Transforming robot drives, flies, crawls, stands, tiptoes and tumbles

As much as a robot might excel at a certain mode of transport, as soon as conditions change it can become hopeless. Now engineers at Caltech have designed a new robot that can roll around on four wheels, flip them into rotors to fly, or transform for s… Continue reading Transforming robot drives, flies, crawls, stands, tiptoes and tumbles

Scientists create human embryo-like models out of stem cells

Scientists have created models of human embryos by programming stem cells. The models give a glimpse into a key stage of development that can reveal new insights into genetic disorders and preventing failure in early pregnancy.Continue ReadingCategory:… Continue reading Scientists create human embryo-like models out of stem cells

Wearable noninvasive sensor monitors sweat for signs of inflammation

Researchers have developed a wearable, noninvasive sensor that monitors for a biomarker of inflammation in the wearer’s sweat. They say the device could be used at home by people with chronic inflammatory diseases.Continue ReadingCategory: Medical, Sci… Continue reading Wearable noninvasive sensor monitors sweat for signs of inflammation

“Quantum gravity” clues could be hiding in the songs of black holes

Of the four fundamental forces of physics, gravity is the one we’re most familiar with in everyday life, but it’s also the only one that can’t currently be explained by quantum physics. Now scientists have outlined a plan to look for signs of quantum g… Continue reading “Quantum gravity” clues could be hiding in the songs of black holes

World-first space solar demonstration beams power from orbit to Earth

A Caltech team is celebrating the world’s first space-based wireless power transmission, and the first time detectable levels of power have been beamed down to Earth. The Space Solar Power Project (SSPP) aims to unlock huge orbital clean energy resourc… Continue reading World-first space solar demonstration beams power from orbit to Earth

Captura facility could remove gigatons of carbon dioxide from the ocean

Captura Corporation, a spinoff of the California Institute of Technology, has developed a revolutionary plan to remove carbon emissions by creating an aquatic purification facility in the middle of the sea. The company intends to extract carbon dioxide… Continue reading Captura facility could remove gigatons of carbon dioxide from the ocean

Astronomers witness an apocalypse from across the galaxy

Astronomers have witnessed an apocalypse from across the galaxy, as a planet crashed into its host star. It’s an event that’s long been assumed to happen in many star systems – including our own someday – but this is the first time it’s ever been seen … Continue reading Astronomers witness an apocalypse from across the galaxy

Quantum microscope taps “spooky” physics to double resolution of images

Scientists at Caltech have created a quantum microscope that taps into the quirky quantum rules to see tiny details much more clearly. Using pairs of entangled photons allows the instrument to double the resolution of images without damaging the sample… Continue reading Quantum microscope taps “spooky” physics to double resolution of images

5.7-terapixel global map of Mars zooms right down to crater-scale

If you’re looking for some Red Planet real estate, there’s a new tool that could help you pick out the very best spot. Caltech scientists have created a nearly complete global map of Mars at an extremely high resolution of 5 m (16.4 ft) per pixel.Conti… Continue reading 5.7-terapixel global map of Mars zooms right down to crater-scale

“Smart” bandage could one day monitor and medicate chronic wounds

If left untreated, chronic wounds such as diabetic skin ulcers can become infected, ultimately leading to amputations or even death. An experimental new “smart” bandage is designed to help keep that from happening, by both watching and treating such in… Continue reading “Smart” bandage could one day monitor and medicate chronic wounds