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Effect of ion irradiation on the properties of zinc stannate films

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Ion irradiation, specifically Swift Heavy Ion (SHI) irradiation, serves as a powerful technique for tailoring the physical properties of zinc stannate ( Zn−Sn−Ocap Z n minus cap S n minus cap O𝑍𝑛−𝑆𝑛−𝑂) thin films for applications such as transparent conducting oxides (TCOs) and sensors. By bombarding the film with energetic ions, researchers can induce structural transformations that directly impact its optical transparency and electrical conductivity. 1. Structural and Morphological Modifications Crystalline-to-Amorphous Transformation: Pristine zinc stannate films typically exhibit a polycrystalline nature with phases like Zn2SnO4cap Z n sub 2 cap S n cap O sub 4𝑍𝑛2𝑆𝑛𝑂4 and SnO2cap S n cap O sub 2𝑆𝑛𝑂2. High-energy irradiation (e.g., 120 MeV Ag ions) often leads to amorphization, as the intense energy deposition along ion tracks causes significant lattice disordering. Surface Roughness: Irradiation generally increases the surface roughness of the films. For instance, ro...

GADA: The Secret Signal for Type 1 Diabetes Explained

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In the complex landscape of autoimmune endocrinology, GADA (Glutamic Acid Decarboxylase Autoantibodies) serves as one of the most critical "secret signals" or biomarkers for the early detection and precise classification of Type 1 Diabetes (T1D). While Type 1 Diabetes is often characterized by the sudden onset of physical symptoms like extreme thirst and rapid weight loss, the underlying autoimmune process typically begins months or even years before these clinical signs appear. GADA acts as an early warning system, revealing that the body’s immune system has begun a mistaken attack on the insulin-producing beta cells of the pancreas. What is GADA? GADA stands for Glutamic Acid Decarboxylase Autoantibodies. In a healthy body, GAD (specifically the GAD65 isoform) is an enzyme found in the pancreatic beta cells that plays a role in neurotransmitter production. In individuals developing Type 1 Diabetes, the immune system incorrectly identifies this enzyme as a "foreign in...

AI Turns Simple EEG Scans Into Accurate Dementia Detectors

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Summary: New research shows that deep learning can use EEG signals to distinguish Alzheimer’s disease from frontotemporal dementia with high accuracy. By analyzing both the timing and frequency of brain activity, the model uncovered distinct patterns: broader disruption across multiple regions in Alzheimer’s and more localized frontal and temporal changes in frontotemporal dementia. The system also estimated disease severity, offering clinicians faster insight than traditional tools. These findings suggest that affordable EEG technology , paired with advanced AI, may streamline diagnosis and personalize care for people experiencing cognitive decline. Key FactsEEG Biomarkers: Slow delta waves in frontal and central areas signaled disease in both conditions. Distinct Patterns: Alzheimer’s showed widespread disruption, while frontotemporal dementia remained more localized. High Accuracy: A two-stage deep learning system reached 84% accuracy in separating the two disorders. Dementia is a ...

How Microplastics Climb the Ocean Food Chain! 🌊🦐🐟

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The journey of microplastics through the oceanic food web is a critical environmental concern, illustrating how persistent synthetic materials, once introduced into marine ecosystems, become ubiquitous and increasingly concentrated at higher trophic levels. This process is driven primarily by ingestion at the lowest levels and the subsequent transfer of these particles when contaminated organisms are consumed by predators. The Mechanism of Trophic Transfer The process of microplastics moving up the food chain, known as trophic transfer, begins immediately upon their entry into marine environments: Entry at the Base of the Food Web: The journey starts with the smallest organisms in the ocean ecosystem. Microscopic animals called zooplankton, which form the foundation of many marine food webs, often mistake microplastics (especially fibers and small fragments) for their usual food source, phytoplankton. Filter-feeding animals such as mussels and oysters also ingest large quantities of m...

What does neuroscience do?

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Neuroscience is the multidisciplinary scientific study of the nervous system (the brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nerves). The primary goal of neuroscience is to understand how the nervous system works to produce and regulate emotion, thought, behavior, and critical bodily functions (such as breathing and heartbeat), as well as to develop treatments for neurological and psychiatric disorders. Neuroscientists study the nervous system at many different levels, from individual molecules and cells to complex brain networks and behavior, integrating knowledge from various fields including biology, psychology, chemistry, physics, computer science, and medicine. Key Areas of Study and Function Neuroscience explores several key aspects of the nervous system:Normal Function: Researchers investigate how a healthy nervous system develops and operates throughout the lifespan. This includes understanding how we perceive the world through our senses, form memories, learn, and control movement. Di...

Top Data Science Trends Reshaping the Industry in 2025

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Data science has gained high popularity owing to its multidisciplinary and efficient usage. Contributing to innovative gifts for mankind, its various developments have made tasks efficient and decision-making better. The trends in data science witness a change with changes in times and newer technologies. The article brings a comprehensive overview of the latest data science trends. Whether you are a data science expert or a beginner, these data science trends will help propel your business forward. Data Science’s Growth in the Modern Era We see a highly advanced and well-researched version of data science in the current scenario, providing tremendous growth to the world. It has contributed to advancements in technology and also led to an increase in data generation. The aforesaid has been possible by merging human innovation with machine learning and artificial intelligence. The results of growth in data science are capable of predicting future patterns and behaviors. They have also...

Renewable Energy

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Renewable energy is defined as energy derived from natural sources that are replenished at a higher rate than they are consumed, such as sunlight and wind. Unlike fossil fuels, these sources are virtually inexhaustible and produce little to no greenhouse gases or air pollutants during operation, making them key to addressing the climate crisis. The primary types of renewable energy sources are:Solar Energy: The most abundant energy source, converted into electricity using photovoltaic (PV) panels or mirrors that concentrate solar radiation (solar thermal). The cost of solar panels has plummeted, making it one of the cheapest forms of electricity in many regions. Wind Energy: Generated by turbines that capture the kinetic energy of moving air. It's a competitive energy source compared to fossil fuels. Hydropower: Generated by the movement of water from higher to lower elevations, and is currently the largest source of renewable electricity globally. Geothermal Energy: Uses the Earth...