Dinosaur diagnosed with late-stage cancer in first-of-its-kind study

Researchers in Canada have diagnosed an advanced, malignant bone cancer – in a dinosaur. Using the kinds of diagnostic techniques used in humans, a team of cancer professionals examined a large growth on the long-dead animal’s leg bone, marking the fir… Continue reading Dinosaur diagnosed with late-stage cancer in first-of-its-kind study→

Bacteria-eating viruses clear infections in diabetic foot ulcers

Viruses may be getting a lot of bad press lately, but it’s important to remember that there are some species that may be helpful to us. Bacteriophages (or just phages) are viruses that prey on bacteria, and now scientists have used them to treat Golden… Continue reading Bacteria-eating viruses clear infections in diabetic foot ulcers→

Stadium-sized balloon to carry NASA telescope to the edge of space

Balloons may seem like an outdated mode of transportation, but for high-flying scientific instruments they’re making a comeback. NASA has unveiled ASTHROS, a new infrared telescope that will be carried to the edge of space by a balloon the size of a fo… Continue reading Stadium-sized balloon to carry NASA telescope to the edge of space→

Harvard clotting agent slows bleeding to help patients reach hospital

Blood loss from traumatic injuries is a major killer, but it’s relatively easy to treat in a hospital environment. The problem is that it can occur suddenly, and first responders don’t have the same tools that emergency rooms do. Now, Harvard scientist… Continue reading Harvard clotting agent slows bleeding to help patients reach hospital→

How old is the universe? New studies disagree by a billion years

The universe likes to play coy about its age, but astronomers believe they have a pretty good idea of the range. Now, a series of new studies has investigated the question using different methods – and they’ve come up with two different answers, separa… Continue reading How old is the universe? New studies disagree by a billion years→

Non-magnetic material made magnetic using electricity for the first time

Researchers have for the first time managed to use electricity to switch on magnetism in a material that’s normally non-magnetic. The find could be a step towards making electronic components out of common materials that might not otherwise be suitable… Continue reading Non-magnetic material made magnetic using electricity for the first time→

New active cooling fabric helps beat the heat while repelling water

Researchers at Donghua University in China have developed a new type of fabric they claim can keep the wearer much cooler. The material is made from several different polymers in a relatively simple way, and can efficiently transfer heat and wick away … Continue reading New active cooling fabric helps beat the heat while repelling water→

Astronomers identify the best spot on the planet for a telescope

An international team of astronomers has identified what may be the best spot on Earth to stick a telescope. According to the study, a high plateau in eastern Antarctica would have an exceptionally clear view of the stars, even outperforming other loca… Continue reading Astronomers identify the best spot on the planet for a telescope→

Fast-radio-burst-like signal traced to dead star in our galaxy

We may be a step closer to understanding the mystery of fast radio bursts (FRBs), as astronomers have now detected the first such signal from within our own galaxy. The radio burst in this case was traced to a highly magnetic dead star called a magneta… Continue reading Fast-radio-burst-like signal traced to dead star in our galaxy→

Quantum time travel doesn’t follow Back to the Future rules

Time travel movies have different rules about what happens when you start messing around with the timeline. If you’ve ever wondered which ones make the most sense, we may now have an answer. According to experiments using a quantum time travel simulato… Continue reading Quantum time travel doesn’t follow Back to the Future rules→