Neutron stars in the universe, ultracold atomic gases in the laboratory, and the quark–gluon plasma created in collisions of atomic nuclei at the Large Hadron Collider (LHC): they may seem totally unrelated but, surprisingly enough, they have something in common. They are all a fluid-like state of matter made up of strongly interacting particles. Insights … Read more
Scientists still are not sure how neurological symptoms arise in COVID-19. Is it because SARS-CoV-2 infects the brain? Or are these symptoms the result of inflammation in the rest of the body? A study by Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin has now produced evidence to support the latter theory. It was published in the journal Nature Neuroscience. Headaches, … Read more
At the Facility for Rare Isotope Beams (FRIB) at Michigan State University, an international research team has achieved a significant milestone by creating five new isotopes, effectively bringing celestial phenomena closer to Earth. Reported in Physical Review Letters, these isotopes—thulium-182, thulium-183, ytterbium-186, ytterbium-187, and lutetium-190—mark the inaugural batch of new isotopes synthesized at FRIB, a … Read more
The Oort Cloud is a fascinating and mysterious region of our solar system, situated far beyond the orbit of Neptune, extending to the fringes of the sun’s gravitational influence. It is a vast and diffuse cloud of icy objects, remnants from the early days of the solar system, which offers insights into the formation and … Read more
Stars are celestial bodies that emit light and heat, providing the energy that sustains life and drives the processes occurring throughout the universe. At the heart of a star lies a complex and fascinating process known as nuclear fusion, which powers the star and produces the radiant energy that we observe from Earth. Understanding how … Read more
Scientists from the University of Rochester’s Laboratory for Laser Energetics (LLE) led experiments to demonstrate an effective “spark plug” for direct-drive methods of inertial confinement fusion (ICF). In two studies published in Nature Physics, the authors discuss their results and outline how they can be applied at bigger scales with the hopes of eventually producing … Read more
Within almost every galaxy there is a supermassive black hole. This by itself implies some kind of formative connection between the two. We have also observed how gas and dust within a galaxy can drive the growth of galactic black holes, and how the dynamics of black holes can both drive star formation or hinder … Read more
In a groundbreaking leap toward the realization of the quantum internet, a collaborative effort between researchers at MIT and the University of Cambridge has yielded a minuscule yet revolutionary device designed to facilitate the swift and efficient transmission of quantum information across vast distances. Central to this innovation is a tiny “microchiplet” crafted from diamond, … Read more
Adenosine triphosphate, or ATP, serves as the primary energy currency in living organisms, playing a crucial role in various cellular processes across all forms of life. Its significance lies in its ability to store and transfer energy within cells, enabling fundamental biological functions necessary for life, growth, and reproduction. At its core, ATP consists of … Read more
New findings published in the journal Nature Neuroscience have shed light on a mysterious pathway between the reward center of the brain that is key to how we form habits, known as the basal ganglia, and another anatomically distinct region where nearly three-quarters of the brain’s neurons reside and assist in motor learning, known as … Read more
This new NASA Hubble Space Telescope image shows a group of interacting galaxies known as LEDA 60847. LEDA 60847 is classified as an active galactic nuclei, or AGN. An AGN has a supermassive black hole in the galaxy’s central region that is accreting material. The AGN emits radiation across the entire electromagnetic spectrum and shines … Read more
Antibiotics have revolutionized the field of medicine, providing effective tools to combat bacterial infections and save countless lives. These powerful medications, derived from natural sources or synthesized in laboratories, target bacteria by interfering with their growth and reproduction. The discovery of antibiotics represents one of the most significant breakthroughs in medical history, shaping the landscape … Read more
Galaxies and nebulae are two captivating astronomical phenomena, each with distinct characteristics and roles in the vast tapestry of the universe. Understanding the differences between galaxies and nebulae is crucial in unraveling the complexities of cosmic structures, their formations, and their contributions to the cosmic landscape. A galaxy is an immense system of stars, stellar … Read more
The amygdala is a small, almond-shaped structure located deep within the brain’s temporal lobe. Despite its relatively small size, the amygdala plays a crucial role in the complex landscape of human emotions, memory, and social interactions. This intricate brain region is involved in processing and regulating a wide range of emotions, particularly those associated with … Read more
Ribosomes, often referred to as the cellular protein factories, are intricate molecular complexes that play a central role in the synthesis of proteins—a fundamental process crucial for the functioning and survival of all living organisms. These microscopic entities are essential components of cells, existing in both prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms, and their discovery has paved … Read more
The double helix structure of DNA stands as one of the most iconic and consequential discoveries in the history of science. This intricate molecular configuration, resembling a twisted ladder or spiral staircase, was unraveled by James Watson and Francis Crick in 1953, with significant contributions from Rosalind Franklin and Maurice Wilkins. The discovery of the … Read more
Isotopes and allotropes are two distinct concepts within the realm of chemistry, each addressing different aspects of the behavior and structure of elements and compounds. Understanding the difference between isotopes and allotropes is fundamental to grasping the diverse nature of chemical elements and their various forms. Let’s begin with isotopes. Isotopes are variants of a … Read more
Elements and compounds are foundational concepts in chemistry, representing the building blocks of matter. Understanding the differences between them is essential for grasping the intricacies of chemical structures and reactions. Elements are the simplest substances, composed of only one type of atom, while compounds result from the chemical combination of two or more different elements … Read more
RNA (ribonucleic acid) and DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) are both essential nucleic acids found in living cells, playing crucial roles in the storage and transmission of genetic information. Despite sharing some similarities, they exhibit key differences in terms of structure and function, reflecting their distinct roles within cellular processes. Structure At a fundamental level, both RNA … Read more
Electrophoresis is a widely utilized laboratory technique in molecular biology that involves the separation of charged particles, such as DNA, RNA, or proteins, in an electric field within a gel matrix. The name “electrophoresis” is derived from the Greek words “electron” (meaning electricity) and “phoresis” (meaning to carry or to move). This method leverages the … Read more