United News of Bangladesh

Researchers have discovered that a very small change at the atomic level can significantly alter how a metal behaves, opening new possibilities for advanced electronics and materials design. A team at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities found that carefully controlling the interaction between two materials at their interface can dramatically change the electronic properties of a metal. Their study, published in ‘Nature Communications’, shows that a process known as interfacial polarization can be used to tune the surface work function of ruthenium dioxide (RuO₂) by more than 1 electron volt. The change was achieved simply by adjusting the thickness of an ultra-thin film by just a few nanometres. Researchers said the finding challenges the long-held belief that polarization mainly occurs in insulating or ferroelectric materials, not metals. “We often think of polarization as something that belongs to insulators or ferroelectrics — not metals,” said Bharat Jalan. “Our work shows that, through careful interface design, you can stabilise polarization in a metallic system and use it to tune electronic properties.” The effect was found to depend strongly on thickness, with the most significant change occurring when the ruthenium dioxide layer reached around four nanometres — roughly the width of a DNA strand. At this scale, the metal shifts from a strained atomic structure to a more relaxed arrangement, leading to noticeable changes in its electronic behaviour. “This was surprising,” said Seung Gyo Jeong. “We expected subtle interface effects, but not such a large and controllable change in work function.” Researchers said the ability to observe and link tiny atomic movements with major electronic changes shows how interface engineering can be used to precisely control metallic materials. They added that the discovery could have future applications in electronics, catalytic systems and emerging quantum technologies. Source: Science Daily

Scientists in China are studying how life develops in space after mouse embryo samples brought back from the country’s space station returned to Earth, in a step that could help future research on human reproduction during long-term space travel. The samples were returned aboard the Shenzhou-22 on May 29 after completing experiments on China’s space station. Researchers say the findings may provide important scientific clues about how early life forms behave in a microgravity environment. The project was carried out by the Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology (SIAT) under the Chinese Academy of Sciences, focusing on how mammalian embryos develop before implantation in space, including possible damage to mitochondria and changes in genetic regulation. Scientists say the experiment is designed to better understand whether space conditions can support normal early-stage development of life. During the mission, researchers successfully cultured mouse embryos at different stages inside an onboard biotechnology experiment system. They used a specially designed microfluidic chip that allowed multiple embryo cultures and real-time imaging under limited space and resources. Lead researcher Lei Xiaohua said the main challenge was developing a system that could handle embryo culture and imaging simultaneously within the constraints of spacecraft conditions. Another research team led by Men Yongfan helped design the chip-based culture system, which included multiple small chambers to support parallel experiments and was compatible with the station’s automated systems. After ground testing, scientists confirmed that embryo development, preservation and imaging systems worked successfully in orbit, and that the collected data met research requirements. Following the return of the samples, they were transported under controlled refrigeration to Beijing for detailed laboratory analysis. Researchers will now compare the space-grown embryos with control samples kept on Earth. The study will include genetic analysis, protein studies, and high-resolution imaging to examine how space conditions may affect early development. Scientists say the findings could help determine whether space travel impacts key early biological processes, including genome activation in embryos and the possibility of normal development in microgravity. China has carried out similar experiments before, including studies on early embryo imaging in space in 2006 and further development experiments aboard satellites in 2016, where mouse embryos were observed progressing to later developmental stages in orbit.

