A regulatory loophole could delay ozone recovery by years
Scientists say an exception in the Montreal Protocol for the use of ozone-depleting feedstocks could set the ozone recovery back seven years.
Youth may increase vulnerability to a carcinogen found in contaminated water and some drugs
A new study suggests that the chemical NDMA is much more likely to cause cancerous mutations after exposure early in life.
MIT study reveals a new role for cell membranes
Long thought to be mainly a structural support, the cell membrane also influences how cells respond to signals and may contribute to the growth of cancer cells.
Waves hit different on other planets
From lazy ripples to towering breakers, waves should vary widely from one planet to another, according to a new model.
Multitasking quantum sensors can measure several properties at once
The devices represent a key step toward practical quantum sensing, with applications in biomedical sensing, materials characterization, and more.
Human-machine teaming dives underwater
Researchers are developing hardware and algorithms to improve collaboration between divers and autonomous underwater vehicles engaged in maritime missions.
Carbon removal project supports Maine’s blue economy, broader marine health
A chemical-free approach to balancing ocean acidity protects marine life and could dramatically impact the global aquaculture market.
Learning with audiobooks
A new study finds that audiobooks help students learn new words — especially when paired with one-on-one instruction.
A philosophy of work
As the NC Ethics of Technology Postdoctoral Fellow, Michal Masny is advancing dialogue, teaching, and research into the social and ethical dimensions of new computing technologies.
Slice and dice
SNIPE, a newly characterized biological defense system, directly protects bacteria by chopping up invading viral DNA.
A new type of electrically driven artificial muscle fiber
Electrofluidic fibers mimic how natural muscle fibers bundle, and could enable compact, silent robotic and prosthetic systems.
New technique makes AI models leaner and faster while they’re still learning
Researchers use control theory to shed unnecessary complexity from AI models during training, cutting compute costs without sacrificing performance.
Physicists zero in on the mass of the fundamental W boson particle
The team’s ultra-precise measurement confirms the Standard Model’s predictions.
Researchers develop molecular editing tool to relocate alcohol groups
This new technique will allow chemists to efficiently fine-tune the chemical structure of an organic molecule.
Study reveals “two-factor authentication” system that controls microRNA destruction
Researchers uncovered how cells selectively destroy certain microRNAs — key gene regulators — through a mechanism that requires two RNA signals working together.