Welcome to the (Synthetic) Meatspace
Reactor-grown nuggets, human-edited genetic code, and new mRNA technologies could change our relationship to life itself......»»
Revealing environmental exposure to liquid crystal monomers from digital displays
Liquid crystal monomers (LCMs) are synthetic organic chemicals used in manufacturing liquid crystal displays (LCDs) present in numerous digital electronic devices. As the use of digital electronics, such as computers and smartphones, becomes increasi.....»»
Using adavosertib-encapsulated MOFs for p53-mutated gallbladder cancer treatment via synthetic lethality
Since the revelation of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitors and their remarkable results in the treatment of BRCA1/2 mutant cancers, synthetic lethality (SL) in antitumor therapy has attracted increasing attention. SL is a phenomenon in whi.....»»
Harnessing the mechanisms of fungal bioluminescence to confer autonomous luminescence in plant and animal cells
In a striking new study published in Science Advances, a team of synthetic biologists led by Karen Sarkisyan at the MRC Laboratory of Medical Sciences, have reported the discovery of multiple plant enzymes—hispidin synthases—that can perform the.....»»
Bio-inspired materials showcase potential for protective equipment and textiles
Bio-inspired materials (BIM) are synthetic materials whose structure and properties are similar to natural materials or living matter. These materials have the potential to advance structural materials, textiles and protective equipment due to their.....»»
Light stimulates a new twist for synthetic chemistry
Molecules that are induced by light to rotate bulky groups around central bonds could be developed into photo-activated bioactive systems, molecular switches, and more......»»
Merons realized in synthetic antiferromagnets
The electronic devices we use on a day-to-day basis are powered by electrical currents. This is the case with our living room lights, washing machines, and televisions, to name but a few examples. Data processing in computers also relies on informati.....»»
Diamonds are a chip"s best friend: Research determines spin-orbit effects on exciton complexes
Besides being "a girl's best friend," diamonds have broad industrial applications, such as in solid-state electronics. New technologies aim to produce high-purity synthetic crystals that become excellent semiconductors when doped with impurities as e.....»»
New synthesis method uses light reaction on a water surface
By forming chemical bonds between atoms, complex molecules such as those needed for medicines, crop protection products, or high-performance materials are prepared using synthetic chemistry. Such synthesis reactions typically require organic solvents.....»»
Synthetic fibers and tire abrasion found to have the strongest impact on corals
Corals feed on plankton that they catch from the seawater. Due to the increasing pollution of the oceans, they also ingest tiny plastic particles. Sometimes, the corals are unable to expel the microplastics from their bodies. Instead, they store it i.....»»
How AI is revolutionizing identity fraud
Nearly half of businesses reported a growth in synthetic identity fraud, while biometric spoofs and counterfeit ID fraud attempts also increased, according to AuthenticID. Consumers and businesses alike are facing new challenges in today’s digital.....»»
Panasonic inks deal to secure 10,000 tons of graphite for N.A. battery cells
Panasonic Energy entered into an agreement with Australian battery materials supplier Novonix Ltd. that is expected to supply the Japanese battery cell manufacturer with at least 10,000 tons of synthetic graphite, a key material in anodes used in lit.....»»
SynMoss project grows moss with partially synthetic genes
A Chinese team of life scientists, microbiologists, plant researchers and seed designers has developed a way to grow engineered moss with partially synthetic genes. In their project, reported in the journal Nature Plants, the group engineered a moss.....»»
When nanoplastics are not what they seem: Release of oligomers from polyester textiles
Plastic household items and clothing made of synthetic fibers release microplastics, particles less than five millimeters in size that can enter the environment unnoticed. A small proportion of these particles are so small that they are measured in n.....»»
Synthetic human embryos let researchers study early development while sidestepping ethical and logistical hurdles
Embryonic development, also known as embryogenesis, is a cornerstone in understanding the origins of life. But studying this marvel of intricate and layered biological processes in people faces considerable challenges. Early-stage human embryos are d.....»»
Method to make synthetic derivative of natural indigo may inspire future electronic devices
Chemists at RIKEN have developed a method for making synthetic derivatives of the natural dye indigo that doesn't require harsh conditions. This discovery could inspire advances in electronic devices, including light-responsive gadgets and stretchy b.....»»
Field weed control: Synthetic microbial communities slash herbicide use
Synthetic microbial communities (SynComs) are emerging as powerful allies in the battle against weeds. These carefully crafted assemblies of microorganisms, such as compatible Pseudomonas strains, are designed to target specific weeds while promoting.....»»
Synthetic antibacterial minerals combat topical infections
The development of new antibiotics has stalled—new strategies are needed as the world enters the age of antibiotic resistance. To combat this challenge, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) scientists have found that synthetic antibacteria.....»»
Water self-purification achieved via electron donation: Novel catalyst enables sustainable wastewater treatment
Emerging contaminants (ECs) in natural water bodies, including endocrine disruptors, pharmaceuticals, and synthetic dyes, pose a grave threat to public water safety. Current wastewater treatment technologies, while somewhat effective, fall short of e.....»»
Overcoming optical loss in a polariton system with synthetic complex frequency waves
A collaborative research team co-led by Professor Shuang Zhang, the Interim Head of the Department of Physics, The University of Hong Kong (HKU), along with Professor Qing DAI from National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, China, has introduced.....»»
Going beyond plastic: Tara gum as a green polymer
Synthetic, non-biodegradable plastics are major sources of environmental pollution and have prompted rising interest in sustainable, biodegradable alternatives derived from natural polymers. "Tara gum," derived from the seeds of the tara tree (Caesal.....»»