Researchers at Tohoku University have developed ultra-small magnetic tunnel junctions (MTJs) down to a single-digit nanometer scale, achieving sufficient retention properties and fast switching speed. The new MTJ design utilizes shape anisotropy, enabling high thermal stability factors and current-induced magnetization switching.
Researchers at Stanford University are using the vibrational Stark effect to measure an enzyme's electric field as it evolves into antibiotic-resistant form. They aim to understand the correlation between electric field changes and antibiotic resistance, with potential implications for developing new antibiotics.
Researchers at Florida State University have developed a new strategy for synthesizing olympicene, a highly versatile molecule with potential applications in nanoscale materials. The breakthrough, published in Angewandte Chemie, enables the production of structurally precise carbon-rich nanostructures.
A team of engineers at UC San Diego used data mining and computational tools to discover a new phosphor material that is inexpensive, easy to make, and produces high-quality white LEDs. The new material, dubbed SLAO, has better color quality than many commercial LEDs and can be manufactured using industrial methods.
Researchers have developed a new method to identify the chirality of molecules by exciting electrons into twisting motion using short laser pulses. The technique is highly sensitive, detecting right-handed and left-handed molecules with a signal 1000 times stronger than traditional methods.
A European study reveals that 80% of popular Android health apps fail to meet security standards, putting users' sensitive data at risk. The research found serious security problems in how applications handle user data, including unauthorized data sharing and insecure data transfers.
A new study suggests that cells can be engineered to overcome evolutionary pressure and stably produce high levels of valuable chemicals by rewiring production cells to slow down growth when they lose production. This allows productive cells to maintain their function even in large-scale fermentations.
Researchers at the University of Illinois have developed a new phase-transition cubic GaN material that doubles ultraviolet emission efficiency. The material's polarization-free nature enables improved performance in energy conversion devices, such as lighting systems.
A new online game aims to provide general immunity against fake news by simulating the techniques and motivations behind its spread. Players engage with fake news sites, Twitter bots, and conspiracy theories to build their critical thinking skills.
The Real-Time Captcha approach uses a randomly-selected question within a Captcha image, requiring users to respond quickly and making it difficult for machine learning programs to spoof legitimate users. The technique combines face recognition with Captcha, strengthening biometric authentication.
A new study reveals that global grazing lands have increased year-to-year precipitation variability, constraining livestock support and food security. Regions with high variability support lower livestock densities and are already marginal for crops.
A study published in European Respiratory Journal found that moderate and severe COPD exacerbations accelerate physical activity decline. Researchers recommend promoting interventions to increase physical activity after an exacerbation to improve outcomes.
Researchers at the University of Warwick have developed a new test that can detect damage to proteins in blood plasma, which may indicate autism spectrum disorders. The test has shown promise in distinguishing between children with ASD and healthy controls.
Cyanobacterial clock proteins were found to dictate their function through internal motions, providing important mechanistic insights into biological timekeeping. This discovery has implications for understanding circadian clocks in eukaryotic organisms, such as animals and humans.
The Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center aims to design advanced biofuels, such as isobutanol, that can replace gasoline without engine modification. The center is also developing new methods to extract valuable products from plant biomass, including gamma valerolactone and aromatics.
A new study from Aarhus University found a correlation between nitrate in drinking water and an increased risk of colon and rectal cancer, even at low concentrations. The study followed 2.7 million Danes over 33 years and showed that those with high nitrate exposure had a 15% greater risk of colorectal cancer.
Researchers at UC San Francisco have uncovered the architecture of the spindle pole body in yeast, shedding light on its function and potential connections to human centrosomes. The study reveals that the Spc110 protein plays a crucial role in the SPB's structure and may provide a binding surface for its architecture.
Researchers used mutant bacteria to study how changes in membrane proteins impact cellular processes, finding that phospholipid environment can control protein structure and function. This discovery provides a new way to understand cellular regulation and integration of chemical reactions.
Researchers at the University of Illinois discovered how Ras protein binding to cell membranes impact the signaling pathways that cause cancer's uncontrolled growth. The study found that KRas4b binds more tightly to the cell membrane, but it needs to attach on the correct side.
Bees soar with web traffic algorithms, but ants and slime mold flop. Nature's design inspirations are valuable, but not always practical. Classic algorithms still outperform nature-inspired methods in static problems like the Traveling Salesman Problem.
