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Using science for more animal welfare

Using science for more animal welfare: Researchers from Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research have developed an alternative to foie gras by mimicking the structure of real foie gras. The new pâté closely mimics the mouthfeel and melt of traditional foie gras, thanks to a treatment process that restructures fat using goose lipases.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Polymer Research·JournalPhysics of Fluids·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 27, 2025

Graphene spike mat and fridge magnet technology to fight against antibiotic resistance

Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology have developed a graphene-based, ultra-thin antibacterial material that can kill 99.9% of bacteria on surfaces, including medical devices and implants. The new technology uses fridge magnet technology to control the orientation of graphene flakes, making it possible for practical applica...

SourceChalmers University of Technology·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 24, 2024

Synthetic droplets cause a stir in the primordial soup

Scientists from OIST created synthetic droplets to mimic biological processes, finding that pH gradients facilitate Marangoni effect and enabling droplets to detect and migrate towards each other. This study sheds light on the movement of simplest forms of life in primordial soup billions of years ago.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 25, 2024

Big impacts from small changes in cell

Researchers at Göttingen and Warwick Universities studied the structure and mechanics of cytoskeletal networks composed of actin isoforms. The study found that gamma actin forms rigid networks near the cell apex, while beta actin preferentially forms parallel bundles with distinct organizational patterns.

SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 22, 2023

Majority rule in complex mixtures

Göttingen University researchers develop mathematical model that shows small imbalances in mixture composition can amplify and control phase separation. This discovery offers a potential mechanism for regulating structure formation in living cells, with applications in fields such as market economies and ecological networks.

SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 13, 2023

Science in the kitchen

Researchers from the University of Warsaw explore how kitchen phenomena lead to breakthroughs in biomedicine and nanotechnology. They describe bubbles in champagne, Leidenfrost effect, and surface tension, revealing surprising connections between food science and scientific discoveries.

SourceUniversity of Warsaw, Faculty of Physics·JournalReviews of Modern Physics·DateJun 22, 2023

At home, do-it-yourself fluid mechanics

Students in a University of Illinois course used household items like buttercream frosting, toothpaste, and yogurt to measure fluid properties. They developed creative methods for carrying out rheometric measurements, including compression squeeze flow analysis and gravity-driven filament stretching.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalPhysics of Fluids·DateMay 10, 2022

Why teapots always drip

Researchers at TU Wien have successfully described the 'teapot effect' with a theoretical analysis and experiments. The effect occurs when a liquid is poured out of a teapot too slowly, causing it to dribble down the outside of the pot due to an interplay of inertia, viscous, and capillary forces.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalJournal of Fluid Mechanics·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 9, 2021

Studying thermophoresis in space

A multidisciplinary team of Lehigh University researchers will conduct experiments on thermophoresis in complex fluids for bioseparations at the International Space Station. The team hopes to understand how temperature gradients affect particles and improve virus separation techniques with potential societal impact.

A novel way to watch paint dry

James Gilchrist's project uses microrheology to study paint drying processes and develop a testing method to predict performance. The goal is to improve paint formulations, reduce energy consumption and costs in the automotive industry.

Recognition for Monash rheologist

Renowned Monash rheologist Professor Tam Sridhar has been awarded the ASR Medallion for his distinguished contributions to rheology science and technology. He is the fifth recipient of this award in the past 20 years, recognizing his exceptional service to the field.