A new study has revealed that global ocean patterns can serve as early warning signals for extreme summer rainfall in China.

Astronomers have found a planet that orbits at an angle of 90 degrees around a rare pair of peculiar stars. This is the first time we have strong evidence for one of these ‘polar planets’ orbiting a stellar pair. The surprise discovery was made using the European Southern Observatory’s Very Large Telescope (VLT).

The Harvard RoboBee is now outfitted with its most reliable landing gear to date, inspired by one of nature’s most graceful landers: the crane fly.   

Publishing in Science Robotics, the team led by Robert Wood at Harvard has given their flying robot a set of long, jointed legs that help ease its transition from air to ground. The robot has also received an updated controller that helps it decelerate on approach, resulting in a gentle plop-down. 

Imagine tiny LEGO pieces that automatically snap together to form a strong, flat sheet. Then, scientists add special chemical "hooks" to these sheets to attach glowing molecules called fluorophores. University of Missouri researchers have created these tiny, clay-based materials — called fluorescent polyionic nanoclays. They can be customized for many uses, including advancing energy and sensor technology, improving medical treatments and protecting the environment.

The University of Missouri’s transformative initiative to build a new, state-of-the-art research reactor — NextGen MURR — is officially underway with the signing of the first agreement, announced today. Mizzou will partner with a consortium that includes Hyundai Engineering America, the Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute (KAERI), the Hyundai Engineering Company and MPR Associates for the design and licensing of the new reactor.