How tall and short trees can coexist in old growth forests
Old-growth forests maintain trees of vastly different heights despite light competition, with tall trees blocking sunlight that would typically kill shorter trees below. Scientists have observed that reaching the canopy top is not the only survival strategy, contradicting the stem exclusion phase where shorter trees usually die.
Read full story →Why has Britain's grass turned yellow? A plant scientist explains what happens next
Extended drought has turned Britain's grass yellow as water becomes scarce during an exceptionally dry summer. Ancient underground structures like walls and ditches remain visible as green outlines because they retain moisture that sustains grass above them, while available water is prioritized for homes and farms.
Layered nano-biohybrid uses sunlight, air and water to make hydrogen peroxide
A layered nano-biohybrid material combining inorganic and biological components produces hydrogen peroxide using sunlight, air, and water as inputs. The technology was developed by a research team at the U.S. Department of Energy's Argonne National Laboratory.
Mutation hotspots help 'friendly' viruses outmaneuver the bacteria in your gut
Researchers identified mutation hotspots in bacteriophages that allow these viruses to rapidly evolve and overcome antibiotic-resistant bacteria in the gut microbiome. These genetic regions enable phages to adapt quickly enough to maintain their role in controlling harmful bacterial populations.