Perovskite solar cells (PVSCs) are a promising alternative to traditional silicon-based solar cells because of their high power-conversion efficiency and low cost. However, one of the major challenges in their development has been achieving long-term stability. Recently, a research team made a breakthrough by developing an innovative multifunctional and non-volatile...
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Happy worms have healthy eggs
Researchers have exposed roundworms (a well-established model organism in biological research) to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), a class of drugs used for treating depression and anxiety. Surprisingly, this treatment improved the quality of aging females' egg cells.
Scientists discover the dynamics of an ‘extra’ chromosome in fruit flies
Most chromosomes have been around for millions of years. Now, researchers have revealed the dynamics of a new, very young chromosome in fruit flies that is similar to chromosomes that arise in humans and is associated with treatment-resistant cancer and infertility. The findings may one day lead to developing more...
Research reveals longstanding cultural continuity at oldest occupied site in West Africa
Stone tools recovered from near the Senegalese coast extend occupation of the region back to 150 thousand years ago and are comparable to those seen across Africa at this time, but uniquely persist in the region until 10 thousand years ago.
Chimpanzees combine calls to communicate new meaning
Similar to humans, chimpanzees combine vocalizations into larger communicatively meaningful structures. UZH researchers suggest that this ability might be evolutionarily more ancient than previously thought.
Frenchman mountain dolostone: 500 million-year-old grand canyon rock layer finally gets a name
A research team outlines how it identified and bestowed a moniker upon a previously unexplored 500 million-year-old Grand Canyon formation: The Frenchman Mountain Dolostone. The newly named rock layer has lain hidden in plain sight throughout the Grand Canyon for millennia, but -- until now -- geologists had not named...
New catalyst transforms carbon dioxide into sustainable byproduct
-Electrocatalyst achieves record-breaking selectivity toward desired product, a key step in expanding production -Acetic acid, found in vinegar, is traditionally extracted from fossil fuels for use in paint and other product feedstock.
‘Devastating’ fungal infections wiping out crops and threatening global food security, experts warn
Worldwide, growers lose between 10 and 23 per cent of their crops to fungal infection each year, despite widespread use of antifungals. An additional 10-20 per cent is lost post harvest. In a commentary in Nature, academics predict those figures will worsen as global warming means fungal infections are steadily...
Astronomers spot a star swallowing a planet
Scientists have observed a star swallowing a planet for the first time. Earth will meet a similar fate in 5 billion years.
Squeezing Data From a Diamond Sandwich
For decades, scientists sought a way to apply the outstanding analytical capabilities of neutrons to materials under pressures approaching those surrounding the Earth’s core.