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The Hobbit’s bite gets a stress test

A study on Homo floresiensis found its bite could exert around 1300 Newtons of force, comparable to modern humans and some extinct cousins. This suggests that the Hobbit might have been at greater risk of facial bone strain or dislocation when biting hard foods.

SourceDuke University·JournalInterface Focus·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 23, 2021

Neural network detects protein-peptide binding sites to kick-start peptide drug discovery

Researchers have developed a neural network model called BiteNetPp to detect protein-peptide binding sites, enabling the design of peptide-based drugs. The model consistently outperforms existing methods and can analyze a single protein structure in under a second, making it suitable for large-scale studies.

SourceSkolkovo Institute of Science and Technology (Skoltech)·JournalJournal of Chemical Information and Modeling·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 5, 2021

Story tips: Sensing oil leaks, 3D prints in space, more fuel from ethanol, Arctic modeling boost, making isotopes faster and nano-enabled microscopy

Researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory are advancing various technologies to minimize oil leaks, enable 3D printing in space, and increase fuel efficiency from ethanol. They have developed a quantum sensing system to detect pipeline leaks more quickly, built a thermal protection shield for a capsule launched into space, and creat...

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·JournalNature·TypeImaging analysis·DateAug 2, 2021

New algorithm to ensure more accuracy in studying the interior of the Earth

Geophysicists at St. Petersburg State University have developed an algorithm to combine electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) and radiomagnetotelluric (RMT) methods for more accurate subsurface imaging. The joint inversion of CSRMT and ERT data provides a closer match to borehole data, improving the accuracy of geophysical exploration.

SourceSt. Petersburg State University·JournalJournal of Environmental and Engineering Geophysics·DateMay 12, 2021

Creation of 3D organoid models to fine-tune radiation dose for nasopharyngeal cancer

Researchers have created the first in-vitro patient-derived 3D organoid models of nasopharyngeal cancer, enabling them to predict optimal radiation treatment doses. These models mimic the hypoxic radioresistant sub-volumes of recurrent NPC and have shown that radiation dose escalation can improve treatment outcomes.

3D model shows off the insides of a giant permafrost crater

Researchers from Skoltech and Russian Academy of Sciences have surveyed the newest known 30-meter deep gas blowout crater on the Yamal Peninsula, forming a 3D model to study its structure and composition. The 3D model reveals a unique underground cavity with an elliptical shape and a circular dome, providing clues about the crater's en...

Carbon capture's next top model

Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh analyzed over 150 studies on hollow fiber membrane contactors, a leading carbon capture technology. They found that 3D models can reveal unique information about the technology, accelerating progress towards commercial use.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalMembranes·DateDec 16, 2020

Utah's arches continue to whisper their secrets

Researchers assess the stresses and health of Utah's natural rock arches by analyzing seismic vibrations, revealing the effects of erosion on their shapes. The studies provide valuable information on the mechanical properties of rocks and the dominant sculpting agents behind arch formation.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateJun 11, 2020

Scientists dissect the complex choices of animals

Researchers from the Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior and the University of Konstanz created artificial shelters that vary in precise ways, allowing them to reveal the underlying preferences of animals. The findings suggest that animals prefer certain traits over others when choosing a home, such as intactness over shell length.

Helping preterm babies breathe

Dr. Hossein Tavana's research aims to understand the fluid dynamics of surfactant in premature babies' lungs and improve surfactant replacement therapy for RDS. His lab will generate 3D physical models of airways to aid visualization of surfactant flow, leading to better design strategies.

Predicting leaky heart valves with 3D printing

Researchers at Harvard University have developed an integrated 3D printing and valve sizing system to predict leaky heart valves during aortic valve replacement procedures. The system uses CT scan data to create physical models of individual patients' aortic valves, allowing cardiologists to determine the perfect replacement valve size.

SourceWyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard·JournalJournal of Cardiovascular Computed Tomography·DateDec 10, 2018

Ringling train chugs into digital world

The century-old Wisconsin train car has been digitally accessed through 3D models and printed spare parts created using digital photogrammetry and terrestrial laser scanning. The project, led by the University of South Florida, aims to preserve the fragile antique components while allowing for future restoration efforts.

Scientists grow functioning human neural networks in 3D from stem cells

Researchers at Tufts University have developed 3D human tissue culture models for the central nervous system that mimic brain structure and function. The models allow for the exploration of cell interactions, disease progression, and response to treatment, enabling the study of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.

SourceTufts University·JournalACS Biomaterials Science & Engineering·DateOct 18, 2018