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Integrative experiment design reveals hidden patterns in decades-old social science research

MIT Sloan researchers demonstrate a new approach to designing social science experiments by applying integrative experiment design to a longstanding question about punishment in public goods games. The study reveals how punishment's effect on collective welfare can swing from substantially harmful to substantially helpful, depending on...

SourceMIT Sloan School of Management·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 9, 2026

Rice scientists develop ‘molecular magnifying glass’ to help identify diseases earlier

Researchers at Rice University have developed a 'molecular magnifying glass' that allows them to visualize subtle environmental changes in proteins, which can indicate the earliest stages of diseases such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's and cancer. This tool provides real-time monitoring of protein microenvironment changes in living cells.

SourceRice University·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateSep 12, 2025

Magnetic whirl simulation in real time

A team of researchers from Mainz University successfully simulated skyrmion dynamics on real-time experimental scales using a novel collaborative approach. By combining theoretical and experimental methods, the researchers were able to accelerate the development of skyrmion-based applications for energy-saving computer architectures.

SourceJohannes Gutenberg Universitaet Mainz·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJan 30, 2025

New imaging technique to improve head and neck cancer surgery

Researchers developed a new imaging technique using fluorescence-guided surgery to enhance visibility of tumors and nerves during head and neck cancer surgery. The technique uses two near-infrared fluorophores, one for tumors and another for facial nerves, allowing for clear differentiation between cancerous tissues and nerves.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalJournal of Biomedical Optics·DateNov 7, 2024

Climate change can alter methane emission and uptake in the Amazon

Researchers found that extreme temperatures and humidity projected for the Amazon under climate change may increase methane-producing microorganisms in flooded areas and reduce methane uptake in upland forests by 70%. This could lead to a shift in the balance of greenhouse gas emissions, with significant global impacts.

Being able to see inside a flow battery

Researchers at Eindhoven University of Technology, in collaboration with MIT and PSI, developed a new method to visualize the inner workings of redox flow batteries using neutron imaging. The technique provides extraordinary moving images that help understand the battery's performance and durability.

SourceEindhoven University of Technology·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 6, 2024

Morphing facial technology sheds light on the boundaries of self-recognition

A study by Dr. Shunichi Kasahara found that levels of identification with one's face remain consistent regardless of agency or control over facial movements. The results suggest that a sense of agency does not significantly impact our ability to judge our facial identity, even in scenarios like deepfakes.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 29, 2024

Cracking the code of hydrogen embrittlement

A study published in Science Advances investigated the formation of cracks in a nickel-base alloy. The researchers found that one widely-held hypothesis does not apply to this alloy and discovered new information about crack initiation. This breakthrough helps lay the groundwork for better predictions of hydrogen embrittlement.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalScience Advances·DateJul 19, 2024

How scientists are accelerating chemistry discoveries with automation

A new statistical-modeling workflow can quickly identify molecular structures of products formed by chemical reactions, accelerating drug discovery and synthetic chemistry. The workflow also enables the analysis of unpurified reaction mixtures, reducing time spent on purification and characterization.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalJournal of Chemical Information and Modeling·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 8, 2024

Guardian of drone: Towards autonomous sea-land-air cloaks

A team at Zhejiang University has developed a self-driving cloaked unmanned drone with an intelligent aeroamphibious invisibility cloak, capable of manipulating electromagnetic scattering in real-time across dynamic environments. The cloak integrates perception, decision-making, and execution functionalities using spatiotemporal modula...

Live music emotionally moves us more than streamed music

A recent study conducted at the University of Zurich found that live performances stimulate a stronger emotional response in the brain compared to listening to recorded music. The researchers used magnetic resonance imaging to measure brain activity during both live and recorded music sessions, revealing a significant difference in amy...

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 26, 2024

Scientists film soundwaves in a crystal

Researchers used a unique X-ray technique to capture soundwaves' propagation in a diamond crystal, revealing ultrafast structural phenomena that were previously beyond scientific reach. The breakthrough enables real-time imaging of solid materials with unprecedented resolution and speed.

SourceTechnical University of Denmark·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 2, 2023

Novel Raman technique breaks through 50 years of frustration

A novel Raman technique called thermostable-Raman-interaction-profiling (TRIP) allows for label-free and highly reproducible Raman spectroscopy measurements, breaking a 50-year-old challenge. The TRIP method enables the detection of protein-ligand interactions in real-time, potentially shortening drug and vaccine testing timelines.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 28, 2023

Creative people enjoy idle time more than others

A University of Arizona study found that creative individuals are more likely to engage with their thoughts during downtime, using association and free-flowing ideas. This allows them to generate innovative concepts and enjoy idle time without feeling bored.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalCreativity Research Journal·TypeObservational study·DateJul 6, 2023

Quantum science turns social

Researchers developed a remote gaming interface that allowed external experts and citizen scientists to optimize a quantum gas experiment in real-time. The team found that collective search behavior of humans balances innovative attempts and refines existing solutions, making human problem-solving unique.

SourceAarhus University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 14, 2018

Restaurant customers willing to pay more for local food

A recent study by Penn State researchers found that restaurant patrons are willing to pay more for meals made with local ingredients. When the price of local options was 18% higher than non-local options, a higher proportion of customers chose the local meal.

SourcePenn State·JournalInternational Journal of Revenue Management·DateOct 26, 2010

Growing catalysts

Scientists at ESRF have made significant progress in understanding zeolite synthesis by monitoring the process in real-time. They found that molecular organization occurs before crystallization, leading to more efficient catalysts.

SourceEuropean Synchrotron Radiation Facility·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateDec 8, 2006