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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 335 Breaks:
The 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 readHow to know slow slip events and anticipate future large earthquakes
To visualize the slow slip events on the plate boundary and the geological process that leads to future catastrophic earthquakes, we installed a "seafloor GNSS station".
Oct 22, 2020 | 3 min readWhere mind meets body: a master brain circuit for stress responses
We discovered in rats the long-sought brain circuit mechanism of "mind–body connection". This mechanism is critical for driving a variety of autonomic and behavioral responses when mammals undergo psychological stress. This new knowledge will be an essential basis for the future development of novel strategies for treating stress-related disorders.
Oct 21, 2020 | 4 min readMaking non-magnetic photons feel a taste for magnetism
Photons are intrinsically chargeless and non-magnetic. Using intrinsic properties of photons and a straightforward structure, we have created “synthetic dimensions” in which such photons behave like electrons, responding to magnetic fields as if they were carrying a charge. The strength of these magnetic field effects can be easily and precisely controlled at will.
Oct 19, 2020 | 3.5 min read