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About Massimo
Harnessing his dual expertise in molecular biology and digital communications, Massimo is a steadfast advocate for science, striving to weave it into the fabric of everyday life. As the founder and editor-in-chief of TheScienceBreaker, he is not just chasing a dream, but actively building a reality where society and science walk hand-in-hand. His aspiration is not one of distant admiration, but of close collaboration: empowering every individual with scientific understanding and fostering a collective enthusiasm for discovery. His vision is one of unity, where society acknowledges the integral role of science and technology in shaping our shared future.
Massimo is the editor of 344 Breaks:
A newly discovered (microscopic) global source of methane
Methane is a potent greenhouse gas. Recent studies challenge the dogma that biogenic methane is produced solely in the absence of oxygen. Blue-green algae (Cyanobacteria) are photosynthetic microbes that are found in all illuminated environments on Earth and produce half the oxygen we breathe. We show that Cyanobacteria produce methane with potential significance to global climate.
Oct 30, 2020 | 3.5 min readA match made in heaven: Stacking two solar cells boosts their efficiency
Metal halide perovskites improve the efficiency of silicon solar cells by 30%.
Oct 29, 2020 | 3.5 min readHow lab-grown blood vessels can help us understand malaria
Our body has a vast amount of small blood vessels that deliver and take away wastes. These small blood vessels can clog in many diseases including malaria, causing tissue damage and organ failure. We report a breakthrough in developing a lab-grown model of the tiniest blood vessels. This model will help study different diseases, and seek better treatment options for clogged microcirculation.
Oct 28, 2020 | 3.5 min readThe role of maternal malnutrition on Zika virus congenital effects
The congenital Zika syndrome is a set of birth disabilities caused by Zika virus infection during gestation. However, not all infected mothers transmit the virus to their babies. Does any environmental factor increase susceptibility? Here we explore whether protein deficiency in the maternal diet enhances the detrimental effects of ZIKV infection in early development.
Oct 27, 2020 | 3 min readDistinctive stone tools reveal Siberian Neanderthals originated in eastern Europe
Neanderthals once inhabited Eurasia, but the geographical origin and time of arrival of the easternmost populations in southern Siberia remain open questions. Distinctive stone tools found at Chagyrskaya Cave reveal at least two separate dispersals of Neanderthals into this region, with the most recent incursion about 60,000 years ago originating in eastern Europe—a journey of more than 3,000 km.
Oct 26, 2020 | 3.5 min readRepurposing of retroviral genes: when foe becomes self
Throughout evolution, our genomes have been under attack by potentially harmful viruses. However, sometimes genes from the viral invaders have been captured and converted to provide a beneficial function for the host. A viral gene responsible for protecting retroviral RNA has been repurposed in both human and insect hosts to protect and transmit neurological mRNA signals.
Oct 23, 2020 | 3.5 min read