Long-life lithium batteries.
Researchers at the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory have increased the lifetime of lithium-metal electric vehicle batteries to a record level by using microscale structured anodes. This is an important step towards the goal of lighter, cheaper, and longer-lasting electric vehicle batteries.
Their latest results are published in Nature Energy: http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41560-021-00852-3
#sciencenews #physics #chemistry #energy
Researchers at the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory have increased the lifetime of lithium-metal electric vehicle batteries to a record level by using microscale structured anodes. This is an important step towards the goal of lighter, cheaper, and longer-lasting electric vehicle batteries.
Their latest results are published in Nature Energy: http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41560-021-00852-3
#sciencenews #physics #chemistry #energy
Nature
Balancing interfacial reactions to achieve long cycle life in high-energy lithium metal batteries
Nature Energy - The development of Li metal batteries requires understanding of cell-level electrochemical processes. Here the authors investigate the interplay between electrode thickness,...
Nano-cleaners.
University of Colorado Boulder researchers have found that tiny, self-propelled particles can swim to escape from mazes as much as 20 times faster than passive particles, paving the way for their use in cleaning waste from hard to reach areas.
Their nanosystem is described in PNAS: http://dx.doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2101807118
#sciencenews #nanomaterials #environment
University of Colorado Boulder researchers have found that tiny, self-propelled particles can swim to escape from mazes as much as 20 times faster than passive particles, paving the way for their use in cleaning waste from hard to reach areas.
Their nanosystem is described in PNAS: http://dx.doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2101807118
#sciencenews #nanomaterials #environment
PNAS
Mechanisms of transport enhancement for self-propelled nanoswimmers in a porous matrix
As with living microorganisms, many real-world applications of synthetic micro/nanoswimmers are likely to rely on transport in complex environments, a phenomenon that remains poorly understood. Here, we report anomalously rapid transport of self-propelled…
Hawking’s black hole theorem - confirmed.
Hawking’s central law for black holes predicts that the area of their event horizons should never shrink. Physicists at MIT have confirmed Hawking's theorem using experimental observations of gravitational waves.
Their confirmation is published in Physical Review Letters: https://journals.aps.org/prl/abstract/10.1103/PhysRevLett.127.011103
#sciencenews #astronomy
Hawking’s central law for black holes predicts that the area of their event horizons should never shrink. Physicists at MIT have confirmed Hawking's theorem using experimental observations of gravitational waves.
Their confirmation is published in Physical Review Letters: https://journals.aps.org/prl/abstract/10.1103/PhysRevLett.127.011103
#sciencenews #astronomy
Physical Review Letters
Testing the Black-Hole Area Law with GW150914
By comparing the sizes of black holes before and after a merger, researchers have tested Hawking's theorem on black hole areas.
Fast nanographene synthesis.
A group of researchers at Nagoya University, Japan have developed a new method for quickly and efficiently synthesising nanographenes. They used an APEX reaction with polycyclic aromatic templates to controllably synthesise a range of different nanographenes.
Their work has been published in Nature Communications: http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41467-021-24261-y
#sciencenews #nanomaterials
A group of researchers at Nagoya University, Japan have developed a new method for quickly and efficiently synthesising nanographenes. They used an APEX reaction with polycyclic aromatic templates to controllably synthesise a range of different nanographenes.
Their work has been published in Nature Communications: http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41467-021-24261-y
#sciencenews #nanomaterials
Nature
Diversity-oriented synthesis of nanographenes enabled by dearomative annulative π-extension
Nature Communications - Nanographenes and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are important classes of compounds with numerous applications, but challenging to access due to a lack of...
Gene editing in space.
Researchers from the Genes in Space program have developed and successfully demonstrated a novel method for studying how cells repair damaged DNA in space. They used CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing to create controlled damage to DNA strands, before observing the self-repair mechanisms in detail.
Their methods are described in PLOS ONE: http://dx.doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0253403
#sciencenews #biology #genetics
Researchers from the Genes in Space program have developed and successfully demonstrated a novel method for studying how cells repair damaged DNA in space. They used CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing to create controlled damage to DNA strands, before observing the self-repair mechanisms in detail.
Their methods are described in PLOS ONE: http://dx.doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0253403
#sciencenews #biology #genetics
journals.plos.org
A CRISPR-based assay for the study of eukaryotic DNA repair onboard the International Space Station
As we explore beyond Earth, astronauts may be at risk for harmful DNA damage caused by ionizing radiation. Double-strand breaks are a type of DNA damage that can be repaired by two major cellular pathways: non-homologous end joining, during which insertions…
AI for mental health.
