Arctic snowfall found to carry tiny fragments of plastic

One particularly disconcerting consequence of our huge plastic pollution problem is that we really have no idea where the stuff can end up. The latest locale to surprise scientists looking into such matters is the Arctic Circle, who say that … Continue reading Arctic snowfall found to carry tiny fragments of plastic

Sperm separation technique allows Japanese scientists to select the gender of mice

Up until a few short decades ago when ultrasound imagery became sharp enough to reveal the relevant details, parents had to wait for the arrival of a new family member to learn its gender. Could a day come when they’re not only aware of this … Continue reading Sperm separation technique allows Japanese scientists to select the gender of mice

Supercharging the Band-Aid: Five futuristic bandages that could take wound healing to the next level

Today’s bandages are pretty good at covering up wounds, sealing them off from infectious bacteria and allowing the body to go to work patching up the damage. But could there come a time when bandages play more of an active role in acceleratin… Continue reading Supercharging the Band-Aid: Five futuristic bandages that could take wound healing to the next level

Conductive carbon fibers bridge busted electrical circuits in the hearts of mice

A beating heart relies on a healthy circuitry of electrical signals to maintain a steady rhythm, and when that system breaks down it can lead to grave consequences. Pacemakers and medications can be enlisted to correct these kinds of irregula… Continue reading Conductive carbon fibers bridge busted electrical circuits in the hearts of mice

ESA encounters parachute trouble as it readies ExoMars 2020 lander for launch

A joint venture between the ESA and Roscosmos to place a rover and science platform on Mars has hit a stumbling block, with the parachutes needed to safely lower the ExoMars 2020 module to the surface receiving damage during the latest round … Continue reading ESA encounters parachute trouble as it readies ExoMars 2020 lander for launch

Plug-and-play brain implant uses replaceable cartridges for continuous drug delivery

Hooking our brains up to machines could indeed merge human and artificial intelligence, as envisioned by Elon Musk’s Neuralink, and the like. But the more immediate benefits are likely to come in the form of new forms of treatment for brain d… Continue reading Plug-and-play brain implant uses replaceable cartridges for continuous drug delivery

High-speed cameras show maggots forming "transient legs" to leap into the air

Jumping probably isn’t an ability that most people would associate with tiny creepy crawlies like maggots, but some, such as the larva of the goldenrod gall midge, can actually leap distances far greater than their microscopic bodies might su… Continue reading High-speed cameras show maggots forming "transient legs" to leap into the air

DARPA drones surround mock city hall as part of autonomous swarming demonstration

Small unmanned aircraft are already more than bit-part players in military operations, and when they’re able to work together they could bring even more to the table. One of the many research groups investigating such possibilities is the tea… Continue reading DARPA drones surround mock city hall as part of autonomous swarming demonstration

Blackmagic turns to EF lenses and Super 35 for its Pocket Cinema Camera 6K

Bit by bit, Blackmagic has been upping the capabilities of its relatively compact but largely capable Pocket Cinema series cameras, with last year’s Pocket Cinema Camera 4K quite a leap from 2013’s Super 16 video camera. The newly unveiled Po… Continue reading Blackmagic turns to EF lenses and Super 35 for its Pocket Cinema Camera 6K