High levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere are a major driver of climate change. At the same time, increased CO2 can encourage plants to grow faster, allowing them to absorb more carbon and potentially slow warming. That benefit, however,…
Category: 5. Biology
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Ancient genomes reveal Iron Age origins of human herpesvirus 6
For the first time, scientists have reconstructed ancient genomes of Human betaherpesvirus 6A and 6B (HHV-6A/B) from archaeological human remains more than two millennia old. The study, led by the University of Vienna and University…
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Why humans live and die for love
Adapted from THE INTIMATE ANIMAL by Justin Garcia, PhD. Copyright © 2026 by…
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This Fungus Turns Bark Beetles’ Defenses Against Them
Spruce bark beetles hijack their host tree’s chemical defenses, transforming them into potent weapons against fungal threats. But a fungus has evolved a way to deactivate those defenses, tipping the balance back in the tree’s favor. Spruce…
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Filamentous algae blooms alter river ecosystems without disrupting overall function
Algae is a ubiquitous feature in waterways throughout the globe, including western North America. Slippery, green epilithic algae is a familiar sight on river rocks. Toxic blue-green algae—cyanobacteria—is a visually interesting, yet…
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Coral reef fish recovery could boost sustainable seafood servings by up to 50 percent
With a human population of 8.3 billion people worldwide and millions facing malnutrition, food security is something to think about. But imagine if the ocean could help with that.
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Living Near Humans Made These Bears Smaller and Less Aggressive
Summary: Researchers found that Italian brown bears living near humans evolved unique genetic and behavioral traits. The study suggests that prolonged human presence can quietly reshape how wild species adapt and survive. New research reports…
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“Weird-Looking” Otter Poo Leads to a Surprising Ecological Discovery
Scientists discovered that river otter droppings contain large numbers of parasites that infect the animals’ prey, indicating that otters may play a significant role in shaping local food webs. North American river otters have long inhabited…
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Anxiety Sufferers Tend to Have Low Choline Levels
A new study reported in Molecular Psychiatry has shown that people with anxiety disorders tend to have lower levels of a nutrient known as choline in their brains, compared to people unaffected by anxiety…
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Anxiety Sufferers Tend to Have Low Choline Levels
A new study reported in Molecular Psychiatry has shown that people with anxiety disorders tend to have lower levels of a nutrient known as choline in their brains, compared to people unaffected by anxiety…
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