The quest for sustainable energy has led scientists to explore materials that can turn waste heat into electricity. These materials are called thermoelectrics. They are not yet widely used because they are not very efficient. They also rely on rare and costly elements like tellurium. Plus, they str
The world of temperature sensing just got a glow-up. Scientists have created a special membrane that changes how we measure heat. This isn't your average thermometer. It's a thin, see-through sheet that lights up when it gets hot or cold. The secret ingredient? Tiny sheets of yttrium oxide, dop
Dysprosium, a rare earth element, has a special talent for magnetism. To make the most of this talent, scientists are looking at how different structures can boost its magnetic powers. One key factor is the crystal field around the dysprosium ion. A strong field along the axis can boost magnetic str
A fresh trend is sweeping through the world of charity. It is called effective altruism. It is led by big-name tech leaders and thinkers. This approach has faced criticism for its moral views and political leanings. Yet, few have taken a close look at how it works in practice. Effective altruism is
The Himalayas are more than just the world's highest mountains. They are also a natural particle factory. This was discovered in December 2014. At the base of Mount Everest, in Nepal, scientists noticed something unusual. New particles were forming in the air. These particles were purely natural, co
Bacteria have clever ways to dodge antibiotics. One of their tricks is using efflux pumps. These pumps act like tiny doors that kick out antibiotics before they can cause harm. This makes bacteria hard to treat. But here is a twist. Temperature changes can mess with these pumps. This is important be
Salmonella is a sneaky bacteria. It can hide in poultry and cause food poisoning. To fight it, scientists use a cool method called whole-genome sequencing. This method looks at the entire DNA of the bacteria. It is a big step up from old-school lab tests. However, the settings used in this method ca
Two astronauts, Sunita Williams and Barry Wilmore, finally touched down in the Gulf of Mexico. Their journey back to Earth was far from straightforward. They spent nine months on the International Space Station, way longer than they had planned. The Boeing Starliner spacecraft they had arrived in
Macrolides are a type of antibiotic with powerful effects. They are made through a complex process involving polyketide synthases (PKSs) and other enzymes. Unfortunately, creating new macrolides in the lab often results in low yields. To fix this, scientists need a way to quickly test many variation
RNA is a key player in the intricate dance of life, influencing how genes work and how proteins are made in all living things. This includes plants, where RNA's role is crucial but often overlooked. The study of RNA in plants has faced challenges due to its complex and ever-changing nature. However,
