You know how simple metal rust can cause big trouble, like leaks that hurt the environment? But did you know microscopic critters can also cause metal to rust? Yep, tiny organisms can create what’s called microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC). This is different from regular rust (abiotic corr
When it comes to cleaning up radioactive iodine in soils and sediments, scientists often rely on an approach that assumes it all behaves the same way. This can be like trying to solve a puzzle with the wrong pieces—you might get close, but you’ll never see the whole picture. In reality, iodine can a
Science is losing people's trust, and it's a big problem. A doctor once saw a kid have a seizure right after getting a vaccine. The mom was scared, even though the vaccine wasn't the cause. This shows how trust is key when it comes to things like vaccines. Recently, someone who thinks vaccines are b
Imagine a material that can switch between two magnetic states, like flipping a switch. This happens when the material gets hotter, and scientists call this the Curie temperature. Understanding this switch is tricky because it happens on tiny scales that conventional tools can't easily see. In this
Are you ready for a celestial treat? Tonight, the Moon is going to play a cosmic game of hide and seek with Mars. This rare event, called an occultation, happens when the Moon covers a planet from our view. On January 13, 2025, the nearly full Wolf Moon will temporarily block our view of Mars. Why i
Ever wonder how the body fights off the fungus Candida albicans in the gut? This fungus can cause problems if it turns invasive, but our bodies have a way to keep it in check. Researchers used a special technique called immunoproteomics to find out what exactly our immune system targets in the fungu
Apples are loved globally, but did you know that most of the apples we eat today come from just a few types? This makes our apple supply very vulnerable to bad weather, pests, and diseases. Wild apples are a great way to bring in helpful traits to make our apples stronger, but they're hard to breed
Recently, some big shakeups have happened in NASA's Science Mission Directorate. Mark Clampin, the head of NASA's astrophysics division, is now filling in as the temporary second-in-command for the entire science division. This is because Sandra Connelly, who used to have that job, is retiring. Mark
Everyone knows that maize, or corn, is a big deal in the world of agriculture and biofuel. But did you know that hidden inside its stalks, or stover, are special compounds called hydroxycinnamates? These compounds, ferulate and p-coumarate, play a crucial role in how maize plants resist pests and ho
All-solid-state fluoride-ion batteries (FIBs) are being heavily researched for the future of energy storage. One particular cathode material, Cu3N, transforms the game by offering plenty of spaces for fluorine ions to move around. This means more electrons can be transferred, making it a high-capaci
