The significance of light in regulating our biological clock cannot be understated. We are all familiar with the way sunlight tells our brain that morning has arrived, signaling the need to reset our internal clocks. However, recent research conducted by a team of scientists from the University of Basel in Switzerland and the Max Planck
Rabies, a viral disease, has plagued humanity for thousands of years. It is a neglected tropical disease that primarily affects poorer communities lacking the necessary infrastructure for proper surveillance, prevention, and control. Recently, a feral kitten in Omaha, Nebraska tested positive for the raccoon variant of rabies, raising concerns of a potential outbreak and prompting
Minerals and mineralized tissue are not unusual in the natural world. However, the intricate formation of nacre, renowned for its mesmerizing iridescence and used in jewelry, has puzzled scientists for centuries. This composite material consists of biopolymers and platelets of crystalline calcium carbonate. Despite its beauty and significance, the exact processes that lead to nacre
Ethylene, often referred to as the most important chemical in the petrochemical industry, is a fundamental building block for a wide range of everyday products. From antifreeze and vinyl to synthetic rubber, foam insulation, and various types of plastics, ethylene is utilized extensively. However, its current production method, known as steam cracking, is energy- and
The scorching temperatures of 2023 have left scientists astounded and grappling with a slew of bewildering phenomena. Gavin Schmidt, NASA’s leading climatologist, sheds light on the mysterious mechanisms at play, offering profound insights into this climatic anomaly. The heating of the planet caused by human activities is an open secret, and its consequences, such as
The future of U.S. city population growth or decline has become a subject of great interest, especially in the wake of climate change. A team of environmental engineers at the University of Illinois Chicago has delved into this intriguing realm by employing census data and demographic surveys to assess the likely scenarios leading up to
Spintronics, a field that explores the manipulation of electron spin for information storage and processing, has seen significant advancements in recent years. In a groundbreaking experiment, researchers from RIKEN and their collaborators showcased the potential of heat-guided transformations in creating spin textures known as skyrmions and antiskyrmions. These structures, which hold promise for next-generation memory
The CES tech show in Las Vegas this year showcased a wide range of innovations, with some of the most exciting developments being in the field of assistive technologies. GyroGear, a medical tech startup based in Boston, unveiled a hand-stabilizing glove aimed at helping Parkinson’s patients and those with hand tremors regain control of their
Fast radio bursts (FRBs) have long captivated astronomers with their intense bursts of radio waves and mysterious origins. In a groundbreaking development, an international team of researchers has traced the source of the most powerful and furthest-traveling FRB ever detected to a tightly-knitted group of seven galaxies. Through detailed analysis and imagery from the Hubble
The impact of cannabis on exercise is a topic that is full of assumptions and contradictions. On one hand, the plant is considered a performance-enhancing drug and is banned by numerous sporting events. On the other hand, it is seen as a “couch-lock” and is associated with laziness. However, emerging evidence suggests that both of
Aging is an inevitable part of life, characterized by the gradual breakdown of biology that affects both our physical and mental well-being. While wisdom, experience, and evolution may provide some advantages, the overall deteriorating state of our bodies is rarely a pleasant experience. However, a groundbreaking new study conducted on mice suggests that aging may
The field of nonlinear optics has emerged as a crucial aspect of technological and scientific advancements. From laser development to quantum information science, nonlinear optics plays a vital role in various applications. In recent years, there has been a growing interest in miniaturizing devices that leverage nonlinear optical phenomena, allowing for complex light interactions on