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

The galactic hunt for a planet in the Venus Zone has begun

Even though Venus is the closest planet to Earth, there’s still a lot we don’t know about it, especially when it comes to its galactic-scale history. Was it once habitable? Did it ever have water? Was the atmosphere ever different than the toxic cockta… Continue reading The galactic hunt for a planet in the Venus Zone has begun

Hydrogen and UV breaks down toxic PFAS “forever” chemicals in water

PFAS are among the most insidious pollutants, thanks to their ubiquity, their long life and their growing list of linked health concerns. But now researchers at the University of California, Riverside have developed a new method to break them down more… Continue reading Hydrogen and UV breaks down toxic PFAS “forever” chemicals in water

Earth’s earliest mass extinction uncovered in fossil record

Scientists believe that the Earth is currently in the midst of its sixth major extinction event, but a new study suggests that’s not the case – it may actually be the seventh. Scientists have found evidence of a previously unknown mass extinction event… Continue reading Earth’s earliest mass extinction uncovered in fossil record

Scientists identify hair loss regulator protein, could be reversible

Researchers at the University of California Riverside (UC Riverside) have identified a single protein that seems to control when hair follicles die. Armed with this new information, it might eventually be possible to reverse the process and stimulate h… Continue reading Scientists identify hair loss regulator protein, could be reversible

Artificial photosynthesis lets plants grow efficiently in total darkness

Scientists have improved on the natural process of photosynthesis, not only growing plants more efficiently, but doing so in the dark. This could expand agriculture to areas that don’t get enough sunlight, and even help feed future space explorers.Cont… Continue reading Artificial photosynthesis lets plants grow efficiently in total darkness

Could candy sprinkles thwart pharmaceutical counterfeiters?

Candy sprinkles may make desserts more interesting, but an American scientist has developed what could be a much more valuable use for them. His CandyCode system might one day be utilized to confirm that supposedly authentic pills aren’t actually count… Continue reading Could candy sprinkles thwart pharmaceutical counterfeiters?

High-energy boron-based fuels promise cleaner, greener space rockets

In an initiative that could lead to carbon-free space launches, scientists at the University of California, Riverside, are experimenting with ammonia borane (NH₃BH₃) as a substitute to conventional carbon-based chemical rocket fuels.Continue ReadingCat… Continue reading High-energy boron-based fuels promise cleaner, greener space rockets

Study suggests megalodon may not have looked like a huge great white

In most depictions of the extinct megalodon shark, it looks pretty much like a super-sized version of its modern relative, the great white. According to a new study, however, it may actually have been considerably less similar in appearance.Continue Re… Continue reading Study suggests megalodon may not have looked like a huge great white

Water-strider-inspired robot may one day clean up oil spills

It’s possible that someday in the future, sunlight-powered robots may be able to swim across marine oil spills, soaking up the oil as they go. A tiny functioning prototype has already been created, and it was inspired by both the steam engine and an in… Continue reading Water-strider-inspired robot may one day clean up oil spills