New elementary particle? Analyzing five years of data from the Large Hadron Collider (LHC), physicists hope that the detected series of anomalies could point to a new elementary element. As B-mesons decay, novel particles not predicted in physics’ standard model make a fleeting appearance that affect the decay products, the six papers agree. One possibility is that there could be a heavier cousin of a particle known as the Z boson, called Z'.
Plastic-eating caterpillars. Waxworms, which grow into the Galleria mellonella moth, have been found capable of ingesting polyethylene plastic, suggesting a new way to break down the trillion plastic bags the world uses every year.
Artificial womb that grows baby lambs. An extra-uterine system can physiologically support the extreme premature lamb that with appropriate nutritional support demonstrate normal growth up to four weeks. The discovery could potentially save lives of thousands of premature human babies.
3D robot prints buildings out of spray foam. The Digital Construction Platform (DCP), “an automated construction system capable of customized on-site fabrication of architectural-scale structures,” is a robot with two arms that can combine two chemicals into a liquid polyurethane foam that rapidly expands and hardens. It can build a dome, or anything you like.
Humpback whale moms and babies talk in whispers. The two keep it down with quiet grunts and squeaks to avoid predators.
