Researcher develops new methods to measure "forever chemicals" in both the atmosphere and in aerosol particles
From regulators to researchers and most industries in between, all eyes are on PFAS. PFAS, per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are a class of highly fluorinated human-made compounds that have been used for decades in everything from nonstick cookware.....»»
Researcher suggests beloved Disney classics convey an idealized image of fatherhood
For decades, Disney animations have shaped perceptions of family relationships and gender roles. Although much focus has traditionally been on princesses and female characters, a new study shifts attention to fatherhood and the evolving ideals of mas.....»»
How to Calm Your Election Anxiety—Even after Polls Close
People are really stressed about the U.S. presidential election. A psychiatrist offers several self-help methods to reduce feelings of despair.....»»
Apple tops list of retailers for removal of hazardous chemicals from stores
Apple's environmental credentials have been praised, as it has scored the highest among retailers in the U.S. and Canada for removing hazardous chemicals and plastics.Apple logo in trees - Image credit: AppleThe 2024 Retailer Report Card from Toxic-F.....»»
ChatGPT’s success could have come sooner, says former Google AI researcher
A co-author of Attention Is All You Need reflects on ChatGPT's surprise and Google's conservatism. In 2017, eight machine-learning researchers at Google released a groundbreaking.....»»
Deep learning streamlines identification of 2D materials
Researchers have developed a deep learning-based approach that significantly streamlines the accurate identification and classification of two-dimensional (2D) materials through Raman spectroscopy. In comparison, traditional Raman analysis methods ar.....»»
Using genetic code expansion to study membrane proteins
Over the years, chemical biology methods have made an important contribution to the study of integral membrane proteins. A key modern approach is genetic code expansion (GCE), which makes it possible to modify proteins directly in living cells to giv.....»»
BAFTA-nominated actors five times more likely to have attended private school than UK population
New research from the Sutton Trust, including work by Dr. Mark Taylor, Senior Lecturer in Quantitative Methods in the School of Education, highlights the disparity within creative jobs and related higher education courses. Those who attended private.....»»
Industrial snow: Factories trigger local snowfall by freezing clouds
Anthropogenic aerosols, tiny solid and liquid air pollution particles, have masked a fraction of global warming caused by anthropogenic greenhouse gases. Climate researchers have known for decades that anthropogenic aerosols perturb liquid clouds by.....»»
CMS develops new AI algorithm to detect anomalies at the Large Hadron Collider
In the quest to uncover the fundamental particles and forces of nature, one of the critical challenges facing high-energy experiments at the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) is ensuring the quality of the vast amounts of data collected. To do this, data q.....»»
Wearable tech for space station research
Many of us wear devices that count our steps, measure our heart rate, track sleep patterns, and more. This information can help us make healthy decisions—research shows the devices encourage people to move more, for example—and could flag possibl.....»»
Researchers call for recognition of tire particles as a distinct environmental threat
A new study led by an international team of scientists highlights tire particles (TPs) as the leading contributor to microplastics and calls for urgent, targeted research to address their unique environmental and health risks......»»
Researchers advocate for new framework to measure sustainable economic growth
The global economy is in transition, with energy systems moving from a central reliance on fossil fuels. In addition, the COVID-19 pandemic reshaped consumer behavior, labor markets, and business practices, and geopolitics and war have disrupted long.....»»
Solving the bottleneck of conifer propagation: A molecular approach
Conifers are foundational to ecosystems globally, providing critical environmental and economic value. Yet, their long life cycles slow traditional breeding methods, positioning somatic embryogenesis (SE) as a more effective option for rapid propagat.....»»
Using CRISPR to decipher whether gene variants lead to cancer
In recent years, scientists have created a range of new methods based on CRISPR-Cas technology for precisely editing the genetic material of living organisms. One application is in cell therapy: A patient's immune cells can be specifically reprogramm.....»»
Down in the weeds: How host specificity testing works
Fortunately for us, weeds have enemies. Biocontrol harnesses the power of these natural adversaries, limiting the otherwise unchecked growth and spread of weeds. Biocontrol methods offer safe, cost-effective, landscape-scale weed control......»»
Uncovering health impacts of forever chemicals on freshwater turtles
A study in Science of the Total Environment has measured concentrations of PFAS—also known as forever chemicals—in Australian wildlife, following an analysis of freshwater turtle (Emydura macquarii macquarii) populations in Queensland......»»
AI-enhanced model could improve space weather forecasting
"Killer electrons" that travel at nearly light speed inside Earth's Van Allen belts—the zone that surrounds the planet and traps energetic charged particles—pose a major threat to equipment in space by causing malfunctions in electronics......»»
One-step, high-speed, thermal-electric aerosol printing of piezoelectric bio-organic films
Amidst the ongoing surge in demand for bio-MEMS, wearable/implantable electronics and bio-tissue therapeutics, the pursuit of piezoelectric biomaterials has become a priority, thanks to their remarkable electromechanical properties, biocompatibility,.....»»
A trash compactor is going to the space station
Astronauts on the International Space Station generate their share of garbage, filling up cargo ships that then deorbit and burn up in the atmosphere. Now Sierra Space has won a contract to build a trash compactor for the space station. The device wi.....»»
53 years of survey data confirm African elephant decline
Habitat loss and poaching have driven dramatic declines in African elephants, but it is challenging to measure their numbers and monitor changes across the entire continent. A new study has analyzed 53 years of population survey data and found large-.....»»