Archaeologists working in the eastern Pyrenees have uncovered evidence suggesting repeated human activity in a high-altitude cave that may date back more than 5,500 years, offering new insights into how prehistoric communities used mountain landscapes. The cave, located at an elevation of more than 7,300 feet (2,235 metres), contains dozens of ancient hearths along with unusual green mineral fragments that researchers believe could be linked to early copper-related activities. Experts say the findings challenge the long-held view that prehistoric people only briefly passed through such high mountain areas. Instead, the evidence suggests the site was visited repeatedly over a period of around 2,000 years. Researchers also found human remains, including a child’s finger bone and a baby tooth, raising the possibility that the cave may have been used for burials as well. “For a long time, high-mountain environments were seen as marginal places used only occasionally,” said Professor Carlos Tornero, lead author of the study published in *Frontiers in Environmental Archaeology*. “But we found a very rich sequence of human activity, with multiple hearths and a large number of green mineral fragments.” The site, known as Cave 338 in the Freser Valley, was excavated in a six-square-metre area near its entrance. Researchers identified four distinct layers showing different phases of human use. The most recent layer contained only a small number of historical-era objects, suggesting limited later use. The deepest layer, dated to about 6,000 years ago, contained only charcoal remains. The most significant discoveries came from the middle layers, where archaeologists uncovered 23 hearths filled with burned and crushed green mineral fragments. Early analysis suggests the material may be malachite, a copper-rich mineral, though confirmation is still pending. The presence of this material has led researchers to consider whether the site may have been connected to early copper extraction or symbolic use of mineral resources. Human remains were also found in one of the layers, including a child’s finger bone and a baby tooth believed to belong to a child around 11 years old. Scientists say there is not yet enough evidence to confirm whether the remains belonged to the same individual or whether the cave served as a burial site. Other artefacts include two pendants — one made from a shell and another from a brown bear tooth — suggesting both cultural exchange and symbolic practices among prehistoric groups. Researchers say Cave 338 was not a permanent settlement but was likely revisited repeatedly over thousands of years, indicating its special significance. Further excavations are planned to better understand the site’s full depth and to confirm the identity of the green mineral. Scientists from the University of Granada and the Autonomous University of Barcelona are continuing analysis. Source: Science Daily

A new study has found that commonly used kitchen sponges release tiny plastic particles every time they are used for washing dishes, adding to growing concerns about microplastic pollution. Researchers from the University of Bonn examined how much plastic is shed from sponges during normal household use and assessed their overall environmental impact. The study shows that kitchen sponges do release measurable amounts of microplastics as they wear down over time. However, scientists found that the biggest environmental burden from handwashing dishes is not plastic pollution, but water consumption. Microplastics released during everyday use The research team studied how much material is lost from sponges during regular dishwashing. They combined laboratory experiments with real-life testing involving households in Germany and North America, where volunteers used different types of sponges in their daily routines. Each sponge was weighed before and after use to measure material loss. Researchers also used a laboratory device called “SpongeBot” to simulate the pressure and friction sponges face during washing. The study found that all tested sponges released microplastics, with annual emissions estimated between 0.68 grams and 4.21 grams per person, depending on the type of sponge used. Sponges with higher plastic content released more particles, while those with lower plastic content shed less. Real-life usage improves accuracy The inclusion of household participants helped researchers better understand real washing habits, making the results more reliable than lab tests alone. Water use is the bigger environmental concern Although the amount of plastic released by a single sponge is small, the study warns that the impact grows when scaled up. In Germany alone, widespread use of certain sponge types could lead to up to 355 tonnes of microplastics released annually. Wastewater treatment plants can capture much of this waste, but some particles may still reach rivers, lakes, oceans and soil. However, the study found that microplastics are not the main environmental concern. Around 85 to 97 percent of the environmental impact from manual dishwashing comes from water use, making it the dominant factor in overall damage. How to reduce environmental impact Researchers suggested a few simple steps to reduce the footprint of dishwashing: Use less water while washing dishes Choose sponges with lower plastic content Use sponges for longer periods before replacing them The research was conducted by scientists from the Fraunhofer Institute for Environmental, Safety and Energy Technology UMSICHT and Leiden University, along with the University of Bonn team.   Source: Science Daily  

