Plants recorded responding to warning from neighbour
From Saitama University 24/01/24 Saitama, Japan: Plants emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the atmosphere upon mechanical damages or insect attacks. Undamaged neighboring plants sense the released VOCs as danger cues to activate defense responses against upcoming threats (Figure 1). This phenomenon of airborne communication among plants through VOCs was first documented in 1983 and […]
Location, location, location: The hidden power of intracellular neighborhoods
From Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center 24/01/24 Back in 2018, the lab of Christine Mayr, MD, PhD, at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK) introduced the world to a key cellular component that had been hiding in plain sight. Now the lab is back with important results that build on that discovery. New findings published […]
Mass-producible miniature quantum memory
From University of Basel 24/01/24 Researchers at the University of Basel have built a quantum memory element based on atoms in a tiny glass cell. In the future, such quantum memories could be mass-produced on a wafer. It is hard to imagine our lives without networks such as the internet or mobile phone networks. In […]
Perfecting 3D-printed blood vessels with pores
From Pohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH) 24/01/24 Due to the substantial clinical demand for artificial small-diameter vessels (SDVs), numerous commercial products have emerged. However, the majority of existing artificial SDVs lack an endothelial layer, leading to thrombosis. Fabricating artificial SDVs with a consistently uniform endothelial layer and adequate mechanical properties has proven exceptionally […]
Automatic giant sprinkler system protects thatched Japanese village
From Superinnovators 23/01/24 Kayabuki no Sato, an ancient village in Kyoto Prefecture, Japan features a network of 62 automatic water hoses to prevent fire damage. Its 50 houses were originally built between 220 years ago (Edo period) and 150 years ago (Meiji period) and 39 have thatched roofs. The system was installed following the village’s […]
Breathable lattice cast for broken arms
From Superinnovators 23/01/24 US-based Cast21 (f. 2016) created a novel orthopedic cast, offering waterproof, breathable, and lightweight features as a modern alternative to traditional plaster or fiberglass casts. The hollow sleeve, made from a blend of medical-grade materials, is designed to be strong yet comfortable, fitting directly over the patient’s arm. The sleeve is filled […]
Unique wheelchair with folding wheels
From Superinnovators 23/01/24 Dutch company Revolve Mobility unveiled Revolve Air, a fully foldable active wheelchair, in Feb 2021 followed by a crowdfunding campaign in Sept 2023. Eight years in the making and priced at £4,092 (converted from $4,999), it is especially suitable for air travel, fitting into overhead compartments and saving 60% space when folded. […]
Pushing the boundaries of ultrasound imaging: breaking new ground with ultrafast technology
From Pohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH) 23/01/24 Recently, high-speed video content capturing fleeting moments, such as bullets passing through glass, has captured people’s interest. What if we implement ultrasound used in medical examinations into high-speed video? A research team at POSTECH (Pohang University of Science and Technology) has solved the mystery of kidney […]
Let it glow: Scientists develop new approach to detect ‘forever chemicals’ in water
From University of Birmingham 23/01/24 Researchers have created a new way to detect ‘forever chemical’ pollution in water, via a luminescent sensor. Scientists in Chemistry and Environmental Science at the University of Birmingham in collaboration with scientists from the Bundesanstalt für Materialforschung und -prüfung (BAM), Germany’s Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing, have developed […]
Surprisingly simple model explains how brain cells organize and connect
From University of Chicago 22/01/24 Neurons form an intricate web of connections between synapses to communicate and interact with each other. While the vast number of connections may seem random, networks of brain cells tend to be dominated by a small number of connections that are much stronger than most. This “heavy-tailed” distribution of connections […]