Science & Technology
‘Virtual pillars’ separate and sort blood-based nanoparticles
Engineers have developed a device that uses sound waves to separate and sort the tiniest particles found in blood, in a matter of minutes. The technology is based on a concept called ‘virtual pillars’ and could be a boon to both scientific research and…
Kibble-Zurek mechanism for nonequilibrium phase transitions
The Kibble-Zurek (KZ) mechanism, confirmed experimentally only for equilibrium phase transitions, is also applicable for non-equilibrium phase transitions, as is now shown in a landmark study. The KZ mechanism is characterized by the formation of topol…
SARS-CoV-2 variants are still transmissible between species, study indicates
Scientists believe bats first transmitted SARS-CoV-2 to humans in December 2019, and while the virus has since evolved into several variants such as delta and omicron, a new study indicates the virus is still highly transmissible between mammals.
Fossil discovery in storeroom cupboard shifts origin of modern lizard back 35 million years
A specimen retrieved from a cupboard of the Natural History Museum in London has shown that modern lizards originated in the Late Triassic and not the Middle Jurassic as previously thought.
Health benefits of using wind energy instead of fossil fuels
A new study finds that the health benefits associated with wind power could more than quadruple if operators turned down output from the most polluting fossil-fuel-based power plants when energy from wind is available. However, compared to wealthier co…
Playing the piano boosts brain processing power and helps lift the blues
A randomized control trial led by psychologists shows the positive effects learning to play music for just a few weeks has on cognitive abilities.
Scientists reveal encouraging findings in first-in-human clinical trial evaluating HIV vaccine approach
While scientists have struggled in the past to create an effective vaccine against HIV, a novel vaccine design strategy being pursued by a team of researchers. The teams work shows new promise, according to data from a first-in-human clinical trial.
Palm e-tattoo can tell when you’re stressed out
Researchers have applied emerging electronic tattoo (e-tattoo) technology to the tricky task of measuring stress levels by attaching a device to people’s palms.
Pregnant moms’ stress may accelerate cell aging of white, not Black, kids, study finds
Does stress during pregnancy impact children’s cell aging, and does race matter? The answer is yes, according to a new study.
Common immune cells can prevent intestinal healing
B cells are critical to the proper functioning of the immune system. However, researchers have shown that they can sometimes do more harm than good, as their numbers greatly increase after bowel damage, preventing the tissue from healing. The results c…