Potato chip breakthrough crunches cancer risk for healthier snack

In what many of us would consider a true public service to one of the world’s best food groups, scientists have flicked the switch on a mechanism that causes cold-stored potatoes to produce the carcinogen acrylamide. Growing these genetically tinkered … Continue reading Potato chip breakthrough crunches cancer risk for healthier snack

Giant pandas have their own ‘Facebook’ to chat to other bears

Scientists have discovered that the giant panda, long considered a bit of a loner, has a surprisingly active social life, communicating with friends and family in a way that’s akin to sharing status updates on Facebook.Continue ReadingCategory: Biology… Continue reading Giant pandas have their own ‘Facebook’ to chat to other bears

Gamma ray detection marks highest energy light from the Sun

Scientists have discovered that the Sun produces higher energy light than was thought possible. An unusual type of telescope detected gamma rays with energies of over 1 tera electron volt (TeV), at least five times more energetic than previously known…. Continue reading Gamma ray detection marks highest energy light from the Sun

Neck-worn “bandage” sensors could better warn of concussions

One of the dangerous things about sports-related concussions is the fact that athletes may not realize they have one, so they don’t seek much-needed medical attention. A new sensor could let them (or their coaches) know, and it would go on their neck, … Continue reading Neck-worn “bandage” sensors could better warn of concussions

Noisy nanoparticles sound plaque alarm before heart attack or stroke

Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death worldwide, but numbers could be reduced with better early warning systems. A new study has outlined just such a system, using nanoparticles that make atherosclerotic plaques emit ultrasound waves.C… Continue reading Noisy nanoparticles sound plaque alarm before heart attack or stroke

Inexpensive collagen-based dressing could help heal chronic wounds

Chronic wounds such as diabetic foot ulcers can be very difficult to treat, potentially leading to amputations or even death due to associated infections. A new dressing, however, may be able to heal such wounds while remaining much less expensive than… Continue reading Inexpensive collagen-based dressing could help heal chronic wounds

Yale study reveals battle formation of immune cell soldiers in skin

The skin is the body’s first line of defense against potential infection, and new research has brought us closer to understanding how it works. Researchers at Yale have now identified how immune cells spread themselves out to maintain the most effectiv… Continue reading Yale study reveals battle formation of immune cell soldiers in skin

Bacteria build “Iron Man” suits by soaking up toxic cobalt

Bacteria may seem like pretty simple lifeforms, but their ingenuity keeps surprising scientists. The latest example is a species called Geobacter sulfurreducens, which has now been found to survive exposure to toxic cobalt by building a metal “suit” li… Continue reading Bacteria build “Iron Man” suits by soaking up toxic cobalt

Liquid nanofoam lining bolsters football helmets against repeat impacts

Engineers at Michigan State University (MSU) have crafted a new type of liquid foam lining they say can help football helmets better sustain repeated impacts, improving their longevity and the safety of those wearing them. The material would also be th… Continue reading Liquid nanofoam lining bolsters football helmets against repeat impacts

First functioning mini human hearts grown from stem cells

Scientists have created the first-ever functional miniature human hearts in the lab. Grown from stem cells, these heart “organoids” are made up of all primary heart cell types and have functioning chambers and vasculature. They could help us understand… Continue reading First functioning mini human hearts grown from stem cells