Articles by Sanjukta Mondal
Phys.org / Most people obey arbitrary rules even when it's not in their interest to do so, experiments show
Contrary to the popular saying, rules aren't meant to be broken, as they are foundational to society and exist to uphold safety, fairness and order in the face of chaos. The collective benefits of rule-following are well ...
Phys.org / Study reveals protein that helps green bush crickets mimic green foliage
From a distance, a green bush cricket (Tettigonia cantans) can easily be mistaken for a plant appendage, and that's exactly the point. Its leafy green hue allows it to blend seamlessly into its surroundings, camouflaging ...
Phys.org / Cave records show that US's deepest river gorge Hells Canyon is only 2.1 million years old
North America's deepest gorge, Hells Canyon, which slithers along the border of Idaho and Oregon, is a surprisingly new addition to the Earth's ancient landscape. A recent study suggests that a monumental shift in Snake river ...
Phys.org / Ancient DNA unravels ancestral secrets of classic Maya period
Beneath the surface of present-day western Honduras lie the ruins of Copán—an archaeological site that once stood as a vital city in the classic Maya world, situated at the crossroads between Central and South America.
Phys.org / Artificial cell-like structures mimic self-reproduction and release polymeric spores
Life on Earth possesses an exceptional ability to self-reproduce, which, even on a simple cellular level, is driven by complex biochemistry. But can self-reproduction exist in a biochemistry-free environment?
Phys.org / Cosmic ray research helps unravel lithium-7 origin
The origin of lithium (Li), the third element of the periodic table, has long been shrouded in mystery. This element, commonly found in cosmic rays as two stable isotopes, 6Li and 7Li, is crucial to understanding the origins ...
Phys.org / New high-resolution laser device reads millimeter-scale text from a mile away
You are the protagonist in a thriller. One morning, an unknown caller with a distorted voice says, "To save your city, solve the puzzle. Go to the coordinates. X marks the clue." You rush to the spot and see an X on a distant ...
Phys.org / Friction variation creates Tête de Moine's signature cheese flowers
Tête de Moine, a semi-hard Swiss cheese that often finds its way onto charcuterie boards and salads, not only brings a rich, nutty and creamy flavor, but also adds a dramatic flare to the presentation. Instead of slicing, ...
Phys.org / Rare giant shrimp is more widespread than previously believed, new findings reveal
Alicella gigantea, a rarely sighted giant crustacean that inhabits the depths of the ocean and can reach up to 34 cm in length, is not rare after all. This species, though elusive, is one of the most widely distributed species ...
Phys.org / Pneumatic soft robot mimics self rotating action of fruit fly larvae
Soft-bodied robots are unlocking a new era of adaptive machines that can safely interact with the human body, squeeze through tight spaces, and propel themselves autonomously.
Medical Xpress / Y chromosome found to play key role in making men taller than women
Height is one of the most evident sex-based differences observed in humans, as men are on an average 13 cm (5 inches) taller than women. Sex hormones certainly play a significant role in driving this dimorphism, but they ...
Phys.org / First successful demonstration of quantum error correction of qudits for quantum computers
In the world of quantum computing, the Hilbert space dimension—the measure of the number of quantum states that a quantum computer can access—is a prized possession. Having a larger Hilbert space allows for more complex quantum ...
Phys.org / 3D modeling demystifies the Parthenon's lighting conditions in ancient Greece
The Parthenon, a mid-5th-century temple atop the hill of the Acropolis, is dedicated to Athena, the Greek deity of wisdom and the patron goddess of Athens. Despite enduring damage, that masterpiece remains a quintessential ...
Phys.org / Living beings emit a faint light that extinguishes upon death, according to a new study
The light of someone's life might not be just another person, but light in the literal sense. According to a recent study by researchers from University of Calgary, every living system emits light without requiring external ...
Phys.org / New definition of domestication challenges traditional views on domestic species
Cats, dogs and farm animals are what come to mind when we think of domesticated animals. For ages, domestication has been portrayed as a uniquely human accomplishment, where species become domestic only through our deliberate ...
