When considering the potential for life on a planet, there are three fundamental elements to be taken into account: water, warmth, and food. However, there is another crucial factor that plays a significant role in determining the sustainability and growth of complex life forms on a given planet – entropy. Luigi Petraccone, a chemistry researcher
As anyone who has had gastroenteritis will tell you, when human noroviruses hit, they hit hard. However, a new study suggests protection against these dangerous and evasive bugs could be found in an unlikely place: tiny particles produced by llamas. Like humans, members of the camel family such as llamas (Llama glama) produce antibodies to
Anodes used for the electrolytic splitting of water have long relied on iridium-based materials. Although iridium has proven to be an effective catalyst for this reaction, its stability is a concern as iridium gradually dissolves in the electrolysis cell’s acidic environment, diminishing the catalytic effect. In an effort to enhance the stability of iridium catalysts,
A groundbreaking study conducted by scientists at The Ohio State University has discovered that ice recovered from high tropical mountains can unveil crucial information about past climate changes on Earth. In a surprising revelation, the study revealed that oxygen-stable isotope records found in ice cores from tropical mountain glaciers can offer a unique insight into
The absorption of water waves is a critical process that determines the energy loss of these waves, ultimately reducing their impacts on shores and surrounding structures. As extreme weather conditions become more frequent, finding effective strategies to enable efficient absorption has become a pressing concern. For decades, researchers at Sorbonne Université CNRS, Institut Polytechnique de
In a significant breakthrough, Professor Chan Chi-hou, Chair Professor of Electronic Engineering at City University of Hong Kong (CityU), and his research team have achieved a remarkable advancement in antenna technology. Their groundbreaking research has made it possible to manipulate all five fundamental properties of electromagnetic waves through software control. This revolutionary invention, known as
A new generation of obesity drugs has emerged, offering hope for those struggling with weight loss. These drugs have shown impressive results in terms of shedding excess pounds. However, many patients are left wondering what happens once they stop treatment. Will the weight come back? A recent study published in the Journal of the American
The recent discovery of a record-breaking brown dwarf has left astronomers baffled and challenged in their understanding of the star formation process. This brown dwarf, with a mass of only 3 to 4 times that of Jupiter, appears to be the lowest-mass object of its kind found thus far. It is adrift in space, devoid
Electric vehicles (EVs) have been hailed as a solution to reducing pollution and improving air quality. However, a study conducted by UCLA has shed light on the complex relationship between EV ownership, pollution, and disadvantaged communities. While EVs do improve air quality in all communities, the traffic corridors that run through disadvantaged areas remain a
The Department of Energy’s Pacific Northwest National Laboratory has spearheaded groundbreaking research that could revolutionize the world of electric vehicles (EVs) as we know it. By making a seemingly simple shift in lithium-ion battery manufacturing, the potential for EVs to store more energy per charge and endure more charging cycles is within reach. This pioneering
The world of materials science is constantly evolving, with researchers striving to uncover new states of matter and understand their unique properties. One such state is liquid crystal, which exhibits properties of both liquid and solid. However, there is another intriguing state of matter that has remained elusive for over half a century – the
In a groundbreaking study conducted at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, researchers have made significant strides in uncovering the role of solvation in ion binding and have introduced a novel pathway for electrochemically controlling ion selectivity. Published in JACS Au, this research builds upon previous work by Professor Xiao Su and Ph.D. student Raylin Chen,
The atmosphere of Mars experienced a remarkable event on 26 December 2022 when a powerful gust of solar wind caused it to expand dramatically. This unprecedented incident occurred as the MAVEN spacecraft, orbiting Mars, detected a sudden drop in solar particles alongside a peculiar transformation in the Martian atmosphere. The magnetosphere and ionosphere of the
A large clinical trial has brought us one step closer to finding a safer and more effective relief for people suffering from severe asthma. The trial revealed that a monoclonal antibody treatment called benralizumab can significantly reduce the need for high-dose steroid treatments, which are known to carry a multitude of risks and side effects.
In a recent development, Professor Debashis Chanda, a researcher at the University of Central Florida’s NanoScience Technology Center, has made significant progress in photon detection technology. Photon detection, the process of detecting elementary particles that span from visible light to radio frequencies, has traditionally relied on the modulation of voltage or current amplitude. However, Chanda’s