Science News

Antarctica warming 'not unique'

The recent Antarctic Peninsula temperature rise and associated ice loss is unusual but not unprecedented, according to research.

• Ocean driving Antarctic ice loss
• Antarctic rift 'speeds ice melt'
• 'New frontier' of Antarctic lake exploration
• Treasury pressure on climate goal

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Gibbons 'sing soprano' on helium

Researchers record the sound of gibbons' calls in the presence of helium, finding that they use the same tricks as human soprano singers.

• Gibbon sings 'door-slamming' tune Earth News
• Tickled apes yield laughter clue

Wild rice gene gives yield boost

A gene from wild Indian rice plants can significantly raise the yield of common varieties in nutrient-poor soils by boosting root growth.

• Time for a re-think on GM crops?
• Rice crops 'have single origin'