Scientists used X-rays to determine that Gardiner's frogs use their mouth cavity and tissue to transmit sound to their inner ears. The frogs' unique auditory system allows them to hear other frogs despite lacking a traditional middle ear.
Scientists have reconstructed the soft tissue of a 380 million-year-old armored fish using synchrotron X-rays. The study reveals well-developed neck musculature and powerful abdominal muscles in early vertebrates, challenging previous assumptions about fossil interpretation.
The oldest known fossil primate skeleton, Archicebus achilles, was discovered in central China's Hubei Province. The 7-million-year-old skeleton is crucial in understanding the evolutionary divergence that led to modern monkeys, apes, and humans.
The researchers used a new technique that can probe a sample with an intense X-ray beam and deduce its state within seconds. They determined the melting point of iron up to 4800 degrees Celsius and 2.2 million atmospheres pressure, leading to the estimated temperature at the center of the Earth's core.
Scientists used X-ray beams to trace the uptake of zinc and cerium nanoparticles by soya bean plants. Zinc was found to dissolve and accumulate in the plants, while cerium did not biotransform and reached the plant pods.
Researchers use high-energy X-rays and new data extraction protocol to study 360 million year old fossils, shedding light on how early vertebrates moved from water onto land. The discovery reveals a new understanding of the backbone's structure and its functional evolution.
Scientists have studied a milling reaction in real time using highly penetrating X-rays, observing the transformation of simple ingredients into complex products. This breakthrough enables optimization of industrial processes, reducing solvent use and energy consumption.
Scientists have developed a method to produce 3D X-ray images of the breast with a radiation dose 25 times lower than current hospital scanners, enabling improved diagnosis and potentially reducing breast cancer mortality. The new technique combines high-energy X-rays, phase contrast imaging, and advanced mathematical algorithms.
Scientists at the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility used X-ray analysis to identify a hitherto unknown degradation process at the interface between paint and varnish. The study found that the presence of lead-based siccative in the varnish led to the formation of anglesite, an opaque compound causing discoloration.
Scientists recreated extreme conditions at Earth's core-mantle boundary using X-rays, showing that partially molten rock is buoyant and should segregate towards the surface. This evidence supports the theory that volcanic hotspots like the Hawaiian Islands originate from mantle plumes generated at the Earth's core-mantle boundary.
Scientists have developed a new X-ray imaging method that improves contrast in computed tomography scans without increasing radiation dose. The technique, called grating interferometry, uses microstructures to enhance contrast and can be combined with clinical CT scanners.
Scientists have discovered the first record of insect pollination from 100 million years ago, found in amber from Northern Spain. The discovery reveals a new genus of thrips with highly specialized hairs to collect pollen grains, similar to those of bees.
Scientists have visualized the transformation of powder mixtures into molten glass using X-ray microtomography. The study revealed that contact between grains determines whether a mixture turns into liquid glass, and that sodium carbonate plays a key role in initiating chemical reactions.
Researchers have created a new cyan fluorescent protein (CFP) called mTurquoise2, which triples the fluorescence efficiency of existing proteins, enabling improved cellular imaging with unprecedented sensitivity. This breakthrough allows scientists to study protein-protein interactions in living cells with increased accuracy and detail.
Scientists used X-rays to measure the density of lunar magma at extreme pressures and temperatures. The results show that most magmas are less dense than their surroundings, but a specific type of titanium-rich magma is denser and won't rise to the surface.
A new X-ray scan has provided the highest resolution and most accurate image of an early human ancestor's brain case. The study challenges previous models of brain evolution by revealing a surprisingly small brain volume and a mix of characteristics that resemble both humans and chimpanzees.
Researchers have developed a novel X-ray technique to image atomic displacements in materials, revealing that multiferroics exhibit magnetic and electric polarization due to relative charge displacement. The discovery has significant implications for designing multiferroic materials for practical applications.
Scientists from Spain and France have obtained single-crystal X-ray diffraction images of sepiolite, a lightweight porous mineral used in cat litter. The study opens the path to industrial synthesis and further improvement of its properties, which could lead to edible product applications.
Scientists have developed a novel technique to image the distribution of carbon and oxygen in samples with complex chemistry. The new method allows for the detection of tiny inclusions of water or diamond inside martian rock samples, providing insights into the molecular level structure of various materials.
An international team of scientists used a powerful synchrotron X-ray technique to observe muscle protein changes inside intact and contracting muscle cells. The results revealed the conformation of myosin molecular motors in resting muscles and the signalling pathway between actin and myosin filaments.
Scientists have identified a complex chemical reaction responsible for the degradation of Van Gogh's paintings, which involves the reduction of chromium in chrome yellow pigment. The study suggests that shielding affected paintings from UV and sunlight can help slow down the fading process.
Scientists used synchrotron X-ray imaging to study an ancient fossilized snake, revealing details of its internal architecture. The results suggest that snakes lost their legs due to slower growth rates or a shorter evolutionary period.
Researchers used synchrotron X-rays to reveal the last meal of ammonites, a group of extinct sea creatures that were distant relatives of squids and octopuses. The findings suggest that ammonites dined on plankton, which may have contributed to their extinction after a massive asteroid impact.
Researchers used synchrotron X-ray imaging to study 10 young Neanderthal and Homo sapiens fossils, revealing significant developmental differences. Modern humans have the slowest growth rate, which may have provided an evolutionary edge.
Researchers confirm partial melting of mantle at 2900 km depth, revealing a deep magma ocean. The study uses X-ray diffraction to characterize the passage from solid to liquid state, shedding light on the dynamics and composition of the Earth's depths.
