The Synaptic Report
Debunking the Biological Myth of the Ocean Carbon Cycle
A comprehensive review of global marine carbon stocks reveals that physical and chemical processes, not biology, dominate carbon absorption. The analysis warns against using inflated biological carbon claims to justify marine conservation.
Current Dispatches
Has a New Model Achieved Black Hole Singularity Resolution?
An early-stage preprint proposes a mathematical model that removes the infinite density at the centre of black holes. By applying nonlocal gravity, the study suggests the singularity is replaced by a stable, bounded core.
How a Tiny Glass 'Coin-Flip' Powers Photonic Neuromorphic Computing
Researchers have created a microscopic optical neuron with built-in randomness. By using a novel phase-change material, this tiny device could make next-generation AI systems faster, smaller, and vastly more energy-efficient.
How Dynamic Covalent Chemistry is Creating Shape-Shifting Inorganic Crystals
Researchers have successfully applied dynamic covalent chemistry to inorganic selenium crystals. By using light and mechanical force, they coaxed the rigid crystals into reorganising their structures in real-time.
How Genomic Instability Spreads DNA Through Cellular Tunnels
Cells experiencing genomic instability can leak DNA into their cytoplasm. A new study shows they pass these genetic fragments to neighbours via microscopic tunnels, permanently altering the recipient cells.
How Texas Cities Rewrite the Sky: The Hidden Link Between Urbanization and Precipitation
By analysing over 40,000 storms, researchers discovered that cities do not uniformly increase or decrease rainfall. Instead, urban environments act as selective filters, intensifying some storm types while weakening others.
How the Brain Calculates Danger: Unmasking Lateral Septum Function
Scientists have mapped a critical neural circuit in mice that calculates threat levels in real time. By integrating spatial memory with bodily readiness, this circuit predicts and coordinates defensive behaviours.
How the Greenland shark genome could help us organise healthier ageing
Researchers have mapped the massive genome of the Greenland shark, Earth's longest-lived vertebrate. The sequence reveals unique genetic mechanisms linked to DNA repair and chromatin stability, suggesting new pathways for human longevity research.
Optimising Magnetic Damping in Thin Films for Cool Spintronic Computing
Researchers have measured oscillatory variations in magnetic damping by adjusting ferromagnetic layer thickness at the atomic level. This correlation between spin scattering and film thickness suggests a route to low-power spintronic memory.
Seeing is Believing: How Electron Ptychography Exposes Hidden Chemical Guests
Scientists have developed a new imaging method using electron ptychography to eliminate visual artefacts in porous crystals. By filtering out 'ghost' images, researchers can now identify active catalytic sites with high precision.
The Global Broadcast Secret of Cognitive Control
A new analysis of fMRI data suggests the brain manages focus by broadcasting goals to the entire cortex, rather than sending targeted messages to specific regions. This global signal allows local neural networks to pull information as needed.
Why Direct Neuronal Reprogramming Is the Future of Brain Repair
Researchers have mapped the real-time conversion of adult structural cells into functional neurons. By identifying a critical intermediate state, the study provides a faster, safer method to generate patient-specific brain cells.
Why Indigenous Environmental Conservation is Bearing the Cost of Global Green Policies
A new study in Cambodia suggests that state-led green policies disproportionately burden local communities. While these groups successfully protect their forests, they absorb the financial and spatial costs of global and national climate policies.
Why RNA-RNA Recognition in Plant Immunity Will Organise the Future of Crop Protection
Researchers have discovered how a fungal pathogen uses decoy RNA to disable host plant immunity. This mechanism of RNA-RNA interaction is probably widely present across diverse species, offering a new genetic target to protect crops.