Colorful crystals could warn of cold chain mishaps

While many goods simply have to be kept frozen until use, some – such as certain vaccines – will break down even if they get warmed but remain frozen. An inexpensive new technology could alert people to the fact that this has happened.Continue ReadingC… Continue reading Colorful crystals could warn of cold chain mishaps

From hair waste to high-tech: Turning salon scraps into sunscreen

When you think of all the human hair that gets cut off and discarded every day in salons around the world … well, that’s a lot of wasted hair. That said, scientists in India have devised a new technique for extracting compounds from it, for use in prod… Continue reading From hair waste to high-tech: Turning salon scraps into sunscreen

Bubbling “BeerBots” could boost the brewing of beer

The longer it takes to brew a batch of beer, the greater the chances of microorganisms getting in and ruining the whole thing. In order to speed up and simplify the process, scientists have developed tiny BeerBots.Continue ReadingCategory: ScienceTags:… Continue reading Bubbling “BeerBots” could boost the brewing of beer

Plant-and-wood-based material is strong, yet dissolves when discarded

While reusing cutlery is always better than discarding it, most people aren’t going to be packing a knife and fork whenever they grab some fast food. With that fact in mind, scientists have designed a recyclable plant-and-wood-based material that disso… Continue reading Plant-and-wood-based material is strong, yet dissolves when discarded

Next-gen “dry” electrodes used to control a robot via brain waves

Although it is possible to control devices using brain waves, doing so usually involves having electrodes and conductive gel applied to one’s head. Now, however, scientists have developed a new-and-improved type of “dry” electrode – and it’s been used … Continue reading Next-gen “dry” electrodes used to control a robot via brain waves

Origami-inspired technique used to created folded glass objects

Most three-dimensional glass objects are produced via either a molding, blowing or perhaps even 3D-printing process. Chinese scientists, however, have devised a technique of folding such items into shape – and it has some key advantages over other meth… Continue reading Origami-inspired technique used to created folded glass objects

MOF-Jet tech painlessly shoots powdered medication through the skin

Wouldn’t it be nice if medication could be injected without using a painful needle, and if that medication could be stored at room temperature? Well, it turns out that MOF-Jet technology may make both things possible.Continue ReadingCategory: Medical, … Continue reading MOF-Jet tech painlessly shoots powdered medication through the skin

Drug that activates bitter taste receptors offers new treatment for asthma

Humans have bitter taste receptors not only in their mouths but in their lungs, too. Researchers have exploited these receptors’ innate ability to dilate the airways to create a potent new drug that may change how we treat diseases like asthma and COPD… Continue reading Drug that activates bitter taste receptors offers new treatment for asthma

Non-soggy biodegradable drinking straws made from wood waste

Although disposable plastic straws are being phased out in some countries, their “greener” replacements have a few shortcomings of their own. Well, scientists have now developed bioplastic straws that don’t get soggy, but do biodegrade when discarded.C… Continue reading Non-soggy biodegradable drinking straws made from wood waste

Simple and effective mercury sensor taps into the power of tapping

Mercury can definitely be harmful in large amounts, and detecting its presence in foods or liquids typically requires lab-based tests. A new nanosensor, however, can quickly detect even tiny concentrations of the heavy metal onsite, simply by tapping o… Continue reading Simple and effective mercury sensor taps into the power of tapping