Multistep mechanism of nanostructure formation in liquid crystal
Most of our daily commodities, such as plastics, alloys and processed foods, are provided as solids, and they are often processed by a controlled cooling process from a liquid mixture to a solid. Liquid crystals, solutions, polymers, and biomaterials.....»»
With Falcon 9 grounded, SpaceX test-fires booster for next Starship flight
SpaceX says a liquid oxygen leak caused the failure of a Falcon 9 launch last week. Enlarge / A drone shot looking down on SpaceX's Super Heavy booster during a test-firing of its 33 Raptor engines Monday. (credit: SpaceX).....»»
Surprising ring sheds light on galaxy formation
The question of what triggers the extremely rapid star formation within Hyper Luminous Infrared Galaxies (HyLIRGs), as yet unknown, is of much interest to guide our understanding of the formation and evolution of galaxies in the universe. A new photo.....»»
Nano-confinement may be key to improving hydrogen production
Researchers at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) have discovered a new mechanism that can boost the efficiency of hydrogen production through water splitting......»»
Nearby exoplanet could be first known ocean world: Webb telescope
A planet relatively close to Earth could be the first ever detected with a potentially life-sustaining liquid ocean outside our Solar System, according to scientists using the James Webb space telescope......»»
Insight into one of life"s earliest ancestors revealed in new study
An international team of researchers led by the University of Bristol has shed light on Earth's earliest ecosystem, showing that within a few hundred million years of planetary formation, life on Earth was already flourishing......»»
Hexagonal metallic-mean approximants help bridge gap between quasicrystals and modulated structures
For a long time, scientists associated crystal structures with an ordered arrangement of atoms in a repeating lattice-like pattern, believing it to be the most stable configuration. However, by the 1960s, advancements in crystallography revealed mate.....»»
A new species of extinct crocodile relative rewrites life on the Triassic coastline
The surprising discovery of a new species of extinct crocodile relative from the Triassic Favret Formation of Nevada, U.S., rewrites the story of life along the coasts during the first act of the Age of Dinosaurs......»»
Astronomers find the nearest massive black hole, a missing link in massive black hole formation
Newly identified fast-moving stars in the star cluster Omega Centauri provide solid evidence for a central black hole in the cluster. With at least 8,200 solar masses, it is the best candidate for a class of black holes astronomers have long believed.....»»
New Antikythera mechanism analysis challenges century-old assumption
Physicists drew on statistical techniques used to analyze gravitational waves. Enlarge / Fragment of the Antikythera mechanism, circa 205 BC, housed in the collection of the National Archaeological Museum, Athens. (credit: Fine A.....»»
Team discovers a new defense mechanism in bacteria
When confronted with an antibiotic, toxic substance, or other source of considerable stress, bacteria are able to activate a defense mechanism using cell-to-cell communication to "warn" unaffected bacteria, which can then anticipate, shield themselve.....»»
Using a refrigerated microscope and antifreeze to directly observe the ice-liquid interface
Ice in nature is surrounded by liquid most of the time, and therefore it is key to understand how ice and liquid interact. A Kobe University and Institute for Molecular Science study has now for the first time directly observed the precise shape of i.....»»
Unlocking the potential of anti-perovskites through a convenient one-step synthesis route
Although perovskites have attracted a lot of attention lately, anti-perovskites hold just as much potential as functional materials. Bearing a similar crystal structure to perovskites but with an inverted electrical configuration, anti-perovskites ex.....»»
New probe reveals water-ice microstructures
Ice is believed to have played a crucial role in the emergence of life. One reason is that organic molecules can be excluded into the gaps between the crystal lattice by orderly arranged water molecules, leading to the concentration of organic compou.....»»
Pear-derived discovery: A genetic mechanism to fortify crops against drought
A recent study has shed light on a critical genetic mechanism that boosts plants' ability to withstand drought. The research uncovers the role of the transcription factor PbERF3, native to wild pears, which works in concert with the protein PbHsfC1a.....»»
Scientists uncover conserved mechanism of pericentric heterochromatin initiation in vertebrates
A study published in Nature on July 4 by Prof. Zhu Bing from the Institute of Biophysics of the Chinese Academy of Sciences has shed light on the conserved mechanism responsible for the initiation of pericentric heterochromatin in vertebrates......»»
Researchers explain the imaging mechanisms of atomic force microscopy in 3D
Researchers at Nano Life Science Institute (WPI-NanoLSI), Kanazawa University report the 3D imaging of a suspended nanostructure. The technique used is an extension of atomic force microscopy and is a promising approach for visualizing various 3D bio.....»»
Recovery of unique geological samples sheds light on formation of today"s Antarctic ice sheet
In recent years, global warming has left its mark on the Antarctic ice sheets. The "eternal" ice in Antarctica is melting faster than previously assumed, particularly in West Antarctica more than East Antarctica. The root for this could lie in its fo.....»»
New theory reveals fracture mechanism in soft materials
A new theory has finally deciphered the physical mechanisms of fracture in soft materials. This discovery could soon lead to new, defect-free materials that are more resistant and durable as well as environmentally friendly. The article "Elastic inst.....»»
Scientists found a nearly indestructible moss that may survive on Mars
A nearly indestructible moss that can survive bursts of gamma rays and liquid nitrogen may be one of the keys to Mars colonization, scientists have … The post Scientists found a nearly indestructible moss that may survive on Mars appeared first.....»»
A 4,500-year-old collective tomb in France reveals final stage in formation of the "European genome"
High-resolution analysis of the genomes of individuals buried in a 4,500-year-old collective tomb at Bréviandes-les-Pointes, near the French town of Troyes, has revealed a surprising story with far-reaching implications. As detailed in an article in.....»»