Author Archives: Nick Lavars

Can Alzheimer’s be tackled by cutting cholesterol in the brain?

Posted on by

Scientists have uncovered a mechanism that may allow Alzheimer's to be tackled by controlling cholesterol levels in the brain

One interesting area of Alzheimer’s research focuses on the relationship between cholesterol in the brain and onset of the disease, with studies suggesting the compound can greatly accelerate the buildup of troublesome brain plaques. A new study has expanded our knowledge of this phenomenon by observing it in action in live mice, with the scientists even finding they could intervene in cholesterol production to make the plaques all but disappear.

Continue Reading

Category: Medical, Science

Tags: , , , ,

Continue reading Can Alzheimer’s be tackled by cutting cholesterol in the brain?→

Ocean Cleanup’s biggest system sweeps into Great Pacific Garbage Patch

Posted on by

Since it first emerged with the bold vision of cleaning plastics from the seas way back in 2013, the Ocean Cleanup Project has made many tweaks to the design of its trash-catching barriers. The latest might be the most significant one yet, with the tea… Continue reading Ocean Cleanup’s biggest system sweeps into Great Pacific Garbage Patch→

4 handy hiking stoves that let you cook with nothing but nature

Posted on by

There are times when less is definitely more, and loading up a backpack for a trek into the wilderness is certainly one of those times. If such an undertaking is unpalatable without the promise of a hot meal when you stumble into camp, then some types … Continue reading 4 handy hiking stoves that let you cook with nothing but nature→

AI analyzes gray matter loss to predict the onset of Alzheimer’s

Posted on by

Scientists have developed a new machine learning algorithm that analyzes gray matter density in the brain as a potential biomarker for Alzheimer's

Advances in artificial intelligence promise to open up all sorts of possibilities when it comes to health care, and analyzing medical images for signs of trouble is already proving to be a great strength of the technology. Scientists at Cambridge University have demonstrated a new type of machine learning algorithm they say can detect structural changes in the brain that are indicative of early dementia, and can be combined with standard memory tests to calculate the likelihood of someone going on to develop Alzheimer’s.

Continue Reading

Category: Medical, Science

Tags: , , , , ,

Continue reading AI analyzes gray matter loss to predict the onset of Alzheimer’s→

Modular Living Lodge tent houses happy campers or backcountry bashes

Posted on by

Japanese outdoor gear company Snow Peak has introduced a flexible new shelter that could mean backcountry fun for the whole family, or perhaps just high comfort for an intimate group of campers. The newly launched Living Lodge features a modular design… Continue reading Modular Living Lodge tent houses happy campers or backcountry bashes→

Bulletproof chainmail? Next-gen fabric stiffens on demand

Posted on by

Materials that change their properties in response to certain stimuli could come to occupy a valuable space in many fields, ranging from robotics, to medical care, to advanced aircraft. A new example of this type of shape-shifting technology is modeled… Continue reading Bulletproof chainmail? Next-gen fabric stiffens on demand→

Xiaomi joins the pack with $1,500 CyberDog robot that does backflips

Posted on by

Chinese electronics giant Xiaomi has unveiled its first commercial quadruped robot, and its design might be one that keen watchers of the space are familiar with. The newly introduced CyberDog is a quadruped robot inspired by our four-legged friends, a… Continue reading Xiaomi joins the pack with $1,500 CyberDog robot that does backflips→

Microbattery uses its own packaging to store four times the energy

Posted on by

One of the many interesting areas of cutting-edge battery research involves the idea of using structural components to also store energy. We’ve seen how this could be applied to electric vehicles and gear for soldiers as a way of saving weight, and now… Continue reading Microbattery uses its own packaging to store four times the energy→

Special edition Champ Swiss Army Knife bears a Damascus steel blade

Posted on by

Victorinox has introduced a new version of its dependable and highly versatile Champ Swiss Army Knife that packs many of the typical tools among one fresh face. The limited edition version of the venerable multitool is equipped with a blade made from D… Continue reading Special edition Champ Swiss Army Knife bears a Damascus steel blade→

World’s strongest glass can scratch the surface of a diamond

Posted on by

Material scientists in China experimenting with carbon in its many forms have conjured up a form of glass so hard that it can scratch the surface of a diamond. As reported by the South China Morning Post, the transparent material is also incredibly str… Continue reading World’s strongest glass can scratch the surface of a diamond→