Female gorillas must balance the reproductive costs of staying with or leaving an older male

When a gorilla group's silverback is close to the end of his reproductive years, females face a dilemma: Should they stay with him until he dies or leave him for another male? A team of researchers from the Max Planck Institute of Evolutionary Anthropology has now found that both strategies bear its costs: females face reproductive costs of staying with an older male as well as costs when they transfer to a new silverback.

Forensic science isn't 'reliable' or 'unreliable': It depends on the questions you're trying to answer

After recent criticism in the US and the UK, forensic science is now coming under attack in Australia. Several recent reports have detailed concerns that innocent people have been jailed because of flawed forensic techniques.

Mechanism modeling for better forecasts, climate predictions

Modeling currents together with wind and waves provides more accurate predictions for weather forecasts and climate scientists.

Chronic traumatic encephalopathy isn't only for football players

With football season underway, media and news outlets are sure to publish articles discussing the head injury epidemic that has loomed over the sport for decades. However, while many may believe that brain injuries like Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) are exclusively a football problem, researchers at the University of South Florida say that isn't the case and explain media framing is to blame for that overwhelming public perception.

Advanced breeding paves the way for disease-resistant beans

ETH researchers are involved in the development and implementation of a method to efficiently breed for disease-resistant beans in different regions of the world. Their work will help to improve the livelihood and food security of smallholders in developing countries.

Suicide is preventable: How can we help our teens?

Every October, after school starts—and each May, as it ends—there is a spike in the number of teenagers who go to the Yale New Haven Children's Hospital (YNHCH) emergency department because they are thinking about attempting suicide. They may or may not have struggled with a mental health issue before. But they often have a story: Bullies are harassing them, their parents are divorcing, the academic pressure is crushing them. For some, it's gender concerns—they have come out as trans or non-binary, and their peers are shutting them out.

Transgenic mosquitoes pass on genes to native species

Transgenic mosquitoes released in Brazil in an effort to reduce the population of disease-bearing insects have successfully bred and passed on genes to the native mosquito population, a new Yale research study published Sept. 10 in the journal Scientific Reports has found.

Want more investors for your startup? Better make an impassioned pitch

One would expect that entrepreneurs who pitch their startup ideas with passion are more apt to entice investors. Now there's scientific proof the two are connected: enthusiasm and financial backing.

Swapping pollinators reduces species diversity, study finds

niversity of Kansas plant biologists Carolyn Wessinger and Lena Hileman appreciate the sheer beauty of a field of colorful wildflowers as much as the next person. But what really gets their adrenaline pumping is understanding the evolutionary forces that render Earth's blooms in such a stunning array of shapes and hues.

Expert discusses proposed rollback of key climate change regulations

The Trump administration is planning to roll back several key climate-change regulations from previous administrations, including ones requiring reduced methane emissions, much stricter fuel efficiency/vehicle pollution standards, and energy-efficient light bulbs. Here, Environmental Law expert Professor Deborah Sivas explains the regulations and how proposed changes might impact greenhouse gases and climate change.

Protecting our plants

Tongariro National Park is not just centrally located—it's a central part of New Zealand culture.

Lethal brain tumour shields itself from immune attack

One of the deadliest brain tumours forms a genetic force field around itself to protect it from attack by the immune system, scientists have discovered.

Study shows Mediterranean diet associated with better cognitive function in older adults

Adherence to a Mediterranean diet has been associated with less cognitive decline over five years in older adults in the United States, according to a new study led by University of Maine and the University of South Australia researchers.

iLocater achieves first light, giving scientists clearer picture of nearby planets

Scientists are one step closer to discovering life on other planets.

Research gives robots a second chance at first impressions

Underestimate robots at your peril.

Machine learning looks for useful data in U.S. thunderstorm reports

Bill Gallus has been known to chase a summer storm or two. But he didn't have to go after this one.

Why a plan to lower prescription drug prices should not be piecemeal

Demand for prescription medications in the U.S. is at an all time high, given that 50% of adults have at least one chronic condition, and 25% have two or more. Sixty percent of the population, and 90% of Medicare beneficiaries have taken at least one prescription medication in the past month.

Research redefines lower limit for planet size habitability

In The Little Prince, the classic novella by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, the titular prince lives on a house-sized asteroid so small that he can watch the sunset any time of day by moving his chair a few steps.

Using machine learning for rewilding

There may not be an obvious connection between rewilding and machine learning, but as highlighted today at ESA's ɸ-week, a project in the Netherlands uses satellite data and new digital technology to understand how a nature reserve responds to the pressure of being grazed by herbivores.

Using artificial intelligence to automate sea-ice charting

Reliable maps of sea-ice conditions and forecasts are of vital importance for maritime safety, safe navigation and planning. The continued retreating and thinning of Arctic sea ice calls for a more effective way of producing detailed and timely ice information—which is where artificial intelligence comes in.

Uber trims more staff as it seeks a route to profit

Uber on Tuesday said it was laying off about eight percent of its product and engineering teams as the smartphone-summoned ride service tries to map a route to profitability.

Amazon bets big on India with mega-office

With 49 elevators moving a floor per second and zumba classes for its more than 15,000 employees, Amazon's new Indian headquarters, its biggest building globally, matches its ambitions in a vast but challenging market.

Apple takes on Netflix with a $5-a-month streaming service

Apple is finally taking on Netflix with its own streaming television service and, uncharacteristically for the company, offering it at a bargain price—$5 a month beginning on Nov. 1.

Motorbike taxi apps jostle for trade on crowded Lagos roads

Banker Yemi Adegbola used to leave his home in Lagos before 4 am each day, but would still arrive late to work because of the notorious traffic in Nigeria's biggest city.