Chip selects best-performing sperm by getting them to swim upstream

When performing artificial insemination, the better the motility of the sperm, the greater the chances of a successful pregnancy. That’s where a new microfluidic chip comes in, as it selects only the most vigorous, “highly-motivated” sperm from the her… Continue reading Chip selects best-performing sperm by getting them to swim upstream→

Algae-derived coating gets probiotics safely past the stomach

While live probiotic bacteria produce many health benefits when ingested, the microbes have to get past your stomach and into your intestinal tract in order to be effective. An experimental new algae-based coating could soon help them do so.Continue Re… Continue reading Algae-derived coating gets probiotics safely past the stomach→

Smart bandage only releases medication when infections put the heat on

While antibiotics are very effective at treating infected wounds, they should definitely be used sparingly. An experimental new bandage was designed with this fact in mind, as it only dispenses medication when it detects the heat of an infection.Contin… Continue reading Smart bandage only releases medication when infections put the heat on→

Food processing wastewater may find use as farmed seaweed fertilizer

The processing of foods typically generates a lot of wastewater, which has to be cleaned up before being released back into local waterways. According to new research, however, that water could first be put to use as a very effective fertilizer for far… Continue reading Food processing wastewater may find use as farmed seaweed fertilizer→

18-lb Lake is Oru’s lightest, lowest-priced origami kayak to date

Ever since Oru introduced its first origami-style folding kayak back in 2012, other brands have come out with boats that were claimed to be lighter and more compact. Oru has now addressed that competition, with its sub-$700 18-lb (8 kg) Lake kayak.Cont… Continue reading 18-lb Lake is Oru’s lightest, lowest-priced origami kayak to date→

Bone analysis suggests Spinosaurus submerged itself to hunt down prey

After being declared the first known swimming dinosaur in 2020, Spinosaurus was subsequently suspected of being a shore-wader. A new analysis of its bones, however, has swung the needle back towards the concept of it going underwater to hunt its prey.C… Continue reading Bone analysis suggests Spinosaurus submerged itself to hunt down prey→

Algae-produced oil may be a greener, healthier alternative to palm oil

Palm oil is a very widely-used food ingredient, but its production has a huge environmental impact, plus it may not be entirely healthy to consume. A greener, “lower-fat” alternative could be on the way, however, in the form of oil produced by algae.Co… Continue reading Algae-produced oil may be a greener, healthier alternative to palm oil→

PYKRS jacket sports lighting, fall detection and heating systems

We’ve seen a number of bicycle helmets that include high-tech features like lights and fall-detection systems. Well, Spanish startup PYKRS (pronounced “pikers”) has taken those same technologies plus others, and packed them into a winter jacket.Continu… Continue reading PYKRS jacket sports lighting, fall detection and heating systems→