Novel Alzheimer’s treatment clears brain plaques with light and oxygen

An artist's impression of amyloid plaques forming in the brain, which scientists hope to tackle as a way of treating Alzheimer's

Research into what causes Alzheimer’s and how it might be treated involves a number of possibilities, but one scientists are continually coming back to is brain plaques playing a central role in driving the disease. It follows that researchers are investigating ways to destroy these plaques or prevent them from forming, and scientists at the University of Tokyo have come up with a novel approach to this problem involving injectable, oxygenated atoms that are activated by infrared light.

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BPA-like chemicals likely causing “alarming” damage to brain cells

Controversy has shrouded the once-common plasticizer BPA since studies started to highlight its links to a whole range of adverse health effects in humans, but recent research has also shown that its substitutes mightn’t be all that safe either. A new … Continue reading BPA-like chemicals likely causing “alarming” damage to brain cells

Brown fat cell discovery opens new doors for obesity treatment

The human body carries different types of fat cells, and some of them are more desirable than others. White fat stores our surplus energy as lipids that give rise to love handles and beer bellies, whereas brown fat burns off calories to generate heat a… Continue reading Brown fat cell discovery opens new doors for obesity treatment

Ancient “Monkeydactyl” bears the oldest known opposed thumbs

It’s a common view that opposable thumbs are a key feature that distinguishes us from most other species, but a flying reptile that clambered through the trees 160 million years ago isn’t one of them, according to analysis of a newly discovered species… Continue reading Ancient “Monkeydactyl” bears the oldest known opposed thumbs

Twin study reveals how obesity can dull the function of mitochondria

Scientists at the University of Helsinki have used 49 pairs of identical twins to delve into the metabolic changes that can take place in fat tissue as a result of obesity, teasing out some distinct biological processes that were linked to adverse heal… Continue reading Twin study reveals how obesity can dull the function of mitochondria

Niu launches $599 electric kick scooter for last-mile travel

Chinese mobility company Niu has added to its portfolio of electric two-wheelers with its first ever kick scooter, designed to plug a hole in the daily travels of urban commuters. The Niu Kick Scooter is destined for US and European markets, and promis… Continue reading Niu launches $599 electric kick scooter for last-mile travel

Diet and exercise when young affects brain size and anxiety when older

Healthy habits around diet and exercise are a good idea no matter how old we might be, but a new study has emphasized the importance of forming them early in life. Scientists have used mouse models to demonstrate how a combination of healthy eating and… Continue reading Diet and exercise when young affects brain size and anxiety when older

Recycled pulp mill waste adds strength and resilience to cement

Pulp mills generate significant amounts of waste and we’re seeing scientists get quite creative with how it might be put to use, with the possibilities including everything from foams, to batteries to stronger concrete. The latest example comes from re… Continue reading Recycled pulp mill waste adds strength and resilience to cement

Hydrogel releases cancer drugs in response to temperature and acidity

Loading anti-cancer medicines into drug delivery vessels that can carry them to the site of the tumor before releasing them could offer new highly effective forms of treatment, and scientists in Japan have developed a promising new technology for these… Continue reading Hydrogel releases cancer drugs in response to temperature and acidity

Elon Musk’s Neuralink has a monkey play Pong with its mind

Elon Musk’s startup Neuralink has shown off the latest version of its brain-machine interface, which a monkey uses to wirelessly play Pong with its mind. The demonstration is both another step forward for the ambitious company and a fascinating look at… Continue reading Elon Musk’s Neuralink has a monkey play Pong with its mind