The Impact of Initial Velocity and Repulsion Radius on Phase Transitions in Self-Propelled Particle Systems

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Phase transitions in the collective motions of self-propelled particles are a fascinating area of study that bridges the boundaries of biology, physics, and computational science. These phenomena occur in systems where particles, endowed with the ability to move independently, transition from disordered to ordered states. The transitions resemble phase changes observed in physical systems, such … Read more

Leveraging Orbital Angular Momentum for Next-Generation Optical Metrology

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Metrology forms the backbone of modern science and industry by providing precise standards to measure and interpret the world around us. Among its many branches, optical metrology has long held a vital role, relying on the principle of interference. This concept, pioneered over two centuries ago by Thomas Young, continues to underlie much of today’s … Read more

First Molecular Detection of Sarcocystis miescheriana in a Pig Carcass in Poland

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The National Veterinary Research Institute in Poland has recently documented the first molecular detection of Sarcocystis miescheriana in a condemned pig carcass in Poland. This research marks a significant milestone, as it represents only the fourth known instance of macroscopically visible cystic lesions caused by sarcocystosis in domestic pigs worldwide. The findings highlight the challenges … Read more

Lab-Grown Neural Networks with Directional Connections Exhibit Increased Dynamic Activity

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Uncovering the relationship between the structure of neural networks and their function—particularly how the brain’s connectivity influences its activity—is a fundamental question that underpins much of modern biology and neuroscience. Investigating this relationship directly in animal brains is particularly challenging because of the extraordinary complexity of neural connections, coupled with the invasive surgeries required to … Read more

Membrane Anchoring of Prion Protein Inhibits Aggregation and Stabilizes Native Conformation

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Protein aggregation is a hallmark of many neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and prion diseases such as Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease. These conditions are characterized by the accumulation of misfolded proteins in the brain, leading to cell damage, neuronal loss, and progressive cognitive and motor impairments. Unraveling the mechanisms behind this pathological transformation is crucial … Read more

Hornworts: Nature’s Turbocharged Plants

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For centuries, scientists have been striving to improve how plants use carbon dioxide (CO₂) during photosynthesis. This effort isn’t just about improving crop yields; it’s also part of broader goals to mitigate the effects of climate change. Among recent breakthroughs, hornworts—a seemingly modest and underappreciated group of plants—may unlock the next significant advancement in plant … Read more

Decoding the Genomes of Hornworts Reveals Secrets of Plant Evolution on Land

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Over 450 million years ago, life began a remarkable transformation as plants made the monumental leap from aquatic environments to dry land. This transition was pivotal in Earth’s history, reshaping ecosystems and paving the way for terrestrial life as we know it. Among the earliest pioneers were the ancestors of hornworts, a small and ancient … Read more

Plants’ Secret to Surviving Climate Change

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A team at the University of Calgary is making significant strides in understanding how plants adapt to environmental stresses, such as heat and drought, with potential applications in improving agricultural resilience in the face of climate change. Led by Dr. Sam Yeaman, an associate professor in the Department of Biological Sciences, the research team has … Read more

New Discovery on Jupiter’s Cloud Composition

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For decades, scientists believed that Jupiter’s iconic clouds were primarily composed of ammonia ice. This assumption was rooted in early observations of the gas giant’s atmosphere and was supported by theoretical models of cloud formation. However, new collaborative research by both amateur and professional astronomers has led to a groundbreaking discovery: Jupiter’s clouds are unlikely … Read more

Sharp Drop in Superfluid Stiffness Observed During Phase Transition in Indium Oxide Films

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A team of physicists from Université Grenoble Alpes and CNRS in France, in collaboration with a colleague from Karlsruhe Institute of Technology in Germany, has recently made an intriguing discovery in the field of quantum physics. Their study, published in the prestigious journal Nature Physics, explores the odd quantum phase transition that occurs in indium … Read more