Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Bacteria form glasslike state

Researchers at University of Tokyo discovered E.coli bacteria exhibit similar characteristics to colloidal glass when densely packed, exhibiting a glassy state with restricted movement. The study reveals novel properties beyond standard glass-like behavior, including spontaneous microdomain formation and collective motion.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalPNAS Nexus·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 11, 2024

ASU researchers gain insight into how a deadly strain of salmonella fine-tunes its infection tactics

Researchers have gained insight into how a deadly strain of salmonella adapts to invasion, flourishing in hostile environments and evading immune defenses. The study sheds light on the role of fluid shear forces in bacterial behavior, which may accelerate the design of new therapies for life-threatening infections.

SourceArizona State University·JournalGut Microbes·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 14, 2024

Geothermal model gives key insights into extracting renewable energy from superhot, super deep rock

Researchers have developed a computer model that sheds light on extracting renewable energy from superhot, super deep rock. The model shows the formation of microscopic cracks creating a dense 'cloud of permeability' throughout the affected rock, which can lead to higher power delivery and efficiency.

SourceScience Communications·JournalGeothermal Energy·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJun 13, 2024

Surprising properties of elastic turbulence discovered

Elastic turbulence, a chaotic fluid motion in non-Newtonian fluids, exhibits universal power-law decay of energy and intermittent behavior. This study reveals its unexpected similarity to classical Newtonian turbulence, paving the way for developing a complete mathematical theory and predicting flow patterns.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalNature Communications·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 27, 2024

Researchers conduct first-ever study to characterize microbiota in saliva of weaned piglets on commercial farms in Brazil

Researchers characterized the microbial composition of oral fluid, feces, and environment of nursery piglets on commercial farms in Brazil. The study found distinct oral fluid bacterial profiles differing from those in feces and environment, with potential implications for swine health and production.

Scientists discover how caterpillars can stop their bleeding in seconds

Caterpillars of the Carolina sphinx moth have an extraordinary ability to instantly change their hemolymph's material properties, turning it into a viscoelastic fluid that helps stop bleeding. This discovery has potential applications for developing new drugs for humans to create fast-working thickeners of human blood.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Soft Matter·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 27, 2024

New rapid prototyping method for microscale spiral devices

Researchers from Tohoku University and OIST have introduced a miniaturized rotational thermal drawing process, enabling the rapid prototyping of three-dimensional microfluidic systems. This innovation facilitates precise biofluid manipulation and unlocks endless possibilities for combining diverse materials.

SourceTohoku University·JournalMicrosystems & Nanoengineering·DateJan 22, 2024

Key factors in man-made earthquakes

A new study found that the roughness of pre-existing faults and associated stress heterogeneity play a key role in causing large induced events during fluid injection. The researchers developed laboratory experiments to investigate this phenomenon, which has important implications for preventing runaway induced earthquakes.

SourceGFZ GeoForschungsZentrum Potsdam, Helmholtz Centre·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 18, 2024

Researchers examine accuracy of adult body weight estimates in the emergency department

A systematic review of 95 studies found that 3D camera system estimates, patient self-estimates, and the Lorenz method are accurate for estimating adult body weight. However, no method is foolproof, and alternative strategies should be available when patients are unable to provide an estimate.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalThe American Journal of Emergency Medicine·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJan 16, 2024

Intravaginal sponge can make treatment of candidiasis more comfortable and effective

Researchers developed a biodegradable sponge that releases medication slowly into the organism, improving treatment efficacy for vulvovaginal candidiasis. The device is made from soft, biocompatible materials and can be inserted by patients themselves, making treatment more comfortable.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalInternational Journal of Pharmaceutics·DateJan 8, 2024

Choice of intravenous fluid therapy could improve survival in critically ill patients

A new meta-analysis found that intravenous fluid therapy using balanced solutions can reduce the risk of in-hospital death in critically ill patients by four percent. Balanced solutions are more closely matched to human blood chemistry than commonly used saline, and may be associated with lower mortality rates.

SourceGeorge Institute for Global Health·JournalThe Lancet Respiratory Medicine·TypeMeta-analysis·DateNov 30, 2023

Incheon National University researchers push the limits of gas sensing technology

The researchers propose a hybrid organic–inorganic gas sensor design that enhances gas sensing performance while maintaining sensing speed. The proposed design outperforms conventional sensors in terms of chemical sensitivity to NO2, showcasing impressive durability and higher potential for long-term installation.

