The relationship between the chemistry of human cells and their extracellular environment has been a topic of interest for scientists at NPL and Diamond Light Source. In a recent study published in ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces, researchers explore how the structure of the extracellular niche influences cell responses and development pathways. One of the
Robotic systems have become increasingly prevalent in various indoor environments, assisting humans with a wide range of tasks. However, as technology continues to advance, the potential for robots to navigate unknown and occlusion-prone outdoor environments is becoming a reality. This shift opens up new possibilities for air-ground robots to operate in complex settings, such as
A recent study published in the New England Journal of Medicine has shed light on a potential treatment for the progression of motor issues associated with Parkinson’s disease. This devastating neurodegenerative disorder affects millions of individuals worldwide and currently has no known cure. The study focused on the use of a drug called lixisenatide, a
As the moon obscures the sun, casting a shadow on a vast expanse of the United States, another remarkable celestial event is set to unfold. Comet 12P/Pons-Brooks, also known as the “Mother of Dragons” or “Devil comet,” will be making its closest approach to the sun in 71 years. This cosmic convergence presents an extraordinary
The impact of human activity on the Earth’s water cycle is profound and multifaceted, with long-lasting consequences that are difficult to predict. Land use changes, such as deforestation and urbanization, are altering the way clouds form and precipitation is distributed. Additionally, activities like cloud seeding are reshaping how nations plan for water resources in a
Iridium oxide catalysts have shown great promise when it comes to water oxidation, a crucial process in green technologies. Researchers, including those from SANKEN at Osaka University, have delved into the intricate workings of these catalysts to gain a deeper understanding of how they function. By utilizing spectroscopy, they were able to uncover the interactions
Fluid shear is a phenomenon that plays a critical role in various fields, including rheology, which studies the flow behavior of matter. Understanding shear forces and their effects on different types of fluids is essential for applications ranging from industrial processes to medical treatments. Recent research has delved into the impact of polymer topology on
In the world of technology, the development of memory devices plays a crucial role in advancing artificial intelligence hardware. A recent breakthrough by a team of Korean researchers in the KAIST School of Electrical Engineering has led to the creation of a new memory device with ultra-low-power consumption capabilities. This development opens up possibilities for
Understanding the connection between sleep and health is a complicated matter. A recent study delved into this relationship by categorizing participants into four distinct types of sleepers. By analyzing how each type of sleeper can impact long-term well-being, the researchers shed light on the importance of sleep for overall health. Previous research has highlighted the
In light of the increasing interest and competition in space exploration by governments and private companies, the White House has issued a directive to NASA to establish a unified time standard for the Moon and other celestial bodies by the end of 2026. This new standard, known as Coordinated Lunar Time (LTC), is aimed at
Recent experiments at BESSY II with tender X-rays have revealed that the interactions between phosphorous acid and platinum catalysts in high-temperature PEM fuel cells are more intricate than previously thought. These findings indicate that variations in humidity can have a significant impact on the oxidation processes at the platinum-electrolyte interface. High-temperature polymer electrolyte membrane fuel
Granular materials such as sand have long been a subject of interest for scientists due to their unique properties. While we can easily walk on solid sand at the beach, the same sand grains can flow like a liquid in an hourglass. This duality of behavior has intrigued researchers for years. In a recent study
In recent studies, researchers have made a groundbreaking discovery regarding the creation of spherical carbon ‘cages’ known as fullerenes. By combining laboratory experiments on the infra-red glow of carbon molecules with simulation software, the team has shed light on the process by which fullerenes are formed. This discovery has significant implications for our understanding of
In a surprising turn of events, Tesla reported a significant drop in first-quarter auto sales, with global deliveries totaling 386,810, down 8.5 percent from the previous period. This decline was attributed to various factors, including weak demand in China, increased competition from local electric vehicle (EV) makers, and production setbacks caused by external factors such
California, a state known for its aggressive greenhouse gas reduction policies, is ironically the nation’s greatest emitter of sulfuryl fluoride, a common pesticide used for treating termites and other wood-infesting insects. Despite being a national leader in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, California has been identified as the primary source of 60-85% of sulfuryl fluoride emissions