Behind the Paper
The real stories behind the latest research papers, from conception to publication, the highs and the lows
Statistical mechanics of pan-genomes: A peek into the Grand Tinkerer’s workshop
To advance our understanding of how evolution shapes prokaryote pan-genomes we need new concepts and models. Using metabolic reactions, we introduced a sampling approach that disentangles the drivers of pan-genome evolution and provides a mechanistic interpretation for gene frequencies.
Portable and High-yield Atmospheric Water Harvesters for Emergency Water Supply
By 2025, almost two billion people will live in areas with absolute scarcity. To alleviate worldwide water shortage, scientists at Shanghai Jiao Tong University have developed a low-cost and scalable hygroscopic material and deployed it into a portable water harvester for a stable water supply.
Reducing Airborne Particulate Matter Concentrations: The Problem of Non-Linearity
Reducing exposure to airborne particulate matter is a high priority. The phenomenon of non-linearity, in which concentrations of some components of particles which are formed in the atmosphere do not decline as quickly as their precursor gases can create major difficulties for pollution control.
