research

Liquid metal self-assembles into electronics with this crazy new manufacturing process

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A groundbreaking new method promises to reshape the way we manufacture nanoscale electronic components. It could offer a faster, cheaper, and more reliable alternative to traditional chip-making techniques. Developed by a team at North Carolina State University, this innovative approach uses liquid metal that can self-assemble into precise, functional structures. The process starts with a … Read more

New glow-in-the-dark wood doesn’t need electricity to illuminate homes

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Imagine wooden wall panels that emit a soft glow at night or park benches that light up pathways with a gentle luminescence. This vision is becoming a reality thanks to researchers in Switzerland, who have successfully developed glow-in-the-dark wood. The whole concept of bioluminescent wood might seem like something humans invented, but it actually takes … Read more

A cheap daily supplement can boost brain function in older adults

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Scientists have discovered a brain-boosting supplement that could help aging brains function better. The supplement is the subject is a new study published in Nature Communications, and it relies on using plant fiber prebiotics that are available over the counter. These non-digestible consumables typically help stimulate gut microbes, but researchers say they might also be … Read more

This new biodegradable plastic leaves no microplastics behind

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Plastic pollution is one of the most defining environmental challenges of our time. Despite efforts to recycle or responsibly dispose of plastic, vast garbage patches in the oceans continue to grow, and microplastics infiltrate our food, bottled water, and even the air. Thankfully, researchers have developed a microplastic-free biodegradable plastic that is not only durable … Read more

Study may have uncovered how life actually began on Earth

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Iron sulfides, common in ancient hydrothermal vents, may have played a crucial role in creating life on Earth. These minerals could have helped form the basic molecules needed for life, new research from the Chinese Academy of Sciences shows. The researchers involved with the new study say that iron sulfides in prehistoric hot springs might … Read more

We may soon be able to get sleep’s benefits without actually sleeping

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The restorative effects of sleep on the brain are well known, but what happens at the neural level remains a fascinating mystery. A groundbreaking study led by researchers from Rice University, Houston Methodist, and Weill Cornell Medical College sheds light on how non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep impacts cognitive and behavioral performance, and we may … Read more

Neuroscientists taught rats how to drive

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Researchers at the University of Richmond trained rats to drive miniature cars, uncovering surprising insights into their cognitive development and emotional well-being. The study equipped rats with tiny, custom-built cars and was more than a quirky showcase of animal behavior—it delved deep into the effects of enriched environments on learning and stress. The process began … Read more

Scientists created the world’s first engine powered by quantum entanglement instead of gas or oil

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The term “quantum” has become synonymous with cutting-edge technology. Among the latest innovations are quantum engines—machines that harness the strange principles of quantum mechanics to generate motion. And now researchers have created a quantum engine unlike anything else we’ve ever seen. Researchers are exploring different ways to create these engines, too. Some scientists developed a … Read more

Why do EV batteries drain faster in the winter?

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As electric vehicles (EVs) grow in popularity, more drivers are learning to navigate the quirks of battery technology. One of the most noticeable challenges is that EV battery performance drops drastically in winter. This isn’t just an inconvenience—it highlights the complex relationship between temperature and battery performance. Most EVs run off lithium-ion batteries, which rely … Read more

This new alloy could be one of the keys that lead to limitless energy

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Nuclear fusion holds immense promise as a clean, limitless energy source. But building reactors that can withstand the harsh conditions inside them remains a monumental challenge. Now, though, scientists from the Institute of Science Tokyo have developed a heat-resistant alloy that could bring us one step closer to fusion energy. The researchers published their findings … Read more