Scientists develop DNA microcapsules with built-in ion channels

A Research group reports a way of constructing DNA-based microcapsules that hold great promise for the development of new functional materials and devices. They showed that tiny pores on the surface of these capsules can act as ion channels. Their study will accelerate advances in artificial cell engineering and molecular robotics, as well as nanotechnology itself.

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Emissions from cannabis growing facilities may impact indoor and regional air quality

Scientists have studied air quality inside of four cannabis growing facilities in Nevada and California. They recorded high levels of BVOCs (biogenic volatile organic compounds) and butane inside each growing facility, which can contribute to the formation of ground-level ozone if released into the outdoors.

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Inequality: What we've learned from the 'Robots of the late Neolithic'

Seven thousand years ago, societies across Eurasia began to show signs of lasting divisions between haves and have-nots. Scientists have now charted the precipitous surge of prehistoric inequality and trace its economic origins back to the adoption of ox-drawn plows.

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Artificial intelligence probes dark matter in the universe

Physicists and computer scientists have developed a new approach to the problem of dark matter and dark energy in the universe. Using machine learning tools, they programmed computers to teach themselves how to extract the relevant information from maps of the universe.

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More operations are scheduled if doctor is well rested

Researchers have investigated how orthopedic surgeons make decisions regarding surgery, and how the decisions are related to how much of their work shift they have completed. The results show that a patient who meets the surgeon at the end of his or her shift is less likely to be scheduled for surgery.

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Drug delivery: Thermo-responsive protein hydrogel

Bio-engineering researchers have created a biocompatible, protein-based hydrogel that could serve as a drug delivery system durable enough to survive in the body for more than two weeks while providing sustained medication release. The research advances an area of biochemistry that is also critical to tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. Protein hydrogels are more biocompatible than synthetic ones and do not require potentially toxic chemical crosslinkers.

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Three faces of teen popularity: Being feared, being loved, and being feared and loved

In novel longitudinal study, researchers identified three distinct types of teen popularity: prosocial popular; aggressive popular; and bistrategic popular or Machiavellian. These naughty and nice Machiavellian-like teens were the most popular and were above average on physical and relational aggression as well as prosocial behavior. Just like the 'Mean Girls' in the iconic American teen comedy, they are aggressive when needed and then quickly 'make nice' to smooth out any ruffled feathers.

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