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Russ Roberts (https://hawaiisciencejournal.blogspot.com).
Charge your laptop in a minute or your EV in 10? Supercapacitors can help Imagine if your dead laptop or phone could charge in a minute or if an electric car could be fully powered in 10 minutes. New research could lead to such advances.
Image: New Africa/Shutterstock.com AI headphones let wearer listen to a single person in a crowd, by looking at them just once Engineers have developed an artificial intelligence system that lets someone wearing headphones look at a person speaking for three to five seconds to 'enroll' them. The system then plays just the enrolled speaker's voice in real time, even as the pair move around in noisy environments. Theory and experiment combine to shine a new light on proton spin Nuclear physicists have long been working to reveal how the proton gets its spin. Now, a new method that combines experimental data with state-of-the-art calculations has revealed a more detailed picture of spin contributions from the very glue that holds protons together. Caterpillars can detect their predators by the static electricity they emit Caterpillars respond defensively to electric fields similar to those emitted by their natural predators, scientists have found. Imperceptible sensors made from 'electronic spider silk' can be printed directly on human skin Researchers have developed a method to make adaptive and eco-friendly sensors that can be directly and imperceptibly printed onto a wide range of biological surfaces, whether that's a finger or a flower petal. Breakthrough discovery uses engineered surfaces to shed heat Splash a few drops of water on a hot pan and if the pan is hot enough, the water will sizzle and the droplets of water seem to roll and float, hovering above the surface. The temperature at which this phenomenon, called the Leidenfrost effect, occurs is predictable, usually happening above 230 degrees Celsius. A team has now discovered a method to create the aquatic levitation at a much lower temperature. Innovative material for sustainable building Researchers introduce a polymer-based material with unique properties. This material allows sunlight to enter, maintains a more comfortable indoor climate without additional energy, and cleans itself like a lotus leaf. The new development could replace glass components in walls and roofs in the future. In an interdisciplinary study, researchers discovered that symbiotic bacteria communicate with legume plants through specific molecules and that this communication influences which bacteria grow near the plant roots. The findings provide insights into how plants and soil bacteria form beneficial partnerships for nutrient uptake and resilience. These results are a step towards understanding how communication between plants and soil bacteria can lead to specific beneficial associations providing plants with nutrients. Sequencing of the developing human brain uncovers hundreds of thousands of new gene transcripts Researchers uncovered 214,516 unique isoforms in the developing neocortex -- over 70% of which have not been previously studied. New approach to Epstein-Barr virus and resulting diseases The Epstein-Barr virus can cause a spectrum of diseases, including a range of cancers. Emerging data now show that inhibition of a specific metabolic pathway in infected cells can diminish latent infection and therefore the risk of downstream disease. Birth of universe's earliest galaxies observed for first time Researchers have now seen the formation of three of the earliest galaxies in the universe, more than 13 billion years ago. The sensational discovery contributes important knowledge about the universe. Scientists map networks regulating gene function in the human brain A consortium of researchers has produced the largest and most advanced multidimensional maps of gene regulation networks in the brains of people with and without mental disorders. These maps detail the many regulatory elements that coordinate the brain's biological pathways and cellular functions. The research used postmortem brain tissue from over 2,500 donors to map gene regulation networks across different stages of brain development and multiple brain-related disorders. Birdsong and human voice built from same genetic blueprint Humans have been long fascinated by bird song and the cacophony of other avian sounds -- from coos and honks to quacks and peeps. But little is known about how the unique vocal organ of birds -- the syrinx -- varies from species to species or its deeper evolutionary origins. A trio of recent studies is changing that. The studies include high-resolution anatomical scans of syrinxes from hummingbirds and ostriches -- the world's smallest and largest bird species -- and the discovery that the syrinx and larynx, the vocal organ of reptiles and mammals, including humans, share the same developmental programming. Study explains why the brain can robustly recognize images, even without color New research offers a possible explanation for how the brain learns to identify both color and black-and-white images. The researchers found evidence that early in life, when the retina is unable to process color information, the brain learns to distinguish objects based on luminance, rather than color. Researchers unveil shared and unique brain molecular dysregulations in PTSD and depression Researchers analyzed multi-omic data from 231 people with PTSD or depression to