New observations capture a star experiencing spaghettification as it’s sucked in by a supermassive black hole. A star experiencing spaghettification as it’s sucked in by a supermassive black hole. Image credit: ESO/M….
Nanomaterials for enhanced fiberoptic cables
New hybrid optical fibers contain 2D materials that enhance light-matter interactions and open doors for a range of new technological advancements. Image credit: Jens Meyer (University of Jena) The interaction between light…
Black holes take 2020 Nobel prize in physics
Three laureates share this year’s Nobel prize in physics for their discoveries about one of the most exotic phenomena in the universe: the black hole. Image credit: Niklas Elmehed. © Nobel Media…
Moderna’s COVID-19 vaccine shows immune response in elderly patients
A small trial indicates that Moderna’s experimental SARS-CoV-2 vaccine is effective and safe in older adults, a population group most vulnerable to severe COVID-19. SARS-CoV-2 virus particles (yellow), isolated from a patient….
The Arctic has begun to enter a new climate state
An extensive study shows that the fragile Arctic landscape is changing right before our eyes. While we cannot stop the transformation, we can mitigate its effects if we reduce greenhouse gas emissions…
Mayo Clinic researchers study new bioactive material for enhanced vascular healing
Researchers challenge the current paradigm for embolization with a safe and versatile embolic agent made from malleable and injectable hydrogels. Image credit: Mayo Clinic Transcatheter embolization is a minimally invasive procedure in…
Could there be life on Venus? Sighting of a rare molecule could be the answer
A possible marker of life has been spotted in the clouds of Venus and has astronomers excited about the possibility of extra-terrestrial “aerial” life on the harsh planet. Artist’s impression of Venus….
New antibiotic for deadly superbug could save tens of thousands of lives
New leads derived from an FDA-approved drug could provide potential therapeutic options for problematic vancomycin-resistant enterococci infections. Vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus (VRE) bacteria. Image credit: CDC First identified in the 1980s, vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE)…
AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine trial put on hold
The global trial run by researchers at Oxford and AstraZeneca has been paused due to an adverse reaction at a UK site. Whether the reaction is related to the vaccine is still…
Smart food label can identify bacteria without opening the package
Food-safe microneedles incorporated into a new smart label can effectively collect samples from packaged food and inform consumers about its quality in real time. Velcro-like food sensor, made from an array of…