The autonomous assembly of individual particles into complex patterns is a fundamental process in life, as well as in nanotechnology. Professor Erwin Frey, a physicist at LMU Munich, has been delving into the fundamental principles of self-organization. His research focuses on the formation of patterns such as active foams from a combination of protein filaments
Fear is a primal instinct that can have a powerful grip on our minds and bodies. It is a response triggered by a cascade of chemical changes that prepare us for a threat. However, when fear becomes overwhelming, it can lead to conditions such as anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Researchers have recently discovered
Giant black holes residing in the centers of galaxies such as the Milky Way have been observed to engage in a peculiar activity – consuming nearby stars and transforming them into a dramatic spectacle of destruction. This process, known as a tidal disruption event, involves the star being stretched and torn apart as it approaches
The research conducted by Western Sydney University revealed shocking levels of PFOS (perfluorooctane sulfonate) contamination in the livers of deceased platypuses across eastern New South Wales. The study, which involved the analysis of liver samples from nine deceased platypuses collected over two-and-a-half years, showed that the PFOS concentrations in these animals were far higher than
The ratchet mechanism is a fascinating energy-conversion system that converts disorderly or random motion into orderly, directed movement through a process known as spontaneous rectification. It is a critical component of mechanical systems, typically consisting of a gear and a pawl, which restricts the movement of the gear in one direction. In biological systems, the
Picture a world where your milk carton can communicate with your smartphone, letting you know if it has gone bad without the need to open the fridge. This futuristic concept could soon become a reality, thanks to a groundbreaking technology known as printed electronics. Printed electronics involve electronic circuits that are thin, flexible, and can
Polymers have long been understood as materials consisting of long chains of molecules that determine their properties. Traditionally, external forces were believed to have a destructive impact on polymers, such as stretching leading to chain breakage. However, recent research has shown that external forces can actually have constructive effects on polymers, altering their properties and
AMD, a prominent chipmaker, has recently announced its acquisition of server maker ZT Systems in a lucrative cash-and-stock deal valued at $4.9 billion. This strategic move is aimed at enhancing AMD’s artificial intelligence capacity and strengthening its position in the competitive landscape, particularly in the face of its rival Nvidia. Post the closure of the
In recent years, research on Alzheimer’s disease has taken an interesting turn. Despite years of study, the direct cause of brain damage in Alzheimer’s has remained elusive. However, a team of researchers from Emory University in the US may have uncovered a new perspective on the disease. While previous studies have focused on abnormal protein
Stars collapsing past the event horizon of a black hole is not an uncommon sight in the world of astronomy. The flashes representing the death throes of these stars serve as a grim reminder of the destructive forces at play. However, in rare instances, a star manages to escape being completely swallowed by its gigantic
Plastics have long been a staple in modern manufacturing, but their detrimental environmental impact has spurred a global search for eco-friendly alternatives. At The University of Warwick, researchers have been at the forefront of this movement, making significant advancements in the quest for sustainable materials to replace conventional plastics. In response to escalating environmental concerns,
Upon waking up to a cold and wet morning, many individuals may attribute their joint pain to the weather. However, a recent study debunked this common belief. The study, involving more than 15,000 participants from around the world, found no direct link between changes in weather conditions and the onset or exacerbation of joint or
The infamous myth of lemmings running off cliffs to their collective doom may be far from the truth, but the concept of a critical point remains a relevant topic in various systems. Critical points are described as the moment when the behavior of a system undergoes a sudden change, leading to potentially catastrophic results. While
Color Vision Deficiency (CVD), commonly known as color blindness, affects a significant portion of the population, including nearly 8% of genetic males and 0.5% of genetic females. In fields where color plays a crucial role in conveying information, such as meteorology, individuals with CVD face challenges in interpreting data accurately. For scientists in the weather
Boeing’s new CEO, Kelly Ortberg, has expressed his intention to reset relations with the key union representing tens of thousands of its workers. In a message to the aerospace giant’s employees, Ortberg stated his commitment to reaching a new labor contract that will benefit both parties. The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, consisting