The development of drugs that can be administered orally has always been a challenge in the pharmaceutical industry. Many proteins vital for treating various diseases have remained elusive to oral drug therapy, limiting patient convenience and accessibility. However, in a recent study published in Nature Chemical Biology, scientists from the laboratory of Professor Christian Heinis
The prevalence of high cholesterol is on the rise, affecting an alarming 2 in 5 adults in the United States alone. Addressing this health issue is paramount due to the detrimental impact of elevated levels of “bad” cholesterol on heart health. However, a glimmer of hope emerges with the development of a cutting-edge vaccine that
A recent analysis conducted by researchers in the United States has revealed that a drug commonly used to manage type 2 diabetes could potentially provide protection against colorectal cancer (CRC). Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs), a class of medications which includes the well-known drug Wegovy, have long been associated with weight loss and reducing
Arctic observers were recently treated to an extraordinary sight as rare rainbow-colored clouds painted the skies ahead of the holiday season. These mesmerizing polar stratospheric clouds made their appearance during a cold wave that swept through the Arctic, providing a unique spectacle for at least three consecutive days between December 18 and December 20. Witnessing
As we embark on our summer holidays and venture onto the roads, it is highly likely that we will come across peculiar-looking white or yellow boxes stationed along the roadside. These mobile road safety cameras, adorned with road safety slogans and equipped with protruding cameras, serve as a means to catch motorists engaging in various
Earth’s topography is continuously eroding, resulting in the transportation of sediment through rivers across various landscapes. The sediment is carried in the water column, bounces along the river bed, or rolls larger pebbles. As the topography flattens, the deceleration in water velocity leads to the deposition of this material in a fan shape at the
Single-use plastics are a pressing environmental concern, but researchers at the Institute for Chemical Reaction Design and Discovery (WPI-ICReDD) at Hokkaido University have discovered a groundbreaking method to repurpose plastic bags from grocery stores. Instead of ending up in landfills, these used plastic bags can be utilized to initiate chemical reactions that detoxify hazardous chemicals.
Scientists and engineers at Columbia University, in collaboration with the Max Planck Institute, have made a groundbreaking discovery in the field of nonlinear optics. Through the innovative pairing of laser light with crystal lattice vibrations, the team has found a way to enhance the nonlinear optical properties of a layered 2D material. This breakthrough has
With the ongoing impact of climate change, extreme environmental events are becoming a growing concern. These events, both on land and in the marine realm, have significant implications for ecosystems and human populations. In the summer of 2021, the East Sea (Sea of Japan) experienced an anomalous marine heat wave characterized by record-breaking changes in
The conversion of light into electricity, known as the photovoltaic effect, is a phenomenon that plays a crucial role in the functioning of solar cells. Traditionally, solar cells have consisted of two semiconductors with contrasting electron properties, resulting in high conversion efficiency. However, recent research has shed light on another photovoltaic effect – the bulk
Japan’s space exploration efforts have reached a critical milestone as the Smart Lander for Investigating Moon (SLIM) successfully entered the Moon’s orbit on Monday. This achievement brings Japan one step closer to its first successful lunar landing, which is expected to take place next month. With its innovative technology and ambitious mission objectives, SLIM aims
Infertility is often wrongly perceived as a female issue, when in reality, one in three IVF cycles in Australia involve male infertility. Recent research indicates that men experiencing infertility have higher rates of depression, anxiety, and overall psychological distress. Additionally, they suffer from lower self-esteem and a worse quality of life compared to fertile men.