Researchers discovered that bacteria acquire spacers for their CRISPR 'database' by selecting snippets of bacteriophage's genetic information. This complex mechanism allows the bacteria to recognize and destroy invading viral genetic material.
Researchers at Skoltech have developed a simple and efficient method to convert silicon wafers into nanoparticles in an aqueous solution, providing a new source of sustainable materials. The process enables controlling particle sizes and has implications for optics, photonics, medicine, and other fields.
Researchers at Skoltech predicted high-entropy alloys with improved mechanical properties, such as hardness and fracture resistance, in the W-Mo-B system. The study aims to develop new hard materials that can withstand higher temperatures or pressures.
Researchers at Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology have identified new genetic markers for controlling glucosinolate content in rapeseed. This discovery can help crop breeders create oil-rich rapeseed varieties, improving oil quality.
A new method was developed to study fast Coronal Mass Ejections and predict the most extreme space weather events. These events can cause strong geomagnetic storms that affect space and Earth-based engineering systems.
Researchers analyzed 200 bacterial strains' genomes to determine which ribosomal proteins are essential for a working ribosome. They found that only nine proteins were completely conserved, while 48 were lost in at least one strain, suggesting a non-random pattern of loss.
A team of Skoltech and IITP RAS researchers discovered adaptive parallel mutations in protein-coding sequences of 46 amphipod species from Lake Baikal, affecting several thousand genes. The findings suggest that these mutations are driven by the species' need to adapt to their environment.
Researchers used a Skoltech supercomputer to perform sensitivity analysis on soil parameters for crop yield prediction. They found that certain input factors, such as fertilizer usage, significantly impacted crop yields.
Researchers at Skoltech developed a quantum enhanced machine learning approach that uses quantum states as data, overcoming the 'data-readin problem'. This allows for faster calculations and better performance than classical machines in certain applications.
Electrochemical doping enhances optical and electrical properties of single-walled carbon nanotube films, increasing conductivity while suppressing optical transitions. The reversible method facilitates high doping levels, opening new avenues for future electronics and electrochromic devices.
Researchers at Skoltech have designed a photosensitive bismuth complex that can be used as an advanced optically triggered material for memory devices. The device can switch between two quasi-stable electrical states in response to light and electric bias, enabling high-density data recording.
Researchers from Skoltech and MSU discovered the type of electrochemical reaction associated with charge storage in the anode material for sodium-ion batteries. They also developed a method to produce hard carbon with high capacity comparable to graphite, a crucial step towards commercializing SIB.
Researchers created a data-driven model to forecast oil well production using multistage fracturing technology. The model has high commercialization potential and can boost oil production through optimized fracturing design.
Researchers at Skoltech found a significantly higher concentration of short-lived ions (H3O+ and OH-) in pure liquid water than previously thought. This discovery has far-reaching implications for our understanding of the intricate structure of water, including its role in redox processes, catalytic reactions, and electrochemical systems.
Researchers discovered that human milk contains a mix of saturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids, differing from bovids and primates. The study suggests that breast milk composition is evolving to meet the growing brain's needs, with increased polyunsaturated fatty acid content in human milk.
Researchers at Skoltech identify a component of a bacterial self-defense system that works by targeting transfer RNAs for glycine, disrupting translation and protein synthesis. The discovery may lead to the development of powerful new antibiotics by controlling each step of protein synthesis.
Researchers at Skoltech have solved the long-standing puzzle of tungsten boride's crystal structure, revealing a new material with exceptional mechanical properties. The discovery of WB5-x has exciting implications for various industrial applications, including drilling technology.
Researchers at Skoltech have developed a non-invasive technique for measuring the thickness of single-walled carbon nanotube films, which may have applications in solar energy, smart textiles, and more. The method uses spectroscopic ellipsometry to determine film parameters with high accuracy.
A team of scientists discovered a new antibiotic binding site on the ribosome, blocking protein synthesis in bacteria. This breakthrough could lead to the development of new antibacterial drugs that overcome existing antibiotic resistance.
Scientists discovered that oxygen plasma can enhance electrochemical performance of electrodes in supercapacitors, outperforming nitrogen. This breakthrough could contribute to the development of new generation supercapacitors with improved electrochemical characteristics.
Researchers from Russia and the Czech Republic modelled natural rock arcades, finding that they appear in areas with discontinuities due to erosion. The study used a mathematical model that describes the formation of arches and pillars through weathering and erosion processes.
Researchers used recommender algorithms to suggest antiviral compounds based on latent relationships in chemical and biological data. They successfully pinpointed promising drug candidates with anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity.
Researchers developed a stretchable, environmentally friendly, and low-cost supercapacitor with high power density and fast charge-discharge rates. The new design uses nitrogen-doped graphene electrodes in an NaCl-based electrolyte, improving volumetric performance and reducing fabrication costs.
Researchers used machine learning algorithms to accurately predict rock thermal conductivity from well-logging data, outperforming traditional methods. This breakthrough can enhance geothermal investigations and basin modeling, leading to more efficient oil production.
Researchers mapped 88,047 individual cells across 33 brain regions in humans, chimpanzees, macaques, and bonobos to identify distinctive brain regions that underwent faster evolution. The study found differences in gene expression between human oligodendrocytes and astrocytes compared to other primates.
