Recent studies have revealed that astrocytes, once thought to be mere support cells in the brain, play a crucial role in shaping brain function. These starburst-shaped cells are involved in sensing key chemical messages, influencing neural conversations, and controlling behaviors. The findings open new possibilities for therapies aimed at mental illnesses such as depression and…
Science on The Soothsayer / page 14
A team of international researchers led by Cristián Peña at Fermilab has developed a new particle detector using superconducting microwires, which can detect high-energy charged particles with unprecedented precision. This breakthrough has the potential to propel the field of high-energy physics towards a new detection paradigm, enabling scientists to explore fundamental physics and potentially paving…
Astronomers have conducted computer simulations of the solar system’s future, revealing a new risk facing Earth: the gravitational tug of a passing star could cause another planet to collide with our planet or fling it into the sun or far away from it. The risk is estimated to be 0.2% over the next 5 billion…
Researchers at the University of Bern and ETH Zurich have developed a revolutionary new technology that uses ultrasound-activated moving structures to remove biofilms from implanted medical devices, such as urinary stents and catheters, without the need for replacement. This breakthrough has the potential to increase the safe lifespan of implants, saving money and reducing the…
Researchers have discovered that penguin guano is contributing to the formation of clouds in Antarctica, which may help mitigate the regional impacts of climate change. The study found that the ammonia emitted from the birds’ guano combines with sulfuric acid to form tiny particles called cloud condensation nuclei, the seeds of clouds. These clouds may…
Scientists at the University of Nottingham have developed a novel antimicrobial coating that can be mixed with paint to destroy bacteria and viruses, including persistent and difficult-to-kill strains like MRSA and SARS-CoV-2. The coating, which is effective against a range of pathogens, has the potential to improve hygiene in various settings, including hospitals, clinics, and…
Researchers at the University of Osaka in Japan have made a groundbreaking discovery by observing the collision of two lightning bolts and detecting a burst of gamma rays. This finding may help explain the origin of some of the most energetic radiation on Earth. The team used a network of sensors to gather data on…
Researchers from Shanghai, China, have developed a practical visual assistance system that combines lightweight camera headgear, AI-facilitated software, and artificial “skins” to provide physiological sensing. This innovative system aims to overcome current designs’ limitations and usability concerns, offering a promising solution for the 43 million people worldwide who are blind or severely visually impaired. Forecast…
Weather forecasting is on the cusp of a revolution with the emergence of AI-powered models like Aurora, which has outperformed current weather prediction systems. This breakthrough has significant implications for climate prediction, particularly in the face of increasing extreme weather events. Aurora’s ability to accurately predict tropical cyclone paths, air pollution, and ocean waves, among…
An international team of physicists has made a groundbreaking discovery in the field of nuclear physics, uncovering a previously unknown region in the nuclear landscape where fragments of fission split in an unexpected way. This unexpected discovery has far-reaching implications, ranging from the development of safer nuclear energy to understanding how heavy elements are created…