Development of a high-energy-resolution, LaB6 nanowire-based field emission gun: Electron source enables atomic resolution TEM observation
The National Institute for Materials Science (NIMS) and JEOL, Ltd. have developed a lanthanum hexaboride (LaB6) nanowire-based field emission gun that is installable on an aberration-corrected transmission electron microscope (TEM). This combined unit is able to perform atomic resolution observation at an energy resolution of 0.2 eV — the highest resolution ever recorded for non-monochromatic […]
Elastic polymer that is both stiff and tough, resolves long-standing quandary: More sustainable, long-lasting polymer materials could decrease consumption of plastics
Polymer science has made possible rubber tires, Teflon and Kevlar, plastic water bottles, nylon jackets among many other ubiquitous features of daily life. Elastic polymers, known as elastomers, can be stretched and released repeatedly and are used in applications such as gloves and heart valves, where they need to last a long time without tearing. […]
Zebrafish anticipate the future to avoid virtual danger
Scientists from the RIKEN Center for Brain Science (CBS) and collaborators in Japan have discovered particular neurons in the brain that monitor whether predictions made by fish actually come true. By making use of a new virtual reality-outfitted aquarium where brain imaging of zebrafish can be done as they learn and navigate through virtual reality […]
Actuator discovery outperforms existing technology: Researchers use organic semiconductor nanotubes to create new electrochemical actuator
University of Houston researchers are reporting a breakthrough in the field of materials science and engineering with the development of an electrochemical actuator that uses specialized organic semiconductor nanotubes (OSNTs). Currently in the early stages of development, the actuator will become a key part of research contributing to the future of robotic, bioelectronic and biomedical […]
Study confirms virus variants reduce protection against COVID-19: Researchers say findings suggest need to double down on vaccinations, public health measures
A new laboratory study from Oregon Health & Science University finds that blood serum drawn from people previously vaccinated or naturally infected show “significantly reduced” defense against two widely circulating variants of the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2. The study published today in the journal Nature Communications. Researchers said that their findings emphasize the importance of vaccinations […]
Scientists identify live immune cells in a coral and sea anemone
A new study led by scientists at the University of Miami (UM) Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science and the Ben Gurion University of the Negev has identified specialized immune cells in the cauliflower coral and starlet sea anemone that can help fight infection. The findings are important to better understand how reef-building corals […]
New understanding of cell stability with potential to improve immune cell therapies: Findings highlight pathway to remove unstable cells
Research in mice, published today in Science Immunology by researchers at the Babraham Institute, UK and VIB-KU Leuven, Belgium, provides two solutions with potential to overcome a key clinical limitation of immune cell therapies. Regulatory T cells have potential in treating autoimmunity and inflammatory diseases yet they can switch from a protective to damaging function. […]
The sense of smell in older adults declines when it comes to meat, but not vanilla, researchers find
Contrary to what science once suggested, older people with a declining sense of smell do not have comprehensively dampened olfactory ability for odors in general — it simply depends upon the type of odor. Researchers at the University of Copenhagen reached this conclusion after examining a large group of older Danes’ and their intensity perception […]