Nature : Science World Report

Aug 23, 2013 11:43 PM EDT

Most Active Volcano Sakurajima in Japan Provides a Big Blast

Although Japan's Sakura-jima Volcano is one of the most active in the world, it rarely makes headlines. One or two small explosions typically occur every few days, with effects no greater than a light dusting of ash in the surrounding cities.

Aug 23, 2013 12:44 PM EDT

Toxic Nanoparticles in Food Supply May Put Human Health at Risk

Nanoparticles have continued to increase in our environment over the years. Now, scientists have developed a reliable method for detecting silver nanoparticles in fresh produce and other food products, which may help humans avoid future health risks.

Aug 23, 2013 11:06 AM EDT

20 Million People at Risk in China for Arsenic Contamination in Groundwater

There may be an extra ingredient in China's groundwater: arsenic. Scientists have discovered that almost 20 million people across the country are at risk for being exposed to the chemical in their cooking and drinking water.

Aug 23, 2013 10:12 AM EDT

Arctic Sea Ice Disappearance Spurs Northern Greening

As our climate warms and sea ice declines, the Arctic is receiving a bit of a makeover. Scientists have discovered that warming trends are changing the vegetation in nearby coastal areas, essentially greening the Arctic.

Aug 23, 2013 09:28 AM EDT

Mysterious 'Sea Monster' Carcass Washes Ashore in Spain: Shark or Oarfish?

Sea monster, dragon, Loch Ness monster or something else: a sea creature has made landfall in Spain. The 13-foot-long corpse has baffled beach goers, making them wonder exactly what the "monster" might have been before it met its demise.

Aug 22, 2013 11:33 PM EDT

Hungry Baboons Are a Lesson in Human Personality

Our individual, varied personalities are among the traits often cited as those that distinguish us from the rest of the animal kingdom. However, as we, like the rest of life on Earth, are products of natural selection, our uniqueness as individuals is also a product of our evolutionary history.

Aug 22, 2013 07:47 PM EDT

How Small is Too Small to Qualify as a Species?

Despite their small size, organisms smaller than thousandth of a metre (1 mm) contribute greatly to biodiversity and ecosystem function. Unfortunately, categorising small organisms, even defining those categories, is difficult. Do small organisms form discrete species? Advances in DNA sequencing com...

Aug 23, 2013 10:13 AM EDT

Mournful Wolf Howl Reveals How Wolves Care for Their Friends

The mournful call of a wolf may not just be a way to contact others. Wolves may also howl in order to show that they care. Researchers have discovered that these canines howl to show the quality of their relationships when a wolf leaves a pack.

Aug 22, 2013 09:57 AM EDT

Watch Louisiana Sinkhole Swallow Water and Trees in Seconds (Video)

A massive sinkhole in Louisiana swallowed up trees and water last week, sucking down everything in its vicinity. This spectacular (and scary) event was actually caught on camera, showing exactly how dangerous these sinkholes can be.

Aug 22, 2013 08:59 AM EDT

Invasive Species Plagued Earth 450 Million Years Ago in North America

Invasive species apparently plagued the Earth about 450 million years ago. Scientists have discovered that the rise of an early phase of the Appalachian Mountains and cooling oceans allowed invasive species to upset the North American ecosystem, revealing how a changing climate can upset natural bal...

Aug 22, 2013 05:32 AM EDT

Rare California Meteorite to be Divided Among 5 U.S. Institutions

The Field Museum of Natural History announced that the remains of a rare California meteorite will be divided among five U.S. institutions where they will be preserved for future scientific studies.

Aug 21, 2013 01:53 PM EDT

Bitter and Sweet: Fruit Flies Reveal More About the Complexity of Food

Fruit flies could tell us a little bit more about the complexity of food. These tiny insects are attracted to sugar, but are deterred when bitter compounds are added. Now, researchers have discovered how sensory input impacts fruit flies' decisions about sweet taste, revealing a little bit more abou...