A groundbreaking new wearable device is being presented at the AAAS annual meeting, which uses stretchable electronics to monitor patients' swallowing ability, heart function, muscle activity, and quality of sleep. The sensor aids in aphasia diagnosis and treatment, providing a 'game-changer' for stroke recovery outcomes measurement.
A new study reveals that animal traffickers are smuggling pangolins out of Central Africa, primarily for their meat and scales, due to high international demand. The price of giant pangolin scales has risen over 45 times the rate of inflation between 2002 and 2014, driving up local costs.
Researchers believe asteroids can reveal what molecules originally existed in our solar system, helping scientists reconstruct the pathway that led to life on Earth. The study of asteroid and meteorite samples provides strong evidence that certain compounds were present before life formed.
A four-year study published in Science found that sleep leads to a 20% decrease in synapse size, allowing for more growth and learning the next day. The discovery supports the synaptic homeostasis hypothesis, suggesting that sleep is essential for brain plasticity.
Researchers at the University of Tokyo have developed an ultrathin, highly elastic skin display that can show moving electrocardiogram waveforms recorded by a breathable on-skin electrode sensor. The device aims to enhance information accessibility for people with difficulty operating existing devices.
A Penn State research group used genetic and genealogical studies to develop a curriculum that connects students with their heritage, increasing interest in science among minorities. The program showed promising results, empowering middle school students to explore science through personalized genetics and genealogy.
Researchers used portable instruments and a robust database of alloy 'fingerprints' to analyze 39 bronzes cast between 1905 and 1959. They traced five bronzes to Emile Robecchi's foundry in WWII Paris, revealing varying alloy compositions during the Nazi occupation.
Middle school students who used personalized DNA and genealogy learned as much as their peers who used case studies. The curriculum encouraged students to explore their personal histories and cultures, fostering engagement with science and promoting understanding of complex topics like race and genetics.
Using non-invasive portable imaging techniques, researchers uncovered hidden images connected to other works by Picasso and a landscape likely by another Barcelona painter underneath 'La Miséreuse accroupie'. The study revealed major compositional changes made by Picasso as he worked toward his final vision.
A study by Georgetown University Medical Center found that babies who suffered a perinatal stroke regained language function in the opposite side of their brain. The research, led by Elissa L. Newport, PhD, discovered that teenagers and young adults used the right sides of their brains for language after a left-brain injury.
Penn State professor Conrad Tucker is using social media data to predict catastrophic events and identify fake news. His project aims to create algorithms that increase the reliability of publicly available sources.
A new study published in Frontiers found microplastics in the stomachs of nearly three out of four mesopelagic fish caught in the Northwest Atlantic, with 73% ingesting pollutants. This high ingestion rate has significant consequences for marine ecosystems and biogeochemical cycling.
Researchers explore alternative reuse of wind turbine blades in architectural structures to reduce non-biodegradable waste. The project aims to provide valuable information on wind energy and best practices for industry and communities.
Researchers have uncovered the evolutionary origin of termite gut microbiomes, finding a mix of both vertical and horizontal transmission. The study, which analyzed 211 bacterial lineages from 94 termite species across four continents, reveals that termites acquire their gut bacteria from both parents and other termite colonies.
A study has identified a key genetic pathway in the legume Lotus japonicus that regulates nodulation in response to nitrogen levels in the soil. The researchers found a gene called NRSYM1 that, when mutated, causes the legume to continue forming new nodules even when nitrate is present in the soil.
Researchers have developed a human intestinal lining that mirrors living tissue when placed inside microengineered Intestine-Chips. This breakthrough enables personalized testing of drug treatments for debilitating gastrointestinal diseases such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.
Recent research in neuroscience suggests that our experiences shape our perceptions, emotions, and behaviors. Studies using imaging tools like fMRI and EEG have identified neural networks involved in well-being and mental health disorders when considering individual experience.
A team of researchers has demonstrated a novel method for splitting light beams into their frequency modes, allowing for the encoding of photons with quantum information. This breakthrough enables the creation of complex frequency states, which is crucial for quantum simulations and computations.
Researchers have developed graphene narrow stripes to use as electrical wires and a method to precisely contact individual molecules. The discovery has enabled direct atomic precision contacting, leading to the creation of a single-molecule magnetic device.
Research in brain science and statistical modeling allows for safer anesthesia administration, reducing side effects and improving patient recovery. Brown's methods use EEG data to fine-tune anesthesia dosing, enabling the safe administration of less anesthesia.
