems to suffer from this dry spell. A current study indicates now that native forest trees can cope much better with the drought than previously expected. It is, however, too early to give the all-clear as a consistently warmer and dryer climate might still put our native forests at risk.
Biologists have developed a new technique for manipulating small cell structures for use in a range of biotechnical applications including the production of biofuels and vaccines.
Brown fat consumes energy, which is the reason why it could be important for preventing obesity and diabetes. Working together with an international team, researchers were able to demonstrate that food also increases the thermogenesis of brown fat, and not just cold as previously assumed.
New research recommends that the herbicide bicyclopyrone, now used in corn, be registered for weed management in watermelon crops as well.
New research has shown that a lack of protein in a father's diet affects sperm quality which can have a direct impact on the long-term health of their offspring.
In many cases it is the color of the prey that helps predatory birds to detect, pursue and capture them. In a new study, biologists show that the Harris's hawk has the best color vision of all animals investigated to date — and in certain situations, even better than humans. The findings may help to protect threatened birds of prey against hazards such as wind turbines and power lines.
The physical abilities of male and female tennis stars decline at the same rate as they age, new research shows.
The concentrations of microplastics in the surface layer of the oceans are lower than expected. Researchers experimentally demonstrated that microplastics interact with natural particles and form aggregates in seawater. This aggregate formation could explain how microplastics sink into deeper water layers.
Climate change may have played a more important role in the extinction of Neanderthals than previously believed, according to a new study.
Researchers report new insights into brain centers involved in restless legs syndrome and disturbed sleep.