Shape-changing polymer resembles animal movements with temperature shifts
A team of scientists has created a new shape-changing polymer that could transform how future soft materials are constructed. Made using a material called a liquid crystalline elastomer (LCE), a soft rubber-like material that can be stimulated by ext.....»»
Mathematicians Discover a New Kind of Shape That’s All over Nature
Mathematicians have found a new kind of shape with connections to nature and art.....»»
Could Ocean Engineering Pull Carbon from the Atmosphere as a Last Resort against Climate Change?
Changing the ocean’s chemical and biological makeup could force it to pull vast amounts of planet-warming carbon from the atmosphere. But is that a line we want to cross?.....»»
New theory reveals the shape of a single photon
A new theory that explains how light and matter interact at the quantum level has enabled researchers to define for the first time the precise shape of a single photon......»»
Study shows climate change is hindering aspen tree maturity
Warming temperatures continuously impact mankind, wildlife, major corporations and propositions at all levels of government, but for Flagstaff forests, climate change is a catalyst for countless structural, compositional and external shifts that new.....»»
1mm-thick speakers could reshape smart glasses, smartwatches, and earbuds
XMEMS says it will release a tiny flat speaker that could drastically change the size and shape of future wearables......»»
Philadelphia students have a new reading and writing curriculum. A literacy expert explains what"s changing
Philadelphia's K-8 public school students are being taught a new literacy curriculum starting in the 2024-2025 school year. It's called Expeditionary Learning, and it conforms with what literacy experts call the science of reading, which are research.....»»
Fish on film: Uncovering the environmental drivers of black spot syndrome
For many researchers in biology and other natural sciences, dissecting specimens may not be desirable, though it is often necessary. This is because dissection means killing the animal a researcher is trying to study—a big issue, especially if the.....»»
Tiny worm makes for big evolutionary discovery: Scientists describe "Uncus," the oldest ecdysozoan
Everyone has a past. That includes the millions of species of insects, arachnids, and nematode worms that make up a major animal group called the Ecdysozoa......»»
In collective animal movements, speed matters—scientists use "force map" to investigate fish schools
Few things are as fascinating to look at a flock of starlings performing their aerial bird dance that is commonly seen, for example, above the West Pier in Brighton, UK, or in Rome when exiting the main train station, or a school of fish escaping a p.....»»
When marine algae get sick: How viruses shape microbe interactions
By looking at the tiniest virus-infected microbes in the ocean, researchers are gaining new insights about the marine food web that may help improve future climate change predictions. The new study, co-authored by Wake Forest Assistant Professor of B.....»»
Archaea shape microbiomes by using molecular spring-loaded daggers
In a paper published in Science Advances, the Pilhofer Lab (IMBB) together with the Albers Lab from the University of Freiburg describe the structure and function of contractile injection systems from haloarchaea and show how it can structure the loc.....»»
Climate Change Is Altering Animals" Colors
Lizards in France have grown lighter in color and so are many insects and birds across the globe. The effects of a changing climate are plainly visible throughout the animal kingdom.....»»
Genes of ancient animal relatives used to grow a mouse: Study reveals hidden history of stem cells
An international team of researchers has achieved an unprecedented milestone: the creation of mouse stem cells capable of generating a fully developed mouse using genetic tools from a unicellular organism, with which we share a common ancestor that p.....»»
Ultrafast lasers enable manipulation of polar order in a charge density wave at room temperature
Addressing the challenge of controlling electronic states in materials, the scientific community has been exploring innovative methods. Recently, researchers from Peking University, led by Professor Nanlin Wang, in collaboration with Professor Qiaome.....»»
Can AI improve plant-based meats? Using mechanical testing and machine learning to mimic the sensory experience
Cutting back on animal protein in our diets can save on resources and greenhouse gas emissions. But convincing meat-loving consumers to switch up their menu is a challenge. Looking at this problem from a mechanical engineering angle, Stanford enginee.....»»
Study uncovers earliest evidence of humans using fire to shape the landscape of Tasmania
Some of the first human beings to arrive in Tasmania, over 41,000 years ago, used fire to shape and manage the landscape, about 2,000 years earlier than previously thought......»»
Simple table salt enhances new adhesive polymer technology
Adhesives are everywhere, from the tape used in households to the bonding materials in vehicles and electronics. The search for stronger, more adaptable adhesives is ongoing and may come down to adding a dash of salt to two special polymer ingredient.....»»
Fun Facts about Teeth across the Animal Kingdom
Anglerfish have invisible fangs, narwhal tusks are extra-long canines, and more facts from the weird and wonderful study of teeth will astound you.....»»
One or many? Exploring the population groups of the Antarctic blue whale using historical mark-recovery data
Hunted nearly to extinction during 20th century whaling, the Antarctic blue whale, the world's largest animal, went from a population size of roughly 200,000 to little more than 300. The most recent estimate in 2004 put Antarctic blue whales at less.....»»
Solar wind power likely governs Uranus" thermosphere temperature
Uranus's upper atmosphere has been cooling for decades—and now scientists have shown why. Observations from Earth have shown Uranus' upper atmosphere has been cooling for decades, with no clear explanation......»»