By irradiating silicon samples with laser light and implanting positrons on the surface of the silicon, physicists from the University of California are able to create positronium. Comprised of an electron and its antimatter twin called positron, the positronium is most valued for its applications in advancing fundamental physics research. This discovery could also help answer the burning question of why nature favored matter over anti-matter at the universe’s creation.
Our planet Earth gains a new orbital companion in the form of a Trojan asteroid. Spanning 300 meters wide, this tiny space rock is seated 80 million kilometers in front of the Earth. Astronomers from the Athabasca University say that, partially tethered to Earth by a gravitational leash, this is our planet’s first known Trojan asteroid. Experts predict that this space rock will be the Earth’s tiny companion for at least ten thousand years.
Scientists can generate stunning works of art too. The American Museum of Natural History showcases an array of striking and poignant images. They were made with various techniques utilizing Scanning Electron Microscopes, X-rays, DNA labels, dyes, natural fluorescence and UV light as unlikely yet novel tools of the artist.
Smithsonian astronomer Warren Brown made a staggering discovery when he observed two white dwarf stars circling one another at an incredible speed of 600 kilometer per second. Growing closer, the dwarfs make a complete orbit in a matter of 13 minutes. Models forecast that in 900,000 years they will merge and explode as a massive supernova. This phenomenon is exemplifying Einstein’s theory of relativity in which their rapid movement is creating ripples in the fabric of space-time.
Humans have always prided themselves at their ability to recognize and evaluate art. However, this artistic gift is now available to our robotic counterparts because of computer scientist Raghudeep Gadde and his team at the International Institute of Information and Technology. Through programming, their humanoid robot called NAO is able to obey the photographic guidelines and assess the quality of its photos.
In many cases, forswearing cigarettes is accompanied by the much dreaded weight gain as former smokers turn to munchies to satiate their desire to light a cancer stick. Fortunately, researchers from the University of Oregon and other institutions have found through their studies that texting actively stimulates the brain regions responsible for suppressing the urge to smoke. Those planning to quit smoking but fear the increase in body mass can now reach for their phones instead of a French fry when cravings kick in.
Researchers from Lund University discovered a technique that creates a particular type of nerve cells from skin cells. Fibroblasts, as what they call the process, reprograms the connective tissue cells directly into a nerve cells and thus bypassing the stem cell stage. The Bypassing of the stem cell stage of the skin cells also eliminates the risk of developing tumors during transplant. With this the Scientists are now looking to use this method to help treat Parkinsons disease.
Doctors Arthur Aron and Sean Mackey have collaborated to perform an experiment with love, pain and the brain. To accomplish this experiment the doctors called for 15 people who are madly in love, always thinking about their significant other and are craving for their presence. The subjects were also asked to bring a picture of their significant other for the research. During the experiment the researchers flashed the pictures of their significant other while generating pain on the palm of their hand with a computer controlled thermal stimulator (a heat generating device) to check how love affects pain.
Scientist from Schepens Eye Research Institute have discovered a way to regenerate sections of retinas and visual function with the use of Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells (IPCs), derived from the skin. The experiment was made on mouse, where the scientists got an IPCs from the tail of a red fluorescent mouse and implanted it on a non-fluorescent mouse so they can easily see the IPCs in the non-fluorescent mouse. After the implant, within 5 weeks the IPCs quickly deteriorated the current bad retina because of genetic mutation. But after 28-42 days the IPCs began integrating into the eye and assemble into a healthy retina. The IPCs are derived from the skin removing the ethical issues of embryonic stem cells, making the use of IPCs more acceptable in science and technology
Female dogs might have a better edge than males when it comes to distinguishing something unpredicted. The experiment was for a group of dogs to detect whether a ball got bigger or smaller.
The amount of carbon atoms present in the human body is equal to the number of carbon atoms in the lead of approximately 9,000 pencils.
Because of the moon's gravitational effects, you will weigh less if it is directly above you.
