The movement of tectonic plates has long been known to shape the rocky features of Earth’s surface. However, recent research indicates that the mantle layer underneath the plates also exerts a significant influence on the topography of Earth. This subtle influence, known as residual topography, can be seen in various locations far from tectonic plate
Dark matter, comprising approximately 80% of the matter in the universe, is a mysterious substance that does not interact with light and thus cannot be directly observed. Despite its elusive nature, astrophysicists are constantly exploring new methods to detect and study dark matter to gain a better understanding of its composition and implications for the
As the world’s aging population continues to grow, the prevalence of chronic illnesses such as dementia, cardiovascular disease, and osteoporosis is reaching epidemic levels. Many individuals, regardless of age, are interested in living healthier lives, not just longer ones. Recent research has highlighted the importance of physical activity in midlife for women in their 40s
The Sun, a celestial body we are all familiar with, appears quite different when viewed through the lens of ESA’s Solar Orbiter mission. In a single frame from a video captured by this mission, the Sun looks incredibly fluffy. Feathery, hair-like structures made of plasma can be seen following magnetic field lines in the Sun’s
The development of a first-ever stretchy electronic skin by researchers at The University of Texas at Austin marks a significant leap forward in robotics technology. This innovative e-skin promises to equip robots and other devices with the softness and touch sensitivity similar to human skin, enabling them to perform tasks with precision and control of
As we delve into the recent study that offers the first extensive analysis of fire patterns in West and Central Africa’s wet, tropical forests, a concerning trend emerges. Over the span of 18 years, there has been a significant doubling in the number of active fires in these regions, particularly in the Congo Basin. This
Terpenes are a diverse group of natural substances that can be found in a variety of sources including plants, insects, and sea sponges. These compounds have proven to be valuable in the field of medicine, with some terpenes showing promise in the treatment of conditions such as cancer, malaria, and epilepsy. However, the ability to
The precise measurement of the energy states of individual atoms has long been a challenge for physicists. This difficulty stems from atomic recoil, a phenomenon that occurs when an atom interacts with a photon and recoils in the opposite direction. This recoil makes it challenging to accurately determine the position and momentum of the atom.
The battle against glioblastoma, the most aggressive and fatal type of brain cancer, has seen a ray of hope with the introduction of a personalized vaccine. In a groundbreaking clinical trial, this innovative medicine has not only extended the survival of patients but has also shown remarkable effectiveness in activating the immune system against the
The rocks studied by the Curiosity rover in an ancient, long-dried lakebed on Mars have provided valuable insights into the conditions that may have been conducive to life billions of years ago. Among the surprising discoveries in the Gale Crater are significant amounts of manganese oxide. This mineral is commonly found in Earth’s lakes due
One major strategy to achieve net-zero carbon emissions revolves around transitioning various sectors of the economy, such as transportation and heating, to operate on electricity generated from renewable sources. However, there are areas in society where carbon elimination is not feasible, such as in the case of plastics which are comprised of carbon-based molecules. Chemist
Recent research led by a team from SMU has shed light on a pivotal moment in Earth’s history – the separation of South America and Africa and the subsequent formation of the South Atlantic Ocean. The findings from ancient rocks and fossils in Angola provide a clear picture of this geological event. The western coast
When it comes to enjoying alcoholic beverages, most people have specific preferences for the temperature at which they like to drink them. For example, beer and white wine are commonly enjoyed chilled, while red wine is often served near room temperature. The idea that the temperature of a drink can impact its taste is not
Graph states, a unique class of entangled quantum states represented by graphs, have garnered significant attention in the realm of physics in recent years. Their distinctive properties have positioned them as potential game-changers in quantum computing and a variety of quantum technologies. In a canonical graph state, individual qubits are denoted by the vertices of
Meteor showers, often referred to as shooting stars, are a common occurrence that can be observed throughout the year. These meteor showers are the result of Earth passing through streams of dust and debris left behind by comets and asteroids as it orbits the Sun. One such debris stream that Earth currently encounters is from