Researchers have discovered that the ink of the common cuttlefish contains a compound called melanin that strongly sticks to sharks’ smell sensors, potentially warning them to stay away. This finding suggests that the cuttlefish’s ink has evolved to exploit sharks’ keen sense of smell, which is limited to a narrow range of scents. The study’s…
research on The Soothsayer / page 4
Researchers at the National University of Singapore, the University of Kyoto, and the University of California, Berkeley, have made a groundbreaking discovery in graphene research. They have successfully created a new graphene nanostructure, known as an asymmetric or “Janus” graphene nanoribbon, which exhibits ferromagnetic properties. This breakthrough could lead to the development of carbon-based spin…
A recent study published in PLOS Biology has revealed that over 8,000 of the world’s most-cited scientists have at least one retraction in their work. The study, led by John Ioannidis, found that retractions are more common among scientists with higher co-authorship numbers and those who publish a large number of papers. The study also…
A recent study of asteroid dirt brought back to Earth by NASA’s OSIRIS-REx mission has revealed the presence of amino acids, nucleobases, and brines that could have facilitated the formation of organic molecules. This finding bolsters the hypothesis that asteroids like Bennu could have delivered the raw ingredients to Earth prior to the emergence of…
Researchers at the University of Fribourg in Switzerland have made a groundbreaking discovery about the way maggots perceive food. Using genetic tools, they found that certain neurons in the brain control food choice and can sense both taste and texture. This multimodal capacity challenges the conventional view of taste sensing, which holds that specific neurons…
Researchers at the University of Chicago’s Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering have created a groundbreaking hydrogel that doubles as a semiconductor, combining the soft, flexible properties of biological tissues with the electronic capabilities of semiconductors. This material has the potential to revolutionize the way medical devices interface with the human body, enabling seamless integration and…
NASA’s OSIRIS-REx mission has made a groundbreaking discovery by collecting and analyzing fragments of the asteroid Bennu, which contain the building blocks of life, including nucleobases and amino acids. The findings suggest that asteroids like Bennu may have played a crucial role in seeding life on Earth. The samples also reveal the presence of salty…
A new podcast, “The Deep End,” explores the use of brain implants to treat severe depression. The podcast follows four individuals who underwent an experimental procedure involving electrodes implanted in their brains to stimulate neural activity. The treatment has shown promising results, with some patients experiencing significant improvements in their mental health. This breakthrough has…
Researchers at Sichuan University and Queen Mary University of London have made a groundbreaking discovery in the field of materials science, shedding light on the anomalous thermal expansion of cordierite. By using advanced molecular dynamics simulations, the team has found that the material’s unique behavior stems from the interplay between lattice vibrations and elastic properties….
The Trump administration has issued an order freezing all federal grants and loans, sparking chaos and confusion in the US scientific community. Researchers are reeling from the uncertainty, with many universities advising faculty members against spending federal grant dollars on travel, research projects, and equipment. The order has been temporarily blocked by a federal judge,…