Pigeons may rely on an unexpected body part to navigate over long distances: their liver, according to a new study that sheds light on one of nature’s long-standing mysteries. Scientists have long known that many animals use Earth’s magnetic field to help them find their way. Birds, fish and sea turtles are among the species believed to use this natural compass, but researchers have struggled for decades to understand exactly how the process works. Pigeons are particularly famous for their navigation skills. They can travel hundreds of miles in a single day and have been used by humans for thousands of years to carry messages and important information. Over the years, scientists have proposed several theories about how pigeons detect magnetic signals, including through special molecules in their eyes, their beaks or their inner ears. However, a new study points to a different possibility. Researchers led by scientists in Germany found strong magnetic signals in the birds’ livers, specifically in iron-rich immune cells that help break down old red blood cells and store iron. When scientists temporarily removed these immune cells from pigeons and then observed their flights, the birds struggled to find their way home, according to the study published in the journal Science. “The magnetic sense has remained a mystery for nearly a century,” said Martin Wikelski of the Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior. Researchers believe the iron-containing cells may help pigeons detect Earth’s magnetic field and provide navigation information to the brain. The effect was most noticeable on cloudy days. Scientists said that under clear skies pigeons can also use the sun as a guide, but when sunlight is unavailable, their magnetic sensing system becomes more important. According to study co-author Christian Kurts of the University of Bonn, the findings suggest the liver cells may play a key role in helping birds maintain their sense of direction. Another researcher involved in the study, Clivia Lisowski, said the immune cells are located close to nerve fibers in the liver, which could allow magnetic information to be transmitted to the brain. Experts not involved in the research described the findings as intriguing. Albert Kao of the University of Massachusetts Boston said he would not have expected the liver to play such a role, but the explanation appeared plausible. The researchers believe similar mechanisms could exist in other birds and animals, including mice. However, outside experts caution that more studies are needed to confirm the theory and understand exactly how magnetic signals are processed by the brain. Scientists also noted that magnetic-sensitive immune cells have been found in other parts of pigeons' bodies, including the beak and spleen, suggesting navigation may involve multiple systems rather than a single mechanism. In an accompanying editorial, researchers argued that pigeons may use several methods to navigate depending on the situation, such as traveling long distances or locating a specific destination. Having more than one way to find their way home, they noted, could be a useful advantage for birds flying in difficult conditions.

Researchers in Singapore have found that caffeine may help reverse certain memory problems caused by lack of sleep, offering new insights into how sleep deprivation affects the brain. The study, conducted by scientists at the Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine at the National University of Singapore and published in the journal Neuropsychopharmacology, suggests that caffeine's benefits may go beyond helping people stay awake. The research focused on social memory, the brain's ability to recognize and remember individuals encountered before. The study was led by Sreedharan Sajikumar and researcher Lik-Wei Wong. Scientists examined a part of the brain called the hippocampal CA2 region, which plays an important role in social memory and receives signals linked to sleep and wakefulness. To study the effects of sleep loss, researchers subjected laboratory animals to five hours of sleep deprivation. The animals were then given access to caffeine through drinking water over a seven-day period. The team found that sleep deprivation weakened communication between brain cells in the CA2 region, reducing the brain's ability to strengthen important neural connections associated with learning and memory. These changes were linked to noticeable difficulties in social recognition memory. However, caffeine was found to restore communication between neurons in the affected brain region and return normal levels of synaptic plasticity, the process that allows the brain to adapt and store new information. As a result, the memory problems caused by sleep deprivation were reversed. Researchers noted that caffeine's effect appeared to be highly targeted. Rather than broadly stimulating the entire brain, it specifically restored the neural pathway involved in social memory. The study also found that animals that had not experienced sleep deprivation did not show signs of excessive brain stimulation after consuming caffeine. "Sleep deprivation does not just make you tired. It selectively disrupts important memory circuits," Wong said. He added that caffeine was able to reverse these effects at both the molecular and behavioural levels, suggesting its benefits extend beyond improving alertness. Sajikumar described the CA2 region as a key link between sleep and social memory and said the findings improve understanding of the biological processes behind cognitive decline associated with sleep loss. The researchers said future studies will explore how caffeine affects memory formation and recall, as well as the relationship between specific brain circuits and memory function. The findings highlight the importance of adequate sleep for maintaining healthy brain function while suggesting caffeine could play a role in reducing some of the cognitive effects of sleep deprivation.

