Namibia’s legendary fairy circles are mysterious, circular, bald patches in the dry grasslands on the edge of the Namib Desert. Their formation has been researched for decades and has recently been the subject of much debate. With extensive fieldwork, researchers investigated how freshly germinated grass dies inside the fairy circle. Their results show that the …

Fairy circles: Plant water stress causes Namibia’s gaps in grass Read More »

Conventional quantum algorithms are not feasible for solving combinatorial optimization problems (COPs) with constraints in the operation time of quantum computers. To address this issue, researchers have developed a novel algorithm called post-processing variationally scheduled quantum algorithm. The novelty of this innovative algorithm lies in the use of a post-processing technique combined with variational scheduling …

Novel quantum algorithm for high-quality solutions to combinatorial optimization problems Read More »

Scientists made a single-molecule transistor using quantum interference to control electron flow. This new design offers high on/off ratio and stability, potentially leading to smaller, faster, and more energy-efficient devices. Quantum interference also improves the transistor’s sensitivity to voltage changes, further boosting its efficiency. ​Scientists made a single-molecule transistor using quantum interference to control electron …

Quantum interference could lead to smaller, faster, and more energy-efficient transistors Read More »

A new iron-based aqueous flow battery shows promise for grid energy storage applications. ​A new iron-based aqueous flow battery shows promise for grid energy storage applications. A new iron-based aqueous flow battery shows promise for grid energy storage applications. 

New research has shown the warming climate will turn Australia’s soil into a net emitter of carbon dioxide (CO2), unless action is taken. Soil helps to keep the planet cool by absorbing carbon, however as the climate gets warmer its ability to retain carbon decreases — and in some instances can start to release some …

Climate change will see Australia’s soil emit CO2 and add to global warming Read More »

A new study provides a global analysis of where restoration of tree cover is most effective at cooling the global climate system, considering not just the cooling from carbon storage but also the warming from decreased albedo. The researchers provide a tool practitioners and land managers can use to determine just how much of a …

New maps help decision-makers factor albedo into tree-planting decisions Read More »

Nontraditional risk factors such as migraines are as important as traditional risk factors like high blood pressure for adults younger than ages 35-45, finds new study. ​Nontraditional risk factors such as migraines are as important as traditional risk factors like high blood pressure for adults younger than ages 35-45, finds new study. Nontraditional risk factors such …

Young adults with migraine, other nontraditional risk factors may have higher stroke risk Read More »

The xCT protein, which plays an important role as a transport molecule in the cell, could play a part in cancer treatment in the future, researchers have discovered. Their recent studies on mice show that targeting the protein can not only reduce tumor growth, it can also help regulate the inflammatory response and improve mood. …

xCT protein is key link in inhibiting pancreatic cancer growth and limiting mood disturbances Read More »

Lewy body disease may be more common in middle-aged people than previously thought, according to a recent study. In the study, almost one in ten of over 50-year-olds were found to have tissue markers of Lewy body disease in the brain. ​Lewy body disease may be more common in middle-aged people than previously thought, according …

Common degenerative brain disease may begin to develop in middle age Read More »

Our bodies can maintain body temperature in cold environments. However, the detailed mechanism remains unclear. Researchers elucidated the molecular mechanism by which macrophages, a type of immune cells, control heat production in brown adipose tissue to increase the body temperature in response to cold. ​Our bodies can maintain body temperature in cold environments. However, the …

Macrophages produce heat from brown adipose tissue in response to cold Read More »