A team of researchers from Germany and France has developed an equation of state for wood, which can predict water uptake in treated wood with a simple analytical model. This breakthrough could lead to the development of more environmentally friendly preservation treatments and bio-inspired smart actuators.
Scientists discovered that aquatic ferns' hairy leaves can selectively absorb oil while repelling water. They developed a synthetic version of these hairy surfaces called 'nanofur', which is superhydrophobic and superoleophilic.
Researchers studied the effects of different spin types on cricket ball trajectory. They found that adding top-spin to a delivery can reduce pitch length by up to 25cm, while introducing side-spin can produce significant drift. The study aims to help newcomers master spin-bowling and potentially benefit tennis players.
Scientists have discovered a mathematical resemblance between swarm dynamics and gravitational interactions in midge swarms. The team proposes an 'adaptive gravity' model that explains how swarming insects maintain cohesion despite the dominant interaction being long-range.
Researchers suggest Rembrandt used lenses and projections to achieve realistic self-portraits, citing Chiaroscuro effects and unusual head proportions. The study's findings support the idea that Old Masters utilized optical technology.
Scientists in France create a knuckleball machine to explore the zigzag secrets of one of football's most unpredictable shots, providing clues to much older scientific puzzles. The researchers discovered that unsteady lift forces and a specific velocity window contribute to the ball's erratic trajectory.
A study analyzing climate and mortality data reveals that 64-506 deaths in London and Paris can be attributed to anthropogenic climate change, increasing the risk of heat-related mortality by 20% and 70%, respectively. The analysis will help agencies create more accurate emergency plans for extreme weather events.
Researchers have used radical pair analysis to enhance the performance of cryptochrome-based magnetic compass sensors, finding that electron spin relaxation can improve sensitivity. The study's findings could lead to the development of low-cost and environmentally-friendly electronic devices capable of detecting weak magnetic fields.
Researchers at Zhejiang University have developed a potential biomarker for bacterial pneumonia using breath analysis. The study found a link between volatile organic compounds in exhaled air and patients diagnosed with bacterial pneumonia.
Leukemia cells exhibit stiffer mechanical signatures compared to healthy cells. The study suggests that these mechanical data can be used to grade the loss of cell mechanical functions depending on leukemia progression. This approach may aid in cancer diagnosis and provide insights into disease evolution
Climate scientists warn that Africa's vulnerability to climate change could lead to longer, hotter heat waves affecting life expectancy and crop production. The study found that unusual heat waves could occur four times per year towards the end of the century.
Researchers have created a statistical model to forecast extreme waves, which are large and spontaneous ocean waves that can be deadly. The model uses joint statistics of multiple points in time or space to capture wave heights and turbulent air flows, greatly reducing complexity and obeying the Fokker-Planck equation.
A new study finds that climate change is becoming noticeable at mid-latitudes, especially in summer, with extreme events more frequent due to rising temperatures. The researchers argue that a carbon fee is needed to spur the transition to clean energy and reduce fossil fuel emissions.
A new study suggests that optimized rain use and irrigation can increase crop yields globally, particularly in water-scarce regions like China, Australia, and Mexico. This approach to crop water management could make a crucial contribution to filling the plates of the poor and increasing climate resilience for smallholders.
A new study by the University of Reading predicts that climate change will delay transatlantic flights due to accelerated jet stream winds. This will result in longer journey times, increased fuel costs, and worsened environmental impacts.
Recent summer temperatures in Europe have exceeded those of the past two millennia, according to a new study that used tree-ring information and historical evidence. The research suggests that past natural changes in summer temperature are larger than previously thought, potentially leading to more extreme events.
Researchers developed a saliva-based test detecting methanol, ethanol, ethylene glycol, propan 1,3 glycol and γ-hydroxybutyric acid. The test uses gas chromatography-differential mobility spectrometry for accurate detection of toxic levels in saliva samples.
The new journal aims to highlight the emergence, progress, and impact of quantum information science and related technologies. It will be led by Editor-in-Chief Dr Robert Thew and offers open access publishing options.
Researchers have developed an autonomous fixed-wing micro air vehicle (MAV) inspired by the way kestrels hover above their prey. The MAV gains height from convenient updrafts, making it more efficient and extending its working range for tasks such as package delivery and surveillance.
A pair of socks embedded with microbial fuel cells powered by wearer's urine has successfully transmitted signals wirelessly. The system opens possibilities for using waste as a power source in portable and wearable electronics.
Scientists and teachers developed a simple spreadsheet-based method to teach aerodynamic drag to 14-15 year olds. Students measured speed and frontal area while biking, then calculated the drag coefficient using an Excel spreadsheet. The approach engaged students and showed that computers can simplify complex physics problems.
Researchers create device that stimulates lacrimal gland to increase tear production by nearly 57% in rabbit eyes. The next phase will evaluate the quality of tears produced, with clinical trials underway for FDA approval.
Scientists have developed a new method to model heat wave magnitude, indicating that extreme heat events will increase in severity and number over the next two decades. The Heat Wave Magnitude Index daily (HWMId) takes into account both duration and intensity of heat waves.
Researchers at the University of Belgrade developed a graphene-based microphone with up to 15 dB higher sensitivity compared to commercial nickel-based microphones. The graphene membrane was grown on a nickel foil using chemical vapour deposition and showed potential for ultrasonic performance.
The study, published in European Journal of Physics, uses classic work on 'water bells' to explain why the falling curtain of chocolate pulls inwards. Surface tension is the primary force responsible for this phenomenon.