Researchers from the University of Tsukuba have found that AI can be used to detect signs of depression. They used machine learning to predict psychological distress among study participants without the need for subjective data inputs.
The process is described in BMJ Open: http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2020-046265
#sciencenews #AI
Researchers from the University of Tsukuba have found that AI can be used to detect signs of depression. They used machine learning to predict psychological distress among study participants without the need for subjective data inputs.
The process is described in BMJ Open: http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2020-046265
#sciencenews #AI
BMJ Open
Comparison of predicted psychological distress among workers between artificial intelligence and psychiatrists: a cross-sectional…
Objectives Psychological distress is a worldwide problem and a serious problem that needs to be addressed in the field of occupational health. This study aimed to use artificial intelligence (AI) to predict psychological distress among workers using sociodemographic…
How Covid-19 affects the blood.
Researchers at the Max-Planck-Zentrum für Physik und Medizin showed that Covid-19 significantly changes the size and stiffness of red and white blood cells over periods of months. These results could explain why some people continue to experience symptoms long after the infection.
Their work is published in the Biophysical Journal: https://www.cell.com/biophysj/fulltext/S0006-3495(21)00454-9
#sciencenews #medicine #immunology
Researchers at the Max-Planck-Zentrum für Physik und Medizin showed that Covid-19 significantly changes the size and stiffness of red and white blood cells over periods of months. These results could explain why some people continue to experience symptoms long after the infection.
Their work is published in the Biophysical Journal: https://www.cell.com/biophysj/fulltext/S0006-3495(21)00454-9
#sciencenews #medicine #immunology
Nanomaterials in the brain.
A University of Birmingham team have found that metal-based nanomaterials can cross an in vitro model of the blood-brain barrier as both particles and dissolved ions. The physiochemical properties of the nanomaterials influence their penetration efficiency.
The research is reported in PNAS: https://www.pnas.org/content/118/18/e2021915118
#sciencenews #biology
A University of Birmingham team have found that metal-based nanomaterials can cross an in vitro model of the blood-brain barrier as both particles and dissolved ions. The physiochemical properties of the nanomaterials influence their penetration efficiency.
The research is reported in PNAS: https://www.pnas.org/content/118/18/e2021915118
#sciencenews #biology
PNAS
Blood–brain barrier opening by intracarotid artery hyperosmolar mannitol induces sterile inflammatory and innate immune responses
Disruption of the blood–brain barrier (BBB) for drug delivery to the central nervous system (CNS) is achieved clinically through intracarotid artery hyperosmotic mannitol (ICAHM) infusions. However, ICAHM is often viewed as a simple drug delivery mechanism…
Replacing endoscopy.
A study from the University of Houston reports a step forward in diagnosing intestinal diseases, including colorectal cancer, ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease using stool proteins. The non-invasive test could lead to the replacement of endoscopy as the diagnostic tool of choice.
The study is published in Nature Communications: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-021-24235-0
#sciencenews #medicine
A study from the University of Houston reports a step forward in diagnosing intestinal diseases, including colorectal cancer, ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease using stool proteins. The non-invasive test could lead to the replacement of endoscopy as the diagnostic tool of choice.
The study is published in Nature Communications: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-021-24235-0
#sciencenews #medicine
Nature
Predicting disease course in ulcerative colitis using stool proteins identified through an aptamer-based screen
Nature Communications - Stool biomarkers hold promise for monitoring disease activity and predicting clinical course in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) as they originate from the inflamed tissue....
Life on Enceladus?
A new study published in Nature Astronomy by scientists at the @University of Arizona suggests an unknown methane-producing process is likely at work in the hidden ocean beneath the icy shell of Saturn's moon Enceladus. The unexpected presence of methane could be a sign of life in the depths of the moon.
The paper is available at: http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41550-021-01372-6
#sciencenews #astronomy
A new study published in Nature Astronomy by scientists at the @University of Arizona suggests an unknown methane-producing process is likely at work in the hidden ocean beneath the icy shell of Saturn's moon Enceladus. The unexpected presence of methane could be a sign of life in the depths of the moon.
The paper is available at: http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41550-021-01372-6
#sciencenews #astronomy
Nature Astronomy
Bayesian analysis of Enceladus’s plume data to assess methanogenesis
Nature Astronomy - What is the origin of the methane detected in Enceladus’s plumes? A Bayesian approach to the problem shows that abiotic serpentinization of rocks cannot explain the...
Breaking down carbon dioxide.
A two-dimensional, five-metal alloy developed at Washington University has been shown to be an excellent catalyst for the reduction of carbon dioxide to carbon monoxide. The material could be used to help combat the rising levels of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.
