Science & Technology

A new study shows that the physics principle of ‘nucleation’ can perform complex calculations that rival a simple neural network. The work may suggest avenues for new ways to think about computation using the principles of physics.

Two insect-like robots, a mini-bug and a water strider may be the smallest, lightest and fastest fully functional micro-robots ever known to be created. Such miniature robots could someday be used for work in areas such as artificial pollination, searc…

Protecting the world ocean against accelerating damage from human activities could be cheaper and take up less space than previously thought, new research has found.

Female meadow brown butterflies have fewer spots if they develop in warmer weather — so climate change could make them less spotty, new research shows.

Researchers have developed a framework that uses machine learning to accelerate the search for new proton-conducting materials, that could potentially improve the efficiency of hydrogen fuel cells.

A research group has discovered significant nonreciprocal optical absorption of LiNiPO4, referred to as the optical diode effect, in which divalent nickel (Ni2+) ions are responsible for magnetism, by passing light at shortwave infrared wavelengths use…

A research team has for the first time discovered anomalous meter-sized rocks on the lunar surface that are covered in dust and presumably exhibit unique properties — such as magnetic anomalies. These findings help to understand the processes that for…

A team has introduced a strategy for converting carbon-nitrogen atom pairs in a frequently used ring-shaped compound into carbon-carbon atom pairs. The method has potential in the quest for active ingredients for new drugs, for example.

Study shows efficacy and safety of oral antibiotic therapy in the form of pills for Staphylococcus aureus bloodstream infections. Currently, infusions are the standard treatment.

Researchers have used DNA origami, the art of folding DNA into desired structures, to show how an important cell receptor can be activated in a previously unknown way. The result opens new avenues for understanding how the Notch signalling pathway work…

The new theoretical research proposes that animal size over time depends on two key ecological factors.

The cause of neuron death in Alzheimer’s disease is poorly understood. A new study shows RNA interference may play a key role. Scientists have identified short strands of toxic RNAs that contribute to brain cell death and DNA damage in Alzheimer’s and …

The six anatomical layers of the mammalian brain cortex show distinct patterns of electrical activity which are consistent throughout the entire cortex and across several animal species, including humans, a study has found.

Organic semiconductors are materials that find applications in various electronic devices. Exciton binding energy is an important attribute that influences the behavior of these materials. Now, researchers have employed advanced spectroscopic technique…

Non-Heisenberg-type approximant crystals have many interesting properties and are intriguing for researchers of condensed matter physics. However, their magnetic phase diagrams, which are crucial for realizing their potential, remain completely unknown…

The cell nucleus is considered to be the control center of vital cellular processes, but its material properties continue to puzzle scientists. An international research team has now developed a new technique that provides a previously unattainable vie…

Researchers report that the roughness of pre-existing faults and associated stress heterogeneity in geological reservoirs play a key role for causing human-made earthquakes, so-called runaway events. The study combines novel fluid injection experiments…

For almost 200 years, archaeologists have been puzzled by a mysterious brown stain on the ancient Greek Parthenon temple in Greece. Now, researchers have conducted new scientific analyses, and their verdict is clear: The mystery remains.

New research has been published that identifies positive steps towards a better understanding of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), specifically in hospital-acquired pneumonia (HAP).

In the switch to ‘greener’ energy sources, the demand for rechargeable lithium-ion batteries is surging. However, their cathodes typically contain cobalt — a metal whose extraction has high environmental and societal costs. Now, researchers in report …