Physics Theory May Explain How Fairy Circles Form in Deserts

Medicine & Technology Sep 23, 2020

Fairy circles, or circular patterns of vegetation in deserts, have long fascinated scientists. International researchers used the Turing pattern theory to confirm the natural pattern and identify the shrubs as "ecosystem engineers."

Space Debris Is a Growing Problem for the ISS as Thousands of Dead Satellites Float Aimlessly Through Space

Sep 22, 2020

The International Space Station performs its third avoidance maneuver this year as a new piece of debris passes. Space junk is a growing problem as companies continue to launch new satellites into orbit without removing dead ones.

Targeting Specific Molecules Instead of Viral Proteins May Reveal New Drug Treatments

Sep 22, 2020

To develop drug treatments for the enterovirus 71, researchers target molecules instead of protein structures in the viral RNA. The new method may also open new opportunities to develop new drug treatments for other viruses.

Large Rescue Operation Off the Coast of Tasmania is Ongoing to Save Nearly 270 Stranded Whales

Sep 22, 2020

A pod of nearly 270 whales was discovered beached off the coast of Macquarie Heads, Tasmania. Rescue efforts continue for what may be the misadventure of social pilot whales.

New Microendoscopy Technique Can Record Images of Red Blood Cells Pixel by Pixel

Sep 22, 2020

Endoscopies have evolved from taking images of the esophagus, intestines, and organs, using bulky equipment to minimally-invasive procedures using precision lasers. A new endoscopy technique, however, involves an even smaller device, one that is measured in microns, with the ability to record pixel-by-pixel images of red blood cells.

Cometary Aurora May Provide Clues on Solar Wind & Space Weather

Sep 22, 2020

Aurora or the northern lights have been confirmed on comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko but is unlike Earth's light show. The invisible aurora, triggered by solar particles, may provide more information on how solar wind affects space weather.

Scientists Look Into How Crocodiles & Birds Became Separate Species

Sep 21, 2020

There are multiple theories regarding how crocodiles and birds became separate species after millions of years of sharing the same ancestral species. British scientists may be one step closer in discovering how the two species evolved as they analyze the unique anatomy of the Euparkeria dinosaur.

Fish From Restaurants May Not Be as Sustainable as Consumers Believe, Researchers Say

Sep 21, 2020

Australians researchers have identified nearly 91 endangered marine species legally fished and traded internationally. Although making international, sustainable fishing policies is complex, they are necessary to save threatened species from extinction.

2,500-Year-Old Sarcophagi Discovered in Saqqara, Egypt

Sep 21, 2020

Saqqara, Egypt, is one of the largest cemeteries, or necropolis, with mummies from various dynasties. The recent discovery of 27 stone tombs called sarcophagi is the largest discovery in a single site to date.

Spider Venom Could Help Alleviate Pain Caused by Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Sep 21, 2020

Chronic visceral pain is often a symptom of irritable bowel syndrome and other gastrointestinal and bladder disorders. In a new study, scientists use a pain blocker derived from spider venom to treat chronic visceral pain.

Sighting of Endangered Javan Rhinos Encourage Conservation Efforts of the Species

Sep 21, 2020

Javan rhinos are one of the most threatened rhino species around the world. With less than 100 left in a single national park in Indonesia, the sighting to two calves bring hope that their species can still be saved.

German Scientists Design Smallest Ultrasound Detector That Creates Super-Resolution Imaging

Sep 20, 2020

Using nanotechnology and silicon-on-insulator technology, scientists develop a tiny ultrasound detector that can create images of cells and small fragments of tissue. The developers hope the technology can also be expanded outside medical applications such as industrial uses.

Cold-Extrusion Method Successfully 3D Prints Food With "Milk Ink"

Sep 19, 2020

Not all food can be effectively used in 3D printers due to temperature-sensitive nutrients like milk. Researchers demonstrate how milk ink can be used for 3D food printing via cold extrusion methods.

New Study Finds Electricity-Producing Bacteria Contain Unique Nanowire Structures

Sep 19, 2020

Soil bacteria may be a new source of energy soon. Scientists discover the specific functions of an electron-producing species like its nanowires, enabling the bacteria to send electrons over long distances.

Researchers Develop Carbon Nanotube Water Filters

Sep 18, 2020

Desalination processes to produce potable water are essential for all communities, especially in areas where water is scarce. However, traditional methods go through multiple processes resulting in additional costs and energy. Scientists developed artificial carbon nanotubes as an efficient filtration system.