Existing cancer drug boosts brain genes to improve memory and learning

Researchers at EPFL have found that an existing drug used to treat cancer, among other things, also seems to improve memory. Intriguingly, tests in mice show that the drug works by switching on genes associated with brain plasticity.Continue ReadingCat… Continue reading Existing cancer drug boosts brain genes to improve memory and learning

EPFL’s super-fast 3D-printing technique makes resin objects in seconds

Researchers at EPFL have demonstrated a light-based 3D-printing method that’s about 30 times faster than conventional additive manufacturing, creating objects in 20 seconds that would normally take more like 10 minutes thanks to photocurable resins.Con… Continue reading EPFL’s super-fast 3D-printing technique makes resin objects in seconds

Emovo Grasp could help restore hand function to stroke victims

When someone has been left paralyzed by a stroke or brain injury, much of their recovery involves physically guiding the affected limb though the lost motion, so their brain can relearn it. A new exoskeleton does exactly that for the hand, and patients… Continue reading Emovo Grasp could help restore hand function to stroke victims

Sun-powered water filter excels at killing pathogens

There are many parts of the world in which fresh water may be plentiful, but it’s also full of harmful microbes. An experimental new filter is able to purify such water for drinking, and it’s powered solely by sunlight.Continue ReadingCategory: Good Th… Continue reading Sun-powered water filter excels at killing pathogens

DeepMind’s AI helps confine plasma for nuclear fusion research

Across decades of development, scientists have been pursuing nuclear fusion technology through endless experiments, calculations and simulations, trying to find the optimal mix of conditions for atoms to fuse and continually release huge amounts of ene… Continue reading DeepMind’s AI helps confine plasma for nuclear fusion research

Anti-counterfeiting tech switches printed colors by removing material

When it comes to the printing of items such as bank notes or passports, you want to use a technique that isn’t easy to replicate. Swiss scientists have developed just such a technology, which prints by taking material away instead of depositing it.Cont… Continue reading Anti-counterfeiting tech switches printed colors by removing material

Autonomous drones may be the ultimate scarecrows … for pigeons

Much as we may like pigeons, they can make quite a mess of buildings and other structures, potentially posing a health hazard. According to new research, autonomous drones may be ideal for harmlessly chasing the birds away.Continue ReadingCategory: Dro… Continue reading Autonomous drones may be the ultimate scarecrows … for pigeons

Quantum dots make for stabler, more efficient perovskite solar cells

Perovskite solar cells have come a long way in a short time, but there’s still room for improvement. Engineers have now added a layer of quantum dots to the recipe, resulting in a more stable solar cell with near-record efficiency.Continue ReadingCateg… Continue reading Quantum dots make for stabler, more efficient perovskite solar cells

New imaging technique offers unprecedented view of cells, inside and out

The microscopic world of cells and bacteria is incredibly important to understand, but tricky to study in detail, especially without harming the subjects. Researchers at EPFL have now developed a new microscopy technique that combines two existing ones… Continue reading New imaging technique offers unprecedented view of cells, inside and out

Perovskite crystals given new job as nuclear radiation detectors

Perovskite crystals are quickly gaining a name for themselves in the solar energy field, thanks to their impressive ability to convert photons into electricity. But scientists have now tweaked this process to pick up neutrons instead, making an effecti… Continue reading Perovskite crystals given new job as nuclear radiation detectors