Hong Kong’s urban cockatoos could be a genetic lifeline for Indonesian ancestors
A feral population of yellow-crested cockatoos in Hong Kong contains genetic diversity that could help save the critically endangered species in Indonesia, where fewer than 2,000 individuals remain in the wild. The Hong Kong birds, descended from escaped or released pets, represent a potential genetic resource for conservation efforts in the species' native Indonesian range.
Read full story →Venus’s pale yellow clouds may hide something surprisingly dark
Scientists calculated that Venus's clouds' unidentified dark ultraviolet material absorbs light far more strongly than previously thought. This finding narrows possibilities for determining whether the mysterious substance is organic, inorganic, or something unexpected.
Scientists find water was fueling volcanoes 3 billion years ago
Water-rich crustal material sank into Earth's mantle more than three billion years ago through a process called "dripduction," fueling volcanic eruptions. Ancient rocks from Western Australia provided evidence that this water-delivery mechanism operated long before modern plate tectonics fully developed.
Scientists discover a hidden switch that shuts down inflammation
Scientists discovered a natural braking system that switches off inflammation and prevents harmful immune cell buildup. Boosting this pathway in people reduced inflammation-related immune changes and accelerated pain relief.