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When neural spikes break time's symmetry

Researchers developed a method that characterizes collective dynamics of neural activity using principles from thermodynamics. They found that neurons dynamically reshape their interactions during behavior and that the brain's internal temporal asymmetry shifts during task engagement, shedding light on efficient computation.

SourceKyoto University·JournalNature Communications·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 14, 2025

Cats prefer to sleep on their left side

A research team analyzed YouTube videos of sleeping cats to find that two thirds sleep on their left side. This bias is thought to be an evolutionary strategy, favoring the use of the right hemisphere of the brain for spatial awareness and threat processing after waking.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJun 24, 2025

Left-right symmetry-breaking of a cellular flow occurs earlier than node formation

Researchers from Kumamoto University and colleagues found that left-right symmetry-breaking occurs prior to node formation, indicating a tightly regulated program for asymmetry. This study demonstrates the involvement of physical mechanisms in biological patterning using quantitative biophysical parameters.

SourceKumamoto University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 16, 2025

Researchers create chemotaxic biomimetic liquid metallic leukocytes with versatile behavior

The researchers created a chemotaxic biomimetic liquid metallic entity that exhibits various behaviors like engulfing foreign substances and changing shape, similar to living cells. These liquid metal structures can autonomously climb slopes and move through complicated surfaces with versatility and potential for future applications.

Illuminating the beginnings of animal development

Researchers discovered that cell motion shows asymmetry before left-right organizer formation in early animal development, contradicting earlier findings on genetics. This study sheds new light on the origin of bilateral symmetry and could apply to human birth defects.

SourceUniversity of Miami·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 4, 2025

The asymmetric cosine distribution

The asymmetric cosine distribution model offers improved efficiency for analyzing data with values in [-1,1], including standardized scores and temperature anomalies. Key findings include satisfactory results on simulated and real data, as well as potential applications in machine learning models.

SourceELSP·JournalAsymmetry·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 21, 2024

KAIST develops Janus-like metasurface technology that acts according to the direction of light​

Researchers at KAIST have developed a Janus metasurface capable of controlling asymmetric light transmission, enabling the creation of two independent optical systems with a single device. This technology also enables optical encryption by generating different images depending on the direction and polarization state of incoming light.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalAdvanced Materials·TypeMeta-analysis·DateOct 16, 2024

Asymmetric placebo effect in response to spicy food

Researchers found that positive expectations lead to increased activity in pleasure-related brain regions, while negative expectations prime pain processing. The study suggests a dissociable impact of hedonic information, with positive expectations facilitating reward processing and negative expectations heightening anxiety.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 8, 2024

Riddle of the sphinx

Researchers used the sphinx tile to explore geometry and chirality in life, finding unexpected properties related to its chirality. The study reveals superexponential increases in possible layouts as the number of sphinxes grows, with some tilings having nearly 72,000 possibilities.

SourceChan Zuckerberg Biohub·JournalPhysical Review Research·DateMar 21, 2024

Ice-ray patterns: A rediscovery of past design for the future

A study discovers that traditional Chinese ice-ray lattice designs can provide unique stiffness and strength under asymmetric loads, offering an alternative to conventional gridshells. The research also explores the potential of integrating complex geometry into facade design and micro-scale material design.

SourceXi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University·JournalFrontiers of Architectural Research·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 20, 2024

UMSOM researchers discover first ever link between hemoglobin-like protein and normal heart development

Researchers found that cytoglobin, a protein similar to hemoglobin, plays a vital role in the correct left-right pattern of the heart and other asymmetric organs. The study's findings could lead to new therapeutic interventions for rare birth defects affecting cilia function.

SourceUniversity of Maryland School of Medicine·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 15, 2023

TNMSC researchers create high-performance aluminum matrix composites with asymmetric cryocooling

Scientists have developed a new method to manufacture high-performance aluminum matrix composites using asymmetric cryorolling, resulting in improved mechanical properties and increased ductility. The technique produces sheets with fewer microvoids, finer grain size, and higher density of dislocations.

SourceCactus Communications·JournalTransactions of Nonferrous Metals Society of China·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 8, 2023

An international team identifies the mutations that cause the most frequent congenital heart defects

A new study reveals that biscuspid aortic valve is caused by mutations in the MINDBOMB1 gene, with significant implications for developing alternative treatments to surgery. The research combines genome sequencing and gene editing techniques to analyze the mechanisms of this congenital defect.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III (F.S.P.)·JournalJAMA Cardiology·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 5, 2023

The Ising on the cake

A team of researchers from Kyoto University and international institutions has developed a mathematical solution to the temporal asymmetry of nonequilibrium disordered Ising networks. This breakthrough offers insights into the behavior of biological systems, machine learning, and AI tools.

