Black holes help with star birth
The cosmic mass monsters clear the way for the formation of new suns in satellite galaxies.
Science & Technology
Earliest memories can start from the age of two-and-a-half
On average the earliest memories that people can recall point back to when they were just two-and-a-half years old, a new study suggests.
From milk protein, a plastic foam that gets better in a tough environment
A new high-performance plastic foam developed from whey proteins can withstand extreme heat better than many common thermoplastics made from petroleum. A research team reports that the material, which may be used for example in catalysts for cars, fuel…
Engineers devise novel approach to wirelessly power wearable devices
Researchers have come up with a way to use one single device – such as a mobile phone or smart watch – to wirelessly power up to 10 wearables on a user. This novel method uses the human body as a medium for transmitting power. Their system can also har…
New glial cells discovered in the brain: Implications for brain repair
Neurons, nerve cells in the brain, are central players in brain function. However, a key role for glia, long considered support cells, is emerging. A research group has now discovered two new types of glial cells in the brain, by unleashing adult stem …
Key cause of energy loss in spintronic materials
A study uncovered a property of magnetic materials that will allow engineers to develop more efficient spintronic devices in the future, which could lead to faster and more efficient computing and data storage.
Plant-based diet protects from hypertension, preeclampsia
A plant-based diet appears to afford significant protection to rats bred to become hypertensive on a high-salt diet, scientists report. When the rats become pregnant, the whole grain diet also protects the mothers and their offspring from deadly preecl…
New method makes generic polymers luminescent
Researchers have developed a simple method that converts existing generic polymers into luminescent polymers using mechanical force.
How gender norms and job loss affect relationship status
Research shows that, in cultures that value men as breadwinners, their unemployment can affect the long-term success of a romantic relationship.
Young adults who lost and then restored heart health had lower risk of heart attack, stroke
A long-term analysis of young adults in Korea found that those with poor heart health had higher rates of cardiovascular disease at a younger age. Young adults with poor cardiovascular health who improved their cardiovascular health over time reduced t…
AI predicts how patients with viral infections, including COVID-19, will fare
Gene expression patterns associated with pandemic viral infections provide a map to help define patients’ immune responses, measure disease severity, predict outcomes and test therapies — for current and future pandemics.
A better understanding of ‘wet markets’ is key to safeguarding human health, biodiversity
The term ‘wet market’ is often laced with negative undertones, especially in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, but the majority of these markets — like the one featured above in Taipei, Taiwan — pose very little risks to human health and biodiversity, …