“Mini” CRISPR tool reworks inactive protein for better gene editing

The CRISPR gene-editing system is usually associated with the Cas9 protein, but that’s not the only option out there. Scientists at Stanford have now developed a CRISPR tool called CasMINI, using a much smaller protein that should be able to enter huma… Continue reading “Mini” CRISPR tool reworks inactive protein for better gene editing→

Perovskite crystals given new job as nuclear radiation detectors

Perovskite crystals are quickly gaining a name for themselves in the solar energy field, thanks to their impressive ability to convert photons into electricity. But scientists have now tweaked this process to pick up neutrons instead, making an effecti… Continue reading Perovskite crystals given new job as nuclear radiation detectors→

New type of supernova detected as stellar corpse kills companion star

Astronomers have spotted a new type of supernova for the very first time. An unlucky star seems to have prematurely exploded after colliding with an extremely dense object, perhaps a black hole or a neutron star, creating a unique signature in the sky…. Continue reading New type of supernova detected as stellar corpse kills companion star→

Rheumatoid arthritis implants release drugs when they sense inflammation

Researchers at Washington University School of Medicine have tested an experimental new treatment for rheumatoid arthritis in mice. The team implanted stem cells that have been reprogrammed to secrete anti-inflammatory drugs only when they sense inflam… Continue reading Rheumatoid arthritis implants release drugs when they sense inflammation→

World’s biggest Triceratops skeleton goes up for auction

Your chance to own one of the most iconic dinosaurs is about to come up – provided you have a spare few million and an empty ballroom on hand. The largest known specimen of Triceratops, nicknamed “Big John,” will go up for auction in October.Continue R… Continue reading World’s biggest Triceratops skeleton goes up for auction→

Ancient beer was brewed from rice 9,000 years ago

Archaeologists have discovered one of the oldest examples of alcohol being consumed. A set of ancient pots dating back around 9,000 years have been found to contain traces of an early form of beer, which seems to have been used as part of a ritual hono… Continue reading Ancient beer was brewed from rice 9,000 years ago→

Rainbow road sign film would be easier for autonomous vehicles to read

Autonomous vehicles need to operate in a complex environment, and recognizing traffic signs is an important part of that. A new microstructured material reflects light in rainbow rings, which can make traffic signs easier for computer vision systems to… Continue reading Rainbow road sign film would be easier for autonomous vehicles to read→

Braille eBooks and mask recyclers among James Dyson Award finalists

The James Dyson Award is an international competition to recognize and encourage engineering students to get creative to solve some of the most pressing problems facing the world. The national finalists from 28 regions have been announced for 2021, ahe… Continue reading Braille eBooks and mask recyclers among James Dyson Award finalists→

Synthetic muscle fibers could make for clothing tougher than Kevlar

“Muscle shirt” may soon take on a whole new meaning if new research out of Washington University in St. Louis pans out. A team has found a way to use bacteria to produce synthetic muscle proteins, which can then be spun into fibers to make clothing, pr… Continue reading Synthetic muscle fibers could make for clothing tougher than Kevlar→

Wireless charging room takes plugs out of the picture

Plugging a phone in at night could one day seem quaint – eventually widespread wireless charging could keep our devices juiced up indefinitely. A new breakthrough has been made in that direction, as researchers in Japan have developed a system that can… Continue reading Wireless charging room takes plugs out of the picture→