Since 2006, Brazil has seen a surge in outdoor gyms popping up in public squares, but these aren't your average workouts. Initially aimed at seniors, particularly women, as part of a global ‘healthy cities’ movement, these gyms are more than just fitness equipment. Based on a study in Rio de Janeiro
Instant noodles are loved globally, but not much is known about how their production methods affect their nutritional value. A recent study looked into this. They found that boiling instant noodles, compared to steaming, leaves some starch inside ungelatinized or partially cooked. This creates a spo
Scientists have created a special film on copper surfaces that mimics sharkskin, giving it superpowers. This film, made through a process called chemical etching and formate passivation, protects the copper in several ways. First, it makes copper resistant to corrosion. When tested in seawater for 7
Imagine a 15-year-old cat named Whiskers suddenly losing her appetite and vomiting frequently. This wasn't normal, so her concerned owners took her to the vet. The vets were stumped; Whiskers didn't show typical signs of any familiar cat illnesses. They decided to use an ultrasound to get a closer l
Understanding when bacteria first emerged on Earth is a big puzzle, mainly because bacteria fossils are rare. Scientists have found a new way to solve this puzzle by looking at ancient partnerships between bacteria and other life forms. They used genes found in mitochondria–the tiny powerhouses insi
Ever wondered how marine bacteria talk to algae? Chemical communication between these tiny ocean dwellers influences their populations and affects crucial ocean processes. A recent discovery sheds light on this hidden language. Scientists were studying the bacterium Roseovarius tolerans, which lives
Scientists created four unique materials by mixing organic and inorganic parts. Two of these, known as compound 1 and 2, had a layered structure. Compound 2, however, stood out with a special tubular design made of pyridine, which was linked to a negatively charged ion. These materials, known as POM
Imagine tiny, Y-shaped sensors that are almost too small to see. These microscopic guardians work day and night to ensure our food is safe. They glow when everything is okay, but if dangerous bacteria like Fusobacterium nucleatum or Salmonella pullorum appear, they start to dim. Inside these little
Ferroelectrics -- materials that can switch their electric polarity -- have been around since the days of Rochelle salt. Over time, scientists have figured out ways to make these materials more useful and less brittle. With the need for tiny, powerful electronics, researchers have turned to low-dime
Have you ever wondered how common and serious the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is among adults living in the UK? Surprisingly, we don't know much about this virus in adults because doctors don't usually test for it. This lack of information makes it hard to know if we need a vaccination program
