Synthetic cilia allow tiny soft-bodied robot to pump and scuttle

Paramecium and certain other microbes move through liquid by whipping back and forth hairlike appendages known as cilia. Scientists have now developed a new type of synthetic cilia, which could find use in micro-robots and more.Continue ReadingCategory… Continue reading Synthetic cilia allow tiny soft-bodied robot to pump and scuttle

“Smart” tampons and pads could detect yeast infections

Although women in First World countries are routinely diagnosed with and treated for vaginal yeast infections, doing so isn’t always possible for their counterparts in impoverished nations. New fungus-detecting hygiene products, however, could make thi… Continue reading “Smart” tampons and pads could detect yeast infections

Reversible fabric heats on one side, cools on the other

It can be frustrating, when the jacket that you initially put on to keep you warm starts making you too hot. Jackets made from an experimental new reversible fabric, however, could both heat and cool their wearer.Continue ReadingCategory: Materials, Sc… Continue reading Reversible fabric heats on one side, cools on the other

Scientists harvest valuable protein and fiber from spent brewery grain

The brewing of beer produces great quantities of leftover grain, which often ends up being processed into cattle feed. Scientists have developed a new method of extracting the protein and fiber from that waste, however, for use by humans.Continue Readi… Continue reading Scientists harvest valuable protein and fiber from spent brewery grain

Biodegradable plastic made from fisheries waste

Like most other commonly used types of plastic, polyurethane is typically made from non-renewable crude oil, and it takes centuries to break down when discarded. Now, however, scientists have created a biodegradable polyurethane-like polymer using fish… Continue reading Biodegradable plastic made from fisheries waste

Tree-fungus supplement could reduce fertilizer use in tomato crops

Although Ceriporia lacerata fungus causes tree wood to rot, it also has a good side. According to a new study, adding the fungus to agricultural soil allows tomatoes to be grown using much less fertilizer.Continue ReadingCategory: ScienceTags: Fungus, … Continue reading Tree-fungus supplement could reduce fertilizer use in tomato crops

Tiny swimming robots heal back together when sliced in half

We’ve been hearing a lot lately about micro-robots, that could one day perform tasks such as capturing pollutants from the environment. Scientists have now created a sturdy batch of such bots, that heal back together when cut in two.Continue ReadingCat… Continue reading Tiny swimming robots heal back together when sliced in half

New process extracts more beneficial pigment from purple corn

Those purple corn chips you see in the store aren’t just a gimmick – the corn’s purple pigment actually has health benefits. Researchers have now devised a method of extracting more of it from the usually discarded cob, for a variety of uses.Continue R… Continue reading New process extracts more beneficial pigment from purple corn

Pressure-sensing cap designed to guarantee a proper helmet fit

Even though a properly-fitted sports helmet is vital to avoiding brain injuries, the fitting process is still largely a subjective one. A newly designed pressure-sensitive cap, however, could objectively ensure that each athlete gets the right helmet.C… Continue reading Pressure-sensing cap designed to guarantee a proper helmet fit

Color blindness-correcting contacts inspired by antique glass

While there already are glasses that help compensate for red-green color blindness, the lenses often can’t be shaped to users’ prescriptions. That’s why scientists are now developing a new type of corrective contact lens – and it was inspired by old go… Continue reading Color blindness-correcting contacts inspired by antique glass