Fungus learns to drive in “biohybrid” robots

Autonomous vehicles are said to be safer than human drivers – but would you trust a mushroom behind the wheel? A new kind of “biohybrid” robot moves in response to signals from the nervous system of a fungus.Continue ReadingCategory: Robotics, Technolo… Continue reading Fungus learns to drive in “biohybrid” robots

Super-slo-mo video captures the sickest backflips in the animal kingdom

Despite what you might say when drunk, you’re not the best backflipper in the world. That honor belongs to a tiny little bug called a globular springtail, whose superfast backflips have now been caught on slow-motion camera for the first time.Continue … Continue reading Super-slo-mo video captures the sickest backflips in the animal kingdom

Super-slo-mo video captures the sickest backflips in the animal kingdom

Despite what you might say when drunk, you’re not the best backflipper in the world. That honor belongs to a tiny little bug called a globular springtail, whose superfast backflips have now been caught on slow-motion camera for the first time.Continue … Continue reading Super-slo-mo video captures the sickest backflips in the animal kingdom

Injectable pacemaker regulates heartbeat for 5 days then dissolves

A new injectable, temporary pacemaker could help correct a heart arrhythmia in an emergency. This nanoparticle gel can regulate the heart’s electrical signals for up to five days before dissolving harmlessly in the body.Continue ReadingCategory: Medica… Continue reading Injectable pacemaker regulates heartbeat for 5 days then dissolves

Unluckiest sea cow fossil was eaten by both a crocodile and a shark

The fossil of an extremely unlucky dugong has been uncovered. The old sea cow had a pretty bad day about 20 million years ago when it was eaten by both a crocodile and a shark.Continue ReadingCategory: ScienceTags: Fossils, Animals, Animal science, Sha… Continue reading Unluckiest sea cow fossil was eaten by both a crocodile and a shark

DNA “computer” solves sudoku and stores millions of GB for millennia

A full DNA computer is a step closer, thanks to a new technology that could store petabytes of data in DNA for thousands or even millions of years. The system can also process data, as demonstrated by solving sudoku puzzles.Continue ReadingCategory: Te… Continue reading DNA “computer” solves sudoku and stores millions of GB for millennia

Stellar light show predicted for next year as black hole swallows star

Astronomers have watched a supermassive black hole take two bites of a star, and predicted when it might go back for a third. If it does, this should make for an intriguing stellar light show.Continue ReadingCategory: Space, ScienceTags: Astronomy, Bla… Continue reading Stellar light show predicted for next year as black hole swallows star

“Suspended animation” drug could buy time in medical emergencies

A drug already used to treat Alzheimer's could find a second use in inducing a hibernation-like state, to save lives during medical emergencies

In a medical emergency, quick treatment is critical. But a widely used drug could be repurposed to induce a hibernation-like state, to slow down organ damage and save lives by giving patients more time to reach a hospital.

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“Bananageddon” again approaches, but a new weapon could save our skins

A “bananageddon” might be on the horizon, and not for the first time. But new research could help save our favorite fruit.Continue ReadingCategory: Biology, ScienceTags: Fruit, Agriculture, Fungus, Extinction, University of Massachusetts Continue reading “Bananageddon” again approaches, but a new weapon could save our skins

Heaviest-ever clumps of antimatter created in atom smasher

Physicists have created the heaviest clumps of antimatter particles ever seen. Known as antihyperhydrogen-4, this strange stuff could help us solve some of the most puzzling physics mysteries.Continue ReadingCategory: Physics, ScienceTags: Antimatter, … Continue reading Heaviest-ever clumps of antimatter created in atom smasher