uncover distinct molecular differences that might affect systems such as the nervous and immune systems, to contribute to these mental health conditions. A promising approach to develop a birth control pill for men Researchers show in animal models that a novel, non-hormonal sperm-specific approach offers a promising option for reversible human male contraception. Intriguing nearby world sized between Earth, Venus Astronomers have discovered a planet between the sizes of Earth and Venus only 40 light-years away. Planet hunters unveil massive catalog of strange worlds While thousands of planets have been discovered around other stars, relatively little is known about them. A NASA catalog featuring 126 exotic, newly discovered worlds includes detailed measurements that allow for comparisons with our own solar system. Mental disorders may spread in young people's social networks A recently completed study demonstrates that mental disorders may be transmitted between individuals within social networks. The finding was the most evident in the case of mood, anxiety and eating disorders. The global clean water crisis looms large Water scarcity will intensify with climate and socioeconomic change, disproportionately impacting populations located in the Global South. Predicting cancer risks on the basis of national health data Scientists are predicting individual risks for 20 different types of cancer with a high degree of accuracy. The prediction model could help to identify people with a high risk of cancer, for whom individualized early detection programs could be tested in studies. First pictures from Euclid satellite reveal billions of orphan stars The first scientific pictures from the Euclid satellite mission have revealed more than 1,500 billion orphan stars scattered throughout the Perseus cluster of galaxies. Potentially habitable 'exo-Venus' with Earth-like temperature discovered Astronomers have made the rare and tantalizing discovery of an Earth-like exoplanet 40 light-years away that may be just a little warmer than our own world. The potentially-habitable planet, named Gliese 12 b, orbits its host star every 12.8 days, is comparable in size to Venus -- so slightly smaller than Earth -- and has an estimated surface temperature of 42 C (107 F), which is lower than most of the 5,000-odd exoplanets confirmed so far. That is assuming it has no atmosphere, however, which is the crucial next step to establishing if it is habitable. Foraging ants navigate more efficiently when given energy-drink-like doses of caffeine Ants who receive a caffeine-laced sugary reward become more efficient at navigating back to the reward's location compared to ants that only receive sugar. Caffeinated ants move toward the reward via a more direct path but do not increase their speed, suggesting that caffeine improved their ability to learn. The study was conducted on Argentine ants (Linepithema humile), a globally invasive species, and the researchers say that incorporating caffeine into ant baits could aid efforts to control the ants by improving bait uptake. Sexual parasitism helped anglerfish invade the deep sea during a time of global warming Members of the vertebrate group including anglerfishes are unique in possessing a characteristic known as sexual parasitism, in which males temporarily attach or permanently fuse with females to mate. Now, researchers show that sexual parasitism arose during a time of major global warming and rapid transition for anglerfishes from the ocean floor to the deep, open sea. Australian study proves 'humans are planet's most frightening predator' A new study demonstrates that kangaroos, wallabies and other Australian marsupials fear humans far more than any other predator. Cement recycling method could help solve one of the world's biggest climate challenges Researchers have developed a method to produce very low emission concrete at scale -- an innovation that could be transformative in the transition to net zero. The method, which the researchers say is 'an absolute miracle', uses the electrically-powered arc furnaces used for steel recycling to simultaneously recycle cement, the carbon-hungry component of concrete. Astronomers have a new way to measure how fast a black hole spins, by using the wobbly aftermath from its stellar feasting. The results offer a new way to probe supermassive black holes and their evolution across the universe. The origin of the sun's magnetic field could lie close to its surface Surprise findings suggest sunspots and solar flares could be generated by a magnetic field within the Sun's outermost layers. If confirmed, the findings could help scientists better predict space weather. Promethium bound: Rare earth element's secrets exposed Scientists have uncovered the properties of a rare earth element that was first discovered 80 years ago at the very same laboratory, opening a new pathway for the exploration of elements critical in modern technology, from medicine to space travel. Under extreme impacts, metals get stronger when heated, study finds Scientists have discovered that when metal is struck by an object moving at a super high velocity, the heat makes the metal stronger. The finding could lead to new approaches to designing materials for extreme environments, such as shields that protect spacecraft or equipment for high-speed manufacturing. New AI accurately predicts fly behavior Researchers trained an AI model to accurately predict male fruit flies' courtship behavior in