Science Hype is Rising, and Rising, and Rising…

Figure: Millar et al, JAMA Netw Open. 6, 12, (2023).

A new study by researchers from the University of Tsukuba, Japan, reveals that the use of promotional language in scientific publications – a.k.a. hype –  has increased dramatically over the past 36 years. The study analyzed the abstracts of more than 1.5 million papers funded by the U.S. National Institute of Health (NIH) published between 1985 to 2020 and found that uses of words like “revolutionary” (+1121%), “promising” (+1931%), and “unmet” (+12126%) have skyrocketed, though the winner is the word “scalable” with a boost of 19964%. On the decline are, among others, “greatest” (- 32%), “major” (-11%), and “prestigious” (-29%). Press release here. Paper here.

You Probably Don't Know Why You Really Have Mass

This episode of Science News covers where your mass comes from. You might have heard it comes from the Higgs-boson or the Higgs-field. But that isn't quite right. It comes from an obscure goo called the pion condensate. You can take the quiz here.

Soldering Wounds with Nanoparticles and Lasers

Soldering wounds with a nanoparticle paste and light: Oscar Cipolato and Inge Herrmann in Empa's Particles-Biology Interactions Laboratory in St. Gallen. Image: Empa

Researchers in Switzerland have found a way to close wounds with a paste of metallic and ceramic nanoparticles and a laser. The paste acts as a bonding agent that melts and fuses the tissue, while the nanoparticles act as tiny thermometers that allow precise temperature control. The method is gentle, efficient, and suitable for minimally invasive surgery. It could prevent wound healing disorders and complications from leaking sutures. Press release here. Paper here.

Science is a Story

In his Pulitzer Prize-winning novel about trees, The Overstory, first excerpted in Nautilus, Richard Powers writes, “The best arguments in the world won’t change a person’s mind. The only thing that can do that is a good story.” That sentiment guides Nautilus. With the best science, from celebrated writers, Nautilus stories change the way you think about the world.

Power from Dirt

Bill Yen buries the fuel cell in soil. Image: Northwestern University

Researchers from Northwestern University have developed a new fuel cell that uses microbes living in the soil to generate electricity, which works in both wet and dry conditions. The fuel cell, which is about the size of a book, can power underground sensors for applications such as agriculture and green infrastructure. Press release here. Paper here.

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