Nature : Science World Report

Sep 13, 2013 11:23 AM EDT

White Plague Epidemic in Caribbean Corals May be Caused by Viruses

White plague is sweeping across the Caribbean, leading to widespread destruction of the corals and, consequently, reefs in the warm waters. Now, scientists have identified one of the possible causes of this growing disease epidemic. It turns out that a group of viruses could be one of the culprits.

Sep 13, 2013 10:42 AM EDT

Warm Ocean Water Beneath Antarctic Glacier Melts Ice at Unprecedented Rate

As our climate changes, our oceans are heating up. It turns out that warmer ocean water is melting the Pine Island Glacier's floating ice shelf in Antarctica and may be the culprit for increased melting of other ice shelves.

Sep 13, 2013 08:15 AM EDT

Insect Jumps with 'Mechanical Gears' in its Legs: Functioning Interlocking Cogs in Nature

Scientists have long thought that functioning gear mechanisms could only be human-made. Yet it turns out that isn't the case. Researchers have discovered a natural example of this mechanism in a common insect, revealing that evolution created interlocking cogs first.

Sep 13, 2013 07:44 AM EDT

Scientists Reveal Evolution's 'Big Bang' Agrees with Darwin's Theory

Most modern groups of animals appeared between 540 and 520 million years ago. Now, scientists have learned a little bit more about what is called the "Cambrian explosion." They've pieced out the rates of evolution during that time and with the new findings have resolved "Darwin's dilemma."

Sep 12, 2013 02:13 PM EDT

Climate Change and Temperatures Threaten Cloud Forests in Peru

Peru's cloud forests hold some of the most biologically diverse ecosystems in the world. Now, though, this diversity may be in danger. Scientists have discovered that rapid warming may spell disaster for tree species in Peruvian cloud forests.

Sep 12, 2013 11:28 AM EDT

Jurassic Park is Impossible: Scientists Discover DNA Trapped in Amber Highly Unlikely

When Jurassic Park first made it to the big screen, it was hard not to think of the eventual possibility of cloning dinosaurs. Now, though, scientists have made a new discovery; it turns out that the existence of DNA in ancient amber fossils is highly unlikely.

Sep 12, 2013 08:13 AM EDT

Ancient Rivers in Sahara Desert Supported Human Migration Routes to Mediterranean

The Sahara desert is known for its blistering hot and dry conditions. Yet this massive desert wasn't always so hot and dry. It turns out that about 100,000 years ago, three ancient river systems may have created viable routes for human migration across the Sahara to the Mediterranean region.

Sep 12, 2013 07:38 AM EDT

Orangutans Make Travel Plans Like Humans to Navigate the Jungle

Humans aren't the only ones that make travel plans. It turns out that apes also look ahead when they move. Wild male orangutans not only plan their travels, but also communicate these plans to other orangutans. The findings reveal that these great apes can look forward to the future.

Sep 12, 2013 07:31 AM EDT

NASA's Satellite Duo Analyze the Humberto Hurricane in the Atlantic Ocean

Two of NASA's satellites named Aqua and TRMM gathered details about the first hurricane Humberto of the Atlantic Ocean's hurricane season.

Sep 11, 2013 01:41 PM EDT

Ancient Crocodiles Flourished with the Dinosaurs: Diversity is King

Crocodiles may seem like living dinosaurs, but they are far different from the extinct creatures that thrived millions of years ago. In fact, crocodiles had to compete for resources in a dinosaur-dominated world. Now, scientists have uncovered the hidden past of crocodiles, revealing how they evolve...

Sep 11, 2013 07:03 AM EDT

Monstrous 800-Foot Waves Key to Ocean Circulation

Waves don't only break on beaches. They can also be found deep below the surface of the ocean--enormous monstrosities that drive long-term climate cycles. Now, scientists have learned a little bit more about these waves, revealing that the 800-foot-tall waves are key for ocean circulation.

Sep 10, 2013 12:50 PM EDT

Orangutans and Gorillas Think in Categories Just Like Humans

Categories are a crucial part of the way we think. We place objects in these different segments as we learn to differentiate animals from inanimate objects and to differentiate dogs from cats. Now, scientists have discovered that apes may think similarly. It turns out that they may form categories t...