Using optical microscopy to take a look beneath the skin of "surfactant onions"
Surfactant onions form when layers of surfactant molecules organize around each other into a sphere. They are easily pictured by thinking of their vegetable namesake. Until now it has not been clear whether surfactant onions are perfect layered struc.....»»
AI-driven method enhances electron microscopy imaging capabilities of complex biological systems
Electron microscopy has enabled visualization of the intricate details inside cells. The advancement to 3D electron microscopy, known as volume EM (vEM), has further expanded this three-dimensional, nanoscale imaging capacity. However, trade-offs bet.....»»
Starvation and adhesion drive formation of keratinocyte patterns in skin, research reveals
Fingerprints are one of the best-recognized examples of pattern formation by epithelial cells. The primary cells in the epithelium are the keratinocytes, and they are known to form patterns at the microscopic and macroscopic levels. While factors aff.....»»
New surfactant from cashew nut shell liquid boosts industrial reactions
Industries and chemical labs synthesize a wide variety of organic molecules every day. Most of these chemical reactions happen in the liquid phase to allow the substrates to interact easily. However, many substrates and catalysts are sensitive to wat.....»»
The biggest-ever sample of core material from Earth"s mantle could have valuable clues into the origins of life
If you were to slice through it, you would see the Earth is divided into distinct layers. On top is the relatively thin crust where we live. Beneath that is the 2,900 km thick mantle layer. Then, enclosed within the mantle is the innermost metallic c.....»»
Studying the skin of the great white shark could help reduce drag in aircraft
High-ridged dentricles reduce drag at low speeds; alternating ridges do so at high speeds. Enlarge / Great white sharks can reduce drag at different swimming speeds thanks to high and low ridged dentricles in its skin. (credit: T.....»»
Researchers discover new material for optically-controlled magnetic memory
Researchers at the University of Chicago Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering (PME) have made unexpected progress toward developing a new optical memory that can quickly and energy-efficiently store and access computational data. While studying a.....»»
How do butterflies stick to branches during metamorphosis?
Most of us learned about butterfly metamorphosis as a kid—a wriggly caterpillar molts its skin to form a tough chrysalis and emerges as a beautiful butterfly. But how exactly do chrysalises stay anchored as the butterfly brews within?.....»»
Ars asks: What was the last CD or DVD you burned?
With the demise of Apple's SuperDrive, we reminisce on our final homemade optical discs. Enlarge / This is one method of burning a disc. (credit: 1001slide / Getty Images) We noted earlier this week that time seems to ha.....»»
Precise stirring conditions key to optimizing nanostructure synthesis
Stirring allows for homogenization and efficient gas exchange—this fact has been known for decades. Controlling the stirring rate during the nanocluster synthesis is pivotal in achieving nanostructures with well-defined sizes, structures, optical p.....»»
Towards high quality transferred barium titanate ferroelectric hybrid integrated modulator on silicon
Future optical communication and signal processing systems will require high-volume optical links, wherein photonic integrated devices play a key role. Si photonics is currently among the most advanced techniques for realizing low-cost PIC. However,.....»»
Microscopy technique "paves way" for improving understanding of cellular functions
Scientists have developed a new way of counting labeled proteins in living cells that could become a standard and valuable tool in the field of biomedical research......»»
Optical navigation tech could streamline planetary exploration
In a dim, barren landscape like the surface of the moon, it can be easy to get lost. With few discernable landmarks to navigate with the naked eye, astronauts and rovers must rely on other means to plot a course......»»
Improving resolution and reducing noise in fluorescence microscopy with ensured fidelity
Fluorescence microscopy is a cornerstone of modern biological imaging, allowing scientists to study cells and their processes in real time. However, limitations in resolution and noise levels can hinder the clarity and detail of these images. Moreove.....»»
Scientists equip Australian sea lions with cameras to explore previously unmapped ocean habitats
What lies deep beneath ocean surfaces is often a mystery. In Australia, many underwater habitats have not been mapped, and researchers know little about them. Now, scientists are working to change that by employing sea lions as videographers......»»
New computer vision-based system monitors seasonal dynamics of tropical water
Understanding how water moves and changes around the world is more important than ever due to climate change, but monitoring inland water in the tropics is not easy. Most satellites are optical and simply take photos of surfaces. They cannot see thro.....»»
Vertically stacked skin-like active-matrix display with ultrahigh aperture ratio
Skin-like displays are critical components of information output in next-generation portable and wearable electronics. Currently, all such displays are fabricated on glass or thick plastic substrates, limiting the inherent mechanical flexibility of o.....»»
End of an era: Apple"s SuperDrive has finally sold out after 16 years
The 2008 MacBook Air didn't have an optical drive, so Apple sold a separate SuperDrive accessory, which has finally seemingly been discontinued from sale.RIP Apple USB SuperDriveVisit Apple's website, and you'll see the SuperDrive is sold out. That m.....»»
Ultrafast electron microscopy technique advances understanding of processes applicable to brain-like computing
Today's supercomputers consume vast amounts of energy, equivalent to the power usage of thousands of homes. In response, researchers are developing a more energy-efficient form of next-generation supercomputing that leverages artificial neural networ.....»»
BNP-Track algorithm offers a clearer picture of biomolecules in motion
It's about to get easier to catch and analyze a high-quality image of fast-moving molecules. Assistant Professor Ioannis Sgouralis, Department of Mathematics, and colleagues have developed an algorithm that adds a new level to microscopy: super-resol.....»»
Microscopy breakthrough promises better imaging for sensitive materials
An international team of scientists, led by Trinity College Dublin, has devised an innovative imaging method using state-of-the-art microscopes that significantly reduces the time and radiation required. Their work represents a significant breakthrou.....»»