α-amylase breaks down starch into glucose, which can cause blood sugar spikes and increase the risk of type II diabetes. This study tested natural extracts from cassia cinnamon and green tea as alternatives to synthetic inhibitors like acarbose, which can be costly and cause side effects.
Image credit: Daehan Yi, Boughaleb Hassani and Ribeiro
The study investigates the antibacterial properties of household spices on bacteria isolated from everyday objects, aiming to address the limited understanding of bacterial resilience on surfaces and the potential of spices as antibacterial agents. Researchers hypothesized that bacteria would grow faster on some surfaces than others and that spices like honey, chili powder, turmeric, and sumac would inhibit bacterial growth at varying rates. The findings suggest that household spices possess significant antibacterial properties and could be used as emergency disinfectants, particularly in under-resourced settings. However, they cannot replace medical treatments but offer insights into alternative health solutions using common ingredients.
Iridescent materials reflect different colored depending on viewing angle. This specific effect can be achieved by biomimetic photonic materials. This project models the quantitative relationship between these material’s coloring and its nanostructure to facilitate personalized design of art materials.
This study investigates the migration intentions of Syrian high school and university students amid ongoing conflict and economic instability. Drawing on survey data, the research examines how academic stage influences migration motivations, preferred destinations, and return intentions. The findings reveal a widespread desire to emigrate, driven by educational, economic, and security concerns, highlighting significant implications for Syria’s future workforce and post-conflict recovery.
India’s Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI)—including the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) and Aadhaar—has been globally recognized for advancing financial inclusion and efficient governance. This study analyzes data from 2016–17 to 2023–24 the impact of these services on India's GDP.