SourceIncheon National University·JournalChemical Engineering Journal·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 9, 2023

The little things matter: Chemists develop new sensor for microvolume pH detection

Researchers at Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University have developed a sensitive and robust pH sensor that can detect pH variation in just a few microliters of samples. The new sensor uses novel materials and methods to overcome the current method's limitations, which are not sensitive enough or fragile for commercial-scale use.

SourceXi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University·JournalMicrochimica Acta·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 3, 2023

Molecular age of the eye determined for the first time

A team of researchers has created a 'proteomic clock' that can predict a healthy person's age based on their protein profile, revealing accelerated aging due to diseases. The study also detected proteins associated with Parkinson's disease in eye fluid, offering a potential pathway for earlier diagnoses.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 19, 2023

New specimen collection system enhances assisted reproductive technologies

A new specimen collection system has been developed to enhance assisted reproductive technologies by providing a simple one-step method for selecting high-quality sperm for ICSI. The system, known as NovaSort, uses a barrier mesh to isolate mobile sperm without damaging their DNA.

SourceTexas Tech University Health Sciences Center·JournalOpen Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 17, 2023

Targeting unsuspected protein reverses lymphedema

A Cornell-led collaboration created a 3D in-vitro model of human lymphatic vessels that revealed a surprising mechanism jamming up drainage: the protein ROCK2. Inhibiting ROCK2 reverses lymphedema effects, offering potential treatment for this condition.

SourceCornell University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 3, 2023

Let it flow: recreating water flow for virtual reality

A Tohoku University research team developed a technique to recreate water flow in real-time using only a small amount of data from real water. This technology enables the creation of immersive VR games with lifelike water motion, potentially enhancing online communication and remote interactions.

SourceTohoku University·JournalACM Transactions on Graphics·DateSep 20, 2023

Stick-to-itiveness: Pitt engineers show self-organization of sticky micron-to-mesoscale 3D structures in confined fluids

Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh have developed a system that uses fluid mechanics and chemo-mechanical processes to autonomously assemble hierarchical 3D structures. The system utilizes sticky bonds to drive self-organization, allowing for the construction of complex devices with minimal external intervention.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalPNAS Nexus·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJul 31, 2023

Going with the flow

Researchers have developed a new method to estimate river flow rates on Mars and Titan, utilizing satellite observations and mathematical equations. The technique allows for predictions of river flow times, sediment size, and potential support for life, shedding light on these celestial bodies' geological pasts.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 10, 2023

One in 15 in changed reported sexual identity over a six-year period, new UK survey study finds

A new UK survey study led by Lancaster University found that 6.6% of the population aged 16 and over changed their reported sexual identity over a six-year period. The research challenges the assumption that sexual identity mobility declines with age, revealing that it is as prevalent among over-65s as young people.

SourceLancaster University·JournalDemography·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 12, 2023

Researchers determine quantitative composition of ultrahigh-pressure fluid in deep subduction zones

Scientists have determined the chemical composition of supercritical fluids in deep subduction zones for the first time, shedding light on their critical role in the Earth's carbon and sulfur cycle. The study reveals that these fluids play a vital part in transporting elements between the Earth's surface and the deep mantle.

SourceUniversity of Science and Technology of China·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 9, 2023

Petit-spot volcanoes involve the deepest known submarine hydrothermal activity, possibly release CO2 and methane

Scientists discover hydrothermal deposits at a 5.7 km depth in the Japan Trench, indicating low-temperature hydrothermal activity and elevated CO2 and methane levels. The findings highlight the need for further studies on petit-spot volcanoes and their potential impact on global biogeochemical cycles.

SourceWaseda University·JournalCommunications Earth & Environment·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 1, 2023

Extracting the best flavor from coffee

A study published in Physics of Fluids reveals that uneven extraction in coffee brewing can result in weaker espresso and affect its taste. The researchers found that a positive feedback loop between flow and extraction leads to more bitter flavors, making it essential to understand the origin of uneven extraction.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalPhysics of Fluids·DateMay 9, 2023