response to any sight of a female. This breakthrough offers new insight into how the brain processes visual data and may someday pave the way for artificial vision technology. Ancient viral DNA in the human genome linked to major psychiatric disorders New research has found that thousands of DNA sequences originating from ancient viral infections are expressed in the brain, with some contributing to susceptibility for psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and depression. Excavation reveals 'major' ancient migration to Timor Island The discovery of thousands of stone artefacts and animal bones in a deep cave in Timor Island has led archaeologists to reassess the route that early humans took to reach Australia. Researchers dated and analysed the artefacts and sediment at the Laili rock shelter in central-north Timor-Leste, north of Australia, to pinpoint the arrival of the colonists. Milk from before antibiotic era were resistant to antibiotic tetracycline The researchers started with 50 samples collected from 1941 to 1947, and they found that the samples contained seven different Streptococcus species, including two subspecies of S. dysgalactiae. Interestingly, the researchers found some of the samples were resistant to the antibiotic tetracycline and did not carry antibiotic resistance genes typically seen in today's antibiotic-resistant bacterial strains. Since these samples were collected prior to the antibiotic era, the results add to a growing body of literature showing that antibiotic resistance occurred naturally before humans discovered and began to use antibiotics. Study finds widespread 'cell cannibalism,' related phenomena across tree of life Researchers describe cell-in-cell phenomena in which one cell engulfs and sometimes consumes another. The study shows that cases of this behavior, including cell cannibalism, are widespread across the tree of life. The findings challenge the common perception that cell-in-cell events are largely restricted to cancer cells. Rather, these events appear to be common across diverse organisms, from single-celled amoebas to complex multicellular animals. Detecting odors on the edge: Researchers decipher how insects smell more with less While humans feature a sophisticated sense of smell, insects have a much more basic olfactory system. Yet they depend upon smell to survive. Scientists have figured out how fruit flies use a simple but efficient system to recognize odors, and the answer lies at the edges of their antennae. Drug-like inhibitor shows promise in preventing flu Currently available flu medications only target the virus after it has already established an infection, but what if a drug could prevent infection in the first place? Now, scientists have designed drug-like molecules to do just that, by thwarting the first stage of influenza infection. Cosmic rays illuminate the past Researchers have for the first time been able to pin down a prehistoric settlement of early farmers in northern Greece dating back more than 7,000 years to the year. For this they combined annual growth ring measurements on wooden building elements with the sudden spike of cosmogenic radiocarbon in 5259 BC. This provides a reliable chronological reference point for many other archaeological sites in Southeast Europe. Complete Stellar Collapse: Unusual star system proves that stars can die quietly University of Copenhagen astrophysicists help explain a mysterious phenomenon, whereby stars suddenly vanish from the night sky. Their study of an unusual binary star system has resulted in convincing evidence that massive stars can completely collapse and become black holes without a supernova explosion. What pottery reveals about prehistoric Central European culinary traditions The analysis of fat traces in over one hundred pottery vessels reveals deep changes in food consumption and preparation by communities living in central Germany between the Early Neolithic and the Late Bronze Age, as well as in their relation with innovations in pottery styles and decorations. In a groundbreaking study, researchers identified a generalized inclusion of dairy products in prehistoric diets, a preference in consuming pork with the arrival of communities from the Eurasian Steppe, and the importance of dairy products in funeral rites. Central Germany was a key region for the emergence of great prehistoric cultures, such as the Linear Pottery Culture, the Corded Ware Culture, the Bell Beaker populations and the Unetice Culture, one of the first state societies in Europe. 3D printing robot creates extreme shock-absorbing shape, with help of AI See how an autonomous robot created a shock-absorbing shape no human ever could -- and what it means for designing safer helmets, packaging, car bumpers, and more. Food for thought: Study links key nutrients with slower brain aging A new study suggests better nutrition might help prevent cognitive decline. Working with a group of 100 cognitively healthy participants aged 65 to 75, a research team combined neuroscience with nutritional science to identify a specific nutrient profile linked with better performance on cognitive tests. Nutrient biomarkers identified via blood tests revealed a combination of fatty acids, antioxidants and carotenoids, and two forms of Vitamin E and choline -- very similar to the Mediterranean diet -- in the systems of those who showed slower than expected brain aging in MRI scans and cognitive assessments. Researchers discover hidden step in dinosaur feather evolution Scientists discover 'zoned development' in dinosaur skin, with zones of reptile-style scales and zones of bird-like skin with feathers. A new dinosaur skin fossil has been found to be composed of silica -- the same as glass. Warming climate intensifies flash droughts worldwide Sudden, severe dry spells known as flash droughts are rising in intensity around the world, with a notable exception in mountainous Central Asia, where flash drought extent is shrinking, according to new research. Heat and changes to precipitation patterns caused by a warming climate are driving these trends, the study found. 