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
Volcanic eruptions, despite their rarity, have the potential to cause widespread devastation and loss of life. One key challenge in volcanic hazard assessment is understanding the behavior of dormant volcanoes. Can a volcano erupt after tens of thousands of years of dormancy? And what factors contribute to making volcanic eruptions more dangerous? These are questions
Transportation plays a significant role in global carbon emissions, ranking as the third largest contributor to the issue. In addressing this pressing concern, countries worldwide have been searching for effective solutions. High-speed railways (HSR) have emerged as a potential game-changer in intercity transportation due to their substantial electrification capabilities. However, the lack of relevant data
When it comes to effectively combining hard and soft materials, nature has already perfected the art. Take, for example, the bone-tendon connections in the human body. Despite the stark difference in hardness between bones and tendons, these intersections never fail. Drawing inspiration from this remarkable natural design, a team of researchers from TU Delft’s faculty
When the Sun becomes unruly, Earth witnesses a magnificent spectacle in its sky. Vibrant streams of auroras dance and flicker across the poles, painting the night sky with an array of colors. However, closer to the equator, a different mesmerizing glow emerges – the blushing, mauve-pink STEVE, accompanied by the elusive green-striped picket fence. These
After months of anticipation and speculation, internet users in the European Union may soon have access to Threads, the popular Instagram app owned by Meta. Previously unavailable in the EU due to concerns about regulatory oversight, Instagram has now placed a countdown timer on the Threads website, suggesting that the app will finally be accessible
Night shift work is a common practice for approximately 1 in 10 individuals. However, recent research conducted by a team of scientists from the Netherlands and Belgium has revealed a troubling statistic: more than half of these nocturnal workers are likely to develop some form of sleep disorder, namely insomnia. In their study, the researchers
In a recent study published in Nature Communications, researchers from Politecnico di Milano, Chalmers University of Technology, and Sapienza University of Rome have made significant progress in understanding the behavior of high-critical-temperature copper-based superconductors. These materials, even at temperatures above their critical temperature, exhibit strange properties that differ from those of normal metals. The findings
In the search for sustainable alternatives to petroleum-based plastics, researchers from North Carolina State University have made significant strides in developing biopolymer composite films using materials derived from crustaceans and seaweed. This innovative approach combines chitosan, derived from crab shells, and agarose, extracted from seaweed, to create films with enhanced properties. Not only are these
As an astronomer and meteor enthusiast, I eagerly anticipate the arrival of the Geminid meteor shower every December. Considered the best natural fireworks display of the year, people from all around the world gather to witness this breathtaking celestial event. This year’s Geminid meteor shower holds even greater promise as it coincides with a new
The hassle and frustration of being stuck in traffic is a universally disliked experience. However, recent research has brought attention to the detrimental impact that long daily commutes can have on our overall health. Not only do commuters have less time for physical activity, but they also tend to be overweight, consume more alcohol, and
The field of robotics has long been focused on developing computational techniques that can enable robots to perform complex motions by effectively coordinating the movement of individual limbs. In a recent study published in Nature Machine Intelligence, researchers from Intel Labs (Germany), University College London (UCL, UK), and VERSES Research Lab (US) explored the motor