With hybrid brains, these mice smell like a rat
Mice lacking an olfactory system have had their sense of smell restored with neurons from rats, the first time scientists have successfully integrated the sensory apparatus of one species into another.
Estimating emissions potential of decommissioned gas wells from shale samples
Extracting natural gas from shale formations can provide an abundant, lower-carbon footprint fossil fuel, but also creates concerns over increased methane emissions. Researchers have now developed a new tool that can estimate the emission potential of …
Nanomaterial that mimics proteins could be basis for new neurodegenerative disease treatments
A newly developed nanomaterial that mimics the behavior of proteins could be an effective tool for treating Alzheimer’s and other neurodegenerative diseases. The nanomaterial alters the interaction between two key proteins in brain cells — with a pote…
Scientists released long-term data of ground solar-induced fluorescence to improve understanding of canopy-level photosynthesis
A recent study utilized ground-based instruments to measure solar-induced fluorescence (SIF) that reflect plant health and photosynthesis.
The longer spilled oil lingers in freshwater, the more persistent compounds it produces
Oil is an important natural resource for many industries, but it can lead to serious environmental damage when accidentally spilled. While large oil spills are highly publicized, every year there are many smaller-scale spills into lakes, rivers and oce…
Warming Arctic reduces dust levels in parts of the planet
Dust can have a huge impact on local air quality, food security, energy supply and public health. Previous studies have found that dust levels are decreasing across India, particularly northern India, the Persian Gulf Coast and much of the Middle East,…
Identifying a new liver defender: The role of resident macrophages
Researchers discovered liver resident macrophages’ pivotal role in defending against gut bacteria and related substances entering via the portal vein, particularly under compromised intestinal barrier conditions. Identified as ‘sentinel macrophages,’ t…
Synthetic droplets cause a stir in the primordial soup
Our bodies are made up of trillions of different cells, each fulfilling their own unique function to keep us alive. How do cells move around inside these extremely complicated systems? How do they know where to go? And how did they get so complicated t…
Scientists replace fishmeal in aquaculture with microbial protein derived from soybean processing wastewater
Scientists have successfully replaced half of the fishmeal protein in the diets of farmed Asian seabass with a ‘single cell protein’ cultivated from microbes in soybean processing wastewater, paving the way for more sustainable fish farming practices.
Key to efficient and stable organic solar cells
A team of researchers has made a significant breakthrough in the field of organic photovoltaics.
Diamond dust shines bright in Magnetic Resonance Imaging
An unexpected discovery surprised a scientist: nanometer-sized diamond particles, which were intended for a completely different purpose, shone brightly in a magnetic resonance imaging experiment — much brighter than the actual contrast agent, the hea…
Physical activity in nature helps prevent several diseases, including depression and type 2 diabetes
Physical activity in natural environments prevent almost 13,000 cases of non-communicable diseases a year in England and save treatment costs of more than 100 million, new research has found.
Genetic variations may predispose people to Parkinson’s disease following long-term pesticide exposure, study finds
A new study found certain genetic variants could help explain how long-term pesticide exposure could increase the risk of Parkinson’s disease.
Deer are expanding north, and that’s not good for caribou
In the boreal forest of Western Canada, researchers have considered that both changing climate and increased habitat alteration have enabled deer to push farther north.
Simplified diagnosis of rare eye diseases
Uveitis is a rare inflammatory eye disease. Posterior and panuveitis in particular are associated with a poor prognosis and a protracted course of the disease. Diagnosis and monitoring can be challenging for healthcare professionals. Fundus autofluores…
‘Like a nanoscopic Moon lander’: Scientists unlock secret of how pyramidal molecules move across surfaces
Scientists have watched a molecule move across a graphite surface in unprecedented detail. It turns out this particular molecule moves like a Moon lander — and the insights hold potential for future nanotechnologies.
Freeze casting: A guide to creating hierarchically structured materials
Freeze casting is an elegant, cost-effective manufacturing technique to produce highly porous materials with custom-designed hierarchical architectures, well-defined pore orientation, and multifunctional surface structures. Freeze-cast materials are su…
How do birds flock? Researchers do the math to reveal previously unknown aerodynamic phenomenon
How do birds fly in a coordinated and seemingly effortless fashion? Part of the answer lies in precise, and previously unknown, aerodynamic interactions, reports a team of mathematicians. Its breakthrough broadens our understanding of wildlife, includi…
IRIS beamline at BESSY II extended with nanomicroscopy
The IRIS infrared beamline at the BESSY II storage ring now offers a fourth option for characterizing materials, cells and even molecules on different length scales. The team has extended the IRIS beamline with an end station for nanospectroscopy and n…
Towards novel promising perovskite-type ferroelectric materials: High-pressure synthesis of rubidium niobate
Researchers have pioneered a breakthrough in ferroelectric material development. They’ve engineered a novel displacement-type ferroelectric material boasting remarkable dielectric properties. Their achievement includes the successful synthesis of rubid…