A research team led by the National Agriculture and Food Research Organization (NARO) in collaboration with the University of Maryland (UMD) has engineered a dry-preservable cultured cell line expressing the odorant receptor Or47a. The cell line responded specifically to its target odor molecules both before and after being stored in a dried state at room temperature for 2 weeks. This is an initial step towards the development of cell-based portable devices for odor sensing.

Oak Ridge National Laboratory researchers invented a reusable adhesive from waste polymers that is tougher than commercial glues, works underwater as well as in dry environments, and bonds a variety of materials, including wood, glass, metal, paper and polymers. Inspired by the way mussels stick stubbornly to surfaces, the innovative adhesive contains reversible chemical crosslinkers that allow the hardened glue to soften, detach and be reused, unlike current glues, which set permanently after one use.

Conversations of Apeksha Srivastava with Dr Asha Liza James, Dr Deekshi Angira, and Dr Gayathri Purushothaman, all of whom completed their PhDs at IITGN, reveal the many paths that women can take and flourish in science. From curiosity and mentors to facing obstacles and overcoming them, the three scientists reflect on the importance of exploration and collaboration in sustaining their work. Their stories highlight the courageous, passionate, resilient, and supportive outlook needed to shape the careers of women in STEM today.

Career paths rarely follow straight lines. But for two recently honored inventors, a professional zigzag became a catalyst to finding greater purpose. The pair of Sandia National Laboratories scientists were elected fellows of the National Academy of Inventors in December.

Philosopher Jürgen Habermas passed away this weekend at his home in Starnberg. Goethe University mourns the loss of its emeritus professor, who was a member of the university from 1964 to 1971 as Professor of Philosophy and Sociology, succeeding Max Horkheimer. Following his time as Director of the Max Planck Institute for the Study of the Scientific-Technological World, he returned to Goethe University in 1983 and remained Professor of Philosophy until his retirement in 1994.