Science & Technology
From lab to slab: Rubber concrete flexes into the residential market
A novel approach to rubber recycling could see end-of-life tyres repurposed into concrete for residential constructions as new research shows that it can provide an economically viable and sustainable alternative to conventional concrete.
Researchers discover source of super-fast electron ‘rain’
Scientists have discovered a new source of super-fast, energetic electrons raining down on Earth’s atmosphere, a phenomenon that contributes to the colorful aurora borealis and poses hazards to satellites, spacecraft and astronauts.
European earthworms reduce insect populations in North American forests
Earthworms introduced into northern North America have a negative impact on the insect fauna above ground. Soil ecologists found this impact for abundance as well as for biomass and species richness of insects. Their results indicate that changes in in…
Immune cells produce chemical messenger that prevents heart disease–related inflammation
In the bone marrow, B cells produce a chemical messenger called acetylcholine that prevents inflammation in the heart and blood vessels by blocking white blood cell production. Tapping into this process may help scientists target inflammation in cardio…
Drought alters Mammoth Mountain’s carbon dioxide emissions
A study suggests the weight of snow and ice atop the Sierra Nevada affects a California volcano’s carbon dioxide emissions, one of the main signs of volcanic unrest.
Universal flu vaccine candidate
Scientists have leveraged on a novel vaccine platform to deliver M2e to immune cells. This allowed them to prove that a single shot immunization containing M2e was able to trigger long-lasting immune responses that could protect effectively against mul…
‘An underutilized tool:’ UV-LED lights can kill coronaviruses and HIV with the flip of a switch, study finds
The same light bulbs used in offices and public spaces can destroy coronaviruses and HIV, according to a new study.
Unravelling the mystery of parrot longevity
Bigger brains have led some species of parrot to live surprisingly long lives, new research shows.
Zebra finch males sing in dialects and females pay attention
Male zebra finches learn their song by imitating conspecifics. To stand out in the crowd, each male develops its own unique song. Because of this individual-specific song, it was long assumed that dialects do not exist in zebra finches. However, with t…
Researchers identify key complex for ribosome generation
Researchers have identified a four-protein complex that appears to play a key role in generating ribosomes — organelles that serve as protein factories for cells — as well as a surprising part in neurodevelopmental disorders. The findings could lead …
Early life adversity, microglia dysfunction linked to aberrant adult stress responses, mental illness
The poor function of microglia, the brain’s immune cells in individuals exposed to early life adversity (ELA) promotes aberrant responses to stress in adulthood that may be linked to mental illness, according to a new study. During brain development, m…
Early life adversity, microglia dysfunction linked to aberrant adult stress responses, mental illness
The poor function of microglia, the brain’s immune cells in individuals exposed to early life adversity (ELA) promotes aberrant responses to stress in adulthood that may be linked to mental illness, according to a new study. During brain development, m…