Physicists propose path to faster, more flexible robots

Physicists revealed a microscopic phenomenon that could greatly improve the performance of soft devices, such as agile flexible robots or microscopic capsules for drug delivery.

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/05/240517164128.htm

Zombie cells in the sea: Viruses keep the most common marine bacteria in check

Marine microbes control the flux of matter and energy essential for life in the oceans. Among them, the bacterial group SAR11 accounts for about a third of all the bacteria found in surface ocean waters. A study now reveals that at times nearly 20% of SAR11 cells are infected by viruses, significantly reducing total cell numbers. The viruses can also transform these once thriving bacteria into zombies, a phenomenon observed for the first time and widespread in the oceans.

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/05/240517111533.htm

Ancient arachnid from coal forests of America stands out for its spiny legs

The spiny legged 308-million-year-old arachnid Douglassarachne acanthopoda was discovered the famous Mazon Creek locality.

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/05/240517111509.htm

A powerful tool speeds success in achieving highly efficient thermoelectric materials

Thermoelectric materials could play an important role in the clean energy transition, as they can produce electricity from sources of heat that would otherwise go to waste. Researchers report a new approach to efficiently predict when thermoelectric materials will have improved performance in converting heat into electricity.

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/05/240516205155.htm

Otters, especially females, use tools to survive a changing world

Sea otters are one of the few animals that use tools to access their food, and a new study has found that individual sea otters that use tools -- most of whom are female -- are able to eat larger prey and reduce tooth damage when their preferred prey becomes depleted.

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/05/240516160511.htm

How did sabre-toothed tigers acquire their long upper canine teeth?

In a groundbreaking study an international team of scientists has investigated the evolutionary patterns behind the development of sabre teeth, with some unexpected results along the way.

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/05/240516122644.htm

When saying 'please' is more strategic than magic

By kindergarten age, most children have been taught that 'please' is a magic word. 'Please' is an expression of politeness that shows courtesy and respect, turning a potential demand into a request that will -- poof! -- magically be granted. But a new study on the ways people make requests of one another suggests that 'please' might not be an all-purpose marker of politeness, but rather a more focused, strategic tool to manage frictions or obstacles among family members, friends and even coworkers. The study shows that people say 'please' much less often than expected, and mostly when they expect a 'no' response is forthcoming.

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/05/240515225104.htm

Infertility treatment doubles the risk of postpartum heart disease

Researchers tie infertility treatment to a particular risk for hypertensive diseases.

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/05/240515164258.htm

Scientists want to know how the smells of nature benefit our health

Spending time in nature is good for us. And knowing more about nature's effects on our bodies could not only help our well-being, but could also improve how we care for land, preserve ecosystems and design cities, homes and parks. Many studies have focused on how seeing nature affects us. A team of scientists from around the world wants to understand what the nose knows. They are calling for more research into how odors and scents from natural settings impact our health and well-being.

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/05/240515164221.htm

Animal brain inspired AI game changer for autonomous robots

A team of researchers has developed a drone that flies autonomously using neuromorphic image processing and control based on the workings of animal brains. Animal brains use less data and energy compared to current deep neural networks running on GPUs (graphic chips). Neuromorphic processors are therefore very suitable for small drones because they don't need heavy and large hardware and batteries. The results are extraordinary: during flight the drone's deep neural network processes data up to 64 times faster and consumes three times less energy than when running on a GPU. Further developments of this technology may enable the leap for drones to become as small, agile, and smart as flying insects or birds.

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/05/240515164207.htm

Final dust settles slowly in the deep sea

'Dust clouds' at the bottom of the deep sea, that will be created by deep-sea mining activities, descend at a short distance for the biggest part. Yet, a small portion of the stirred-up bottom material remains visible in the water at long distances.

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/05/240515123007.htm

Highly pathogenic avian flu detected in New York City wild birds

A small number of New York City wild birds carry highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza, according to a recent study.

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/05/240515122731.htm

Iconic baobabs: The origin and long-distance travels of upside down trees

The research cracks the code on the iconic baobab tree's origin story, revealing their surprising origins in Madagascar and incredible long-distance dispersals to Africa and Australia. The study unveils how baobabs developed unique pollination mechanisms -- some attracting hawkmoths, others lemurs, and even bats -- showcasing remarkable evolutionary adaptations. The research sheds light on how climate change has shaped the baobab's distribution and diversification over millions of years, offering valuable insights for understanding plant responses to future environmental shifts.

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/05/240515122704.htm

Promising new development in solar cell technology

Researchers who contributed to the development of record-breaking solar cells a few years ago, expanded their invention. The self-assembled monolayers can now be applied not only in inverted but also in regular structure perovskite solar cells.

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/05/240515122642.htm

Promising new development in solar cell technology

Researchers who contributed to the development of record-breaking solar cells a few years ago, expanded their invention. The self-assembled monolayers can now be applied not only in inverted but also in regular structure perovskite solar cells.

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/05/240515122642.htm

Global methane emissions automatically detected in satellite imagery using AI

Methane is particularly targeted for curbing greenhouse gas emissions because its significant global-warming potential in the short term exceeds carbon dioxide by over 80-fold. However, monitoring methane emissions and compiling their quantities have been challenging due to limiting trade-offs with existing detection methods. Researchers developed a method to automatically detect methane emissions at a global scale, potentially providing methane detection at high frequency and high resolution from point sources.

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/05/240514213401.htm

Virtual reality becomes more engaging when designers use cinematic tools

Cinematography techniques can significantly increase user engagement with virtual environments and, in particular, the aesthetic appeal of what users see in virtual reality.

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/05/240514141501.htm

2023 was the hottest summer in two thousand years

Researchers have found that 2023 was the hottest summer in the Northern Hemisphere in the past two thousand years, almost four degrees warmer than the coldest summer during the same period.

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/05/240514141249.htm

Insights into protein evolution

A research team has unveiled a breakthrough in understanding how specific genetic sequences, known as pseudogenes, evolve.

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/05/240513165522.htm

Cats purrfectly demonstrate what it takes to trust robots

Would you trust a robot to look after your cat? New research suggests it takes more than a carefully designed robot to care for your cat, the environment in which they operate is also vital, as well as human interaction.

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/05/240513150538.htm