Seeing not just with the eyes: Degree of arousal affects perception
The brain modulates visual signals according to internal states, as a new study by neuroscientists reveals.
Science & Technology
Deep-sea sponge’s ‘zero-energy’ flow control could inspire new energy efficient designs
The deep-sea Venus flower basket sponge can filter feed using only the faint ambient currents of the ocean depths, no pumping required, new research reveals. This discovery of natural ‘zero energy’ flow control could help engineers design more efficien…
Researchers develop ‘game-changing’ blood test for stroke detection
Stroke is the leading cause of disability worldwide and the second leading cause of death, but the right early intervention can prevent severe consequences. Scientists developed a new test by combining blood-based biomarkers with a clinical score to id…
Fruit fly wing research offers window into birth defects
If fruit fly wings do not develop into the right shape, the flies will die. Researchers have learned how fly embryo cells develop as they need to, opening a window into human development and possible treatments for birth defects.
Ancient arachnid from coal forests of America stands out for its spiny legs
The spiny legged 308-million-year-old arachnid Douglassarachne acanthopoda was discovered the famous Mazon Creek locality.
Anti-diabetic treatment associated with reduced risk of developing blood cancer
People who use metformin are less likely to develop a myeloproliferative neoplasm (MPN) over time, indicating that the treatment may help prevent the development of certain types of cancers, according to a new study.
A trial HIV vaccine triggered elusive and essential antibodies in humans
An HIV vaccine candidate triggered low levels of an elusive type of broadly neutralizing HIV antibodies among a small group of people enrolled in a 2019 clinical trial.
A powerful tool speeds success in achieving highly efficient thermoelectric materials
Thermoelectric materials could play an important role in the clean energy transition, as they can produce electricity from sources of heat that would otherwise go to waste. Researchers report a new approach to efficiently predict when thermoelectric ma…
Airborne technology brings new hope to map shallow aquifers in Earth’s most arid deserts
The new technique will map the top of the aquifer, called the ‘water table,’ spanning areas as large as hundreds of kilometers using a radar mounted on a high-altitude aircraft. According to the researchers, Desert-SEA will measure the variabilities in…
A new ‘rule of biology’ may have come to light, expanding insight into evolution and aging
A molecular biologist may have found a new ‘rule of biology.’ The rule challenges long-held notions that most living organisms prefer stability over instability because stability requires less energy and fewer resources.