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Riding the wave to memory-forming genetics

Researchers found 300 genes associated with neural oscillations, including hub genes that control separate gene networks. Surprisingly, several of these hubs were active in glial cells, which support and protect nerve cells. This discovery provides an entry point for further research into the underpinnings of human memory.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateMar 10, 2021

Willpower is the key to enhancing learning and memory: researchers uncover the mechanism

A study published in PNAS found that theta oscillations in the human brain, generated by the hippocampus, play a crucial role in active learning and memory formation. Active navigation improves learning efficiency, while two consecutive phenomena, encoding and retrieval, are facilitated by theta phase code.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 2, 2021

Sloshing quantum fluids of light and matter to probe superfluidity

An Australian-led team of physicists successfully created sloshing quantum liquids, revealing wavy motion and superfluid properties. The experiment provided insights into the speed of sound and potential effects on superfluidity, shedding light on a promising hybrid light-matter system for ultra-low-energy electronics.

Vibrating 2D materials

Scientists have successfully determined the strength of exciton-phonon coupling in 2D materials at room temperature, a crucial step towards optimizing their applications. This breakthrough was achieved using a novel method called coherent 2D microscopy, which combines high spatial resolution with femtosecond time resolution.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 11, 2021

A new beat in quantum matter

Researchers demonstrate the existence of exotic Bloch oscillations in crystals with intrinsic non-Abelian fields, characterized by a multiplication of the oscillation period. These phenomena are perfectly synchronized with internal states of the crystal and shed new light on topological quantum matter.

SourceUniversité libre de Bruxelles·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 23, 2020

Looking for the key to predict heatwaves over the Yangtze River basin 20 days in advance

Researchers from Nanjing University of Information Science & Technology evaluate subseasonal prediction skill for heatwaves in Yangtze River basin using long-term hindcast data from three operational models. They found that superior model fidelity is crucial to predicting heatwave occurrence, intensity and duration at longer lead times.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAdvances in Atmospheric Sciences·DateOct 5, 2020

Brain stimulation reduces dyslexia deficits

Researchers from Université de Genève demonstrate a causal relationship between brain oscillations at 30 Hz and phoneme processing essential for reading. Non-invasive brain electrical stimulation improves phonological deficits and reading accuracy in adults with dyslexia, paving the way for targeted non-invasive therapeutic interventions.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalPLOS Biology·DateSep 9, 2020

Quantum shake

Researchers use Poincaré sections to simplify chaotic behavior, revealing underlying symmetry and structure. This insight enables a deeper understanding of quantum chaos and potential links between classical and quantum physics.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalPhysical Review Research·DateSep 9, 2020

Decadal predictability of North Atlantic blocking and the NAO

A recent study published in npj Climate and Atmospheric Science reveals remarkable skill in reproducing multi-annual variations of North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) and atmospheric blocking frequency. This breakthrough suggests that impactful climate anomalies may be predictable with improved dynamical models, filling the gap between lo...

SourceCMCC Foundation - Euro-Mediterranean Center on Climate Change·Journalnpj Climate and Atmospheric Science·DateJul 17, 2020

Computational model decodes speech by predicting it

Researchers from UNIGE developed a computational model that reproduces the brain's mechanism for analyzing spoken language. The model uses predictive coding to optimize perception by constantly trying to predict sensory signals. It has successfully recognized thousands of syllables in hundreds of sentences, validating the idea that neu...

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 26, 2020

A closer look at superconductors

A new measuring method called Higgs spectroscopy helps understand the dynamics of paired electrons in superconductors, revealing typical precursors of superconductivity even above the critical temperature. The technique uses a multi-cyclic terahertz pulse to excite Higgs oscillations and measure them precisely.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 7, 2020

Brief bursts, big insights

Researchers developed a new method to analyze short beta wave bursts in real-time, associated with rats' movements and behavior. The study shows that increasing the recurrence of these bursts can improve motion control and neuroprosthetics.

SourceUniversity of Freiburg·JournalCommunications Biology·DateFeb 14, 2020

Atlantic and Pacific oscillations lost in the noise

A team of meteorologists found no consistent evidence for decadal oscillatory signals in global surface temperature observations. The researchers suggest that any apparent oscillation may be due to external influences like greenhouse gas and aerosol emissions. The study has implications for decade-scale climate predictability.

SourcePenn State·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 3, 2020

Permanent predator-prey oscillations

A team of researchers observed regular oscillations in the populations of rotifers and green algae over a period of one year, corresponding to more than 50 cycles. The oscillations were repeatedly interrupted by short periods without discernible external influences, but always returned to their normal rhythm on their own.

SourceUniversity of Oldenburg·JournalNature·DateDec 20, 2019

Perpetual predator-prey population cycles

Experiments by McGill University and University of Oldenburg confirm regular oscillations in predator-prey populations can persist without complete depletion of prey resources. The study found that less efficient predators can lead to prey recovery, potentially creating endless cycles.

SourceMcGill University·JournalNature·DateDec 18, 2019

Synthetic cells make long-distance calls

Engineered E. coli bacteria using transcriptional circuits from Rice lab researchers can synchronize gene expression across large distances, enabling collective action in community settings. The discovery could lead to treatment of gut microbiome conditions and interaction with bioelectronics.

SourceRice University·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateOct 15, 2019

Scientists forecasted late May tornado outbreak nearly 4 weeks in advance

A team of scientists at Northern Illinois University successfully forecasted the nation's extensive tornado outbreak in late May 2019, three to four weeks before it occurred. The prediction used historical weather-pattern records and methodologies to predict severe weather across the continental United States with extended lead times.

SourceNorthern Illinois University·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateSep 18, 2019