University of Amsterdam

Researchers have uncovered the specific pheromone blend used by male moths in courtship, highlighting the importance of methyl salicylate, a plant-derived substance, in attracting females. This discovery marks a significant advancement in understanding the chemical communication essential for moth mating rituals, revealing evolutionary adaptations and the role of diet in pheromone composition. Credit: SciTechDaily.comResearch identifies methyl salicylate as a key component in male moth pheromones, sourced from plants and…

A new experimental method developed by researchers enables the identification of topological properties in materials without relying on mathematical models, simplifying research and expanding the potential applications of topology in various fields. Credit: SciTechDaily.comInnovative research introduces a practical, model-free method for exploring topological properties in materials, enhancing the scope and efficiency of topological studies.The branch of mathematics known as topology has become a cornerstone of modern…

RoboChem is an autonomous benchtop platform for fast, accurate, and around-the-clock chemical synthesis. Credit: University of AmsterdamChemical researchers at the University of Amsterdam have created a self-operating chemical synthesis robot equipped with an AI-based machine-learning system, named ‘RoboChem’. This compact laboratory instrument surpasses human chemists in speed and precision, while also displaying a high level of ingenuity. As the first of its kind, it could significantly accelerate the chemical discovery…

Excavated building with a semi-circular interior stone wall, speaker placed at the focal point of the curve. Credit: Pamela JordanExploring the movement of sound within archaeological sites can provide valuable clues about the structure and organization of ancient societies.Until recently, archaeologists depended primarily on visual observations at ancient ruin sites to uncover historical secrets. However, recent advancements have introduced novel techniques, enabling researchers to employ various senses for a more…

A 3D-printed Möbius strip (left) and odd-numbered metaring (right). These are both non-orientable objects that will necessarily have a point along the ring that does not deform. Credit: Xiaofei GuoA groundbreaking discovery in metamaterial design reveals materials with built-in deformation resistance and mechanical memory, promising advancements in robotics and computing.Researchers from the University of Amsterdam Institute of Physics and ENS de Lyon have discovered how to design materials that necessarily have a point…

Research led by ecologist Bart Hoekstra of the University of Amsterdam shows that fireworks significantly impact bird populations. Utilizing weather radars and bird counts, the study found that bird flight activity increases dramatically during New Year’s Eve fireworks, affecting birds up to 6 miles away.A study reveals that fireworks cause a surge in bird flight activity, with effects reaching up to 6 miles. Researchers recommend establishing fireworks-free zones and quieter light shows to protect bird populations.Birds…

New research explores the possibility that dark matter consists of theoretical particles called axions, focusing on detecting them through additional light from pulsars. Initial observations haven’t confirmed axions yet, but the research is crucial for understanding dark matter. The central question in the ongoing hunt for dark matter is: what is it made of? One possible answer is that dark matter consists of particles known as axions. Recent research by astrophysicists from the universities of Amsterdam and Princeton…