Imagine trying to find a tiny speck of dust in a crowded room. That's similar to what doctors face when looking for small tumors in brain scans. Usually, they use a double dose of a special dye to make tumors stand out more clearly. But, this dye has some drawbacks. It can be harmful to patients and
Ningbo Institute of Materials Technology and Engineering, part of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, is celebrating a big milestone. It's been 20 years since it started making waves in the world of materials research. The institute has been a hotbed of innovation, pushing the boundaries of what's pos
Brain surgery is a high-stakes game, but did you know that the air in the operating room might not be as safe as it seems? During these procedures, doctors use a tool called electrocautery. This handy gadget cuts and seals tissue, but it also creates smoke. Not just any smoke, but a mix of tiny, har
When children experience brain swelling, it's a serious situation. Doctors must determine the cause and type of swelling. One type, called Cytotoxic Edema (CE), was once thought to be a clear sign of abuse. However, recent findings reveal that CE can occur in kids with severe brain injuries, regardl
Imagine tiny sheets, so small you can't even see them, stacked together to create a super thin membrane. These sheets, called nanosheets, are made from a type of clay called montmorillonite. Scientists have found a way to use these nanosheets to separate lithium (Li+) and magnesium (Mg2+) ions from
Imagine tapping into the power of the sun to boost energy from saltwater. Scientists have found a clever way to do this using special materials. They created a unique membrane using g-C3N4 and MXene. This membrane is like a superhighway for ions, making it easier for them to move around. Th
Making drugs that are packed into tiny lipid bubbles, called liposomes, is a big deal in medicine. Usually, this process needs a lot of heat, which costs a lot of energy and time. Plus, it can mess up the drugs and the bubbles. But, what if there's a way to do it without all that heat? Scie
The brain's decision-making process is a complex dance involving many different areas. It's like a big, fancy party where everyone's invited. The guests include both the cortex, which is the outer layer of the brain, and the subcortical regions, which are deeper inside. These areas work together, bu
Did you know that the smell of oregano can change how much salt mice eat? Scientists wanted to see if the scent of oregano and a special part of it called carvacrol could affect how much salt mice prefer. They did this by giving mice a choice between plain water and salty water. When oregano or carv
Awake surgery is a technique where a patient is conscious during brain surgery. This method is often used to remove brain tumors. It's especially useful for tumors like gliomas, as it allows doctors to remove as much of the tumor as possible while keeping the patient safe. However, its effectiveness
