Scientists discover new mechanism for information storage in one atom
Scientists at Radboud University discovered a new mechanism for magnetic storage of information in the smallest unit of matter: a single atom.
While the proof...
Scientists show quantum materials can be tuned for superconductivity
Some iron-based superconductors could benefit from a tuneup, according to two studies by Rice University physicists and collaborators.
"Our work demonstrates a new design principle...
Secrets of our universe live in a big blue cylinder
There isn’t much on Earth but you can find it just about everywhere else — how a type of helium might tell us how...
An ancient relative of humans shows a surprisingly modern trait
A relative of modern humans that lived at least 104,000 years ago in northern China showed evidence of dental growth and development very similar...
New quantum structures in super-chilled helium may mirror early days of universe
For the first time, researchers have documented the long-predicted occurrence of 'walls bound by strings' in superfluid helium-3.
The existence of such an object, originally...
Researchers gain control over soft-molecule synthesis
By gaining control over shape, size and composition during synthetic molecule assembly, researchers can begin to probe how these factors influence the function of...
Powerful X-ray beams unlock secrets of nanoscale crystal formation
High-energy X-ray beams and a clever experimental setup allowed researchers to watch a high-pressure, high-temperature chemical reaction to determine for the first time what...
Scientists identify how plants sense temperature
When it gets hot outside, humans and animals have the luxury of seeking shelter in the shade or cool, air-conditioned buildings. But plants are...
Scientists find new ways to twist and shift light
The results from the National Physical Laboratory's (NPL) latest research in photonics could open doors to new quantum technologies and telecoms systems.
Researchers from the...
Ancient gene duplication gave grasses multiple ways to wait out winter
If you’ve ever grown carrots in your garden and puzzled over never once seeing them flower, don’t blame your lack of a green thumb.
Carrots,...
How the right lighting could save the Mona Lisa
Next time you’re in a museum or art gallery, observe each painting a little more closely. You may notice cracks on the surface of...
A microfluidic technique quickly sorts electricity-producing bacteria
Microbes screened with a new microfluidic process might be used in power generation or environmental cleanup.
Living in extreme conditions requires creative adaptations.
For certain species...
Gene-editing tool CRISPR repurposed to develop better antibiotics
Scientists have repurposed the gene-editing tool CRISPR to study which genes are targeted by particular antibiotics.
This provides clues on how to improve existing antibiotics...
Can plastic really be composted?
Thanks to the demands of eco-conscious consumers, biodegradable and compostable plastics are cropping up everywhere.
Are these green plastics the solution to our throwaway...
Termite-gut microbes could extract clean energy from coal
Termites generally don't elicit a whole lot of love.
But surprisingly, this wood-eating insect may hold the key to transforming coal—a big polluting chunk of...