A new twist on 2D materials may lead to improved electronic, optical devices

A new generation of electronics and optoelectronics may soon be possible by controlling twist angles in a particular type of bilayer 2D material used in these devices, strengthening the intrinsic electric charge that exists between the two layers, according to researchers from Penn State, Harvard University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Rutgers University.

Adapting crops for future climate conditions

With crops, farmers will adapt—they always have and always will. To help this adaptation, however, a Texas A&M AgriLife research project has used artificial intelligence modeling to determine what traits cultivars will need to be successful under changing climate conditions.

New proteins enable scientists to control cell activities

Sailan Shui, a doctoral assistant at EPFL's Laboratory of Protein Design and Immunoengineering, enjoys playing with proteins, activating and deactivating them as she wishes, as if light switches that can be turned on and off. However, instead of using electronic, her method relies on proteins to trigger the process. Shui's research has just been published in Nature Communications.

Researchers engineer microorganisms to tackle PET plastic pollution

From overflowing landfills to floating garbage islands in the oceans to microplastics in remote wilderness areas, billions of tons of discarded plastic have created a global pollution crisis.

Which plants and animals are affected by climate change? Some may surprise you

We've all seen the picture of the polar bear perched precariously on a melting iceberg. It's the obligatory poster child for any discussion about species that are endangered by climate change. It isn't alone, of course. To commandeer a clickbait cliché, you'll be amazed to hear about some of the plants and animals—from household names to virtual unknowns—that could be consigned to the history books by global heating. Here are just a handful of the many species that Fauna & Flora International (FFI) and our partners are striving to protect from the worst impacts of climate change.

Climate action will improve health and save lives now and in the future

Measures to tackle climate change could significantly benefit human health in the next few years, as well as in the long-term, says a new report from the Academy of Medical Sciences and the Royal Society, released today [Thursday 14 October].

San Andreas Fault-like tectonics discovered on Saturn moon Titan

Strike-slip faulting, the type of motion common to California's well-known San Andreas Fault, was reported recently to possibly occur on Titan, Saturn's largest moon. New research, led by planetary scientists from the University of Hawai'i at Mānoa School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology (SOEST), suggests this tectonic motion may be active on Titan, deforming the icy surface.

Near-infrared reflective blending coatings have better optical and cooling performance

Chinese researchers recently found that a near-infrared reflective blending coating had better optical and cooling performance, thereby reducing the absorbed energy of pavement in permafrost regions and other special regions.

Exploring Earth's oceans to reach Europa

Geographically and logistically, Antarctica is about as far away from anywhere as you can get on this planet. Yet in the scope of our solar system, Earth's southernmost continent is right in our own backyard.

Molecular mixing creates super stable glass

Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology, Sweden, have succeeded in creating a new type of super-stable, durable glass with potential applications ranging from medicines, advanced digital screens, and solar cell technology. The study shows how mixing multiple molecules—up to eight at a time—can result in a material that performs as well as the best currently known glass formers.

Solar eruption arrives at Earth

A mass of solar material that erupted from the sun on Oct. 9, 2021, reached Earth on Oct. 12. The Earth-directed coronal mass ejection, or CME, elevated the Kp index, a measure of disturbance to Earth's magnetic field, to 6 (moderate level). Kp index levels range from 0 (quiet) to 9 (intense).

Titanium catalysis enables stereoselective synthesis of C-glycosides and glycopeptides

NUS chemists have conceived a new strategy to synthesize medicinally important C-alkyl and C-alkenyl glycosides through a titanium-catalyzed reductive transformation process that reacts readily with glycosyl chlorides and various activated alkenes or alkynes.

One-off government cash handout not enough to help poor families

Some of the worst hit families experiencing food insecurity during the COVID-19 pandemic found that Government financial intervention didn't effectively address the issue, new research has found.

Strongest quake since volcano erupted shakes Spanish island

A 4.5-magnitude earthquake shook La Palma in Spain's Canary Islands in what was the strongest recorded temblor since volcanic eruptions began 26 days ago, authorities said Thursday.

China set to send 3 astronauts on longest crewed mission yet

China is preparing to send three astronauts to live on its space station for six months—a new milestone for a program that has advanced rapidly in recent years.

Death threats, law suits: COVID experts targeted

Marc Van Ranst, a virologist famous in Belgium for providing expertise about the COVID-19 pandemic, was at home for his first afternoon off in months in May, unaware that his life was under threat and that he would soon be forced to go into hiding.

Death toll in Philippines storm rises to 19

The death toll from a storm that triggered landslides and flash floods across the Philippines has risen to at least 19, authorities said Thursday, linking the extreme rainfall to climate change.

Prince William tells space tourists: fix Earth instead

Britain's Prince William has launched an attack on space tourism, urging more attention on problems closer to home ahead of the COP26 climate summit.

Improvements in microscopy home in on biology's elusive details

In the late 1600s, the Dutch tradesman Anthoni van Leeuwenhoek began investigating the world of the very small using the first microscope, discovering a riotous world of protists, bacteria, and other previously unseen organisms. Subsequent generations of scientists have developed ever-more-sophisticated means of probing the microscopic world, bringing many mysteries of the biological realm into stunning relief.

After two hours, sunscreen that includes zinc oxide loses effectiveness, becomes toxic: study

Sunscreen that includes zinc oxide, a common ingredient, loses much of its effectiveness and becomes toxic after two hours of exposure to ultraviolet radiation, according to a collaboration that included Oregon State University scientists.

Outdated attitudes risk widening inequalities in hybrid workplace, think-tank warns

Employers could undo the progress made over the last 18 months and deepen workplace inequalities if organisations fail to override the deep-rooted perceptions of 'office culture', a leading think tank has warned.