Physics
- Off the coast of Antarctica, the sea ice retreated toward the southernmost continent and, like a bottle cap taken off a soda bottle, that reduced pressure slowed down a process of critical carbon dioxide capture, dramatically accelerating the warming of the planet.
- On islands, many plants rely on animals such as birds, bats and reptiles to disperse their seeds and help them grow in new places. When native animals go extinct, this naturally reduces seed dispersal.
- After a slight delay, Australia and Papua New Guinea formally signed a defense treaty this week committing the two nations to come to each other's aid if one is faced with an attack.
- Stress granules are droplet-like protein hubs that temporarily shield fragile RNA from cellular stresses such as toxins. VCP is a protein essential for breaking up stress granules and has been linked to neurodegenerative diseases. However, VCP has a protein partner, ASPL, whose role has been unclear until now.
- A new artificial intelligence-powered tool can help researchers determine how well an enzyme fits with a desired target, helping them find the best enzyme and substrate combination for applications from catalysis to medicine to manufacturing.
- A research team led by Prof. Ben Ko Chi-bun, Associate Professor of the PolyU Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, has discovered the critical mechanism of action of tetrandrine, a compound derived from Chinese medicine Stephania tetrandra. Their work opens the door to innovative treatments for viral infections and neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer's and […]
Environment
- Making electrons flow like a liquid is difficult, but inside graphene researchers forced them to move so fast that they created dramatic shockwaves
- A memory chip just 10 atoms thick has been tested in a lab and integrated into conventional chips, demonstrating a technology that could improve the capacity of our devices
- The impact that carved out the South Pole-Aitken basin on the moon appears to have come from the north, not the south as previously thought – and NASA’s upcoming mission could investigate further
- Older men are more likely to pass on disease-causing mutations to their children because of the faster growth of mutant cells in the testes with age
- Immunologist Daniel Davis wants to eradicate long-held myths and replace them with wonder at the complexity of the body’s defence system
- Susumu Kitagawa, Richard Robson and Omar Yaghi have been honoured for the development of metal-organic frameworks, porous materials that can capture water or pollutants
General
- by C.C. WeissThe latest model in Australia's market of hardwearing truck canopy-style camper trailers, the all-new Mosfab Cosmos has a standout layout that separates it from the campground pack. Every hatch is split into a series of storage cubbies, drawers and slide-outs that give each and every piece of provisioning a dedicated place to call home. Spend […]
- by Bronwyn ThompsonWe've all experienced defeat at some point – losing a game, a potential new job, a debate. Now, a new study has found that the brain may learn from losing to others, with a specific group of neurons tied to defeat that then changes our future behavior.Continue ReadingCategory: Biology, ScienceTags: Okinawa Institute of Science and […]
- by Paul McClureA review of existing research has found that tramadol’s pain relief benefits are minimal and may be outweighed by serious side effects, challenging the drug’s reputation as a “safer” opioid option for treating chronic pain.Continue ReadingCategory: Illnesses and conditions, Body and MindTags: Chronic pain, Back Pain, Neuropathic pain, Analgesics, Opioids, Osteoarthritis
- by Ben CoxworthIf you're going bikepacking – which is off-road bicycle camping – you'll want to keep your load as light and compact as possible. That's where the super-svelte bikepacking-specific Apex1 tent comes in, as it actually uses your bike to hold it fully upright.Continue ReadingCategory: Gear, OutdoorsTags: Camping, Cycling, Tent, Bikepacking, Kickstarter
- by Abhimanyu GhoshalDucati has just refreshed its Multistrada V4 Rally – the most off-road capable in its line of performance adventure touring motorcycles – after three years, with a bunch of tech upgrades to make long journeys more comfortable and justify the slightly higher sticker price.Continue ReadingCategory: Motorcycles, TransportTags: Ducati, Touring
- by Michael FrancoWhile the topical application of minoxidil is one of the most effective and popular ways to combat male pattern baldness, it is poorly absorbed by the skin. Looking to improve its efficacy, researchers have turned to an unlikely but very sweet ally.Continue ReadingCategory: Wellness and Healthy Living, Body and MindTags: Baldness, minoxidil, Hair, stevia, University […]