Margaret Collins, a pioneering Black entomologist, left an indelible mark on the field of termite research. Despite facing racism and sexism, Collins persevered, becoming the first Black female entomologist to earn a Ph.D. in the United States. Her groundbreaking research on termites’ water relations and defense mechanisms continues to inspire scientists today. Forecast for 6…
Researchers at Google Research in California have developed a system to use millions of smartphones to map out real-time variations in Earth’s ionosphere. This innovative approach could improve the accuracy of global navigation satellite systems (GNSSs) such as GPS and provide new insights into the ionosphere. The system leverages the ubiquitous ownership of smartphones across…
Researchers at New York University have made a groundbreaking discovery that kidney cells can store information and recognize patterns in a similar way to neurons, challenging the long-held notion that memory is exclusive to the brain. The study, published in Nature Communications, found that kidney cells exhibit a “massed-space effect,” a feature of memory that…
Researchers at Newcastle University have developed a novel approach to solving partial differential equations (PDEs) using waveguide-based structures. This breakthrough could lead to the creation of analogue computers that can rapidly calculate complex mathematical problems, potentially revolutionizing fields such as physics, engineering, and computer science. The new technique uses electromagnetic waves to mimic electronic circuits,…
A groundbreaking discovery in particle physics has left scientists stunned. The J/psi particle, a subatomic particle first detected in 1974, has been a source of fascination and confusion for decades. Recent research has shed new light on the particle’s composition, revealing it to be a combination of a charm quark and its antimatter counterpart. As…
Researchers at the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) in Singapore have made a significant breakthrough in noise pollution reduction by developing a new approach to absorbing sound waves using the triboelectric effect. The team has created a fibrous polypropylene/polyethylene terephthalate (PP/PET) composite foam that uses the triboelectric effect and in situ electrical energy…
A new biography, “Ingenious,” sheds light on Benjamin Franklin’s scientific contributions, dispelling common misconceptions about his famous kite experiment and highlighting his approach to science as a joyful and humble pursuit. The book explores Franklin’s diverse interests, from electricity to geology, and his role as a founding father of the United States. As we reflect…
Researchers at the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) have made a significant breakthrough in X-ray imaging by developing a new detector using cascaded single-crystal devices. This innovation has the potential to reduce radiation exposure while maintaining excellent image quality, paving the way for improved clinical X-ray imaging and various applications that require…
A new book, “How to Kill an Asteroid,” highlights the growing concern of asteroid defense and the need for a more robust planetary security system. The book’s author, Robin George Andrews, emphasizes that while scientists have made progress in deflecting asteroids, the real challenge lies in developing a reliable asteroid detector and navigating the bureaucratic…
Physicists in China and Austria have made a groundbreaking discovery in the field of quantum mechanics, calculating the effect of entanglement on the emission time of photoelectrons. Their research reveals counter-intuitive predictions that could be tested using improved free-electron lasers. The study focuses on the photoelectric effect, where photons interact with electrons in atoms, and…