The work has recently been published in Advanced Materials: http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/adma.202100347
#sciencenews #chemistry
A two-dimensional, five-metal alloy developed at Washington University has been shown to be an excellent catalyst for the reduction of carbon dioxide to carbon monoxide. The material could be used to help combat the rising levels of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.
The work has recently been published in Advanced Materials: http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/adma.202100347
#sciencenews #chemistry
Wiley Online Library
2D High‐Entropy Transition Metal Dichalcogenides for Carbon Dioxide Electrocatalysis
High-entropy transition metal dichalcogenide alloys containing 4 or 5 transition metals are synthesized based on first-principles stability predictions. The 5-component alloy (MoWVNbTa)S2 is shown to...
Sheer Perfection.
A research team at UC Berkeley has developed a nanoparticle composite that grows into 3D crystals. The 3D polymer-grafted nanoparticles could lead to new technologies that are 3D-grown rather than 3D-printed.
Their work has been published in Nature Communications: http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41467-021-22950-2
#sciencenews #nanomaterials
A research team at UC Berkeley has developed a nanoparticle composite that grows into 3D crystals. The 3D polymer-grafted nanoparticles could lead to new technologies that are 3D-grown rather than 3D-printed.
Their work has been published in Nature Communications: http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41467-021-22950-2
#sciencenews #nanomaterials
Nature
Crystallization of nanoparticles induced by precipitation of trace polymeric additives
Nature Communications - Growing nanoparticle crystals typically requires strict control over interparticle interactions and assembly. Here, the authors show that a trace amount of polymeric...
Artificial photosynthesis.
University of Nagoya scientists have investigated the effects of doping on surface recombination in strontium titanate to enable the design of efficient catalysts for artificial photosynthetic processes. Photocatalysts with lower surface recombination could help to develop efficient energy sources.
The results can be found in the Journal of Physics D: https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1088/1361-6463/ac073e
#sciencenews #energy
University of Nagoya scientists have investigated the effects of doping on surface recombination in strontium titanate to enable the design of efficient catalysts for artificial photosynthetic processes. Photocatalysts with lower surface recombination could help to develop efficient energy sources.
The results can be found in the Journal of Physics D: https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1088/1361-6463/ac073e
#sciencenews #energy
Advanced brain imaging.
University of Chicago team have developed an advanced X-ray brain imaging method to bridge the gap between MRI and electron microscopy. They imaged an entire mouse brain across five orders of magnitude of length scales, allowing analysis to bridge from the micro to the macro level.
Their insights are published in NeuroImage: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1053811921005279?via%3Dihub
#sciencenews #imaging
University of Chicago team have developed an advanced X-ray brain imaging method to bridge the gap between MRI and electron microscopy. They imaged an entire mouse brain across five orders of magnitude of length scales, allowing analysis to bridge from the micro to the macro level.
Their insights are published in NeuroImage: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1053811921005279?via%3Dihub
#sciencenews #imaging
Sciencedirect
Multi-modal imaging of a single mouse brain over five orders of magnitude of resolution
Mammalian neurons operate at length scales spanning six orders of magnitude; they project millimeters to centimeters across brain regions, are compose…
Kidney treatments.
Medics in Indiana University School of Medicine have investigated alternative ways to treat kidney infections, knowing that antibiotic resistance is an increasing problem. They examined methods to trigger the kidneys’ own internal processes to fight the infections.
Their findings are published in the Nature Communications: http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41467-021-22672-5
#sciencenews #medicine
Medics in Indiana University School of Medicine have investigated alternative ways to treat kidney infections, knowing that antibiotic resistance is an increasing problem. They examined methods to trigger the kidneys’ own internal processes to fight the infections.
Their findings are published in the Nature Communications: http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41467-021-22672-5
#sciencenews #medicine
Nature
Kidney intercalated cells are phagocytic and acidify internalized uropathogenic Escherichia coli
Nature Communications - Kidney intercalated cells are involved in acid-base homeostasis in the kidneys. Here, the authors use single cell transcriptomics and find that interalated cells exhibit a...
Stretching graphene.
A team of researchers at the Universität Basel have demonstrated the controllable modification of the electronic properties of graphene during stretching processes. The results could lead to the design of new electronic components using the wonder material.
The mechanisms are explained in Communications Physics: http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s42005-021-00651-y
#sciencenews #graphene #physics
A team of researchers at the Universität Basel have demonstrated the controllable modification of the electronic properties of graphene during stretching processes. The results could lead to the design of new electronic components using the wonder material.
