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A faster, more efficient imaging system for nanoparticles

Scientists have developed a new system for imaging nanoparticles. It consists of a high-precision, short-wave infrared imaging technique capable of capturing the photoluminescence lifetimes of rare-earth doped nanoparticles in the micro- to millisecond range.

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/01/240130133602.htm

Gut microbiota influence severity of respiratory viral infection

The composition of microbiota found in the gut influences how susceptible mice are to respiratory virus infections and the severity of these infections.

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/01/240130133532.htm

Provides new explanation for why placenta may not properly separate at birth, putting mother and newborn at risk

A new study may change the way clinicians and scientists understand, diagnose and treat placenta accreta spectrum disorder, a serious condition in which the placenta fails to separate from the uterus at birth, jeopardizing the life and health of both mother and baby.

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/01/240130133520.htm

Staggering structure in 19 nearby spiral galaxies

The James Webb Space Telescope observed 19 nearby face-on spiral galaxies in near- and mid-infrared light as part of its contributions to the Physics at High Angular resolution in Nearby GalaxieS (PHANGS) program.

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/01/240129182441.htm

Scientists pull off quantum coup

Scientists have discovered a first-of-its-kind material, a 3D crystalline metal in which quantum correlations and the geometry of the crystal structure combine to frustrate the movement of electrons and lock them in place.

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/01/240129182416.htm

How a walk in nature restores attention

New research by psychologists demonstrates a peaceful walk through a natural setting enhances attention.

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/01/240129182406.htm

Back from the dead: Tropical tree fern repurposes its dead leaves

Plant biologists report that a species of tree fern found only in Panama reanimates its own dead leaf fronds, converting them into root structures that feed the mother plant. The fern, Cyathea rojasiana, reconfigures these 'zombie leaves,' reversing the flow of water to draw nutrients back into the plant.

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/01/240129122507.htm

How did humans learn to walk? New evolutionary study offers an earful

A new study, which centers on evidence from skulls of a 6-million-year-old fossil ape, Lufengpithecus, offers important clues about the origins of bipedal locomotion courtesy of a novel method: analyzing its bony inner ear region using three-dimensional CT-scanning. The inner ear appears to provide a unique record of the evolutionary history of ape locomotion.

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/01/240129122501.htm

How does a 'reverse sprinkler' work? Researchers solve decades-old physics puzzle

For decades scientists have been trying to solve Feynman's Sprinkler Problem: How does a sprinkler running in reverse work? Through a series of experiments, a team of mathematicians has figured out how flowing fluids exert forces and move structures, thereby revealing the answer to this long-standing mystery.

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/01/240129122359.htm

Researchers map genome for cats, dolphins, birds, and dozens of other animals

Researchers mapped genetic blueprints for 51 species including cats, dolphins, kangaroos, penguins, sharks, and turtles, a discovery that deepens our understanding of evolution and the links between humans and animals. The researchers developed novel algorithms and computer software that cut the sequencing time from months -- or decades in the case of the human genome -- to a matter of days.

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/01/240129122332.htm

New study reveals the profound impact of forced separation between humans and their pets

Pet owners forced to be separated from their animals in crisis situations, including those who are victims of domestic violence, are suffering from a lack of support services needed to protect them.

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/01/240128163300.htm

New study reveals the profound impact of forced separation between humans and their pets

Pet owners forced to be separated from their animals in crisis situations, including those who are victims of domestic violence, are suffering from a lack of support services needed to protect them.

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/01/240128163300.htm

New tool helps predict progression of Alzheimer's

Researchers have created a novel learning-based framework that will help Alzheimer's patients accurately pinpoint where they are within the disease-development spectrum. This will allow them to best predict the timing of the later stages, making it easier to plan for future care as the disease advances.

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/01/240126171639.htm

Confirmation of ancient lake on Mars builds excitement for Perseverance rover's samples

Ground-penetrating radar on board NASA's Mars Perseverance rover has confirmed that the Jezero Crater, formed by an ancient meteor impact just north of the Martian equator, once harbored a vast lake and river delta. Over eons, sediment deposition and erosion within the crater shaped the geologic formations visible on the surface today. The discovery of lake sediments reinforces the hope that traces of life might be found in soil and rock samples collected by Perseverance.

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/01/240126171636.htm

Using fMRI, new vision study finds promising model for restoring cone function

Researchers identified a retinal disease to evaluate the success of gene and cell replacement therapy.

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/01/240126140618.htm

Coal-based product could replace sand in concrete

A new study found that graphene derived from metallurgical coke, a coal-based product, through flash Joule heating could serve not only as a reinforcing additive in cement but also as a replacement for sand in concrete.

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/01/240126140529.htm

Scientists design a two-legged robot powered by muscle tissue

Compared to robots, human bodies are flexible, capable of fine movements, and can convert energy efficiently into movement. Drawing inspiration from human gait, researchers from Japan crafted a two-legged biohybrid robot by combining muscle tissues and artificial materials. This method allows the robot to walk and pivot.

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/01/240126140516.htm

Achieving sustainable urban growth on a global scale

An international group of leading scientists call for an urgent change in the governance of urban expansion as the world's cities continue to grow at unprecedented rates.

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/01/240126001920.htm

Teaching nature to break human-made chemical bonds

A newly evolved enzyme could one day make silicone compounds biodegradable.

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/01/240125145926.htm

Tiny ant species disrupts lion's hunting behavior

Data gathered through years of observation reveal an innocuous-seeming ant is disrupting an ecosystem in East Africa, illustrating the complex web of interactions among ants, trees, lions, zebras and buffaloes.

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/01/240125145923.htm