A Blue Origin rocket owned by Jeff Bezos exploded during a test at the launch pad on Thursday night, shaking nearby homes and lighting up the sky with a bright orange glow. The company said its New Glenn rocket blew up while engines were being tested ahead of a planned satellite launch next week. Officials at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station confirmed that no one was injured. Bezos said it is still too early to determine the exact cause of the explosion but assured that the company will investigate and recover from the setback. The New Glenn rocket had already been grounded in April after an engine problem caused it to place a satellite into the wrong orbit. This was only its third flight. Blue Origin plans to use the rocket for future missions to the moon, including sending landers for NASA’s lunar program. Despite the incident, the company had been preparing to test a prototype lunar lander later this year. Earlier this week, NASA awarded Blue Origin a contract worth hundreds of millions of dollars to launch two lunar rovers as part of its Artemis program. NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman said space missions are extremely challenging and promised updates on how the explosion might affect future lunar plans. Residents in nearby areas like Cape Canaveral and Cocoa Beach reported feeling the blast around 9 p.m., with many sharing photos of a fireball rising from the launch site. Emergency teams stayed at the scene for over an hour, but officials said there was no danger from fumes or other hazards. Authorities also said the incident will not affect other upcoming launches. A United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket is still scheduled to launch Friday night with a batch of Amazon internet satellites. SpaceX CEO Elon Musk expressed support, saying he hopes Blue Origin recovers quickly from the setback. Standing 321 feet tall, New Glenn first launched in 2025. It is named after astronaut John Glenn, the first American to orbit Earth, and is much larger than the company’s New Shepard rockets used for space tourism.

A new experimental drug for hepatitis B has shown encouraging results, allowing some patients to stop treatment without the virus returning — a condition researchers describe as a “functional cure.” In two international clinical trials, around 20% of patients who received the drug were able to reduce the virus in their bodies to very low levels, allowing their immune system to keep it under control even after stopping treatment. Researchers presented the findings at a scientific meeting in Barcelona, Spain, and the results were also published in the New England Journal of Medicine. Dr. Seng Gee Lim of the National University Health System in Singapore, who helped lead the studies, said the results mark an important breakthrough. “We have not had a treatment that reaches this level of cure before,” he said. The drug, called bepirovirsen also known as “bepi” — was developed by GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) and Ionis Pharmaceuticals. It is currently under fast-track review by the US Food and Drug Administration, with a decision expected in October. Regulators in Japan, China and Europe are also reviewing it. Hepatitis B is a serious liver infection spread through blood and bodily fluids, including from mother to child during birth. While a vaccine can prevent infection, more than 250 million people worldwide live with chronic hepatitis B, including about 1.7 million in the United States. For many patients, current treatments involve lifelong daily medication that controls the virus but does not fully eliminate it, as the virus can remain hidden in the body and return if treatment stops. The new drug works by targeting the virus’s genetic material, reducing its ability to multiply and lowering levels of a key viral surface protein. It also helps activate the immune system, according to GSK. In the trials, 1,838 patients were given either the experimental drug or a placebo injection once a week for six months, along with their regular medication. Those who maintained undetectable virus levels for six months after stopping the injections were also able to stop their standard pills. About one in five patients who received the drug achieved a “functional cure,” meaning the virus remained undetectable for another six months after all treatment ended. None of the placebo group achieved this outcome. Researchers found that patients who had lower levels of the viral surface protein at the start of the study were slightly more likely to respond successfully, and further studies are underway to understand why the drug works better in some patients than others. Early follow-up data suggest the effect may last longer in some cases, with a small group of patients still doing well up to three years later. Reported side effects included mild pain or redness at the injection site and temporary increases in liver enzymes. Experts caution that more research is needed, especially since the trials did not include patients with advanced liver disease such as cirrhosis.

