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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

‘Brand new physics’ for next generation spintronics

Researchers at the University of Utah and UCI have discovered a unique quantum behavior that allows for the manipulation of electron-spin and magnetization through electrical currents. This phenomenon, dubbed anomalous Hall torque, has potential applications in neuromorphic computing.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalNature Nanotechnology·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 16, 2025

Subcycle conservation law in strong-field ionization

Researchers have identified a subcycle conservation law between angular momentum and energy during strong-field ionization, as revealed by the analysis of correlated spectrum of angular momentum and energy. This law remains applicable down to the subcycle level, offering new understanding of light-matter interactions.

SourceUltrafast Science·JournalUltrafast Science·DateOct 30, 2024

Clemson researchers tackle challenge in new quantum materials design

Researchers at Clemson University have developed a new noncentrosymmetric triangular-lattice magnet, CaMnTeO6, which displays strong quantum fluctuations and nonlinear optical responses. This breakthrough material has the potential to lead to advancements in solid-state quantum computing, spin-based electronics, resilient climate chang...

SourceClemson University·JournalAdvanced Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 11, 2024

New sunflower family tree reveals multiple origins of flower symmetry

A new analysis of the sunflower family tree shows that flower symmetry evolved multiple times independently among its members. The research, led by Penn State biologist Hong Ma, used low-coverage genome sequences to increase the number of species available for comparison and resolved more of the finer branches of the family tree.

SourcePenn State·JournalPlant Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 3, 2024

A new surgical technique enables smiling in patients with facial paralysis

A new study presents a novel surgical technique for treating Moebius syndrome, a rare condition that prevents smiling and affects social engagement. The technique involves utilizing the ipsilateral facial nerve to power gracilis free functional muscle transfer in select patients with residual facial nerve activity.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalFacial Plastic Surgery & Aesthetic Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMar 27, 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

Orchestrating plant organ symmetry in style

A recent study published in Nature Plants reveals that O-glycosylation of the transcription factor SPATULA promotes Arabidopsis style development. The experimental study sheds new light on the mechanisms underlying plant organ symmetry.

SourceJohn Innes Centre·JournalNature Plants·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 26, 2024

Symmetry breaking by ultrashort light pulses opens new quantum pathways for coherent phonons

Researchers at Max Born Institute find that ultrafast mid-infrared excitation of electrons in bismuth reduces crystal symmetry, opening new quantum pathways for coherent phonon excitation. This leads to bidirectional atomic motions and oscillations with a frequency different from low-excitation levels.

SourceMax Born Institute for Nonlinear Optics and Short Pulse Spectroscopy (MBI)·JournalPhysical Review B·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 30, 2023

DMI allows magnon-magnon coupling in hybrid perovskites

A team of researchers has created a mixed magnon state in an organic hybrid perovskite material by harnessing the Dzyaloshinskii–Moriya-Interaction. This allows for magnon-magnon coupling, which is crucial for processing and storing quantum computing information. The work expands the number of potential materials for creating hybrid ma...

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 4, 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

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

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

Efficient mRNA delivery by branched lipids

Researchers at Hokkaido University developed a novel branched ionizable lipid that significantly increases the efficiency of mRNA delivery by LNPs. The new lipid, CL4F 8-6, was found to enhance protein expression in mice and achieve stable formulations.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalSmall Science·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 9, 2022

Physicists demo method for designing topological metals

Researchers from Rice University and partners identified three promising candidate materials using a new framework that cross-references information in a database of known materials with theoretical calculations. The method could help explore strongly correlated topological matter, a large and largely uninvestigated landscape.

SourceRice University·JournalNature Physics·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 15, 2022

New method to identify symmetries in data using Bayesian statistics

Researchers from Osaka Metropolitan University developed a new method to identify symmetries in multi-dimensional data using Bayesian statistics. This approach allows for the derivation of exact integral formulas and an efficient algorithm for searching symmetries, reducing parameters and samples required for genetic analysis.

SourceOsaka Metropolitan University·JournalThe Annals of Statistics·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 13, 2022

Nanodisks should not be taken lightly

A novel light-manipulating technology using nanodisk periodic structures has been developed by an international team, including Kyoto University. By controlling bound states in the continuum, researchers can systematically control light distribution states and manipulate near-infrared light within a nanodisk.

SourceKyoto University·JournalLaser & Photonics Review·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 30, 2022

Learning chemical networks give life a chiral twist

A mathematical model reveals that spontaneous symmetry breaking in chemical reactions leads to homochirality, optimizing energy harvesting from the environment. This phenomenon could explain how life developed on primordial Earth and has implications for the synthesis of chiral drug molecules.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalNature Communications·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 26, 2022