University of Nevada Las Vegas

Scientists have studied the brain's perception of the passage of time

Learning & Memory

Time flies: Our brains perceive time more like counters than clocks

Time is relative – we’re all familiar with that feeling that time drags when we’re bored and flies when we’re busy. New analysis of brain activity patterns shows how our brains track time, and some intriguing insights into how cells handle it.

Researchers discovered a new form of ice during an experiment involving subjecting water to high pressures and melting it with a laser

Science

Strange new form of ice discovered in high pressure experiments

Ice may seem pretty simple in our everyday experience, but it actually comes in at least 20 different forms. Scientists at UNLV have now discovered a new type of ice that may be found deep in the Earth’s mantle or on distant watery planets.

An artist's impression of a fast radio burst signal reaching the FAST radio dish in China

Space

Cosmic mystery of fast radio bursts deepens with flurry of activity

A huge new dataset could soon help unlock the mystery of fast radio bursts (FRBs). Within a few weeks, over 1,600 new signals were detected coming from one of the most well-studied sources, essentially ruling out a leading hypothesis on their origin.

An artist's impression of the warped disc of the triple star system GW Orionis

Space

Evidence of first planet orbiting three stars discovered in dusty disc

One Sun is plenty for our solar system, but some planets have been found orbiting two stars at once. Now the ante has been upped again, with evidence emerging of a planet orbiting three stars at once.

An illustration depicting how the new material works – normally, the manganese atomic ions (purple circles) and the disulfur molecular ions (figure-8s) are separated (left of frame). But under pressure, they move closer together (right of frame) changing the conductivity of the material

Materials

Weird compound jumps from conductor to insulator and back under pressure

Researchers have discovered a material that can switch between an insulator and a conductor freely, even at room temperature. The material, a compound of manganese and sulfide (MnS2), starts off as an insulator but becomes conductive under pressure.

Cylinders of PVC pipe packed with uncoated sand (left) and polymerized soybean oil-coated sand (right)

Environment

Soybean oil-coated sand could be a green alternative to plastic mulch

In order to keep water from evaporating from the soil, farmers often cover the ground around their crop plants with sheets of polyethylene plastic. There could soon be a more eco-friendly alternative, though, in the form of soybean oil-coated sand.

An exotic mineral known as Ice VII has been discovered on Earth for the first time, locked away inside diamonds

Science

Diamonds found to contain exotic ice never before seen in nature

Scientists know of 16 types of ice. Most of these have only been created in the lab, but now, geoscientists have discovered a type known as Ice VII inside diamonds. This marks the first time the substance has been detected in nature, and it suggests that Earth’s mantle is home to pockets of water.

Much has been said about the potential health hazards of Mars missions but a new study suggests that we still have a long way to go to addressing the problems of cosmic radiation

Space

Cosmic radiation could double cancer risks for human mission to Mars

It’s been said that the first Mars explorers will have to be prepared to take one for humanity. Not only do they risk permanent neural damage as well as an increased risk of leukemia and Alzheimer’s, they could also be doubling their risk of getting cancer, a new study suggests.

The winning house, LISI, by the Vienna University of Technology features a lace-like UV curtain and large patio living spaces (Photo: Jason Flakes (Nomoi)/U.S. Department of Energy)

Architecture

Team Austria wins Solar Decathlon 2013

Team Austria (Vienna University of Technology) has been announced the overall winner of Solar Decathlon 2013 after the closest competition in the history of the event. Second place went to University of Nevada Las Vegas, with the Czech Technical University achieving third place overall.