In a recent breakthrough, researchers unintentionally stumbled upon a super-black wood-based material that absorbs more than 99 percent of light. The material, named Nxylon, was discovered during experiments on water-repelling technologies for wood using high-energy plasma gas. This accidental discovery led to the realization of the material’s incredible light absorption properties. Nxylon combines the benefits
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Research from the University of Plymouth and Edge Hill University in the UK has shed light on the positive impact of board games on individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Despite anecdotal evidence suggesting that individuals with autism tend to enjoy board games more than others, two new studies have identified some reasons as to
The recent excavation of a 2,500-year-old graveyard site in Norway has uncovered a puzzling and eerie discovery. The main cluster of graves contained 39 individual bodies, all of which were children under the age of six. While it may seem disturbing at first glance, archaeologists have suggested that the high infant mortality rate during that
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are on the rise among older adults, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. This trend is particularly alarming as it goes against the common misconception that STIs only affect younger populations. In this article, we delve into the reasons behind this increase in STIs among older
The use of artificial intelligence (AI) in the field of healthcare has always been met with skepticism, particularly in storytelling and filmmaking. However, recent studies have shown that AI can have a significant impact in the realm of science, particularly in predicting the progression of Alzheimer’s disease. This groundbreaking research, conducted by the University of
Nearly a century ago, scientists stumbled upon single-celled organisms capable of emitting methane gas into the environment. These microbial beings, closely related to bacteria, were initially classified under the superphylum Euryarchaeota within the Archaea kingdom. However, recent discoveries have shaken this classification to its core. A decade ago, researchers exploring oil fields and hot springs
Engaging in extreme exercise, such as running 10 hours a week for over 120 km (75 miles), is often considered to be pushing the human body beyond its limits. However, a recent study has challenged this notion by suggesting that Olympic-level professional athletes who partake in such brutal routines may actually be prolonging their lives.
The human brain is a complex organ that is unfortunately prone to failure, especially as we age. One of the most concerning conditions associated with cognitive decline is Alzheimer’s disease, which affects a vast number of individuals worldwide. Currently, diagnosing Alzheimer’s disease relies heavily on the experience and judgment of specialists, as well as expensive
Recent research conducted by evolutionary biologist Alex de Mendoza Soler and his team from Queen Mary University of London has uncovered a fascinating link between ancient giant viruses and the DNA of a single-celled organism. This discovery suggests that viruses may have played a significant role in the evolution of complex organisms, such as ourselves,
When viruses invade our bodies, they can sometimes leave fragments of themselves behind in our genomes. Previously thought to be inactive, these fragments of foreign DNA have recently been discovered to play a significant role in various diseases, including cancer. University of Colorado bioinformatician Atma Ivancevic, along with a team of researchers, has found that