New design of bioactive peptide nanofibers keeping both temperature reversibility and stiffness control

Scientists have developed a new method of molecular design to control both temperature reversibility and stiffness of nanofibers that are gel-forming peptides. The peptide nanofiber hydrogel can be used as biomedical materials. This method will allow the peptide nanofibers more biomedical applicable.

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Analyses of newborn babies' head odors suggest importance in facilitating bonding

Scientists have identified the chemical makeup of the odors produced by newborn babies' heads. The results shed more light on the olfactory importance of newborns' heads in mother-baby and kin recognition. They also developed a non-invasive and stress-free method of sampling these odors directory from heads of the babies. Research into these odors can hopefully be utilized in the prevention of issues such as infant neglect and attachment disorders.

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An artificial skin that can help rehabilitation and enhance virtual reality

Scientists have developed a soft artificial skin that provides haptic feedback and — thanks to a sophisticated self-sensing mechanism — has the potential to instantaneously adapt to a wearer's movements. Applications for the new technology range from medical rehabilitation to virtual reality.

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First large-scale study of universal screening for autism raises questions about accuracy

In the first large, real-world study of universal screening for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in toddlers, researchers have found that the most widely used and researched screening tool is less accurate than shown in previous studies conducted in research laboratory settings. The new study also revealed significant disparities in detecting early autism symptoms in minority, urban and low-income children.

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Oldest galaxy protocluster forms 'queen's court'

Astronomers have discovered a collection of 12 galaxies which existed about 13.0 billion years ago. One of the 12 galaxies is a giant object, known as Himiko, which was named for a mythological queen in ancient Japan. This discovery suggests that large structures such as protoclusters already existed when the Universe was only about 800 million years old, 6% of its present age.

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