Matter and energy from Science Daily Feed

Goji berries are a ubiquitous superfood known for a multitude of health benefits, including their antibiotic properties. Researchers have now found an effective way to harvest silver nanoparticles from these berries. They created the nanoparticles by drying, grinding, and then filtering the goji berries to create an extract. Then, they added chemical silver nitrate (AgNO3) and reduced the solution. The silver nanoparticles were confirmed using visualization techniques and tested for their antimicrobial activity.

In order to uncover the relationship between structure and function, researchers used microfluidic devices to study neuronal networks.

A new study has identified 11 genes that may hold the key to understanding the brain's response to these pervasive chemicals commonly found in everyday items.

Scientists have developed an advanced swarm navigation algorithm for cyborg insects that prevents them from becoming stuck while navigating challenging terrain. The new algorithm represents a significant advance in swarm robotics. It could pave the way for applications in disaster relief, search-and-rescue missions, and infrastructure inspection. Cyborg insects are real insects equipped with tiny electronic devices on their backs -- consisting of various sensors like optical and infrared cameras, a battery, and an antenna for communication -- that allow their movements to be remotely controlled for specific tasks.

Among the hundreds of thousands of chemical compounds produced by plants, some may hold the key to treating human ailments and diseases. But recreating these complex, naturally occurring molecules in the lab often requires a time-consuming and tedious trial-and-error process. Now, chemists have shown how new computational tools can help them create complex natural compounds in a faster and more streamlined way.

A recent study highlights a groundbreaking development in foldable molecular paths within solid-state frameworks, illuminating their potential for dynamic pore control and transformative applications in molecular metamaterials.

Engineers have utilized quantum sensors to realize a groundbreaking variation of nuclear quadrupolar resonance (NQR) spectroscopy, a technique traditionally used to detect drugs and explosives or analyze pharmaceuticals. The new method is so precise that it can detect the NQR signals from individual atoms -- a feat once thought unattainable. This unprecedented sensitivity opens the door to breakthroughs in fields like drug development, where understanding molecular interactions at the atomic level is critical.

Researchers have developed a way of detecting circulating tumor cells in the bloodstream of pancreatic cancer and lung cancer patients.

Hidden patterns in electric propulsion plasma beams could help ensure the success of long-term space missions.

Scientists recently discovered that the giant 'conveyer belt' currents that push star-forged material out of our galaxy and pull it back in can also transport carbon atoms. That means that a good deal of the carbon here on Earth, including the carbon in our bodies, likely left the galaxy at some point!

Chemistry researchers have taken a key step toward next-generation optical computing and memory with the discovery of luminescent nanocrystals that can be quickly toggled from light to dark and back again.

Bioengineers have developed a new construction kit for building custom sense-and-respond circuits in human cells. The research could revolutionize therapies for complex conditions like autoimmune disease and cancer.

Hula hooping is so commonplace that we may overlook some interesting questions it raises: 'What keeps a hula hoop up against gravity?' and 'Are some body types better for hula hooping than others?' A team of mathematicians explored and answered these questions with findings that also point to new ways to better harness energy and improve robotic positioners.

Steroid hormones are among the most widespread aquatic micropollutants. They are harmful to human health, and they cause ecological imbalances in aquatic environments. Researchers investigated how steroid hormones are degraded in an electrochemical membrane reactor with carbon nanotube membranes. They found that adsorption of steroid hormones on the carbon nanotubes did not limit the hormones' subsequent degradation.

A research team has shown wearable electronic textiles (e-textiles) can be both sustainable and biodegradable.

Chlorine plays an essential part in daily life, from keeping pools clean to preserving food. Now, a team of chemists developed a more environmentally friendly way to integrate chlorine into chemical building blocks for medications, plastics, pesticides and other essential products while reducing costs.

Researchers developed a type of infrared photodiode that is 35% more responsive at 1.55 m, the key wavelength for telecommunications, compared to other germanium-based components.

A research team has developed a method for extracting gold from electronics waste, then using the recovered precious metal as a catalyst for converting carbon dioxide (CO2), a greenhouse gas, to organic materials.

Scientists have developed a nanopore-based tool that could help diagnose illnesses much faster and with greater precision than current tests allow, by capturing signals from individual molecules.

Groundbreaking cerium oxide-based thermal switches achieve remarkable performance, transforming heat flow control with sustainable and efficient technology.