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    Evidence for a Human Geomagnetic Sense

    March 24, 2019, Categories  Physics, Astronomy/Space

    Research shows the changes in alpha wave amplitude — a measure of whether the brain is being engaged or is in a resting or “autopilot” mode — following rotations of an Earth-strength magnetic field. On the left, counterclockwise rotations induce a widespread drop in alpha wave amplitude. No drop is observed after clockwise rotation or in the FIXED condition.
    Credit: Connie X. Wang / Caltech

    Scientists develop a robust experiment that shows human brain waves respond to changes in Earth-strength magnetic fields. Many humans are able to unconsciously detect changes in Earth-strength magnetic fields, according to scientists at Caltech and the University of Tokyo.

    The study, led by geoscientist Joseph Kirschvink (BS, MS ’75) and neuroscientist Shin Shimojo at Caltech as well as neuroenginee...

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    How does Estrogen Protect Bones? Unraveling a pathway to menopausal bone loss

    March 23, 2019, Categories  Health/Medical, Biology/Biotechnology

    Estrogen induces osteocyte expression of Sema3A, which acts on its receptor on osteocytes to promote survival, resulting in reduced osteoclastic bone resorption and enhanced osteoblastic bone formation. Sema3A-activated sGC-cGMP signaling through Nrp1 protected osteocytes from apoptosis.
    Credit: Department of Cell Signaling,TMDU

    Women who have reached menopause are at a greater risk of developing osteoporosis, which can lead to bone fractures and long-term impairment of mobility. Studies have suggested a link between reduced bone density and low estrogen levels due to menopause, but the basis for this link is unclear. Researchers found that the protein Sema3A plays a key role in maintaining healthy bones, suggesting a new therapeutic avenue to treat osteoporosis.

    Bone is a complex...

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    True-meaning Wearable Displays: Self-powered, washable and wearable

    March 23, 2019, Categories  Physics, Technology/Electronics


    Schematic and photo of a washable wearing display module.
    Credit: KAIST

    Smart clothing has had a problem with its power sources and moisture permeability, which causes the devices to malfunction. This problem has now been overcome by a KAIST research team, who developed a textile-based wearable display module technology that is washable and does not require an external power source.

    To ease out the problem of external power sources and enhance the practicability of wearable displays, Professor Kyung Cheol Choi from the School of Electrical Engineering and his team fabricated their wearing display modules on real textiles that integrated polymer solar cells (PSCs) with organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs).

    PSCs have been one of the most promising candidates for a next-generation...

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    Jupiter’s Unknown Journey Revealed

    March 23, 2019, Categories  Astronomy/Space

    Jupiter was formed four times further from the sun than its current position would indicate, according to a new simulation.
    Credit: Illustration: NASA/JPL-Caltech

    The giant planet Jupiter was formed four times further from the sun than its current orbit, and migrated inwards in the solar system over a period of 700,000 years. Researchers found proof of this incredible journey thanks to a group of asteroids close to Jupiter.

    It is known that gas giants around other stars are often located very near their sun. According to accepted theory, these gas planets were formed far away and subsequently migrated to an orbit closer to the star.

    Now researchers from Lund University and other institutions have used advanced computer simulations to learn more about Jupiter’s journey through ou...

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