News Feeds

Researchers have synthesized a conducting polymer, polyaniline, exhibiting perfect diamagnetic properties, which eliminate external magnetic fields within the material. These properties are typically associated with superconductors. While conducting polymers generally display paramagnetism -- where they are weakly attracted to magnetic fields -- this breakthrough marks the first step towards developing a conducting material that demonstrates diamagnetism, the opposite of paramagnetic behavior.

A team has developed a large-scale drug screening technique that can track target molecule behavior within cells. The researchers verified their technique by testing the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), a known target for cancer drugs. Their drug screening resulted in the identification of the known drugs, as well as others that were not previously known to affect EGFR. This new method can potentially help develop new drugs and repurpose existing drugs.

Researchers developed tiny wearable devices for cells that can snugly enfold neurons and neuronal processes without damaging the cell. These thin-film wearables, made from a soft polymer, could enable scientists to measure and modulate neurons at a subcellular level.

The new research shows that using generative artificial intelligence such as ChatGPT and Google's Gemini could improve city planning by enhancing access to tools that help measure walkability, safety, lighting, and more.

The new research shows that using generative artificial intelligence such as ChatGPT and Google's Gemini could improve city planning by enhancing access to tools that help measure walkability, safety, lighting, and more.

Researchers have come up with a way to turn silicon into a direct bandgap semiconductor, opening the door to the manufacture of ultrathin silicon solar cells.

Researchers have come up with a way to turn silicon into a direct bandgap semiconductor, opening the door to the manufacture of ultrathin silicon solar cells.

A team of researchers has developed a printing technique capable of forming a periodic nano/microstructure on the surface of a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) slab and easily transferring it onto the surface of a glass substrate. This technique enables us to create materials with useful functions -- including water-repellency and the ability to generate structural colors -- without expensive equipment and complex processes. In addition, the technique may be used to fabricate materials capable of realizing anti-fogging and/or generating structural colors on their surfaces -- functions potentially useful in the development of innovative gas sensors.

Fewer lakes are freezing over each winter compared with past years, posing environmental and economic consequences around the world

https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/sciencesalon/mss482_Michael_Shermer_2024_10_31.mp3 Download MP3

In this solo episode, Michael Shermer discusses the upcoming election, reflecting on the historical context of past elections and the political polarization that has intensified over the years.

Researchers have developed a computational technique that makes spatial RNA transcripts more accessible and precise, allowing them to be visualized at microscopic resolution.

Researchers have developed a computational technique that makes spatial RNA transcripts more accessible and precise, allowing them to be visualized at microscopic resolution.

Researchers have developed a compact, wearable ultrasound device that monitors muscle activity. Attachable to the skin with an adhesive and powered by a small battery, the device wirelessly captures high-resolution images of muscle movements, enabling continuous, long-term monitoring. When worn on the rib cage, it effectively monitored diaphragm function for respiratory health assessments. When worn on the forearm, it accurately captured hand gestures, allowing users to control a robotic arm and even navigate virtual games. This new technology has potential applications in healthcare for conditions affecting muscle function, as well as in human-machine interfaces for more natural robotic control.

Researchers have developed a compact, wearable ultrasound device that monitors muscle activity. Attachable to the skin with an adhesive and powered by a small battery, the device wirelessly captures high-resolution images of muscle movements, enabling continuous, long-term monitoring. When worn on the rib cage, it effectively monitored diaphragm function for respiratory health assessments. When worn on the forearm, it accurately captured hand gestures, allowing users to control a robotic arm and even navigate virtual games. This new technology has potential applications in healthcare for conditions affecting muscle function, as well as in human-machine interfaces for more natural robotic control.

Imagine a sweater that powers electronics to monitor your health or charge your mobile phone while running. This development faces challenges because of the lack of materials that both conduct electricity stably and are well suited for textiles. Now a research group presents an ordinary silk thread, coated with a conductive plastic material, that shows promising properties for turning textiles into electricity generators.

Takeout containers get your favorite noodles from the restaurant to your dining table (or couch) without incident, but they are nearly impossible to recycle if they are made from foil-lined plastics. Research suggests that replacing the plastic layer with paper could create a more sustainable packaging material. The researchers used mechanical demonstrations and computer simulations to identify paper-aluminum laminate designs that won't compromise on performance.

The next step for fully integrated textile-based electronics to make their way from the lab to the wardrobe is figuring out how to power the garment gizmos without unfashionably toting around a solid battery. Researchers have taken a new approach to the challenge by building a full textile energy grid that can be wirelessly charged. In their recent study, the team reported that it can power textile devices, including a warming element and environmental sensors that transmit data in real-time.

Researchers have developed a revolutionary injectable granular filler that could transform the way diabetic wounds are treated, potentially improving patient outcomes. The groundbreaking study introduced an innovative approach about using specialized porous dermal fillers that accelerate tissue healing and regeneration.

A research team developed a new paradigm for the control of quantum emitters, providing a new method for modulating and encoding quantum photonic information on a single photon light stream.

A research team developed a new paradigm for the control of quantum emitters, providing a new method for modulating and encoding quantum photonic information on a single photon light stream.