'Vigorous melting' at Antarctica's Thwaites 'Doomsday' Glacier Glaciologists show evidence of warm ocean water intruding kilometers beneath grounded ice at Thwaites Glacier in West Antarctica. The findings suggest that existing climate models are underestimating the impact of ocean and ice interactions in future sea level rise projections. World leaders still need to wake up to AI risks Leading AI scientists are calling for stronger action on AI risks from world leaders, warning that progress has been insufficient since the first AI Safety Summit six months ago. Then, the world's leaders pledged to govern AI responsibly. However, twenty-five of the world's leading AI scientists say not enough is actually being done to protect us from the technology's risks. Webb Telescope offers first glimpse of an exoplanet's interior A surprisingly low amount of methane and a super-sized core hide within the cotton candy -- like planet WASP-107 b. Scientists have taken a step closer to replicating nature's processes of self-assembly. The study describes the synthetic construction of a tiny, self-assembled crystal known as a 'pyrochlore,' which bears unique optical properties. The advance provides a steppingstone to the eventual construction of sophisticated, self-assembling devices at the nanoscale -- roughly the size of a single virus. Innovative 3D printing could revolutionize treatment for cataracts and other eye conditions Rsearchers have developed the first 3D printable ocular resins, marking a significant breakthrough in manufacturing specialist lenses for implantation in the human eye. Researchers unravel the vocal interactions of meerkat groups and show they use two different types of interactions to stay in touch. Record low Antarctic sea ice 'extremely unlikely' without climate change Scientists have found that the record-low levels of sea ice around Antarctica in 2023 were extremely unlikely to happen without the influence of climate change. This low was a one-in-a-2000-year event without climate change and four times more likely under its effects. Brain 'assembloids' mimic human blood-brain barrier Major advance promises to accelerate the understanding and improved treatment of a wide range of brain disorders, including stroke, cerebral vascular disorders, brain cancer, Alzheimer's disease, Huntington disease, Parkinson's disease, and other neurodegenerative conditions. The latest findings forecast that global life expectancy will increase by 4.9 years in males and 4.2 years in females between 2022 and 2050. Increases are expected to be largest in countries where life expectancy is lower, contributing to a convergence of increased life expectancy across geographies. The trend is largely driven by public health measures that have prevented and improved survival rates from cardiovascular diseases, COVID-19, and a range of communicable, maternal, neonatal, and nutritional diseases (CMNNs). A trial HIV vaccine triggered elusive and essential antibodies in humans An HIV vaccine candidate triggered low levels of an elusive type of broadly neutralizing HIV antibodies among a small group of people enrolled in a 2019 clinical trial. Early arrival and expansion of palaeolithic people on Cyprus The patterns of dispersal of early humans across continents and islands are hotly debated, but researchers have found that Pleistocene hunter-gatherers settled in Cyprus thousands of years earlier than previously thought. In examining the timing of the first human occupation of Cyprus, research found that large islands in the Mediterranean Sea were attractive and favorable destinations for palaeolithic peoples. These findings refute previous studies that suggested Mediterranean islands would have been unreachable and inhospitable for Pleistocene hunter-gatherer societies. 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. Scientists use generative AI to answer complex questions in physics Researchers used generative AI to develop a physics-informed technique to classify phase transitions in materials or physical systems that is much more efficient than existing machine-learning approaches. 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. New gene delivery vehicle shows promise for human brain gene therapy In an important step toward more effective gene therapies for brain diseases, researchers have engineered a gene-delivery vehicle that uses a human protein to efficiently cross the blood-brain barrier and deliver a disease-relevant gene to the brain in mice expressing the human protein. Because the vehicle binds to a well-studied protein in the blood-brain barrier, the scientists say it has a good chance at working in patients. Further ExploreVisit ScienceDaily for your latest research news. Enjoyed this newsletter? Share the knowledge with your friends and colleagues!
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