SourceKyoto University·JournalNature Communications·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJul 4, 2023

A novel method to quantify individual limb contributions to standing postural control

This study validates a novel method to quantify individual limb contributions to standing anteroposterior postural control. The results show that limb contributions are distinct from self-reported limb dominance and between-limb weight distributions, offering new insights into the complex mechanisms of standing postural control.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalGait & Posture·TypeObservational study·DateMay 24, 2023

Gene responsible for severe facial defects identified

A team of researchers from UNIGE and Beihang University has identified the FOXI3 gene as responsible for one form of Goldenhar syndrome, a rare congenital disorder. Pathogenic variants in both copies of the FOXI3 gene are necessary for the disease to develop, following an autosomal recessive inheritance pattern.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalNature Communications·TypeNews article·DateMay 4, 2023

Simple but revolutionary modular organoids

Scientists at RIKEN have developed a new technique for creating complex 3D organoids using a cube-like structure made of hydrogels. This innovation enables researchers to control the environment around cells, allowing for the creation of tissues with faithful reproduction of asymmetric genetic expression. The technology has the potenti...

SourceRIKEN·JournalCommunications Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 6, 2023

Solving the mystery of left-handed amino acids in primordial RNA reactions

Researchers at Tokyo University of Science used computer simulations to clarify why L-alanine was preferred over D-alanine during primordial RNA aminoacylation reactions. The study revealed that L-amino acid had more electrostatic stability in its transition state, providing a plausible reason for the selective aminoacylation.

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalLife·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 16, 2023

Robots and A.I. team up to discover highly selective catalysts

Researchers developed a machine learning model using advanced 2D chemical descriptors to predict highly selective asymmetric catalysts without quantum chemical computations. The model demonstrated high accuracy in predicting catalyst structures and selectivity, outperforming existing methods.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 2, 2023

Quantum sensors see Weyl photocurrents flow

A team of researchers led by Boston College Assistant Professor Brian Zhou developed a new quantum sensor technique to image and understand the origin of photocurrent flow in Weyl semimetals. They found that the electrical current flows in a four-fold vortex pattern around where light is shined on the material.

SourceBoston College·JournalNature Physics·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 26, 2023

Scientists offer a new explanation for a mystery surrounding Jupiter’s two massive asteroid swarms

An international team of scientists suggests that an outward, fast migration of Jupiter can distort the configuration of Trojan swarms, resulting in more stable orbits in one swarm than the other. This new mechanism provides a natural explanation for the observed asymmetry in the number of asteroids in the L4 and L5 swarms.

SourceNew York University·JournalAstronomy and Astrophysics·DateJan 17, 2023

Think before you design your brand's logo: How marketers can capitalize on the power of perception to influence beliefs about brand performance

A new study found that structured visual design properties, such as symmetry and balance, reinforce claims about a brand's utilitarian benefits. In contrast, unstructured designs are associated with hedonic benefits. The research suggests marketers can use perception to influence beliefs about brand performance and consumer choice.

SourceAmerican Marketing Association·JournalJournal of Marketing·DateJan 4, 2023

Flip-flopping cholesterol in the cell membrane

Researchers at Kyoto University have discovered a vital role of two proteins, ABCA1 and Aster-A, in maintaining the asymmetric distribution of cholesterol within cells. This process allows for selective control over substances entering and leaving cells.

SourceKyoto University·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 15, 2022

A crystal shape conundrum is finally solved

Researchers at Rice University have developed a method to predict the shapes of crystals that lack symmetry by assigning arbitrary latent energies to their surfaces. This approach uses closure equations with arbitrary parameters to mimic nature's solution, allowing for accurate crystal shape predictions.

SourceRice University·JournalNature Computational Science·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 28, 2022

New research tunes theory of sound levitation

Researchers at the University of Technology Sydney have extended the theory of acoustic levitation to account for asymmetrical particles, which is more applicable to real-world experience. This new understanding enables precise control and sorting of tiny objects using ultrasonic waves.

SourceUniversity of Technology Sydney·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 18, 2022

The hemispheres are not equal: How the brain is not symmetrical

Research found that human brain hemispheres have distinct functional patterns, with regions on the left and right sides specialized for different tasks. Individual differences in these arrangements were heritable, suggesting genetic influence, while environmental factors also play a role. The study also compared humans to monkeys, find...

SourceMax Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences·JournaleLife·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 15, 2022

2D boundaries could create electricity

Researchers at Rice University have discovered piezoelectricity in two-dimensional materials across phase boundaries. The discovery enables the creation of ultra-sensitive temperature or pressure sensors and tiny actuators, revolutionizing electronic applications.

SourceRice University·JournalAdvanced Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 16, 2022

Time-reversal asymmetry surpasses conversion efficiency limit for solar cells

Researchers have developed a single-cell PV design integrated with nonreciprocal optical components to provide 100-percent reuse of emitted radiation, breaking the Shockley–Queisser limit. This breakthrough enables a quasimonochromatic radiation converter to reach the theoretically maximum Carnot efficiency.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalJournal of Photonics for Energy·DateJun 1, 2022

A CNIC team creates a dynamic 3D atlas of the formation of the embryonic heart

A CNIC team has created a dynamic 3D atlas of the formation of the heart during embryonic and fetal development, allowing for the identification of the first appearance of left–right asymmetry in the heart. This study provides important information on the development of congenital heart malformations.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III (F.S.P.)·JournalNature Cardiovascular Research·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 17, 2022