Science & Technology
Some coral reefs are keeping pace with ocean warming
Some coral communities are becoming more heat tolerant as ocean temperatures rise, offering hope for corals in a changing climate.
Safeguarding clean water for spaceflight missions
In a first study of its kind, scientists characterized different bacterial populations isolated over time from potable (drinking) water from the International Space Station (ISS).
Scientists unravel the mysteries of irreversibility in electrochromic thin films
Tungsten oxide, an electrochromic (EC) material with immense potential for technical applications such as in smart windows, has attracted much interest for its energy-saving qualities. However, after multiple cycles, such EC devices exhibit degradation…
Walking with coffee is a little-understood feat of physics
A new article expands on the coffee-cup-holding paradigm to examine how humans manipulate a complex object. The research has the potential to revolutionize design of smart prosthetics and will have an impact on manufacturing and animation.
Emoji are proposed as a powerful way for patients and doctors to communicate
Emoji could particularly enhance interaction with young children, people with disabilities, and patients who speak other languages, a physician and others argue in a new commentary. The opportunity exists for medical societies and physician committees …
Scientists grow miniature brains that mimic the major pathological features of Parkinson’s disease
Recreating major pathological features of Parkinson’s disease in a lab-grown, human mini-brain will help researchers to explore new treatments. This is the first time that Lewy bodies, a hallmark of Parkinson’s disease in patients’ brains, have been pr…
Scientists develop films with tunable elongation and fracture for various uses
Elastic polymers, or ‘elastomers,’ have various applications, including in car tires and shock absorbers, and their properties are governed by the density of cross-linked polymer chains. However, these properties are usually not modifiable, leading to …
Surroundings affect rhythm of an individual’s walk, according to new study
Stepping patterns become slower and more variable if a person is uncomfortable with their surroundings, researchers have found.
New research shows a link between cell identities and childhood cancer type neuroblastoma
Neuroblastoma is a type of childhood cancer that develops in infants and young children. Whilst it is a relatively rare form of cancer, it is still responsible for approximately 15 percent of all cancer deaths in children. Researchers have discovered t…
Bird malaria spreading via global ‘hotspots’
Bird species across the globe are suffering and dying from a type of malaria and, while these strains are not infectious to humans, they’re spreading quickly through global transmission hotspots.
Scientists discover chemical signals in starfish that stop them eating
Like humans, starfish produce chemicals that tell them they’re full and to stop eating, according to a new study.
Scientists discover two new species and new genus of freshwater mussels in Borneo
Researchers have discovered two new species and a new genus of freshwater mussel in Borneo for the first time in almost 100 years.