Tokyo, Japan – Scientists from Tokyo Metropolitan University have discovered that a hydrogen-absorbing material shrinks in one direction upon heating, so-called negative thermal expansion (NTE). They found that this NTE is driven by a phase transition in the alignment of magnetic moments, an entirely different mechanism from its hydrogen-free counterpart. Since hydrogenation can be tuned, their findings promise customized high-precision ingredients in materials which don’t change in volume on heating, for next-generation precision nanotechnology.

New modular legged robot comprises multiple smaller autonomous robots. Each athletic module is a complete robot with its own motor, battery and brain. Together, modules form larger machines that can be rapidly assembled, repaired or reshaped on the fly. Study marks first evolved robot to set foot outdoors and first modular robot with agility.

Scientists identify three new proteins, one each from soybean, corn, and wheat, that the body uses to determine oral tolerance—the opposite of food allergy. They found that specialized immune cells called regulatory T cells interact with these proteins in the gut. By understanding tolerance, researchers can better understand food allergies and begin to imagine future immunotherapies that promote tolerance rather than allergic reactions.

Researchers develop hybrid foam with a 3D-printed plastic skeleton—strong enough to save lives, light enough for everyday life.