https://phys.org/ en-us Latest news from Meijo University Cognitive impairment, including decreased attention and memory, remains one of the most disabling aspects of schizophrenia, affecting the social life of patients. However, no effective treatment has yet been established for it. https://medicalxpress.com/news/2026-02-brexpiprazole-schizophrenia-patients.html Psychology & Psychiatry Thu, 12 Feb 2026 11:53:35 EST news690119581 Researchers have discovered that natural "sunscreen" compounds found in algae and cyanobacteria may also support skin and heart health. By comparing two mycosporine-like amino acids, the team showed for the first time that these molecules can block a key enzyme involved in blood pressure control in laboratory tests, while also offering antioxidant and anti-aging effects. The findings open new possibilities for cosmetics and functional foods based on nature-derived ingredients. https://medicalxpress.com/news/2026-01-natural-sunscreen-compounds-potential-skin.html Health Fri, 30 Jan 2026 12:24:22 EST news688998241 Global navigation satellite systems (GNSS) are vital for positioning autonomous vehicles, buses, drones, and outdoor robots. Yet its accuracy often degrades in dense urban areas due to signal blockage and reflections. https://techxplore.com/news/2026-01-gnss-method-stable-positioning-autonomous.html Telecom Fri, 23 Jan 2026 13:17:17 EST news688396621 Ultraviolet-B (UV-B) semiconductor lasers are highly sought for medical, biotechnology, and precision manufacturing applications; however, previous UV-B laser diodes were limited to pulsed operation or required cryogenic cooling, making continuous room-temperature operation unattainable. https://phys.org/news/2026-01-world-room-temperature-uv-laser.html Optics & Photonics Sat, 17 Jan 2026 09:10:01 EST news687625681 Understanding the evolution of insect mating behavior is essential for explaining how early insects adapted to life on land. A new study examines Petrobiellus akkesiensis, a rare jumping bristletail, and reveals that its highly specialized male genital structures enable direct spermatophore transfer via genital coupling—a mechanism previously undocumented in apterygote insects. This discovery provides an important missing link in the evolution of mating strategies within Archaeognatha. https://phys.org/news/2025-12-rare-bristletail-reveals-insect-evolution.html Plants & Animals Tue, 30 Dec 2025 07:38:18 EST news686302679 Natural sunscreens shield the skin from harmful radiation, without triggering allergic reactions. In a recently published study, a group of researchers has discovered a novel compound, β-glucose-bound hydroxy mycosporine-sarcosine, which is produced in thermal cyanobacteria under UV-A/UV-B and salt stress. This compound has a unique biosynthesis pathway which is different from the typical mycosporine-like amino acids (MAAs) biosynthesis mechanism. This discovery aids industrial biotechnology in the production of natural UV-filter compounds. https://phys.org/news/2025-12-natural-sunscreen-compound-thermophilic-cyanobacteria.html Biochemistry Thu, 18 Dec 2025 11:40:03 EST news685278566 Carbynes, or long linear carbon chains (LLCCs), have received significant attention in recent years due to their predicted exceptional properties. However, experimentally, their properties have been hard to probe due to their low stability. To improve stability, it is necessary to encapsulate LLCCs in small diameter carbon nanotubes (CNTs). https://phys.org/news/2025-10-synthesis-method-enables-small-diameter.html Nanomaterials Wed, 29 Oct 2025 21:40:01 EDT news680967011 Plants exchange adaptive information, helping them to adjust to environmental challenges. Salt stress in plants, caused by soil salinity, often results in water loss. Plants often cope with this situation by closing the stomatal aperture. https://phys.org/news/2025-10-plantago-asiatica-communicate-salt-stress.html Molecular & Computational biology Tue, 28 Oct 2025 11:09:04 EDT news680868541 Trans-fatty acids (TFA) are a major cause of cardiovascular diseases. These harmful fats can accumulate along artery walls, restricting blood flow and increasing the risk of heart attacks. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), TFAs are responsible for over 278,000 annual deaths worldwide, and it recommends that TFA consumption should be limited to less than 1% of daily energy intake. https://medicalxpress.com/news/2024-12-cooking-garlic-onions-high-trans.html Health Fri, 27 Dec 2024 05:38:23 EST news654500297 Carotenoids, the pigments responsible for the vibrant hues of tomatoes, carrots, and some seafood, are well-regarded for their antioxidant effects and health benefits. A few examples of commercially significant carotenoids are lycopene, β-carotene, and astaxanthin. https://phys.org/news/2024-12-advances-carotenoid-analysis-precision.html Biochemistry Fri, 06 Dec 2024 12:52:04 EST news652711921 Cyanobacteria, or blue-green algae, have existed for billions of years, adapting to a diverse range of environments. Their remarkable ability to photosynthesize and make their own food, as well as their adaptability across a variety of habitats, make them a subject of focus for the research fraternity. https://phys.org/news/2024-11-natural-substance-edible-cyanobacterium-combat.html Biochemistry Fri, 22 Nov 2024 17:11:11 EST news651517862 Single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) are known for their remarkable properties, which make them essential in many advanced technologies. Yet, creating these nanotubes efficiently and on a large scale has been a persistent challenge. https://phys.org/news/2024-08-nanotubes-boost-liquid-phase-synthesis.html Nanomaterials Tue, 27 Aug 2024 14:10:06 EDT news643986601 High entropy alloys (HEAs) have attracted significant attention in various fields due to their unique properties such as high strength and hardness, and high thermal and chemical stabilities. https://phys.org/news/2024-04-high-entropy-alloy-nanoparticle-catalysts.html Nanophysics Wed, 03 Apr 2024 15:26:03 EDT news631376761 Lithium-ion batteries stand out as one of the most prevalent rechargeable battery technologies in the present era. Within these batteries, lithium-cobalt oxides (LiCoO2) are widely used as the materials for positive electrodes or cathodes (the conductors through which electric current either enters or exits a substance). The cathode plays a pivotal role in lithium-ion batteries and influences their capacity, performance over many charge-discharge cycles, and ability to manage heat. https://techxplore.com/news/2024-01-powering-future-role-hydrogen-lithium.html Energy & Green Tech Fri, 26 Jan 2024 12:44:49 EST news625495486 The cosmetics industry is turning towards natural alternatives to chemical agents used in products to pave the way towards a more sustainable future. https://phys.org/news/2023-10-sustainable-cosmetics-harnessing-cyanobacteria-natural.html Biochemistry Fri, 20 Oct 2023 10:54:50 EDT news617018086 Ultraviolet (UV) rays are electromagnetic waves with wavelengths ranging from 100 to 380 nanometers (nm). These wavelengths can be classified into three regions: UV-A (315–380 nm), UV-B (280–315 nm), and UV-C (100–280 nm), with the latter two comprising deep UV rays. https://phys.org/news/2023-10-vertical-ultraviolet-b-semiconductor-laser-diodes.html Optics & Photonics Fri, 20 Oct 2023 10:53:03 EDT news617017981