Scientists have been exploring a group of molecules called urea-functionalized acetylenes, which have a constant H-bonding unit and varying hydrophobic units. These molecules are fascinating because they can self-assemble into intricate structures due to non-covalent interactions. The study found th
Two-photon polymerization, or TPP, is a fascinating manufacturing technique gaining traction in the biomedical field. Unlike other methods, TPP can create 3D structures with incredible precision, down to the nanometer scale. What makes TPP so special is its ability to provide free-form fabrication.
Ever wondered how mating impacts the lifespan and baby-making abilities of tiny predators? A recent study dived into the world of Phytoseiulus persimilis, a mighty mite that feasts on spider mites. Researchers looked at how often these mites get to mate, when they first do it, and how experienced th
In 2024, the Office of Research Integrity (ORI) under the U. S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) released a significant update to the Public Health Service Policies on Research Misconduct. This is the first major revision in almost 20 years, and it’s sparking conversations about its imp
Cattle, those big, gentle giants, have been crucial to humans for thousands of years. But how did our ancestors in Spain manage their cattle way back in the Middle Neolithic period? A site named Cova de les Pixarelles, located in present-day Catalonia, offers some clues. This site, dating back to ar
In the United States, where diversity is growing, a common stereotype is that being American means being White, while being foreign means being Asian. Researchers have been examining this stereotype for years, but this study is the largest so far, covering 17 years and over 666, 000 people. The stu
Have you ever thought about how we can detect tiny proteins in our body that are crucial for understanding diseases? Scientists have found an interesting way to do this using sugar molecules and tiny gold particles. These proteins, called glycoproteins, have sugar chains attached to them. The scient
Did you know that trees, like poplars, face a constant challenge in nature? They're often short on phosphorus, a crucial nutrient. When phosphorus is scarce, the poplar tree's stems suffer the most, which slows down their growth and reduces the activity of certain wood-forming genes, including PagSN
Ever heard of the tomato yellow leaf curl virus (TYLCV)? It's a big problem for tomato farmers worldwide, spread by tiny whiteflies called Bemisia tabaci. Scientists were curious about how this virus gets along so well with these insects. They found out that a protein in the virus, called C2, messes
You might think polylactic acid (PLA) is a safe bet for the environment. After all, it's biodegradable and often touted as an "eco-friendly" alternative to traditional plastics. But hold on! Recent studies have found that PLA microplastics (PLA-MPs) could be causing trouble for male mice. Imagine i
