Science & Technology
Rising health care prices are driving unemployment and job losses
Rising health care prices in the U.S. are leading employers outside the health care sector to reduce their payroll and decrease their number of employees, according to a new study. The study found that when health care prices increased, non-health care…
First of its kind detection made in striking new Webb image
For the first time, a phenomenon astronomers have long hoped to directly image has been captured by NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope’s Near-Infrared Camera (NIRCam). In this stunning image of the Serpens Nebula, the discovery lies in the northern area…
Meet CARMEN, a robot that helps people with mild cognitive impairment
Meet CARMEN, short for Cognitively Assistive Robot for Motivation and Neurorehabilitation — a small, tabletop robot designed to help people with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) learn skills to improve memory, attention, and executive functioning at home.
Geologists expect Chang’e-6 lunar surface samples to contain volcanic rock and impact ejecta
On June 25, China’s Chang’e-6 (CE-6) lunar probe is set to return to Earth, carrying the first surface samples collected from the farside of the Moon. In anticipation of this historic event, scientists are publishing their predictions for the unique ma…
Myths about intermittent fasting, debunked
Research shows that the increasingly popular weight-loss strategy is safe. Intermittent fasting has become an increasingly popular way to lose weight without counting calories. And a large body of research has shown it s safe. Still, several myths abou…
Researchers develop RNA-targeting technology for precisely manipulating parts of human genes
Researchers have harnessed a bacterial immune defense system, known as CRISPR, to efficiently and precisely control the process of RNA splicing. The technology opens the door to new applications, including systematically interrogating the functions of …
Facial recognition linked to close social bonds, not social butterflies
Do you have trouble recognizing faces, or do you never forget a face? The better you are at facial recognition, the more supportive relationships you are likely to have, regardless of your personality type.
Whoever controls electrolytes will pave the way for electric vehicles
Team develops a commercially viable and safe gel electrolyte for lithium batteries.
Rare Samoan discovery offers clues to origins of inequality
The origins of hierarchical society in Samoa and wider Polynesia have likely been uncovered by a new study led by archaeologists.
Drivers ready to embrace wireless EV technology
Drivers are optimistic about ‘on road’ dynamic wireless charging that allows EV users to charge their batteries while driving — but there are concerns.
Fuel treatments reduce future wildfire severity
There is a common belief that prescribed burning, thinning trees, and clearing underbrush reduce risks of the severity of future fires. But is that true? A new project analyzing 40 studies where wildfire burned into different vegetation treatments, spa…
Novel application of optical tweezers: Colorfully showing molecular energy transfer
Using a novel non-contact approach, a research team has successfully controlled the speed and efficiency of Forster resonance energy transfer between fluorescent molecules by varying the intensity of a laser beam.
Personalized magnetic stimulation may help in treating depression
Not all patients with depression respond to medication. Two recently published studies provide additional information on how an alternative treatment, transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), could be further enhanced. Researchers developed more precis…
The hippocampus, the cerebral conductor of our daily priorities
How does our brain distinguish between urgent and less urgent goals? Researchers explored how our brain remembers and adjusts the goals we set ourselves on a daily basis. Their study reveals differences in the way we process immediate and distant goals…
International collaboration lays the foundation for future AI for materials
Artificial intelligence (AI) is accelerating the development of new materials. A prerequisite for AI in materials research is large-scale use and exchange of data on materials, which is facilitated by a broad international standard. A major internation…
New study confirms forever chemicals are absorbed through human skin
A study of 17 commonly used synthetic ‘forever chemicals’ has shown that these toxic substances can readily be absorbed through human skin.
New study demonstrates the efficacy of a promising celiac disease drug at the molecular level
A recent study investigated whether a transglutaminase 2 inhibitor has potential as a drug to treat celiac disease. Previous tissue studies have shown that the ZED1227 transglutaminase 2 inhibitor prevents gluten-induced intestinal damage. The results …
Removal of excess chloride ions by plants when subjected to salt stress
Researchers have discovered a salt adaptation mechanism in plants that facilitates chloride removal from the roots and enhancing salinity tolerance. A research team has uncovered a novel mechanism of plant adaptation to salt stress involving the NaCl-i…
Researchers engineer AI path to prevent power outages
Researchers developed an artificial intelligence (AI) model that could help electrical grids prevent power outages by automatically rerouting electricity in milliseconds. The approach is an early example of ‘self-healing grid’ technology, which uses AI…