Modular voxel tech could bring swimming robots into the mainstream

Bioinspired underwater robots that swim by undulating their bodies may be more energy-efficient than their rigid counterparts, but they’re also quite difficult to build. That could soon change however, thanks to a new modular robotics system.Continue R… Continue reading Modular voxel tech could bring swimming robots into the mainstream→

Bottlebrush-shaped molecules carry drug combos to combat cancer

Scientists at MIT have developed bottlebrush-shaped molecules that can carry groups of different cancer drugs in just the right ratio. Tests in mice showed significantly improved outcomes compared to just giving the drugs loose.Continue ReadingCategory… Continue reading Bottlebrush-shaped molecules carry drug combos to combat cancer→

Toroidal Propellers Make Drones Less Annoying

A black quadcopter sits on a grey surface. In place of traditional propellers are four figure eight propellers with sharp tips where the top and bottom of the eight would be.

Despite being integral to aviation for more than a century, propellers have changed remarkably little since the Wright Brothers. A team at MIT’s Lincoln Lab has developed a new propeller …read more Continue reading Toroidal Propellers Make Drones Less Annoying→

Secret ingredient found to help ancient Roman concrete self-heal

Neglect a modern concrete structure for a few decades and it’ll start to fall apart – and yet, structures built by the ancient Romans are still standing strong after 2,000 years. Now, engineers have found an inclusion that helps ancient concrete self-h… Continue reading Secret ingredient found to help ancient Roman concrete self-heal→

First human trials test light & sound therapy for Alzheimer’s disease

A promising new therapy for Alzheimer's involves exposure to a 40-Hz flickering light and sound tone for an hour a day

A new study published in the journal PLoS ONE has reported on the first human tests of an experimental therapy using sound and light to treat Alzheimer’s disease (AD). The initial findings are promising, with the unique treatment leading to some neurological and cognitive improvements, but the small trial size means more study is needed before anyone can say this type of therapy works.

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MIT implantable ventilator could literally let patients breathe easier

It’s a sad fact that people with conditions such as muscular dystrophy and ALS often have difficulty breathing, as their diaphragm muscle doesn’t work properly. MIT scientists have set out to give that muscle a boost, with an implantable ventilator.Con… Continue reading MIT implantable ventilator could literally let patients breathe easier→

Vitamin-packed particles could help make food more nutritious

Getting enough vitamins in your day can be tricky, but a new technique could help fortify everyday foods to tackle deficiencies. Scientists at MIT added vitamin A, encased in polymer capsules, to ingredients like flour and found that it survived storag… Continue reading Vitamin-packed particles could help make food more nutritious→

MIT’s slimmed-down solar cells would add only 20 kg to a rooftop

Solar cell technology is a seen as a key pillar in our transition to cleaner forms of energy, but within this field there is all kinds of room for experimentation. Solar cells that are thin and flexible hold unique promise in the area, as they could be… Continue reading MIT’s slimmed-down solar cells would add only 20 kg to a rooftop→

Flash of light as bright as a quadrillion Suns dazzles astronomers

Astronomers have spotted an incredibly bright flash of light beaming halfway across the universe. The strange light was estimated to throw off more light than one quadrillion Suns, and in an ironic twist came from one of the darkest objects possible.Co… Continue reading Flash of light as bright as a quadrillion Suns dazzles astronomers→