Protein-linked sugars are crucial for the uptake of proteins linked to Parkinson’s disease — ScienceDaily

Parkinson’s disease, a neurodegenerative disorder that affects more than 6 million people worldwide, is caused by the buildup of alpha-synuclein proteins in the brain. The biological function of alpha-synuclein is still not well understood, but because of its role in neurodegenerative diseases, researchers are actively studying this protein to understand the mechanisms of the disease…

Glimmers of hope? Scientists consider how unexpected awakenings in dementia patients might shed new light on the disease — ScienceDaily

It happens unexpectedly: a person long thought lost to the ravages of dementia, unable to recall the events of their lives or even recognize those closest to them, will suddenly wake up and exhibit surprisingly normal behavior, only to pass away shortly thereafter. This phenomenon, which experts refer to as terminal or paradoxical lucidity, has…

Continuous process for engineering 2D transition metal dichalcogenide (TMDC) heterostructures — ScienceDaily

Researchers from Tokyo Metropolitan University have grown atomically thin crystalline layers of transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDCs) with varying composition over space, continuously feeding in different types of TMDC to a growth chamber to tailor changes in properties. Examples include 20nm strips surrounded by different TMDCs with atomically straight interfaces, and layered structures. They also directly…

X-ray imaging provides clues to fracture in solid-state batteries — ScienceDaily

Solid-state batteries — a new battery design that uses all solid components — have gained attention in recent years because of their potential to hold much more energy while simultaneously avoiding the safety challenges of their liquid-based counterparts. But building a long-lasting solid-state battery is easier said than done. Now, researchers at the Georgia Institute…

Researchers validate optimum composites structure created with additive manufacturing — ScienceDaily

Additive manufacturing built an early following with 3D printers using polymers to create a solid object from a Computer-Aided Design model. The materials used were neat polymers — perfect for a rapid prototype, but not commonly used as structural materials. A new wave of additive manufacturing uses polymer composites that are extruded from a nozzle…