Chimp study refutes prevailing theory on origins of bipedalism

It has long been believed that our prehistoric ancestors started walking on two legs as they moved from the trees into the more open environment of the African savanna. A new study of chimpanzees, however, suggests that such may not have been the case…. Continue reading Chimp study refutes prevailing theory on origins of bipedalism

MIT implantable ventilator could literally let patients breathe easier

It’s a sad fact that people with conditions such as muscular dystrophy and ALS often have difficulty breathing, as their diaphragm muscle doesn’t work properly. MIT scientists have set out to give that muscle a boost, with an implantable ventilator.Con… Continue reading MIT implantable ventilator could literally let patients breathe easier

Forabot robot searches through tiny shells from prehistoric times

Imagine if you were tasked with sorting and separating thousands of tiny fossils, most of them less than a millimeter wide. It would quite a tedious, time-consuming task … which is why scientists have recently created a robot to do the job.Continue Rea… Continue reading Forabot robot searches through tiny shells from prehistoric times

Smartphone-connected device uses light to detect malaria – in 10 seconds

While it’s very important to track malaria infections in at-risk populations, drawing and analyzing blood samples can be problematic. A new device is designed to help, as it uses light to detect the disease within a matter of seconds.Continue ReadingCa… Continue reading Smartphone-connected device uses light to detect malaria – in 10 seconds

US Department of Energy reports first-ever achievement of fusion ignition

This Tuesday (Dec. 13th), the US Department of Energy and its National Nuclear Security Administration announced the first-ever achievement of fusion ignition. The breakthrough should reportedly “pave the way for advancements in national defense and th… Continue reading US Department of Energy reports first-ever achievement of fusion ignition

Gold nano-coating works like an anti-fog heating element for glasses

While anti-fog sprays work to a certain extent, warming a glass surface is a better way of keeping it fog-free. A new coating material is designed to do so, and it utilizes light-absorbing gold nanoparticles instead of electricity.Continue ReadingCateg… Continue reading Gold nano-coating works like an anti-fog heating element for glasses

“Smart” vitals-monitoring belt designed to warn of heart failure

If someone is at risk of heart failure, it’s important to monitor their vital signs on an ongoing basis. An experimental new wearable is designed to do exactly that, and it takes the form of an electronically endowed belt.Continue ReadingCategory: Medi… Continue reading “Smart” vitals-monitoring belt designed to warn of heart failure

Clear Drop aims to streamline recycling by pressing bags into bricks

Loose plastic bags can be a hassle to separate and store for recycling, plus they may blow away and become litter if they’re left outside at the recycling depot. The Clear Drop SPC is made to help, by compressing loads of your bags into compact bricks…. Continue reading Clear Drop aims to streamline recycling by pressing bags into bricks

Nix wearable lets you know when to hydrate, by analyzing your sweat

We’ve heard about a number of experimental skin-worn biosensors, which analyze the wearer’s sweat to monitor everything from stress to blood glucose levels. Well, athletes can now actually buy one of the things, that is designed to keep them from getti… Continue reading Nix wearable lets you know when to hydrate, by analyzing your sweat

Visualization of “toilet plumes” may lead to cleaner, safer bathrooms

You’ve probably heard it before – if you don’t put the lid down on the toilet, droplets of filth will fly out when you flush it. Scientists have now visualized that process for the first time, in hopes of reducing it with better toilet designs.Continue… Continue reading Visualization of “toilet plumes” may lead to cleaner, safer bathrooms