Researchers at WMG have developed a new test method that allows direct, precise internal temperature and electrode potential monitoring of Lithium-ion batteries. This enables safe charging at least five times faster than current recommended limits, with potential applications in motor racing and grid balancing.
Roots face challenges in saline soils, but plant cells can sense damage and respond with strength-enhancing chemicals to prevent explosion.
Researchers found ustekinumab, used to treat psoriasis, also improves aortic inflammation, a key marker of cardiovascular risk. The drug resulted in a 19% improvement in aortic inflammation and significant reductions in skin inflammation.
Researchers discovered patterns of behavior across different stages of life in C. elegans worms, showing that genetic differences and neuromodulators contribute to individuality. The team found that removing serotonin reduced unique foraging behaviors, highlighting the importance of diversity in species survival.
Researchers at Children's Hospital Colorado performed the world's first EXIT to ventricular pacing, stabilizing a preterm fetus's heart rate and ensuring a healthy delivery. The procedure gave the fetus time to recover before cutting the umbilical cord.
A new study published in JAMA Surgery found that breast cancer patients who undergo mastectomy with or without immediate reconstruction tend to be less satisfied than expected with their physical and sexual health post-surgery. Women who choose immediate reconstruction overestimated their satisfaction with appearance, while those who d...
A new study found that screening all adults for hepatitis C can identify more infected people, increase cure rates, and reduce death rates from HCV-attributable diseases. The expanded testing strategy could lead to earlier diagnosis and treatment, preventing cirrhosis and other long-term complications.
Researchers from Carnegie Mellon University have found that US power sector carbon dioxide emissions are on track to meet near-term targets under the Paris Agreement despite the Trump Administration's withdrawal of the Clean Power Plan. A strong link between natural gas prices and emission reductions has been identified, with declining...
A special issue of Human Gene Therapy highlights Chinese research advancements in gene and cell therapy, including novel viral and nonviral vectors for gene delivery. The articles explore innovative applications of CRISPR technology in various disease areas.
A study published in Computers in Human Behavior found no significant changes in testosterone levels among UNLV's esports players during gameplay. The research suggests that familiar environments and competition may not elicit the same hormonal responses as unfamiliar situations and large audiences.
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania have demonstrated the feasibility of their organ-on-a-chip platform in studying drug transport across the human placental barrier. The study found that the placenta-on-a-chip successfully emulated the protective mechanism against toxic drugs, paving the way for its use as a screening platform.
A Drexel University study explores how social media platforms like Facebook facilitate healing for women who experience pregnancy loss and stigmatized disclosures. Researchers found that sharing personal stories online reduces stigma, builds support networks, and promotes emotional well-being.
Researchers at Yale University have discovered a mineral signature that enables them to predict the presence of rare, soft-tissue preserving fossils. The study found that rocks rich in berthierine are more likely to contain Burgess Shale-type fossils.
A recent study by Arizona State University Assistant Professor Michael Varnum suggests that humans will likely react positively to the discovery of extraterrestrial life. In three pilot studies, language analysis revealed significantly more positive emotions in coverage of past potential discoveries and participant reactions.
A new study found that women who clean at home or work experience a greater decline in lung function over time compared to those who do not. The accelerated lung function decline is comparable to smoking less than 20 pack-years.
New research reveals that a father's stress alters his sperm, leading to changes in the brain development of his child. This finding provides insight into the crucial role fathers play in their offspring's brain development.
Tropical Storm 10S has formed about 50 miles west of Broome, Australia, with maximum sustained winds near 40 mph. The storm is expected to strengthen rapidly and make landfall between Broome and Port Hedland on Sunday, Feb. 18.
Researchers have discovered that removing a molecular brake pad called histone deacetylase 3 (HDAC3) restores flexibility and allows the brain to form long-term memories normally. This breakthrough could potentially lead to new treatments for improving memory formation in older individuals.
Despite extensive searches, scientists remain puzzled by the lack of evidence for extraterrestrial life. ASU professor Paul Davies suggests that life may have originated on Mars and transferred to Earth, leaving behind a 'shadow biosphere' that could be hiding in plain sight.
Researchers performed synchrotron X-ray diffraction experiments on titanium disulfide and compared results with theoretical calculations. They found that interlayer interactions are stronger than theory indicates, involving significant electron sharing.