Did you know that recognizing members of your own species is a big deal for animals? Scientists have studied this process a lot, but they're still trying to figure out how the brain makes it happen. Recent findings point to a specific area in the thalamus, a part of the brain, that acts like a hub f
Did you know that tiny molecular layers can be grown and used as teeny-tiny energy storage devices on a chip? Scientists have found a way to create these using benzimidazole compounds. They laid these layers on a special surface withelectrochemical methods, creating films as thin as 10 nanometers. I
Organic solar cells (OSCs) have been making big strides, but they still face a major hurdle: energy loss. This loss limits how much better their performance can get. To tackle this issue, scientists have turned to a smart strategy called "ternary, " which helps fine-tune energy loss and boost effici
Did you know that certain brain cells play a crucial role in language production? These cells, known as corticothalamic neurons, are found in the outer layers of the brain's cortex. They are special because they carry a specific gene called FOXP2, which is linked to fine motor control in animals and
You know those tiny viruses that attack bacteria? They're called phages, and scientists are looking at them as a possible way to fight antibiotic-resistant infections. The problem is, phages can target different types of bacteria, making it tricky to find the right one. Existing computer tools don't
The new boss of ESA's science programs is asking for a teeny increase in the budget at their upcoming meeting. She says this little bit of extra cash will help fund future missions, like exploring Saturn's icy moon Enceladus. ESA's member countries gave more money for science at the last meeting, bu
Ever heard of glycohybrids? They're super important biomolecules with lots of jobs in our bodies. Scientists have just made a bunch of new ones by linking sugar molecules to a compound called coumarin using a special ring called 1, 2, 3-triazole. This ring was made using a clever technique called cl
You've probably heard that oil spills are bad news. But did you know that cleaning up these spills can also have hidden environmental impacts? A study in Iran's Khuzestan province looked at different ways to clean up old oil in super salty soil. They found that some methods might do more harm than g
Imagine farnesol, a sticky compound that loves water about as much as a cat loves baths. Scientists figured out how to mix it with other molecules (like β-cyclodextrin and hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin) to make it more friendly with water. They chose a cool method called freeze-drying to make these m
Have you ever wondered how contact lenses work? Well, someone who has been crucial in figuring that out is Professor Eric Papas. He's one of the top experts in the world when it comes to researching and developing contact lenses. Imagine trying to put a tiny lens on your eye that needs to be comfort
