Wood-eating shipworms may soon be farmed for shipworm-eating humans

For centuries, shipworms have vexed mariners by boring into – and consuming – the hulls of wooden ships and boats. Soon, though, we may actually be eating those “worms,” as they have successfully been farmed for the first time.Continue ReadingCategory:… Continue reading Wood-eating shipworms may soon be farmed for shipworm-eating humans

Targeted ultrasound changes brain function & could treat mental illness

A new study has found that using ultrasound to target specific areas of the brain causes functional changes that last for up to an hour. The findings pave the way for the development of non-invasive methods of treating mental health conditions such as … Continue reading Targeted ultrasound changes brain function & could treat mental illness

In an evolutionary rarity, sea snakes may have regained lost color vision

Most snakes can only see the colors blue and green, along with ultraviolet light in some cases. New research, however, suggests that sea snakes have evolved to actually regain the wider-color vision of their earliest ancestors.Continue ReadingCategory:… Continue reading In an evolutionary rarity, sea snakes may have regained lost color vision

Mayflower autonomous ship successfully crosses the Atlantic

Following a number of technical setbacks, the Mayflower autonomous research vessel has successfully crossed the Atlantic Ocean, clocking up 3,500 miles (5,600 km) and arriving in Halifax, Nova Scotia, on June 5.Continue ReadingCategory: Marine, Transpo… Continue reading Mayflower autonomous ship successfully crosses the Atlantic

Ultrasound alters monkey brain activity linked to psychiatric disorders

Ultrasound has a long history as a trusted imaging technology that can reveal what’s going on on the human body, but recently we’re seeing how it might be adapted to actually influence the body’s behavior. A fascinating new study explores how ultrasoun… Continue reading Ultrasound alters monkey brain activity linked to psychiatric disorders

Real-world testing suggests gait ID could boost smartphone security

If someone steals your smartphone, the harder it is for them to unlock it, the better. New research shows how gait analysis could provide an added layer of security, by authenticating a user’s identity based on the way they walk.Continue ReadingCategor… Continue reading Real-world testing suggests gait ID could boost smartphone security

Living walls found to drastically reduce heat loss in older buildings

Along with benefits such as air purification and noise reduction, “living walls” are also claimed to help regulate the temperature within new buildings which they’re built into. A recent study now indicates that they have the same effect when added to … Continue reading Living walls found to drastically reduce heat loss in older buildings

Maritime rope may be a large source of microplastics pollution

We’ve been hearing a lot lately about how disintegrated waterborne trash is one of the main sources of ocean microplastics pollution. A new study, however, suggests that aging maritime rope could also be making a significant contribution.Continue Readi… Continue reading Maritime rope may be a large source of microplastics pollution

Ganges river carrying billions of plastic particles into ocean each day

A group of scientists studying the flow of plastic into the ocean have found a startling amount of pollution exiting South Asia’s largest river systems. The scientists calculated that the Ganges and two nearby waterways are responsible for pumping as m… Continue reading Ganges river carrying billions of plastic particles into ocean each day

Automated analysis of chick chirps may ensure better living conditions

When it comes to farm animals being raised in subpar conditions, chickens often have it particularly rough. A new system that analyzes chick vocalizations, however, could help alert farmers (or authorities) when things really need to change.Continue Re… Continue reading Automated analysis of chick chirps may ensure better living conditions