Scientists at the University of Auckland have created a soft, flexible, and stretchable keyboard using dielectric elastomers. The keyboard can flex and stretch, recovering from drops and impacts, making it ideal for various applications such as gaming and motion capture.
Researchers have created a 3D printing technique that produces highly uniform 'blocks' of embryonic stem cells, which can be used as building blocks to construct tissue constructs, larger structures of tissues, and potentially even micro-organs. The method outperforms existing methods in terms of cell uniformity and homogenous prolifer...
Researchers have pushed boundaries to establish new limits in science, from growing carbon nanotubes with exceptional reflectivity to studying extremophiles like Deinococcus radiodurans. These discoveries highlight the importance of exploring extremes and advancing our understanding of physics.
Researchers have developed a technique that uses volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in exhaled breath to identify biomarkers of hypoxia. The study replicated a standard 'hypoxic' event and found that VOC analysis could detect the condition, which can be life-threatening if left untreated.
A study of 119 low-per capita income countries found that institutional controls are a significant factor in freshwater supply management. Many geographically disparate nations have similar water supply vulnerability 'fingerprints', highlighting the importance of good governance.
Researchers have developed a hand-held optical scanner that can image breast tissues in real time, offering benefits over mammography without ionizing radiation. The device uses near-infrared laser diode source to map optical absorption, which may indicate higher blood flow due to abnormalities like tumors.
Scientists project a median 3-week shift in spring plant growth onset due to global warming, with significant impacts on animal migration and ecosystems. The study's findings have long-term implications for the growing season of plants and their relationships with animals.
Researchers at the University of Reading and European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts found that accounting for unusual winds miles up in the stratosphere can make long-range winter weather forecasts twice as accurate. This allows forecasters to predict extreme winter weather events up to four weeks before they occur, providi...
Researchers developed a test-bed to study animal movement on soft ground, revealing key principles for robotic design. The findings, published in Bioinspiration & Biomechanics, suggest that robots can mimic the locomotion strategies of animals, such as sandrunners and forest dwellers, to improve their performance on challenging terrain.
Researchers are combining physics, chemistry and mathematics to unlock the secrets of caves, a field known as speleophysics. Key areas include karst landform formation, evolution and movement, which affects approximately 20% of US fresh water supply and 10% in Europe.
A new report by IOP Publishing and Research Information Network (RIN) analyzes the changing information practices of physical scientists, with 70% collaborating with researchers outside their department in the last five years. Researchers prefer building personal collections of research articles, with 87% storing electronically.
Researchers have created a new technique to produce 3D 'micro-printed' arrays of needles capable of drug delivery, offering treatments for melanoma cancers. The arrays are fabricated using microstereolithography and can withstand stresses and strains when inserted into the body.
Researchers have developed a new technique to produce a faithful mimic of the in vivo liver inside a scalable fluid-handling device. The chip-based model demonstrates proof of principle for toxicology tests and opens up potential use in drug testing and personalized medicine.
A study published in Environmental Research Letters found that peak-time emissions from diesel trains at London's Paddington Station exceeded European air quality recommendations and were higher than nearby roadsides on most days. The station's semi-enclosed design contributed to elevated concentrations of particulate matter, nitrogen ...
Researchers at UNIST developed a simple process to treat waste coffee grounds for methane storage using sodium hydroxide and heating. The process produces a stable carbon capture material with environmental benefits of recycling a waste product.
Researchers have found that most ideas are generated through group work and discussions with colleagues, contrary to the traditional image of a single individual having an eureka moment. The study also highlights the importance of mundane activities like taking a bath in sparking creativity.
Scientists have developed a brain-computer interface that uses electroencephalogram (EEG) signals to control an exoskeleton. The system allows users to move their limbs by staring at specific LED lights, and has the potential to aid people with motor neuron diseases or spinal cord injuries.
Researchers used satellite observations and atmospheric modeling to calculate the impact of fires from industrial concessions on air quality. The study found that these fires contribute significantly to air pollution, particularly in regions with degraded peatlands and deforested areas.
The UK is the worst offender in European avoidable food waste, with nearly 80% of all food waste being avoidable. The study found that vegetables, fruit and cereals contribute most to lost resources, while meat production uses more resources in the first place.
Scientists have developed a robotic 'whisker' tactile sensor array that mimics animal navigation in dark environments. The array produces tomographic images by measuring fluid flow and has potential applications in navigation, tracking, and detection.
Researchers developed a simple electrochemical approach to create intentionally defective graphene, altering its properties. By varying voltage, they controlled the thickness, flake area, and number of defects in graphene.
Scientists have developed a novel technique for bioprinting at ambient temperatures, creating a paste capable of incorporating cells and proteins. This innovative material can sustain stresses similar to cancellous bone and is being explored as an injectable bone defect filler or scaffold for larger reconstructions.
Researchers have developed a surface texture inspired by snake skin that reduces friction by 40% in tests of high-performance materials. The discovery has significant implications for the reliability of mechanical components in machines such as cars and robots, particularly in dusty environments.
Researchers developed a robot that mimics a cockroach's rounded shell to reduce drag and increase mobility through dense obstacle courses. The robot successfully navigates complex terrain without additional sensors or motor changes, showcasing the potential of 'terradynamic' streamlining.
A study published in Environmental Research Letters suggests that climate change will not significantly reduce winter deaths. The research found that cities with warmer winters have similar amounts of winter deaths as those with colder winters, likely due to the prevalence of flu and respiratory diseases rather than cold-related causes.