June 5, 2023: Welcome to the new-and-improved Today in Science! We're covering the bad news about good cholesterol, how to mimic solid materials with lightwaves, and the largest birds ever. Enjoy! —Andrea Gawrylewski, Chief Newsletter Editor | | | At the heart of many materials–from stainless steel to quartz–is a crystalline structure of atoms. Electrons bounce in and around this structure, determining the nature of the material–its color or electrical conductivity, for instance. But electrons move too quickly to observe all of their behavior. A recent experiment mimicked the crystal structure of graphene using light waves, which scientists can more easily manipulate and observe.
Why this is cool: Physicists used the light-wave replica of graphene to study "singularities" in the structure. That is, places where the material behaves in a way that the laws of physics can't quite explain.
What the experts say: The singularities give graphene its special abilities. A better grasp of the material is potentially useful in applications ranging from improved electronics and energy storage to improved medical devices. | | | For decades the trick to remembering the two types of cholesterol has been: You ideally want blood counts with less LDL, where L stands for "lethal," and higher levels of HDL, where H is for "healthy." Well, that old truism turns out to be less…true. Recent studies show that too much HDL increases the risk of death. HDL levels above 80 mg/dL have also been associated with higher risk of cardiovascular events and compromised bone density.
Why this matters: "Oftentimes we go around telling people, 'Your HDL is sky-high. You're so protected,'" says cardiologist Arshed Quyyumi. We now know that isn't true and that a range between 40 and 80 mg/dL is best.
What can be done: Unfortunately, HDL levels are mostly out of a person's control. They get a boost from exercise, but focusing on total cholesterol levels is the best tactic, say experts. Avoiding smoking, eating a high-fiber, low-fat diet and incorporating more movement all help lower LDL levels. | | | Credit: Molly Ferguson, Dominic Smith/Scientific American | | | Colossal Birds Fossils of a 27 million-year-old bird sat in a museum drawer for decades before they were examined. The bird (later named Pelagornis sandersi) had a wingspan of 20 feet (TWENTY FEET) and a beak-full of sharp teeth. Avian paleontologists are learning more about some of the most incredible creatures that have lived on (and above) earth. Check out our new podcast mini-series on BIG birds on Science, Quickly.
| | | • A massive analysis of past studies on non-invasive electrical brain stimulation say they probably boost memory and focus. But not all experts agree. | 4 min read | | | • Mass shootings are causing widespread anxiety among Americans. A new screening tool could identify those who are impacted enough to need mental health support. | 4 min read | | | Woodland Jumping Mouse (Napaezapus insignis) hibernates in a nest built in a side tunnel of a burrow made by another animal. Credit: Jeff Lepore/Alamy Stock Photo | | | • The Department of Commerce will soon allocate $11 billion for research and development under the CHIPS Act to revive America's chipmaking industry—now making only 12 percent of chips worldwide. Rather than giving the money to the same-old big players in the industry, that money should be used to build more research facilities equipped with the best tech, the development of AI models to speed discovery, and open sharing of progress, writes H.-S. Philip Wong, professor of engineering at Stanford University. | 4 min read | | | If this newsletter looks different to you today, welcome! We hope that Today in Science becomes your new favorite daily destination for the most important science news, but also a place of discovery and wonder.
This newsletter will continue to evolve based on your feedback! Reach out to me any time with ideas or feedback for how it can be improved at newsletters@sciam.com. See you tomorrow! | —Andrea Gawrylewski, Chief Newsletter Editor | | Subscribe to this and all of our newsletters . | | | | Scientific American
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