The mechanisms are explained in Communications Physics: http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s42005-021-00651-y
#sciencenews #graphene #physics
Nature
Global strain-induced scalar potential in graphene devices
Communications Physics - The electrical and optical properties of a material depend strongly on the details of its crystal structure. Here, the authors report a technique to mechanically deform the...
Beetle microstructures.
The interplay between mechanical and optical performance in beetle exoskeletons has been probed by researchers at Virginia Tech. They discovered that the structures providing mechanical support are also contributors to the optical properties such as colour.
Their results can be viewed in PNAS: https://www.pnas.org/content/118/25/e2101017118
#sciencenew #physics
The interplay between mechanical and optical performance in beetle exoskeletons has been probed by researchers at Virginia Tech. They discovered that the structures providing mechanical support are also contributors to the optical properties such as colour.
Their results can be viewed in PNAS: https://www.pnas.org/content/118/25/e2101017118
#sciencenew #physics
PNAS
Microstructural design for mechanical–optical multifunctionality in the exoskeleton of the flower beetle Torynorrhina flammea
In the design of multifunctional materials, harnessing structural and compositional synergies while avoiding unnecessary trade-offs is critical in achieving high performance of all required functions. Biological material systems like the cuticles of many…
Two-photon gates.
Researchers at University of Washington have developed a deterministic, high-fidelity two-bit quantum logic gate that takes advantage of a new form of light. This new logic gate is orders of magnitude more efficient than the current technology.
Their advance is recorded in Physical Review A: http://dx.doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevA.103.052610
#sciencenews #physics
Researchers at University of Washington have developed a deterministic, high-fidelity two-bit quantum logic gate that takes advantage of a new form of light. This new logic gate is orders of magnitude more efficient than the current technology.
Their advance is recorded in Physical Review A: http://dx.doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevA.103.052610
#sciencenews #physics
Physical Review A
Two-photon controlled-phase gates enabled by photonic dimers
Photons are appealing as flying quantum bits due to their low-noise, long coherence times, light-speed transmission, and ease of manipulation at the single-qubit level using standard optical components such as beam splitters and waveguides. The challenge…
Seabirds depleting fish.
University of Exeter research shows that the seabird colony on Ascension Island creates a halo in which fewer fish are found. Reduced numbers of flying fish were found up to 90 miles from the island. The study provides insights into how large colonies of animals are naturally limited in number.
Their insights can be read in PNAS: http://dx.doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2101325118
#sciencenews #biology
University of Exeter research shows that the seabird colony on Ascension Island creates a halo in which fewer fish are found. Reduced numbers of flying fish were found up to 90 miles from the island. The study provides insights into how large colonies of animals are naturally limited in number.
Their insights can be read in PNAS: http://dx.doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2101325118
#sciencenews #biology
PNAS
Direct evidence of a prey depletion “halo” surrounding a pelagic predator colony
Elucidating the mechanisms that regulate animal populations is a fundamental goal in ecology and is increasingly important at a time of unprecedented anthropogenic disturbance to ecosystems. Here, we present direct evidence of a phenomenon known as “Ashmole’s…
Shrinking dinosaurs.
Paleontologists at the University of Bristol have explained how changes in the diet of dinosaurs lead to a rapid shrinking of their sizes. The dietary changes were likely caused by a changing environment and competitive pressure for resources.
Their theories are described in Current Bbiology: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0960982221008083
#sciencenews #biology
Paleontologists at the University of Bristol have explained how changes in the diet of dinosaurs lead to a rapid shrinking of their sizes. The dietary changes were likely caused by a changing environment and competitive pressure for resources.
Their theories are described in Current Bbiology: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0960982221008083
#sciencenews #biology
Sciencedirect
Growth and miniaturization among alvarezsauroid dinosaurs
Sustained miniaturization, here defined as a drop in body size of at least two orders of magnitude from ancestors to descendants, is a widespread and …
A new quasiparticle.
National University of Science and Technology MISIS scientists have experimentally shown the existence of a new type of quasiparticle, formed of the excitations of coupled photon pairs in qubit chains. Their discovery confirms previous theoretical predictions.
Their results are described in Physical Review B: http://dx.doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevB.103.224520
#sciencenews #physics
National University of Science and Technology MISIS scientists have experimentally shown the existence of a new type of quasiparticle, formed of the excitations of coupled photon pairs in qubit chains. Their discovery confirms previous theoretical predictions.
Their results are described in Physical Review B: http://dx.doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevB.103.224520
#sciencenews #physics
Physical Review B
Topological excitations and bound photon pairs in a superconducting quantum metamaterial
Topological photonics enables resilient routing and localization of light. Of special interest are topological states of quantum light promising disorder-robust quantum correlations. Here, the authors design and fabricate a one-dimensional dimerized array…