Lignin, a complex organic polymer, plays a crucial role in providing structural support and rigidity to trees, making them resilient against various environmental factors. However, when wood is processed into paper, lignin becomes a hindrance and is often discarded as waste. Marcus Foston, an associate professor at Washington University in St. Louis, is leading research
Many of us are familiar with the concept that diamond is one of the toughest materials known to man. However, recent research has hinted at the existence of a carbon phase that might surpass diamond in terms of toughness. The eight-atom body-centered cubic (BC8) crystal is a unique form of carbon that is believed to
Prof Dr. Johannes Margraf and his team of scientists have made significant progress in the field of electrocatalysis by developing a cutting-edge method to enhance the efficiency of electrocatalysts. Their research, which was recently published in the prestigious Journal of the American Chemical Society, focuses on the use of high entropy alloys (HEAs) as promising
When it comes to predicting the effects of climate change, scientists often rely on computer models to simulate potential outcomes. However, researchers at the University of Michigan have taken a different approach by studying coral samples from the Great Barrier Reef to gain insight into how precipitation patterns have changed over time. The study conducted
The construction industry is notorious for its carbon footprint, emitting high levels of carbon dioxide (CO2) through the production of building materials. However, a groundbreaking solution has been introduced by scientists that could potentially revolutionize the way buildings are constructed. By creating composite decking materials that store more CO2 than is emitted during their manufacturing
The prevalence of conditions affecting the nervous system has reached an alarming high, surpassing heart disease as the leading cause of ill health worldwide. According to a major analysis conducted by the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME), more than 3.4 billion people, accounting for 43 percent of the global population, experienced a neurological
The idea of the Universe being 13 billion years older than currently believed challenges the very foundation of cosmology. The proposal put forward by theoretical physicist Rajendra Gupta suggests that the Universe’s age has been misrepresented due to the tricks played by light. This challenges the existing notion of dark matter and dark energy, two
Imagine finding out that you have an uninvited guest in your brain, one that has made itself comfortable and is causing you headaches. This is the reality for one middle-aged man from Florida who discovered that his brain was infested with tapeworm cysts. But how did this happen and what can we learn from this
The melting of ice has been a major concern in recent years, especially as climate change continues to impact our planet. The consequences of ice melting go beyond just the visual of polar bears stranded on melting icebergs. They include freshening of seawater, sea level rise, and changes in Earth’s temperature due to ice-albedo feedbacks.
When it comes to picnics, insects are usually seen as unwanted intruders. However, in some parts of the world, these tiny creatures are not just a nuisance, but rather a valuable source of nutrition and flavor. Ants, for instance, are considered a delicacy in various cultures. Researchers have delved into the unique aroma profiles of
A recent fatal crash in San Antonio, Texas, involving a Ford electric vehicle has caught the attention of the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). According to the agency, a team of investigators will be dispatched to Texas to collaborate with local authorities on the investigation. The incident, which occurred on Interstate 10, involved a Ford
In today’s modern world, technological advancements have significantly reduced the need for physical movement. With many individuals spending hours in front of screens at work or home, the detrimental effects of prolonged sitting have become increasingly apparent. A recent study conducted by the University of California, San Diego shed light on the risks associated with