Latest Science News
Plant Protein Controls Cell Growth, May Apply to Humans
Researchers at Rice University discovered that the protein PEX11 regulates peroxisome size and division in plant cells during early seedling development. When key genes were altered, peroxisomes grew abnormally large, and remarkably, introducing the yeast version of the protein restored normal function, suggesting this growth-control mechanism is deeply conserved across species
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Microplastic Emissions from Land Are 20 Times Greater Than Ocean Sources
New research from the University of Vienna published in Nature reveals that previous models dramatically overestimated airborne microplastics, but land sources emit over 20 times more microplastic particles than the ocean. Using global measurements and computer models, scientists now have a clearer picture of where these airborne microplastics originate, though the true scale of the problem remains uncertain
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East Africa's Crust Thinning to Critical Point as Continent Breaks Apart
Scientists discovered that beneath the Turkana Rift, the Earth's crust is undergoing 'necking'—a critical stage of thinning that could eventually lead to a new ocean forming millions of years from now. The African and Somali plates are moving apart at approximately 4.7 millimeters per year, and the same geological forces driving this continental split may explain the region's exceptionally rich fossil record
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World Immunization Week Emphasizes Vaccines Across Generations
World Immunization Week 2026 runs from April 24-30 with the theme 'For every generation, vaccines work,' celebrating how immunization has safely protected people across generations. The initiative aims to promote the life-saving power of vaccination against preventable diseases and safeguard public health for the future
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Tropical Cyclone Maira Triggers Mudslide Destroying Homes
On April 13, 2026, a devastating mudslide triggered by Tropical Cyclone Maira destroyed local houses in affected areas. This extreme weather event exemplifies the climate-related disasters included in April's global climate science research review
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Chinese Scientists Discover Two New Lunar Minerals
Chinese scientists have discovered two previously unknown minerals on the Moon as part of ongoing lunar exploration research. This discovery was highlighted during the celebration of China's 11th Space Day held in Chengdu
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Peroxisomes Show Evidence of Ancient Size-Control Mechanism
Research reveals that peroxisomes—crucial cellular structures for processing fatty acids in seedlings—possess an ancient regulatory mechanism for controlling their size. The conservation of this mechanism across plant and yeast cells suggests it may have relevance to understanding cellular growth control in humans
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East African Rift System Shows Advanced Stage of Continental Separation
The Turkana Rift, stretching roughly 500 kilometers across Kenya and Ethiopia, represents an advanced phase of the larger East African Rift System that separates multiple tectonic plates. Evidence of an earlier rifting episode indicates the crust was left thinner and weaker, setting the stage for the current activity observed in the region
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Microplastic Atmospheric Distribution Requires Further Study Despite New Findings
While researchers have made progress understanding microplastic sources, the true scale of atmospheric microplastic distribution remains uncertain. Previous overestimation in models suggests that more refined research methodologies and measurements are needed for accurate assessment
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Fossil Record Preservation Linked to Geological Forces in East Africa
Scientists found that the same tectonic forces breaking apart the African continent in the Turkana region may explain why it holds such a rich fossil record of human origins. Rather than being the birthplace of humanity, the region appears to be where the evolutionary story was best preserved due to favorable geological conditions
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