For The Better

A series of experiments using paper airplanes reveals new aerodynamic effects, a team of scientists has discovered. Its findings enhance our understanding of flight stability and could inspire new types of flying robots and small drones.

Sleep study on a troop of wild baboons reveals that sacrificing sleep to meet pressing demands is common — and might even be part of our evolutionary history.

A new study using serum from human blood samples suggests neutralizing antibody levels produced by two-dose mRNA vaccines against the original and early variants of the SARS-CoV-2 virus wane substantially over time, and offer essentially no protection …

Using a unique hydrogel, scientists have created a solar-driven system that successfully grows spinach by using water drawn from the air while producing electricity. The proof-of-concept design offers a sustainable, low-cost strategy to improve food an…

Genes jumping from microbes to green algae hundreds of millions of years ago might have driven the evolution of land plants, researchers report. Their analysis reveals that hundreds of genes from bacteria, fungi, and viruses have been integrated into p…

To understand how hearing loss impacts people, researchers study people’s ability to recognize speech, and hearing aid algorithms are often used to improve human speech recognition. Researchers explore a human speech recognition model based on machine …

A new study examines the efficacy of particle filtration by woven fabric, which consists of fibers twisted together into yarns. There are, therefore, two lengthscales: the diameters of the fiber and the yarn. Using 3D imagery produced by confocal micro…

Intestinal cells can change specializations during their lives. The BMP signaling pathway — an important communication mechanism between cells — appears to be the driver of these changes, according to research with organoids and mice. The study offer…

The development of highly secure but simple and inexpensive encryption technology for the prevention of data leaks and forgeries is decidedly challenging. A research team has now introduced a ‘double lock’ based on thermoresponsive polymer hydrogels th…

Neurons in the brain coexist with and rely on many other cell types to function properly. Astrocytes, which take their name from their star shape, ensure the survival of neurons by feeding and detoxifying them with the help of a multifunctional protein…

The physics and chemistry that take place deep inside our planet are fundamental to the existence of life as we know it. But what forces are at work in the interiors of distant worlds, and how do these conditions affect their potential for habitability…

A new study suggests genetic material from E. coli bacteria in farm animals could be contributing to the evolution of deadly strains of E. coli in humans.

Water is an abundant and essential compound, found everywhere on Earth. Yet despite its familiarity and simple structure, water displays many unusual physical properties. For more than a century, scientists have turned their attention to the study of w…

A signature found in the cheek cells of mothers and fathers of preterm infants may help develop a test to determine whether a pregnancy may end too early. Such a test could help prevent premature births and the many resulting health impacts on infants …

Scientists have published the first record of a Noble False Widow spider feeding on a protected species of Pipistrelle bats in the UK. The new study demonstrates that False Widow spiders continue to impact native species.

Researchers have developed a new theoretical model to better assess the risks of spreading viruses such as COVID-19 — with and without a face mask. The results show how the standard ‘safe’ distance of two meters does not always apply but varies greatl…

A ubiquitous protein called sigma 1 receptor, which is known to protect cells from stress, appears key to the function and survival of the neurons most impacted by glaucoma, scientists report.

Small particles from tires inhibited the growth and caused adverse behavioral changes in organisms found in freshwater and coastal estuary ecosystems, two new research papers found.

Semiconductor experiments reveal a surprising new source of conductivity from oxygen atoms trapped inside the material.