Science Trends

The balance of microorganisms in the digestive tract, known as gut health, is essential for overall well-being. A healthy gut microbiome aids in digestion, nutrient absorption, and immune system maintenance, and can be supported by a diet rich in fiber, fruits, vegetables, and fermented foods. Individuals seeking to improve their physical and mental health, as well as those experiencing digestive issues, benefit from maintaining good gut health.

Quantum computing is a type of computation that leverages quantum mechanical phenomena, such as superposition and entanglement, to perform operations on data. It allows for the processing of vast amounts of information simultaneously, offering significant speed advantages for certain types of problems compared to classical computing. Quantum computing is particularly beneficial for fields requiring complex simulations, cryptography, and optimization problems.

Photographic printing process that produces a cyan-blue print. Discovered by Sir John Herschel in 1842, it involves coating a surface with a solution of iron compounds, exposing it to UV light, and then washing it in water to develop the final image. This process is popular among artists and photographers for creating unique, monochromatic prints.

An insulating storage vessel designed to maintain the temperature of its contents for an extended period. It consists of two flasks, one inside the other, with a near-vacuum between them to minimize heat transfer by conduction or convection. Vacuum flasks are commonly used by individuals needing to keep beverages hot or cold, such as travelers, outdoor enthusiasts, and office workers.

Therapeutic technique that uses a light box to simulate natural outdoor light. This method is believed to induce a chemical change in the brain, which can enhance mood and alleviate symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), such as fatigue and excessive sleep. Light therapy is primarily targeted at individuals suffering from SAD or other mood disorders that are influenced by seasonal changes.

Hypothetical particle that travels faster than light, or a parallel/multiprocessor ray tracing software used in computer graphics. As a particle, it is theorized to have imaginary mass and could potentially violate the principles of relativity, while as software, it enhances rendering speed and efficiency in graphics applications. The concept of tachyons primarily interests physicists and researchers in theoretical physics, while the software is valuable to computer graphics professionals and developers.

The gut biome, or gut microbiome, is a complex community of microorganisms residing in the digestive tract. It plays a crucial role in digestion, immune function, and mental health, with recent research highlighting the importance of microbiome diversity and the impact of diet. The gut biome is particularly significant for individuals interested in digestive health, immune support, and the potential for personalized medicine based on microbiome analysis.

Startups and companies founded on scientific discoveries or engineering innovations. These technologies often require significant research and development and have the potential to create substantial societal impact, encompassing fields such as artificial intelligence, biotechnology, quantum computing, and advanced materials. Deep tech primarily targets industries and sectors looking to solve complex problems and create new markets through groundbreaking advancements.

These are advanced solar cells that integrate perovskite materials with other types of solar cells, often silicon, to enhance efficiency by capturing a wider range of sunlight. The combination of materials allows for potentially higher efficiency and reduced production costs compared to traditional solar cells. Perovskite tandem solar cells are particularly appealing to researchers and manufacturers in the renewable energy sector seeking to improve solar energy conversion efficiency and reduce costs.

The Blood–brain barrier (BBB) is a highly selective permeability barrier that separates the circulating blood from the brain and extracellular fluid in the central nervous system (CNS). It is formed by brain endothelial cells connected by tight junctions, which restrict the passage of substances from the bloodstream, thereby protecting the brain from potentially harmful chemicals while allowing essential nutrients to pass through. The BBB is crucial for maintaining the brain's microenvironment and poses challenges for delivering therapeutic agents to treat neurological disorders.

Non-profit organization that provides unique digital identifiers to researchers to help distinguish them from one another and ensure proper attribution of their work. The ORCID iD is a 16-digit alphanumeric code that can be linked to a researcher's professional activities and outputs, facilitating accurate and efficient management of research information. ORCID primarily benefits researchers, academic institutions, and funding organizations by enhancing the transparency and traceability of scholarly contributions.

Photographic printing medium that produces cyan-blue prints through a chemical process involving ferric ammonium citrate and potassium ferricyanide. The paper is coated with these chemicals, exposed to UV light, and then washed to reveal the final image, making it a simple and low-cost method for creating copies of drawings and artistic prints. Cyanotype paper is popular among artists, educators, and hobbyists for its unique visual effects and ease of use.

Zero-shot learning (ZSL) is a machine learning technique where a model can recognize and classify data it has never encountered before. This is achieved by leveraging semantic information about the classes, such as textual descriptions or attributes, to make predictions about new, unseen classes. Zero-shot learning is particularly useful for tasks where it is impractical to collect and label data for every possible class, benefiting fields like image recognition and natural language processing.

Chronic, low-grade inflammation that often occurs with aging. This type of inflammation is believed to contribute to the aging process and the development of age-related diseases such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and neurodegenerative disorders. Inflammaging primarily affects older adults and individuals at risk for age-related health conditions.

Hexahydrocannabinol (HHC) is a synthetic cannabinoid that mimics the psychoactive effects of THC, the primary active compound in cannabis. It is not currently regulated, and there is limited research on its safety, benefits, and potential risks. HHC is primarily of interest to individuals seeking alternative cannabinoids for recreational or experimental use.

