ScienceDaily: Strange Science News


'Self-aware' materials build the foundation for living structures

Posted: 01 Jun 2021 12:20 PM PDT

New research describes a new metamaterial system that acts as its own sensor, recording and relaying important information about the pressure and stresses on its structure. The so-called 'self-aware metamaterial' generates its own power and can be used for a wide array of sensing and monitoring applications.

Revealing the mysteries of stonefish venom

Posted: 01 Jun 2021 10:58 AM PDT

Scientists working to unlock the mysteries Australia's deadly stonefish have made a discovery which could change how sting victims are treated in the future.

Turbulence in interstellar gas clouds reveals multi-fractal structures

Posted: 01 Jun 2021 10:57 AM PDT

Astronomers describe the complex structure of the interstellar medium using a new mathematical method. The dispersion of interstellar turbulence in gas clouds before star formation unfolds in a cosmically small space.

Taking a bite out of tooth evolution: Frogs have lost teeth more than 20 times

Posted: 01 Jun 2021 10:57 AM PDT

Researchers analyzed CT scans of nearly every living amphibian genus to reveal that frogs have lost teeth over 20 times during their evolution, more than any other vertebrate group.

'Electronic nose' accurately sniffs out hard-to-detect cancers

Posted: 01 Jun 2021 09:17 AM PDT

An odor-based test that sniffs out vapors emanating from blood samples was able to distinguish between benign and pancreatic and ovarian cancer cells with up to 95% accuracy.

Duetting songbirds 'mute' the musical mind of their partner to stay in sync

Posted: 31 May 2021 12:32 PM PDT

Researchers say that the auditory feedback exchanged between wrens during their opera-like duets momentarily inhibits motor circuits used for singing in the listening partner, which helps link the pair's brains and coordinate turn-taking for a seemingly telepathic performance. The study also offers fresh insight into how humans and other cooperative animals use sensory cues to act in concert with one another.