Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology

The silica-coated graphite plate levitates above a magnetic surface, with no need for external power

Materials

Graphite platform levitates without power

Magnetic levitation is used to float things like lamps and trains, but usually it requires a power source. Now, scientists in Japan have developed a way to make a floating platform that requires no external power, out of regular old graphite.

Bullying Dory: Tri-striped clownfish are not fans of strangers, even if they look identical

Biology

Clownfish can count – but only to bully enemies away from anemones

Despite how cute 2001's Finding Nemo's clownfish was, these colorful animals have a dark side. Scientists have found that they will 'count' another clownfish's white stripes, and will viciously attack any visitor that happens to look just like them.

Scientists find out just how cuttlefish 'see' with their skin

Biology

All-seeing skin, detachable butts and zombies: Animal oddities of 2023

The animal kingdom has no shortage of weird and wonderful surprises, and this year biologists gave us some real treats to talk about. From microscopic bacteria to huge cetaceans, here are the most bizarre animal stories we covered in 2023.

This is the first time this kind of sleep has been observed beyond vertebrates

Biology

Octopus may experience REM sleep, and dream, much like we do

Scientists have speculated about the cognitive and dreaming abilities of the octopus. This study is a step closer in understanding their complex behavior. As does a study on cuttlefish from the same team, showing their color shifting like never before.

A naturally occurring metabolic byproduct has been shown to suppress the autoimmune response of T helper cells, offering a potential new treatment for autoimmune diseases

Medical

Discovery of compound with potential to treat autoimmune diseases

Autoimmune diseases such as MS and rheumatoid arthritis affect almost four percent of the global population. A new study has now identified a naturally occurring compound that may provide a new way of treating these debilitating diseases.

A novel scaffold design encourages directional growth of neurons and could lead to better repair of damaged spinal cords

Medical

Spinal cord scaffold sends regenerating neurons in the right direction

A new type of artificial scaffold encourages regenerating neurons to grow towards one another and bridge busted connections more efficiently, offering new hope for healing damaged spinal cords and restoring communication links between the brain and body.

Scientists have made a significant discovery around the way the body suppresses appetite

Medical

Protein identified as key link between appetite suppression and obesity

The hormone leptin is central to the way our bodies regulate appetite. A new study has revealed some of the molecular machinery behind its functioning, and shown how the loss of a key protein can drive insatiable appetites and obesity in mice.

Coral rely on a symbiotic relationship with algae for sustenance and color

Environment

Scientists make first ever observations of coral cells engulfing algae

Coral rely on a symbiotic relationship with algae to maintain good health. Scientists have now gained unprecedented insight into this phenomenon, making observations of coral cells engulfing algae for the first time ever.

Scientists hope to one day develop high-capacity batteries using silicon anodes, and a new arch-like nanostructure has enabled them to take another step forward

Energy

Silicon arches boost structural integrity of high-capacity batteries

A research team in Japan has come up with a way of incorporating silicon into lithium battery anodes that overcomes the durability issues that have plagued such efforts so far, through tiny nano-scale arches that bring some much-needed strength.

Professor Mihnea Bostina from the University of Otago was part of a research team imaging the Seneca Valley Virus

Medical

Nobel-winning technology reveals cancer-killing virus locking onto target like a "key in a lock"

Researchers have used a cutting-edge imaging technique to image a high-potential cancer-killing virus in unprecedented detail, allowing them to now ponder how it might be genetically modified to better do the job.