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The Milky Way galaxy has a clumpy halo

The Milky Way's circumgalactic medium (CGM) has a disk-like geometry, with denser areas where stars are forming and material is being traded between the galaxy and the CGM. The discovery provides insight into the galaxy's formation and evolution, as well as its interaction with the surrounding universe.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalNature Astronomy·DateOct 19, 2020

Cities beat suburbs at inspiring cutting-edge innovations

A recent study suggests that population density plays a crucial role in innovation, with cities producing unconventional patents and suburbs producing conventional ones. The research found that large innovative companies tend to perform their research in suburban office parks, while urban cores facilitate interactions between researche...

SourceOhio State University·JournalThe Economic Journal·DateSep 22, 2020

Legacy high performance computing system seeds supercomputing excellence at UT Dallas

The University of Texas at Dallas has gained access to high-performance computing resources through the donation of systems like Stampede1, increasing its research capabilities. The introduction of Ganymede has enabled researchers to conduct complex projects like seismic imaging and data science, reducing computation time by up to 5 days.

Scientists unlock crops' power to resist floods

Researchers have discovered a way to make staple foods resistant to flooding triggered by climate change. By manipulating enzymes that control plant responses to low oxygen levels, scientists hope to create flood-tolerant crops that can help mitigate the devastating impact of extreme weather events on food production.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 31, 2020

New device can measure toxic lead within minutes

Researchers at Rutgers University have developed a lab-on-a-chip device that can measure toxic lead in sediments and water samples within minutes. This affordable technology has the potential to enable municipalities, schools, and homeowners to quickly test their water supplies for contamination.

SourceRutgers University·JournalIEEE Sensors Journal·DateAug 26, 2020

Researchers create nanoclusters that mimic biomolecules

A research team at Cornell University created nanoclusters that can self-assemble and mimic the complex structures of DNA, RNA, and proteins. The clusters have three levels of organization with an interlocking, chiral design, making them potential candidates for metabolic and enzymatic processes.

SourceCornell University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateAug 20, 2020

Academia from home

A recent study suggests that remote work can be beneficial for postdoctoral researchers, enabling them to overcome financial and family constraints. By leveraging digital tools and establishing transparent communication channels, remote research can facilitate collaboration, reduce stress, and promote productivity. This shift in perspe...

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateAug 13, 2020

Soft robot actuators heal themselves

Researchers created a self-healing polymer that mimics squid ring teeth, enabling fast and efficient repair of soft robotic actuators. The material can heal within one second, regaining its original strength and being fully biodegradable and recyclable.

SourcePenn State·JournalNature Materials·DateJul 27, 2020

Forecasting urbanization

Researchers used data science and machine learning to forecast urbanization patterns, predicting a 1.8-5.9-fold increase in urban areas by 2100. Global simulations show countries transitioning from rapidly to steadily to urbanized over time, with varying impacts on environment and society.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 8, 2020