The hidden world of quantum mechanics exists at scales many orders of magnitude smaller than living organisms, and yet scientists have long theorized that quantum effects play an important role in biology. Birds’ ability to sense magnetic fields during migration is one of the most well-known mysteries in this field, with leading theories suggesting that this sensing could be achieved by exploiting quantum entanglement. By proving the Pontryagin Maximum Principle for quantum systems, researchers have come up with a recipe to control quantum effects that may finally be able to put this avian hypothesis to the test, while also unlocking new biological platforms for quantum computing.

Leaf stalks – the edible part of vegetables like celery and Swiss chard – can grow even bigger than before thanks to key research identifying the role of a potassium channel called AKT5. Until now, its function has been a mystery. 

Researchers at the University of Osaka used cyclic PPS manufacturing by-products as movable molecular crosslinks in biodegradable PCL. Medium-sized c [7] PS rings approximately doubled toughness while slowing enzymatic degradation, whereas larger c [9] PS rings accelerated degradation to no residual film mass after 48 hours. The findings identify molecular ring size as a design parameter for tuning material lifetime while also offering a waste-to-value route toward more sustainable polymer systems with programmable properties.

Touch interfaces in devices typically require power, wiring, and specialized components, limiting where they can be used. Researchers from Japan have developed a touch interface that can be made by printing toner patterns onto a PVC sheet with a conventional laser printer. The sheet can recognize finger movements, patterns, characters, and users, while remaining stable after 1,000 sliding cycles. The approach could enable inexpensive, customizable controls for wearable and Internet of Things (IoT) devices. 

Tin-based perovskites are emerging as eco-friendly, lead-free photovoltaic alternatives. However, their commercial viability is currently limited due to oxidation-associated degradation that affects the efficiency and longevity of the cells. By incorporating 2-aminobenzothiazole into quasi-two-dimensional tin perovskites, researchers have recently achieved better crystal formation, reduced defect density, suppressed iodide migration, and minimized tin oxidation. The approach highlights the significance of additive engineering in improving the efficiency and stability of the solar cells.

A research team from Fujita Health University, Japan, engineered a lab-grown model of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), where the heart’s relaxation function is impaired. Human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived tissues were cultured in a medium with abundant fatty acids and L-N^G-nitroarginine methyl ester. This model was used to study HFpEF’s underlying disease processes and treatment options. Among the current treatment options tested, the antidiabetic SGLT2 inhibitors showed improvement in relaxation function.

Growing plastic waste requires new approaches beyond traditional recycling and disposal methods. Researchers developed a flexible bio-based plastic that can be chemically converted into fertilizer after use through ammonia treatment. By adding a specially designed plasticizer, they improved the flexibility of the previously brittle plastic, increasing its potential for future applications. Importantly, both the polymer and the plasticizer can be converted into fertilizer components. The fertilizer produced from the plastic could support plant growth

High pressure-temperature experiments using a large-volume multianvil apparatus show that subducted carbonate addition promotes Ca-Mg exchange with silicates and enhances Ca incorporation under Fe-rich conditions, significantly boosting davemaoite exsolution in carbonate-altered oceanic crust. This reaction concentrates davemaoite to 12–33 vol.% near 560 km depth, producing the 2–4% impedance contrast required to explain the seismic splitting of the 520-km mantle discontinuity. Consequently, deep carbon cycling plays a crucial role in actively reshaping mantle mineral equilibria.

By performing repeated measurements using advanced imaging techniques, we can isolate the effects of exercise and task repetition and visualize changes in brain activity. 

Osaka Metropolitan University researchers conducted a scoping review to identify radiology studies validating commercially available medical AI products and to note reporting trends for sex, age, and ethnic demographic subgroups.