Why is breaking down plant material for biofuels so slow?
Tracking individual enzymes during the breakdown of cellulose for biofuel production has revealed how several roadblocks slow this process when using plant material that might otherwise go to waste. The research may lead to new ways to improve the brea…
AI Gene Editing and the Robo Revolution | The Brainstorm EP 46
This week, Autonomous Technology and Robotics Director of Research Sam Korus and Associate Portfolio Manager Nick Grous are joined by ARK Multiomics Research Associate Rong Guo to discuss CRISPR gene editing and the new Tesla Optimus robots.
This sound-suppressing silk can create quiet spaces
Researchers developed a silk fabric, which is barely thicker than a human hair, that can suppress unwanted noise and reduce noise transmission in a large room.
Could getting enough sleep help prevent osteoporosis?
In people’s early- to mid-20s, they reach what is called peak bone mineral density, which is higher for men than it is for women, according to researchers. This peak is one of the main determinants of fracture risk later in life. After reaching this pe…
It flickers, then it tips — study identifies early warning signals for the end of the African humid period
Tipping points in the climate system can be the result of a slow but linear development. However, they can also be accompanied by a ‘flickering’, with two stable climatic states that alternate before a final transition occurs — and the climate tips pe…
Emergency department packed to the gills? Someday, AI may help
Emergency departments nationwide are overcrowded and overtaxed, but a new study suggests artificial intelligence (AI) could one day help prioritize which patients need treatment most urgently.
AI predicts tumor-killing cells with high accuracy
Using artificial intelligence, scientists have developed a powerful predictive model for identifying the most potent cancer killing immune cells for use in cancer immunotherapies.
Biomarker found to help identify cells that can repair damaged blood vessels
Researchers have discovered a protein marker to help identify cells able to repopulate in patients with damaged blood vessels. Their findings could lead to new therapies for people with endothelial dysfunction, a type of disorder that contributes to co…
Efficacy of solar panels boosted
Solar energy is a crucial asset in the fight against climate change, and researchers have now devised a smart approach to optimize its effectiveness. Their innovative method includes incorporating artificial ground reflectors, a simple yet powerful enh…
Sedentary lifestyle puts strain on young hearts
According to a recent study, high levels of sedentary behavior and physical inactivity from childhood strain the heart in adolescence. High cardiac workload predicts heart failure and other heart diseases. In light of the findings, increasing moderate …
Years after his death, late scientist’s work could yield new cancer treatments
Recent reproductive research has opened the door for new treatments for solid cancer tumors, including breast cancer, lung cancer and melanoma.
US geographic region results in vastly different anal cancer risk for people with HIV
For people with HIV, the risk of anal cancer varies according to their geographic region.
Researchers show that slow-moving earthquakes are controlled by rock permeability
A research group explores how the makeup of rocks, specifically their permeability — or how easily fluids can flow through them — affects the frequency and intensity of slow slip events. Slow slips’ role in the earthquake cycle may help lead to a bet…
‘Better than graphene’ material development may improve implantable technology
Move over, graphene. There’s a new, improved two-dimensional material in the lab. Borophene, the atomically thin version of boron first synthesized in 2015, is more conductive, thinner, lighter, stronger and more flexible than graphene, the 2D version …
Intermittent fasting protects against liver inflammation and liver cancer
Fatty liver disease often leads to chronic liver inflammation and can even result in liver cancer. Scientists have now shown in mice that intermittent fasting on a 5:2 schedule can halt this development. The fasting regime reduces the development of li…
Bee body mass, pathogens and local climate influence heat tolerance
How well bees tolerate temperature extremes could determine their ability to persist in a changing climate. But heat tolerance varies between and within populations, so entomologists examined bee physical traits to understand how these traits interact …