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    A 4D Printer for Smart Materials with Magneto- and Electro-Mechanical Properties

    March 8, 2023, Categories  Physics, Technology/Electronics

    A 4D printer for smart materials with magneto-and electro-mechanical properties
    A new smart printer enables the manufacture of soft multifunctional materials by continuously adapting extrusion parameters. Combining experimental and computational methods, it prints conductive and magneto-active materials with mechanical properties that mimic biological tissues. Credit: UC3M

    Researchers at Universidad Carlos III de Madrid (UC3M) have created software and hardware for a 4D printer with applications in the biomedical field. In addition to 3D printing, this machine allows for controlling extra functions: programming the material’s response so that shape-changing occurs under external magnetic field, or changes in its electric properties develops under mechanical deformation...

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    The Planet that could End Life on Earth

    March 8, 2023, Categories  Astronomy/Space

    Artist’s concept of Kepler-62f, a super-Earth-size planet orbiting a star smaller and cooler than the sun, about 1,200 light-years from Earth. (NASA Ames/JPL-Caltech/Tim Pyle)

    Experiment demonstrates solar system’s fragility. A terrestrial planet hovering between Mars and Jupiter would be able to push Earth out of the solar system and wipe out life on this planet, according to a UC Riverside experiment.

    UCR astrophysicist Stephen Kane explained that his experiment was meant to address two notable gaps in planetary science.

    The first is the gap in our solar system between the size of terrestrial and giant gas planets. The largest terrestrial planet is Earth, and the smallest gas giant is Neptune, which is four times wider and 17 times more massive than Earth...

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    The Marathon Runners of the Immune System

    March 8, 2023, Categories  Health/Medical, Biology/Biotechnology

    Highlights
    •Interleukin-33 (IL-33) promotes the expansion of stem-like CD8 T cells (CD8+SL)
    •IL-33 signals augment chromatin accessibility of CD8+SL in chronic viral infection
    •IL-33 prevents the loss of Tcf-1 expression by balancing type I interferon effects
    •IL-33 signaling to CD8+SL preserves these cells’ stemness and re-expansion capacity

    When it comes to chronic infections and cancer, a particular type of immune cell plays a central role in our defenses. Researchers at the University of Basel have uncovered the key to the tenacity of these immune cells in coping with the marathon that is fighting a chronic infection. Their results lay the foundations for more effective therapies and vaccination strategies.

    Infected and abnormal cells have to go...

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    An Innovative Twist on Quantum Bits: Tubular Nanomaterial of Carbon makes Ideal Home for Spinning Quantum Bits

    March 8, 2023, Categories  Physics, Technology/Electronics

    Artistic rendering of chemically modified carbon nanotube hosting a spinning electron as qubit.
    Artistic rendering of chemically modified carbon nanotube hosting a spinning electron as qubit. (Image by Argonne National Laboratory.)

    Scientists find that a tubular nanomaterial of carbon makes for ideal host to keep quantum bits spinning in place for use in quantum information technologies.

    Scientists are vigorously competing to transform the counterintuitive discoveries about the quantum realm from a century past into technologies of the future. The building block in these technologies is the quantum bit, or qubit. Several different kinds are under development, including ones that use defects within the symmetrical structures of diamond and silicon. They may one day transform computing, accelerate drug discovery, generate unhackable networks and more.

    Working with researchers...

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