In a rare occurrence, astronomers have directly observed more than one planet orbiting a star similar to the Sun. Image credit: ESO/Bohn et al. In an exciting new development, the European Southern…
Author: Carolyn Gramling
A glimpse inside a working battery
Chemists develop a new technique for observing chemical processes during battery operation. Image credit: Bastian Krueger Batteries have revolutionized energy storage, converting chemical energy to electrical energy that is used to power…
A pair of micro-pliers grown on hair-sized optical fibers
A pair of micro-scale pliers was made from a liquid crystalline elastomer and fiber optic wire, which can reversibly change shape in response to visible light. Mechanical grips are important elements in…
Our itch to share helps spread misinformation
Studies find social media sharing affects news judgment, but a quick exercise reduces the problem. Image credit: visuals on Unsplash 2020 has been a whirlwind to say the least. It feels like…
Challenges in vaccine development during an evolving pandemic
As researchers race to produce the long-awaited SARS-CoV-2 vaccine, the global scale of this pandemic is posing some unique hurdles. Image credit: Shutterstock The world is waiting with bated breath for a…
Mounting evidence for neurological symptoms of COVID-19
A global study looks into the prevalence of neurological symptoms in patients with COVID-19. Image credit: CDC As the situation around the COVID-19 pandemic continues to unfold, researchers are continually learning more…
Teleportation is possible, it just depends on scale
Using the principles of quantum mechanics, scientists are unlocking incredible computing powers one experiment at a time. Image credit: Umberto Unsplash Imagine being able to disappear from one place and then reappear…
Maybe life on Earth is as good as it gets?
Plate tectonics are important for habitability, and it appears that the optimum conditions existed for planets forming early in the galaxy’s lifespan … and may be unlikely to easily recur. Image credit:…
Astronomers estimate there are 36 communicating civilizations in our galaxy
Research sheds new light on our hope of finding intelligent life across the galaxy. Image credit: Graham Holtshausen Unsplash What if we’re not alone in the universe? Astronomers have long been searching…
Improving treatment of Parkinson’s with better brain maps
Advanced MRI scans may improve treatment of tremors in patients with Parkinson’s disease. A new MRI technique developed by researchers at UT Southwestern can now more precisely target a pea-sized area in…