High-resolution maps show that rubber causes substantial deforestation Researchers used Earth observation satellite data and cloud computing to create detailed maps of rubber farming and associated deforestation in Southeast Asia. Their findings indicate that the deforestation caused by rubber cultivation has been significantly underestimated in policy discussions and recent reports. The study reveals that rubber-related…
Chromatin compartmentalization regulates the response to DNA damage This recent study sheds light on the role of chromosome folding in DNA repair and genome stability. When double-stranded breaks occur in mammalian cells, a process driven by ATM (a protein involved in DNA repair) leads to the creation of a new chromatin compartment called the “D…
Unraveling the functional dark matter through global metagenomics Scientists have discovered an immense variety of proteins encoded within metagenomes, which are collections of genetic material from diverse microorganisms. Traditionally, researchers have compared these proteins to known references, limiting their exploration. However, a new computational approach was developed to identify protein families without relying on reference…
Design and testing of a humanized porcine donor for xenotransplantation Recent studies have explored the potential of using pig organs for human transplantation. Before moving to human trials, genetically engineered pig donors need to be created, and their organ transplants must be tested in nonhuman primates. In this study, researchers describe the development of kidney…
Hobby engagement and mental wellbeing among people aged 65 years and older in 16 countries As the world’s aging population grows, it presents challenges to mental and social well-being. Many countries encourage people to engage in hobbies to improve their mental health, but it’s unclear if this approach works consistently worldwide. Researchers studied 16 nations…
Genotyping, sequencing and analysis of 140,000 adults from Mexico City The Mexico City Prospective Study, consisting of over 150,000 adults from urban districts in Mexico City, has provided valuable genetic data. Researchers generated genetic information for all participants, including exome sequencing for everyone and whole-genome sequencing for nearly 10,000 individuals. They discovered significant differences in…
An extra-erythrocyte role of haemoglobin body in chondrocyte hypoxia adaption Haemoglobin, commonly known for carrying oxygen in red blood cells, has been discovered to play a significant role in chondrocytes, which are cells in cartilage. Chondrocytes produce large amounts of haemoglobin to create specialized structures called “haemoglobin bodies” (Hedy) within their cytoplasm. These bodies are…
Global evidence of rapid urban growth in flood zones since 1985 This study reveals that human settlements worldwide, from small villages to large cities, have been rapidly expanding into areas prone to flooding since 1985. This expansion is happening more quickly in high-risk flood zones compared to safer areas, particularly in East Asia. These findings…
Protected areas slow declines unevenly across the tetrapod tree of life Protected areas (PAs) play a crucial role in slowing down the loss of terrestrial biodiversity. A study analyzing data from around the world found that vertebrate populations decline much slower within protected areas compared to similar sites without protection. The effectiveness of PAs varied…
The geography of climate and the global patterns of species diversity Traditionally, climate’s impact on global biodiversity was understood in terms of temperature and humidity. However, a new study shifts this perspective, considering the size and fragmentation of climate regions. The research shows that larger and more isolated climate regions support higher biodiversity among terrestrial…
