The thawing of tundra on Montana's Beartooth Plateau has exposed a 5,500-year-old fossilized forest, offering a glimpse into past climate conditions and potential future changes, according to a study in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. The study indicates that warming could lead to the return of high-elevation forests, but also warns of possible negative impacts such as decreased water availability and increased fire hazards.

Genetic research is pivotal in cockatoo conservation, according a study in Molecular Biology and Evolution that distinguishes the Triton cockatoo as a unique species. "Accurate identification of evolutionarily significant units and species is essential for the effective management and conservation of rare and threatened species," said Juha Merila, a study co-author.

Niobium phosphide, a topological semimetal, has been found to conduct electricity more efficiently than copper in ultrathin films, according to a study in Science. This breakthrough could enhance the performance of nanoelectronic devices by reducing power dissipation and signal delays.

Researchers have used laser-stimulated fluorescence to reveal intricate tattoos on 1,200-year-old mummies from the Chancay culture in Peru, according to a study in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. The research shows that these tattoos, likely created with cactus needles or animal bones, were a significant art form alongside textiles and pottery.

A recent study in Physical Review Letters has explored the impact of quantum chromodynamics axions on neutron star cooling. By simulating the cooling processes, researchers discovered that QCD axions could cause the star's envelope to thin, resulting in accelerated cooling.

A study in the Journal of Clinical Investigation found that more than 15 million people in the US were diagnosed with autoimmune diseases from 2011 to 2022, with women nearly twice as likely to be affected as men. The research, using electronic health records from six health care systems, highlights rheumatoid arthritis as the most prevalent condition.

A study published in JAMA Cardiology highlights the importance of maintaining healthy behaviors during adolescence to improve cardiovascular health into adulthood. Researchers used data from the Project Viva cohort to identify inflection points where CV health begins to decline, as early as age 10. The study found that behavioral factors like diet and physical activity, rather than biological factors, may have more of an impact on CV health trajectories.

With antibiotic resistance posing a serious threat to public health, researchers at the University of Arizona are investigating copper's potential as an antimicrobial agent. Supported by a $1.9 million NIH grant, the team, led by immunobiologist Michael Johnson, is studying how copper disrupts bacterial processes, potentially leading to new antibiotic treatments.

Sigma Xi is proud to announce the 2024 cohort of Sigma Xi fellows. Awarded for distinguished service to the Society and outstanding contributions to the scientific enterprise, the fellows were recognized November 16 at the IFoRE conference in Washington, D.C. READ MORE.

Over 200 students presented research at Sigma Xi's 2024 International Forum on Research Excellence, held November 14-17 in Washington, D.C. Forty-six high school, undergraduate, and graduate students received awards in multiple categories and scientific disciplines. READ MORE.