Leaf-inspired graphene surfaces repel frost formation for a week

Ice wreaks havoc on surfaces, but we might have a new way to prevent it building up. Scientists at Northwestern University have shown that textured surfaces with thin layers of graphene oxide can stay completely frost-free for long periods.Continue Rea… Continue reading Leaf-inspired graphene surfaces repel frost formation for a week→

Autonomous, self-sorting cargo highways outlined for Japan

Back in July, the Japanese government outlined an intriguing idea to connect major cities with what sounded like a giant “conveyor belt” for cargo. Now we have a clearer picture of what that “Auto Flow Road” will look like.Continue ReadingCategory: Tra… Continue reading Autonomous, self-sorting cargo highways outlined for Japan→

Gluing proteins together kills cancer super selectively

Scientists have demonstrated a creative new way to kill cancer cells effectively, with few side effects. Gluing two particular proteins together tricks the tumors into destroying themselves.Continue ReadingCategory: Cancer, Illnesses and conditions, Bo… Continue reading Gluing proteins together kills cancer super selectively→

First images of electrons forming strange solid crystals

Under the right circumstances, electrons can actually “freeze” into a bizarre solid form. Now, physicists at Berkeley Lab have created and taken the first ever direct images of this structure.Continue ReadingCategory: Physics, ScienceTags: Electron Mic… Continue reading First images of electrons forming strange solid crystals→

Longest Hyperloop vacuum journey completed in European test facility

In what feels like news straight out of 2016, a Hyperloop testing facility in Europe has completed the longest-ever vacuum capsule journey. The milestone could bring this oft-forgotten promise of high-speed transport one step closer to reality.Continue… Continue reading Longest Hyperloop vacuum journey completed in European test facility→

Immunotherapy prevents heart attacks progressing to heart failure

Scarring of heart tissue can be slowed but not stopped, and can lead to heart failure. But a new study has shown that an existing immunotherapy could stop scar tissue formation after heart attacks.Continue ReadingCategory: Heart Disease, Illnesses and … Continue reading Immunotherapy prevents heart attacks progressing to heart failure→

Burmese pythons can eat bigger animals than we thought possible

Pythons have famously cartoonish eating habits, and they might be even better at it than we thought. A new study has found that Burmese pythons can eat even larger prey than was thought mathematically possible.Continue ReadingCategory: Biology, Science… Continue reading Burmese pythons can eat bigger animals than we thought possible→

Solar still made of old tires purifies 15 cups of water per day

Scientists in Canada have demonstrated a promising new device that can purify a gallon of water a day, for just a few cents per gallon. Better yet, it’s made of old tires, and can even generate small amounts of electricity.Continue ReadingCategory: Env… Continue reading Solar still made of old tires purifies 15 cups of water per day→

Monkeys would take 7 universe lifespans to type works of Shakespeare

Along with Schrödinger’s Cat, the Infinite Monkeys Theorem is one of the most famous thought experiments. A new study, with tongue firmly in cheek, has calculated that you might be waiting seven googol years for your Shakespeare.Continue ReadingCategor… Continue reading Monkeys would take 7 universe lifespans to type works of Shakespeare→

Plant-animal hybrid cells make solar-powered tissues, organs or meat

Scientists in Japan have created hybrid plant-animal cells, essentially making animal cells that can gain energy from sunlight like plants. The breakthrough could have major benefits for growing organs and tissues for transplant, or lab-grown meat.Cont… Continue reading Plant-animal hybrid cells make solar-powered tissues, organs or meat→