A new vaccine approach could help combat future coronavirus pandemics

The nanoparticle-based vaccine shows promise against many variants of SARS-CoV-2, as well as related sarbecoviruses that could jump to humans.

Anne Trafton | MIT News • mit
Jan. 23, 2025 ~9 min

Meet phosphine, a gas commonly used for industrial fumigation that can damage your lungs, heart and liver

While scientists still aren’t sure how phosphine wreaks so much havoc on the body, some are developing medications that can help mitigate the harm it causes.

Aliasger K. Salem, Associate Vice President for Research and Bighley Chair and Professor of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Iowa • conversation
Jan. 23, 2025 ~6 min


Electrolyte beverages can help your body stay balanced − but may worsen symptoms if you’re sick

Electrolyte beverages can be a big help for athletes and during flu season – but some may worsen issues such as diarrhea.

Bryn Beeder, Visiting Instructor in Kinesiology, Nutrition, and Health, Miami University • conversation
Jan. 21, 2025 ~8 min

Why is the sky blue?

The answer has to do with molecules.

Daniel Freedman, Dean of the College of Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics & Management, University of Wisconsin-Stout • conversation
Jan. 20, 2025 ~6 min

AI could usher in a golden age of research – but only if these cutting-edge tools aren’t restricted to a few major private companies

AI could concentrate capabilities in the hands of a relatively small number of organisations.

Emanuele Pugliese, Researcher on AI and Machine Learning, United Nations University • conversation
Jan. 6, 2025 ~8 min

Why does red wine cause headaches? Our research points to a compound found in the grapes’ skin

Opt for a lighter, cheaper red wine if you’re trying to dodge a headache this holiday season.

Apramita Devi, Postdoctoral researcher in food science and technology, University of California, Davis • conversation
Dec. 16, 2024 ~7 min

We developed a way to use light to dismantle PFAS ‘forever chemicals’ – long-lasting environmental pollutants

PFAS are made up of a chain of incredibly strong carbon-fluorine bonds, which make them difficult to break down.

Xin Liu, Postdoctoral Scholar in Chemistry, Colorado State University • conversation
Dec. 13, 2024 ~8 min

Meat has a distinct taste, texture and aroma − a biochemist explains how plant-based alternatives mimic the real thing

Whether your holiday table has turkey or Tofurky this year, you’re consuming a combination of proteins, fats and water.

Julie Pollock, Associate Professor of Chemistry, University of Richmond • conversation
Nov. 25, 2024 ~9 min


Microplastics promote cloud formation, with likely effects on weather and climate

Clouds affect Earth’s weather and climate in many ways. New research suggests that the presence of microplastic particles could alter these processes.

Heidi Busse, PhD Student in Chemistry, Penn State • conversation
Nov. 7, 2024 ~7 min

Startup gives surgeons a real-time view of breast cancer during surgery

The drug-device combination developed by MIT spinout Lumicell is poised to reduce repeat surgeries and ensure more complete tumor removal.

Zach Winn | MIT News • mit
Nov. 6, 2024 ~7 min

/

62