Researchers from Skoltech studied a 20-meter wide and 20-meter deep crater in the Yamal Peninsula that formed after an explosive release of gas, mostly methane, from the permafrost. They found that the strongly negative δ13C ratio of methane pointed to a biogenic source, while other ratios suggested a deeper thermogenic source.
Scientists found rare codons at the beginning of a sequence do not enhance translation, contrary to previous hypotheses. However, additional start codons and specific sequences like Shine-Dalgarno boxes are beneficial for efficient translation.
Researchers visualized solid electrolyte interphase formation on battery-grade materials using in situ atomic force microscopy. They found SEI was thicker and stronger than on HOPG, providing new insights into battery interface structure and evolution.
Researchers at Skoltech and MIPT predicted and experimentally confirmed the existence of exotic hexagonal NaCl thin films on a diamond surface. The films may be useful as gate dielectrics for field-effect transistors in electric vehicles and telecommunication equipment.
Researchers at Skoltech and Southampton University develop a fully optical approach to control couplings between polariton condensates, enabling simulation of condensed matter phases. This technology uses laser excitation patterns to generate complex polariton graphs in a scalable manner.
Researchers found that LATP ceramics degrade significantly in contact with water, losing up to 64% of their total ionic conductivity. The study highlights the importance of preserving initial performance through simple drying-and-vacuum treatments.
A new algorithm, Mendelevian Search, predicts optimal materials by searching through all possible combinations of chemical elements and crystal structures. The method has successfully predicted diamond and several dozen hard and superhard phases, including some new ones.
A compact sensor system using modified carbon nanotubes detects high concentrations of nitrogen dioxide in exhaled air, indicating chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or other respiratory issues. The device's sensitivity is shown to detect biomarkers for specific diseases, including lung cancer and asthma.
Researchers from Skoltech and German partners measure the electrical conductivity of pure interfacial water, finding it five orders of magnitude higher than bulk water. The discovery sheds light on complex fluids and has implications for electrochemical energy systems, membrane technologies, and nanofluidics.
Researchers from Skoltech have made significant progress in understanding the apoptotic program, a crucial process for removing unneeded or abnormal cells. The study has identified key proteins involved in this process, which could lead to new therapeutic targets for treating cancer.
Researchers from Skoltech and international collaborators investigated the BREX defense mechanism, which bacteria use to protect themselves from viral infection. They found that a multipurpose viral protein called Ocr can mimic DNA and disable this defense system.
A new algorithm for segmenting biological objects in complex images has been developed by Skoltech researchers. The method uses a two-step neural network training algorithm that can learn from small datasets and achieve high accuracy in isolating individual cells, organisms, and parts of plants.
Researchers at Skoltech and MIT have developed a new combinatorial therapy for liver cancer using a siRNA approach coupled with lipid nanoparticle technology. This treatment caused a significant decrease in tumor load in a mouse model of hepatocellular carcinoma.
Researchers created a universal model of nanobubbles to study the behavior of trapped substances. The model predicts bubble shape under thermodynamic conditions and describes molecular structure.
Scientists developed a new method to simplify the search for traces of medicines and sports doping drugs in human biological samples. By analyzing the chemical composition of a substance with reduced search space, the method helps detect illicit substances more efficiently.
Skoltech researchers have found a new mechanism of bacterial self-defense against microcin C, a potent antibiotic produced by some strains of Escherichia coli. The discovery involves histidine-triad (HIT) superfamily hydrolases, enzymes that break down the antibiotic and render it useless.
Skoltech scientists developed sensitive sensors based on cobalt oxide nanoflakes to detect various alcohols, including toxic methanol. The new technology enables quick and accurate tests for safe air quality, applicable to medical diagnostics and ambient air monitoring.
Researchers at Skoltech discovered that non-invasive magnetic stimulation of the brain can enhance human working memory. The effects of magnetic stimulation weaken as the brain works on a cognitive task under stimulation. Cognitive activity can even reduce the efficiency of TMS, suggesting new protocols may be needed for optimal results.
Researchers created a commercially attractive advanced cathode material based on titanium fluoride phosphate, exhibiting high electrochemical potential and unprecedented stability at high charge/discharge rates. The discovery opens up new opportunities for practical applications of titanium-containing cathode materials.
Researchers have successfully developed a new, efficient method to create water-soluble fullerene compounds with high anti-HIV activity. This breakthrough could pave the way for new-generation drugs based on these compounds, offering hope for treating human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).
A team of Skoltech scientists discovered reachability deficits in the widely adopted QAOA algorithm, limiting its ability to solve certain problems. The study found that QAOA's performance depends on the problem density, with high-density instances having optimal solutions that cannot be approximated with guaranteed success.
Researchers at Skoltech and Jilin University created superconducting compounds of hydrogen and praseodymium, overcoming the challenge of low-temperature superconductors. The new compounds exhibit zero electrical resistance at -264 °C, paving the way for high-temperature superconductors.
Researchers applied machine learning to decompose faces into components, revealing a mixture of low- and medium-complexity cells. This discovery sheds light on how the human brain processes complex visual information related to face recognition.
Researchers developed a novel approach for preparing thin fullerene films from aqueous solutions, reducing environmental risks and making organic electronics more accessible. The method enabled fabrication of organic field-effect transistors with high charge carrier mobility and gas sensors.
A new consensus statement has been established to assess and report the stability of perovskite photovoltaic devices. The agreement aims to improve reproducibility in studies by providing a set of testing procedures specific to this technology, including light-dark-cycling and intrinsic stability testing.