All-seeing skin, detachable butts and zombies: Animal oddities of 2023

The animal kingdom has no shortage of weird and wonderful surprises, and this year biologists gave us some real treats to talk about at the dinner table. All walks of life, from microscopic bacteria to huge cetaceans have remarkable, varied adaptations… Continue reading All-seeing skin, detachable butts and zombies: Animal oddities of 2023

Wasabi offers a memory-boosting kick to an aging brain

If you’ve ever misjudged the potency of a dollop of wasabi on your sushi, you’ll be well versed in its ability to clear sinuses and, for a moment, have you feeling like you can see through space and time.Continue ReadingCategory: ScienceTags: Tohoku Un… Continue reading Wasabi offers a memory-boosting kick to an aging brain

“Pseudogravity” in crystals can bend light like black holes

Scientists in Japan have managed to manipulate light as though it was being influenced by gravity. By carefully distorting a photonic crystal, the team was able to invoke “pseudogravity” to bend a beam of light, which could have useful applications in … Continue reading “Pseudogravity” in crystals can bend light like black holes

Early screen time linked to later childhood development delays

A new study has found an association between a one-year-old’s screen time and an increased risk of developmental delays later in childhood, particularly in the areas of communication and problem-solving. The research adds to the existing data about how… Continue reading Early screen time linked to later childhood development delays

Forest fungi overheard talking to each other after rain showers

Whether they’re hacking the brains of bugs or mining for gold, fungi are craftier than we give them credit for. Now researchers in Japan have studied how forest mushrooms communicate with each other, and found that they’re mostly chatty when it rains.C… Continue reading Forest fungi overheard talking to each other after rain showers

Novel alloy boasts unparalleled elasticity at room temperature

While most metals feature some degree of elasticity, some respond better than others to being bent out of shape. Scientists experimenting with the makeup of these materials have developed a novel, copper-based alloy they say would be simple to produce … Continue reading Novel alloy boasts unparalleled elasticity at room temperature

New superelastic metal alloy bends it like bone for safer implants

Scientists experimenting with the makeup of metal alloys used for medical implants have made a significant breakthrough, resulting in a biomaterial with supreme flexibility and wear resistance. The team’s new superelastic alloy overcomes some key safet… Continue reading New superelastic metal alloy bends it like bone for safer implants

Common material stores and releases waste heat energy on demand

Researchers in Japan have shown that a common material is excellent at storing and releasing heat, which could make it useful for recycling industrial waste heat. The material exchanges water with the air, allowing it to quickly absorb or release heat…. Continue reading Common material stores and releases waste heat energy on demand

Dementia-fighting experimental drug moves to human trials

A new drug called SAK3 has shown promising preclinical results in animal models of Alzheimer's and Lewy Body dementia

After years of preclinical work, Japanese researchers have announced a new kind of drug treatment for dementia and Alzheimer’s disease is ready to move to human clinical trials. A number of animal studies have shown the novel drug to improve cognition and reduce signs of neurodegeneration in a number of dementia-causing diseases.

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Astronomers discover dying echoes of a supermassive black hole

Japanese astronomers have discovered the echoes of a “dying” supermassive black hole. While the object is quiet now, the team spotted the signatures of two huge radio jets that indicate it only recently fell silent after a bright, active phase.Continue… Continue reading Astronomers discover dying echoes of a supermassive black hole