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IMAGE: New research has found that a group of genes that reduces the risk of developing severe COVID-19 by around 20% is inherited from Neanderthals view more
Credit: Bjorn Oberg, Karolinska Institutet.
New research has found that a group of genes that reduces the risk of developing severe COVID-19 by around 20% is inherited from Neanderthals
These genes, located on chromosome 12, code for enzymes that play a vital role in helping cells destroy the genomes of invading viruses
The study suggests that enzymes produced by the Neanderthal variant of these genes are more efficient which helps protect against severe COVID-19
This genetic variant was passed to humans around 60,000 years ago via interbreeding between modern humans and Neanderthals
Nano-vault architecture alleviates stress in Si-based anodes for Li-ion batteries
New research conducted by the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University (OIST) has identified a specific building block that improves the anode in lithium-ion batteries. The unique properties of the structure, which was built using nanoparticle technology, are revealed and explained in an open-access paper in the Nature journal
Communications Materials.
Nanomaterials undergoing cyclic swelling-deswelling benefit from inner void spaces that help accommodate significant volumetric changes. Such flexibility, however, typically comes at a price of reduced mechanical stability, which leads to component deterioration and, eventually, failure. Here, we identify an optimised building block for silicon-based lithium-ion battery (LIB) anodes, fabricate it with a ligand- and effluent-free cluster beam deposition method, and investigate its robustness by atomistic computer simulations.
New research has identified a nanostructure that improves the anode in lithium-ion batteries. Instead of using graphite for the anode, the researchers turned to silicon: a material that stores more charge but is susceptible to fracturing. The team deposited silicon atoms on top of metallic nanoparticles to form an arched nanostructure, increasing the strength and structural integrity of the anode. Electrochemical tests showed the batteries had a higher charge capacity and longer lifespan.
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New research from the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University (OIST) has found a surprising randomness for how fluids choose their path around obstacles that depends on their spacing. This has important implications for a range of scenarios - from oil recovery and groundwater remediation, to understanding the movement of fluids through biological systems. The research was published in
Physical Review Letters.
Scientists from OIST s Micro/Bio/Nanofluidics Unit created a tiny set up comprised of two microscopic cylinders, each around the width of a human hair, placed side-by-side in a channel. This created a choice of three possible paths for a fluid to take past the pair of obstacles. A viscoelastic fluid, which is like that found in regular shampoo and conditioner, was run through the set-up at a constant rate and the path it chose around the cylinders was mapped.