Algae-gene-boosted crop plants grow better by using more light

Thanks to a recent discovery regarding marine algae, scientists have developed crop plants that absorb a fuller spectrum of sunlight, resulting in better growth. The finding could also lead to increased production of biofuels.Continue ReadingCategory: … Continue reading Algae-gene-boosted crop plants grow better by using more light

Software tweak doubles computer processing speed, halves energy use

Existing processors in PCs, smartphones and other devices can be supercharged for enormous power and efficiency gains using a new parallel processing software framework designed to eliminate bottlenecks and use multiple chips at once.Continue ReadingCa… Continue reading Software tweak doubles computer processing speed, halves energy use

Lignin breakthrough unlocks cost-competitive, carbon-neutral jet fuel

A simple, cheap pretreatment promises to radically cut the price of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) made from waste wood biomass – potentially making it cost-competitive with fossil-based jet fuel, while cutting down emissions by up to 80%.Continue Rea… Continue reading Lignin breakthrough unlocks cost-competitive, carbon-neutral jet fuel

Drone pics may be first-ever images of a newborn great white shark

Hard though it may be to believe, there has apparently never been a confirmed sighting of a live newborn great white shark. Such may no longer be the case, however, thanks to recently analyzed aerial drone footage shot in California.Continue ReadingCat… Continue reading Drone pics may be first-ever images of a newborn great white shark

“Glob of randomness” linked to 75% of cancers reined in by novel peptide

Researchers have developed a peptide that targets a previously ‘undruggable’ protein implicated in more than 75% of human cancers and found that it slowed the proliferation of brain cancer cells in the lab. It’s the first step towards developing an eff… Continue reading “Glob of randomness” linked to 75% of cancers reined in by novel peptide

Altered plant turns red to warn of environmental pollutants

Checking for pollutants in the environment via soil sampling and other traditional methods can be a laborious process, but what alternatives are there? Well, scientists have now engineered a plant to turn red when exposed to specific toxic chemicals.Co… Continue reading Altered plant turns red to warn of environmental pollutants

Experimental “fire-safe” fuel won’t ignite unless electrified

As any car-chase action movie will tell you, the gasoline used in our vehicles is flammable, explosive stuff. Scientists have created a new combustible fuel, however, which stays safely non-flammable for transport and storage.Continue ReadingCategory: … Continue reading Experimental “fire-safe” fuel won’t ignite unless electrified

Experimental “fire-safe” fuel won’t ignite unless electrified

As any car-chase action movie will tell you, the gasoline used in our vehicles is flammable, explosive stuff. Scientists have created a new combustible fuel, however, which stays safely non-flammable for transport and storage.Continue ReadingCategory: … Continue reading Experimental “fire-safe” fuel won’t ignite unless electrified

COVID’s – and other viruses’ – Achilles’ heel identified

Researchers have identified how the SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes COVID-19 takes advantage of our cellular machinery to replicate and spread in the body, and, importantly, a way to stop it. The finding could lead to the development of a new class of ant… Continue reading COVID’s – and other viruses’ – Achilles’ heel identified

Colorful crystals could warn of cold chain mishaps

While many goods simply have to be kept frozen until use, some – such as certain vaccines – will break down even if they get warmed but remain frozen. An inexpensive new technology could alert people to the fact that this has happened.Continue ReadingC… Continue reading Colorful crystals could warn of cold chain mishaps