MDPI is a publisher of open-access scientific journals, founded in 1996 in Basel, Switzerland. It publishes over 390 peer-reviewed, open access journals and is one of the largest publishers in the world in terms of journal article output, dedicated to fostering open scientific exchange across all disciplines. MDPI primarily serves researchers, academics, and institutions seeking accessible and widely disseminated scientific knowledge.

A versatile skincare ingredient known for its antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and exfoliating properties. It is commonly used to treat acne, rosacea, and hyperpigmentation, and it helps in improving overall skin texture and tone. Azelaic acid powder is particularly beneficial for individuals with sensitive or acne-prone skin seeking to enhance their complexion and address specific skin concerns.

Commercial space company based in California, specializing in in-space transportation services. Impulse Space differentiates itself with its flagship product, Helios, which is designed to facilitate efficient and reliable transportation in space. The company's services are primarily targeted at satellite operators and other space industry stakeholders seeking advanced transportation solutions.

The masseter is a powerful muscle involved in the process of mastication, or chewing. It originates from the zygomatic arch and inserts along the angle and lateral surface of the mandibular ramus, playing a crucial role in elevating the mandible. This muscle is essential for individuals who require strong and efficient chewing capabilities.

Tiny plastic particles less than 5 millimeters in diameter, originating from sources such as the breakdown of larger plastic debris, microbeads in personal care products, and synthetic fibers from clothing. These particles are a significant environmental concern due to their ability to be ingested by marine life and enter the food chain, potentially impacting human health and ecosystems. Microplastics primarily affect marine environments and are a concern for environmental scientists, policymakers, and public health officials.

Planar structures that function as two-dimensional versions of metamaterials. They can locally modify the phase, amplitude, and polarization of light in both transmission and reflection, enabling the creation of patterned flat optical components with precise functionalities. Metasurfaces are primarily used in advanced optical applications, benefiting researchers and engineers in fields such as photonics and telecommunications.

The process of identifying, assessing, and prioritizing risks related to climate change, followed by implementing strategies to mitigate or adapt to these risks. It includes activities such as risk assessment, adaptation and mitigation strategies, policy formulation, stakeholder engagement, and continuous monitoring and evaluation. This approach is crucial for building resilience against climate change impacts and ensuring sustainable development.

Light therapy technique that uses non-ionizing light sources such as lasers, LEDs, and broadband light in the visible and near-infrared spectrum. It aims to stimulate, heal, regenerate, and protect tissue by increasing cellular activity and function through the absorption of light by cellular photoreceptors. This therapy is beneficial for individuals with injuries, degenerative conditions, or those at risk of tissue damage, and is applied in fields like dermatology, dentistry, neurology, and orthopedics.

Technology developed by Google to enhance its search engine's results with semantic-search information gathered from a wide variety of sources. It is designed to understand the relationships between different pieces of information, providing users with more relevant and comprehensive search results. The Knowledge Graph primarily benefits users seeking more accurate and context-aware search results.

Refers to an intermediate state, phase, or condition that is in-between or transitional. It is often used to describe uncertain transitions, such as liminal spaces, which are the in-between phases where one is on the verge of something new but not quite there yet. The term originates from the Latin word 'limen,' meaning threshold.

A framework that describes limits to the impacts of human activities on the Earth system, defining a safe operating space for humanity. These boundaries are critical for maintaining the stability and resilience of the Earth system, and exceeding them could lead to significant and irreversible environmental changes. The concept includes nine specific boundaries, such as climate change, biodiversity loss, and ocean acidification, which are essential for environmental sustainability.

Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) is a technique used to analyze the gene expression profiles of individual cells. This method allows researchers to understand cellular heterogeneity, identify rare cell types, and study cellular responses to various conditions at a single-cell resolution. It is particularly valuable for researchers in fields such as developmental biology, cancer research, immunology, and neuroscience.

Field that involves the analysis and interpretation of data with a geographical or spatial component. It combines aspects of geography, computer science, and data science to analyze spatial data and extract meaningful insights, often using specialized software and tools like QGIS, ArcGIS, and programming languages such as Python and R. Geospatial data science is utilized in applications such as urban planning, environmental monitoring, transportation, and public health, benefiting professionals in these sectors.

The gut-brain axis is a complex communication network that links the central nervous system with the enteric nervous system. It involves neural, hormonal, and immunological signaling mechanisms, with key components including the vagus nerve, gut hormones, gut microbiota, and the immune system. This axis is significant for its role in mood regulation, stress response, and gastrointestinal disorders, and is of particular interest to researchers and healthcare professionals studying its implications in various physiological processes and conditions.

​Impulse Space is a private aerospace company specializing in in-space transportation services, founded in 2021 by Tom Mueller, a founding member of SpaceX. The company develops orbital maneuvering vehicles, such as Mira and Helios, designed to deliver payloads efficiently to various orbits, including Low Earth Orbit (LEO), Geostationary Orbit (GEO), and beyond, utilizing in-house components and non-toxic propellants. Impulse Space primarily serves satellite operators, space agencies, and commercial entities seeking cost-effective and reliable in-space transportation solutions