Recent breakthroughs in material science have unveiled astonishing capabilities in simple substances, particularly hydrogels. In a groundbreaking study led by Dr. Yoshikatsu Hayashi, published in *Cell Reports Physical Science*, researchers demonstrated the ability of a basic hydrogel to learn how to play the classic video game “Pong.” This finding invites a reassessment of our understanding
Chemistry
Phase-change materials (PCMs) such as germanium telluride (GeTe) hold transformative potential in various sectors, particularly in thermoelectric energy conversion and advanced electronic applications. The unique characteristic of these materials is their ability to undergo structural transformations, leading to significant alterations in their thermal and electrical properties. Despite this promise, a longstanding enigma in the scientific
The quest for sustainable materials has taken a significant leap forward, thanks to a team of bioengineers at the University of California, Berkeley. Their recent study, highlighted in the prestigious journal Science, introduces a groundbreaking environmentally friendly adhesive polymer. This inventive research not only addresses the acute need for less toxic and more sustainable materials
In the ongoing battle against cancer, the relentless proliferation of cancerous cells poses a formidable challenge to effective treatment strategies. Central to the success of these strategies is the need to halt the unauthorized multiplication of these malignant cells, which begins with a comprehensive understanding of the proteins that support their survival. This understanding becomes
In the realm of chemistry and material science, the individual characteristics of molecules are often overshadowed by the phenomena that arise when they interact and join forces. This phenomenon of aggregation, where molecules come together to form complex structures, leads to new capabilities that isolated molecules cannot achieve independently. Understanding how these aggregates behave paves
Researchers at the FAMU-FSU College of Engineering have developed a pioneering biomass-derived material that has the potential to significantly address the pressing issue of carbon dioxide (CO2) capture and release. This novel material, primarily composed of lignin—a complex organic polymer found in the cell walls of plants—stands out for its ability to efficiently absorb CO2
Ammonia plays a pivotal role in global agriculture as a primary ingredient in fertilizers, and it has emerged as a potential zero-carbon fuel source owing to its high energy density and clean combustion. However, the traditional method of synthesizing ammonia—known as the Haber-Bosch process—comes with significant drawbacks, notably its staggering energy consumption and corresponding contribution
As modern technology relentlessly advances, the quest for smaller, faster, and more efficient electronic devices has led to significant breakthroughs, yet it has simultaneously illuminated inherent challenges. Moore’s law—the principle stating that the number of transistors on a microchip doubles approximately every two years—faces practical limitations as silicon-based components approach physical constraints. As the size
The immunoproteasome is a specialized form of the proteasome, a critical cellular structure responsible for degrading unneeded or damaged proteins. It plays a vital role in the immune system by breaking down foreign pathogens such as viruses and bacteria into peptide fragments. These fragments are then presented on the surface of immune cells, allowing the
Rare-earth elements (REEs) form a critical component of modern technology, interlaced within the fabric of various essential devices, from smartphones to electric cars. Despite their name, these essential metals occupy a paradoxical position; they are abundant in the Earth’s crust yet challenging to extract economically and sustainably. The current extraction process, predominantly reliant on harsh
Water pollution remains one of the most pressing environmental challenges globally, and researchers have recently made a significant stride toward resolution. By employing a pioneering technique featuring single-atom catalysts (SACs) within a Fenton-like catalytic system, a team from the University of Science and Technology of China (USTC) and the Suzhou Institute for Advanced Study has
The ribosome serves as a critical component within all living cells, acting as the site where proteins are synthesized. Researchers at the University of Tsukuba have embarked on a groundbreaking exploration by developing an innovative model that simulates the intricate environment of the ribosome’s essential structural feature—the tunnel through which nascent proteins are processed. This