Researchers have analyzed seven paintings by Leonardo Da Vinci without extracting samples, revealing the composition and thickness of each layer. The study confirms the use of thin glaze layers to achieve soft transitions and blend shadows like smoke.
Researchers at ESRF found that a five-fold coordinated surface triggers supercooling, which is then confirmed through experiments with a gold-silicon alloy. This discovery resolves long-standing debates and has implications for hail prevention, technological processes, and semiconductor nanostructure growth.
Researchers found that Cupriavidus metallidurans catalyzes gold biomineralization by transforming toxic compounds to metallic gold. The bacterium plays a key role in the formation of gold nuggets by accumulating and reducing toxic gold complexes.
Scientists have uncovered fossil evidence for reproduction using giant sperm in ostracods dating back to 100 million years ago. The discovery reveals an evolutionarily successful reproduction strategy that comes at a high price, investing energy in producing and carrying enormous sperm.
French and American scientists used synchrotron holotomography to reveal the first fossil brain, a 300-million-year-old relative of sharks and ratfish. The discovery sheds light on brain evolution during major transitions and demonstrates the potential for microtomographic techniques in studying fossil brains.
Scientists have developed a new X-ray technique called Analyzer-Based X-ray Imaging (ABI) for early breast cancer detection, offering high spatial resolution and sensitivity. The technique has shown promising results in distinguishing microcalcifications and improving the definition of tumor shapes and margins.
Scientists used a new technique to create a 3D map of stainless steel's grain structure, revealing how cracks grow between grains. The study provides insights into crack growth mechanisms and could lead to more efficient and safer materials.
Researchers at the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility have visualized air pathways in apples and pears, showing that these microscopically small structures play a crucial role in determining fruit health. The study reveals that pears are more susceptible to decay due to their smaller oxygen supply channels.
Scientists have identified oil-based paint layers in ancient Buddhist murals from the Bamiyan caves, dating back to the mid-7th century A.D. The findings contradict traditional views of oil painting's origins in Europe, suggesting a longer history of use in Asia.
Researchers used synchrotron X-ray imaging to study opaque amber from mid-Cretaceous sites in France, discovering 356 fossil animals including wasps, flies, ants, and spiders. The team found that tiny organisms were more likely to be trapped in the resin due to their small size.
Scientists have successfully determined the structure of microcrystal grains using a new set-up at the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility. This breakthrough allows researchers to study crystalline structures previously too small to analyze, enabling potential advances in fields like chemistry, physics, and biology.
Researchers at the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility (ESRF) solved the 3D structure of LTC4 synthase, a protein targeted for asthma treatments. The breakthrough allows for the development of new and more effective medications against airway inflammation.
Researchers at ESRF successfully filmed an enzyme in action using cryogenic techniques, revealing intermediate states crucial to its function. The study contributes to understanding how the enzyme eliminates toxic molecules, offering hope for developing new drugs to combat neurodegenerative diseases.
Researchers discovered a reversible 'breathing' action in nanoporous materials, with a 230% increase in volume, similar to the lungs' function. The materials can be expanded by immersing them in solvents, and then reversed by heating, exhibiting remarkable selectivity in gas absorption.
A 160,000-year-old fossil found in Morocco reveals human growth patterns that are more similar to those of living humans than previously thought. The study used X-ray images to analyze tooth growth and eruption age, suggesting a relatively long childhood existed at least 160,000 years ago.
Researchers analyze cometary material from Stardust spacecraft, improving understanding of early solar system chemistry and mixing. ESRF's X-ray beams help determine element distribution without damaging particles.
Scientists at ESRF have made significant progress in understanding zeolite synthesis by monitoring the process in real-time. They found that molecular organization occurs before crystallization, leading to more efficient catalysts.
Scientists studying Neanderthal teeth using X-rays from the ESRF found that their dental development is very similar to modern humans. The research team discovered complex folding of the enamel dentine junction, which suggests a deep embryological origin and may have been functionally significant.
A team of scientists used high-energy X-rays to study the hydrophobic water gap, revealing its size and characteristics. The study provides new insights into protein folding and stability, which are crucial in biological systems.
Researchers at Max Planck Institute and ESRF study bone deformation using X-rays, revealing a hierarchical structure that allows bones to sustain large strains without breaking. The findings provide new insight into the design principles behind healthy bone fracture resistance.
Researchers from France and Italy used synchrotron light to investigate the mysterious darkening of ancient Pompeii wall paintings, discovering chemical reactions involving chlorine, mercury, and calcite. The study provides new insights for conservators and preservation of Roman archaeological sites.
Scientists used holotomography to study arabidopsis seed's internal structures, discovering a network of voids that may store oxygen for efficient germination. The technique reveals the seed's three-dimensional organization and circulation system, opening new research avenues.
Researchers used X-ray spectroscopy to observe gold nano-particles' reaction with oxygen and carbon monoxide, revealing the activation mechanism of oxygen. The findings have potential applications in pollution control and hydrogen purification.
Researchers from Max Planck Institute and European Synchrotron Radiation Facility study gold-copper alloy corrosion process, revealing protective surface layer and gold nano-islands. The discovery provides insights into preventing corrosion in alloys used in corrosive environments.
Scientists at Freie Universität Berlin identify a new intermediate state in the Kok cycle, crucial for molecular oxygen formation. This discovery sheds light on the mechanism of photosynthesis and has implications for more efficient solar cells.