ScienceDaily: All - December 31, 2024
Today's top research news
Urgent action needed to protect the Parma wallaby
The creation of more fox-free safe havens and greater collaboration between government and landowners is needed to ensure the survival of a species of wallaby, an expert argues. The Parma wallaby, also known as the white-throated wallaby, is listed as a vulnerable species in Australia, while the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) classifies it as Near Threatened. The marsupial is found along the Great Dividing Range in northern New South Wales.
Image: Dawn Quadling/Shutterstock.com
Enhanced Raman microscopy of cryofixed specimens: Clearer and sharper chemical imaging
A team has reported a Raman microscopy technique that produced images up to eight times brighter than those achieved with conventional Raman techniques. Imaging of frozen biological samples reduced the noise introduced by the motion of material over long acquisition times. The technique is expected to broaden understanding in many areas of the biological sciences by allowing high-quality images and chemical information to be captured without the need for staining.
Engineering researchers develop deep-UV microLED display chips for maskless photolithography
In a breakthrough set to revolutionize the semiconductor industry, engineers have developed the world's first-of-its-kind deep-ultraviolet (UVC) microLED display array for lithography machines. This enhanced efficiency UVC microLED has showcased the viability of a lowered cost maskless photolithography through the provision of adequate light output power density, enabling exposure of photoresist films in a shorter time.
New technology doubles resolution without radar replacement using novel algorithms
Engineers have developed a new signal analysis technology that enhances radar range resolution and is applicable to various radar systems.
Solar-powered charging: Self-charging supercapacitors developed
A research team achieves 63% energy storage efficiency and 5.17% overall efficiency by combining a supercapacitor with a solar cell.
Triple-layer battery resistant to fire and explosion created
A team has developed a stable, efficient polymer-based solid electrolyte -- Applicable to smartphones, EVs, and energy storage.
Preclinical study finds surges in estrogen promote binge drinking in females
The hormone estrogen regulates binge drinking in females, causing them to 'pregame' -- consume large quantities of alcohol in the first 30 minutes after it's offered, according to a preclinical study. The study establishes -- for what is thought to be the first time -- that circulating estrogen increases binge alcohol consumption in females and contributes to known sex differences in this behavior.
Brain structure differences are associated with early use of substances among adolescents
A study of nearly 10,000 adolescents has identified distinct differences in the brain structures of those who used substances before age 15 compared to those who did not. Many of these structural brain differences appeared to exist in childhood before any substance use, suggesting they may play a role in the risk of substance use initiation later in life, in tandem with genetic, environmental, and other neurological factors.
Researchers have shown that people 60 years or older with weakened immunity do not respond as strongly to vaccines against the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) as people in the same age group with normal immune function.