Science & Technology
In the ‘I’ of the beholder: People believe self-relevant artwork is more beautiful
New research shows how we prefer art that speaks to our sense of self. The findings could lead to more effective forms of art therapy, but can also lead media companies to generate addictive content online.
New evidence indicates patients recall death experiences after cardiac arrest
Up to an hour after their hearts had stopped, some patients revived by cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) had clear memories afterward of experiencing death and had brain patterns while unconscious linked to thought and memory, report investigators.
Study decodes surprising approach mice take in learning
Neurotypical humans readily optimize performance in ‘reversal learning’ games, but while mice learn the winning strategy, they refuse to commit to it, a new study shows. The research provides a mathematical way to track the rodents’ more mixed tactics.
New device rapidly controls postpartum hemorrhage
A study led by obstetricians has shown that a new device can rapidly control postpartum hemorrhage, a major cause of severe maternal morbidity and death, in a wide range of patients.
Snaps supersonic outflow of young star
Herbig-Haro (HH) objects are luminous regions surrounding newborn stars, formed when stellar winds or jets of gas spewing from these newborn stars form shock waves colliding with nearby gas and dust at high speeds. This image of HH 211 from NASA’s Jame…
AI-driven tool makes it easy to personalize 3D-printable models
With Style2Fab, makers can rapidly customize models of 3D-printable objects, such as assistive devices, without hampering their functionality.
Revolutionizing brain monitoring and stimulation with thin-film neural electrodes
Flexible thin-film electrodes placed directly on brain tissue show promise for the diagnosis and treatment of epilepsy. Thanks to an innovative yet straightforward design, these durable electrodes accurately match the mechanical properties of brain tis…
Keeping the ‘warm glow’ of giving going significantly boosts repeat blood donations
New research has shown that boosting the ‘warm glow’ feeling that people experience after giving blood significantly increases repeat blood donations, which are essential for the effective running of any health service.
Genetically modified bacteria break down plastics in saltwater
Researchers have genetically engineered a marine microorganism to break down plastic in salt water. Specifically, the modified organism can break down polyethylene terephthalate (PET), a plastic used in everything from water bottles to clothing that is…
Study explains why certain immunotherapies don’t always work as predicted
A study reveals a possible explanation for why checkpoint blockade inhibitors don’t work well for some patients whose tumors have a high mutational burden.
Using topology, Researchers advance understanding of how cells organize themselves
R esearchers created a machine learning algorithm using computational topology that profiles shapes and spatial patterns in embryos to study how these cells organize themselves into tissue-like architectures. In a new study, they take that system to th…
Switching off the cytokine storm
Researchers provide essential insights on the molecular activation of the MAP kinase p38?, the final switch triggering the inflammatory response. Inflammation is a cellular coping mechanism when confronted with stress, such as an infection. However, to…
Specialized gut immune cells pinpointed that can limit progression of inflammatory bowel disease
Researchers have characterized a specialized type of immune cell, which plays a key role in protecting and repairing the cells in the healthy human gut.
Researchers call for major reforms of the UN Sustainable Development Goals: SDG Summit a decisive moment
With research showing that the SDGs have had little political impact, the September 18-19 UN SDG Summit must pave the way for four major changes in how the SDGs are implemented and governed globally, argues an international group of sustainability expe…
Researchers discover tissue-specific protection against protein aggregation
Researchers have identified a backup mechanism of protein quality control which prevents the toxic effects of protein aggregation in specific tissues when normal methods of molecular monitoring fail. By understanding how different tissues tackle protei…
Vocal learning linked to problem solving skills and brain size
The better a songbird is at working its way around obstacles to retrieve a snack, the more complex its vocal learning ability will be.
Carbon atoms coming together in space
Lab-based studies reveal how carbon atoms diffuse on the surface of interstellar ice grains to form complex organic compounds, crucial to reveal the chemical complexity in the universe.