Cannibalistic cells could provide an edge in future cancer treatments

Following a trail of evidence that started with a study of fruit flies nearly 25 years ago, researchers have found adding a hyperactive form of the protein Rac2 to macrophages, immune cells that eat pathogens, causes them to cannibalize T cells. The no… Continue reading Cannibalistic cells could provide an edge in future cancer treatments

Wax-actuated adaptive tiles radically cut heating and cooling energy

Using a temperature-driven “wax motor,” researchers have created an adaptive roof tile system that helps keep a room at a comfortable 18 °C (65 °F). It delivers an extraordinary 3.1X reduction in cooling energy consumption, and 2.6X for heating.Continu… Continue reading Wax-actuated adaptive tiles radically cut heating and cooling energy

New class of drug could treat leukemia with fewer side effects

Scientists have identified two molecules that could help treat leukemia, in a way that’s far less damaging to healthy cells than existing chemotherapy. The compounds work using a different mechanism that’s more selective for cancerous cells, and import… Continue reading New class of drug could treat leukemia with fewer side effects

Springy robot jumps higher than any other robot or animal

If you say “jump” I say “how high?” – and a new robot from UC Santa Barbara says “over 100 ft (30 m).” The research team says that’s higher than anything else has ever jumped, be it robot or animal, thanks to a unique design that multiplies its stored … Continue reading Springy robot jumps higher than any other robot or animal

Cheap, quick, smartphone-based COVID testing kit as accurate as PCR

US researchers have developed an innovative smartphone-based kit that can test saliva samples for the presence of SARS-CoV-2 and influenza viruses. Early studies have found the cheap system is as accurate as current lab-based testing and significantly … Continue reading Cheap, quick, smartphone-based COVID testing kit as accurate as PCR

Shape-changing inflatable robot can nab objects and roam on its own

Researchers working in the field of soft robotics hope to bring about a new generation of machines that are far safer for humans to work with, and one way they hope to do that is through supple, inflatable components. Scientists at Stanford University … Continue reading Shape-changing inflatable robot can nab objects and roam on its own

How to prevent snoops from stalking you in Waze with “ghost” drivers

A team of researchers has published a paper claiming they can track a Waze driver’s exact route using thousands of simulated “ghost” vehicles in the app. Continue reading How to prevent snoops from stalking you in Waze with “ghost” drivers