Sweat-based enzyme sensors offer a convenient way to measure lactic acid levels in the body, but face challenges due to the loss of lactate oxidase (LOx) activity in sweat. Now, researchers from Japan have improved LOx stability by adding sucrose monolaurate, a sugar-based surfactant, that when added to the electrode forms protective nanostructures around the enzyme. Their approach could enable more durable and accurate sweat lactate sensors for sports training management and continuous health monitoring.

Dr. Vasily Sotnikov from the Physics Institute at the University of Zurich has been awarded an ERC Starting Grant, a highly endowed EU grant, which will enable him to strengthen his collaboration with research groups at Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz (JGU). With his research project "HiNPrecise", he plans to extend the existing theoretical framework to calculate previously unknown scattering amplitudes. These scattering amplitudes provide phenomenological predictions for particle scattering based on the complex formalism of Quantum Field Theory. Such predictions are needed for precision measurements at the world's largest particle accelerator, the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) at CERN.

The demand for deep human-machine fusion propels the development of artificial neuron. However, emulating the neuronal spiking in aqueous environments remains challenging. Inspired by the biocompatibility of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), Zhao et al. reported a MOF neuron with biochemical perception for the first time. Based on the real neurotransmitter—dopamine (DA) mediation, the neuron not only emulated some sophisticated neuronal functions but also controlled peripheral equipment, providing a new perspective for artificial neuron development.

A recent study published in National Science Review analyzes a new type of solar energetic particle event with faster particles arriving later than slower ones. The analysis of such events reveals that the energetic particles are confined and accelerated to higher energy by interplanetary shocks through the diffusive shock acceleration mechanism, which results in the late release of high-energy particles. This study challenges the traditional picture and opens a new window for diagnosing the remote interplanetary shock from observed IVD structure.

A new study by researchers at the University of Oxford, University of Leeds, and University College London has identified a new constraint on the chemistry of Earth’s core, by showing how it was able to crystallise millions of years ago. The study has been published today (Sept. 4) in Nature Communications.