Model systems based on virus capsids have shown how large biomolecules are able to penetrate a cell nucleus. The larger the molecule, the more nuclear localization signals are needed. «We have been able to gain new understanding of the transport of large biostructures, which helped us develop a simple model that describes how this works,»…

Scientists studied the inner workings of a solar cell material using X-ray and neutron scattering. The study revealed that liquid-like motion in the material may be responsible for their high efficiency in producing electric currents from solar energy. Perovskites, a class of materials with a unique crystal structure, could overtake current technology for solar energy…

During the continued progression of the coronavirus pandemic, rapid, inexpensive, and reliable tests will become increasingly important to determine whether people have the associated antibodies — either through infection or vaccination. Researchers have now developed such a rapid antibody test. It provides the result in only eight minutes; the aim is to further reduce the…

Direct methanol fuel cells (DMFCs), which produce electricity using methanol, will be an alternative solution in the transition away from fossil fuels and toward a ‘hydrogen’ economy. However, undesired methanol oxidation on the cathode side in DMFCs degrades the essential platinum catalyst, causing performance and stability problems. Now, scientists from Korea have found a simple…

A natural food colorant called phycocyanin provides a fun, vivid blue in soft drinks, but it is unstable on grocery shelves. A synchrotron is helping to steady it. A fun food colorant with a scientific name — phycocyanin — provides a vivid blue pigment that food companies crave, but it can be unstable when placed…

COSMIC, a multipurpose X-ray instrument, has made headway in the scientific community since its launch less than 2 years ago, with contributions in fields ranging from batteries to biominerals. COSMIC is the brightest X-ray beamline at the ALS, a synchrotron that generates intense light — from infrared to X-rays — and delivers it to dozens…

Researchers have developed a dynamic respirator that modulates its pore size in response to changing conditions, such as exercise or air pollution levels, allowing the wearer to breathe easier when the highest levels of filtration are not required. Face masks protect against the spread of the virus that causes COVID-19, but they are also worn…

Researchers have developed a new glucose sensor that is cheaper and more robust than current systems. Diabetes affects around 4.9 million people in the UK and is a chronic condition where the patient cannot naturally regulate their blood sugar levels. Therefore, patient must measure their blood sugar levels several times a day as part of…

Feeding the world’s growing population in a sustainable way is no easy task. That’s why scientists are exploring options for transforming fruit and vegetable byproducts — such as peels or pulp discarded during processing — into nutritious food ingredients and supplements. Now, researchers have shown that blueberry and persimmon waste can be made into antioxidant-rich…

A research team reveals the phase transition and metal ex-solution phenomena to increase the catalytic activity. A joint research team of Professor Jeong Woo Han and Ph.D. candidate Kyeounghak Kim of POSTECH’s Department of Chemical Engineering, and Professor Guntae Kim of UNIST have uncovered the mechanism by which PBMO — a catalyst used in fuel…