Discovered in the Upper Amazon: 2500-year-old landscape providing evidence for early urbanism in the region
From American Association for the Advancement of Science/AAAS 12/01/24 A dense system of pre-Hispanic urban centers, characterized by constructed platforms and plazas and connected by large, straight roads, has been discovered in the upper Amazon, according to a new study. The research, based on more than 20 years of interdisciplinary research, suggests that this original […]
Genetic mutations that promote reproduction tend to shorten human lifespan, study shows
From University of Michigan 14/12/23 A University of Michigan-led study based on a review of genetic and health information from more than 276,000 people finds strong support for a decades-old evolutionary theory that sought to explain aging and senescence. In 1957, evolutionary biologist George Williams proposed that genetic mutations that contribute to aging could be […]
Supreme intelligence: Future AI should mimic ecological systems as well as the brain
From Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies 13/09/23 Many of today’s artificial intelligence systems loosely mimic the human brain. In a new paper, researchers suggest that another branch of biology — ecology — could inspire a whole new generation of AI to be more powerful, resilient, and socially responsible. Published September 11 in Proceedings of the National […]
Ant-spiration: Using insect behaviour to rethink transport
From University of California – Los Angeles 04/09/23 UCLA study finds the insects’ nests reflect the way they work together – or don’t – to forage for food Could ants’ nests hold the secret to reducing traffic congestion on the 405 Freeway? In a new study, UCLA biologists discovered insights about how ants build their […]
Sabertooth tigers: Roars or purrs? The answer lies in bones
From North Carolina State University 22/08/23 When a sabertooth tiger called out, what noise did it make – a mighty roar or a throaty purr? A new study from North Carolina State University examined the data behind the arguments for each vocalization and found that the answer was more nuanced than they thought – and […]