NASA has announced early plans for building a long-term base on the Moon, moving ahead with orders for landers, rovers and drones just weeks after its Artemis II lunar mission. The US space agency revealed the first phase of its lunar base programme on Tuesday, awarding hundreds of millions of dollars in contracts to four American companies. Under the plan, Jeff Bezos’ Blue Origin will provide a pair of landers to transport equipment to the Moon’s surface near the south pole. The landers will carry lunar buggies developed by companies Astrolab and Lunar Outpost. Meanwhile, Firefly Aerospace will send drones to support operations on the lunar surface. NASA hopes the equipment will reach the Moon before astronauts land there again, with crewed missions expected as early as 2028. The agency’s Artemis programme is already advancing. In April, Artemis II carried four astronauts around the Moon, flying farther into space than any human mission since the Apollo era. The next mission, Artemis III, planned for 2027, will test docking systems in orbit as part of preparations for landing astronauts on the lunar surface. NASA is aiming for a human landing by 2028, followed by gradual expansion of the Moon base in the 2030s. Later phases will include building infrastructure such as a power system and eventually permanent habitats for astronauts. Officials say the long-term goal is to establish a sustained human presence on the Moon. NASA’s Moon base programme executive Carlos Garcia-Galan said the future base could stretch across hundreds of square miles, supported by drones placed at key locations to help monitor the area. NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman said the system is also designed to respect other countries’ lunar missions and equipment, with expectations of similar cooperation from other space agencies. He added that the Moon base is intended to support scientific research, encourage a lunar economy, and prepare for future missions to Mars. “The journey is just beginning, and we are not slowing down,” Isaacman said.

Scientists have identified a new species of tiny blue octopus living nearly 6,000 feet beneath the ocean surface near the Galápagos Islands, adding to the region’s long list of rare and unique wildlife. The species, officially named Microeledone galapagensis, was described in the scientific journal Zootaxa after researchers confirmed it had never been recorded before. The discovery traces back to a 2015 deep-sea expedition aboard the research vessel E/V Nautilus, conducted in cooperation with the Charles Darwin Foundation and the Galápagos National Park Directorate. Using a remotely operated underwater vehicle, scientists explored the seafloor near Darwin Island at the northern edge of the Galápagos archipelago. At a depth of about 5,800 feet (1,773 meters), the team spotted a small octopus moving across an underwater mountain. Researchers were surprised by its bright blue color and tiny size, roughly similar to a golf ball. “It's tiny! It’s blue!” scientists were heard saying during expedition recordings. The team collected one specimen and also captured video footage of two others believed to be the same species. Back in the Galápagos, the samples were studied at the Charles Darwin Research Station, where scientists quickly realized the octopus did not match any known species. Octopus expert Janet Voight, curator emerita of invertebrates at the Field Museum in Chicago, was contacted for identification after reviewing images of the animal. “Right away, I knew it was something really special,” Voight said. “I’d never seen anything like it.” Because only one confirmed specimen was available, researchers avoided dissecting it to preserve the rare find. Instead, they used advanced micro CT scanning technology at the Field Museum to study its internal structure without damaging it. The scans produced detailed 3D images of the octopus’s organs, beak, and other features, allowing scientists to classify it as a new species. Experts said the non-invasive imaging was crucial due to the specimen’s rarity. The octopus is now recognized as Microeledone galapagensis, a species that adds new insight into deep-sea biodiversity around the Galápagos region. Researchers say the discovery highlights how much of the deep ocean remains unexplored and how many unknown species may still exist in remote marine ecosystems. “This tiny blue octopus fascinated us,” said marine scientist Salome Buglass, a co-author of the study. “Discoveries like these remind us how little we still know about the deep sea and why it needs protection.” Source: Science Daily