Synthetic organism undergoes cell division in breakthrough study

For the first time, a team of scientists has created a synthetic single-celled organism that can divide and grow like a regular living cell. This breakthrough could lead to designer cells that can produce useful chemicals on demand or treat disease fro… Continue reading Synthetic organism undergoes cell division in breakthrough study

“Drop in” electrolyte avoids cracking in high-capacity lithium battery

When it comes to alternative battery architectures, designs that replace the conventional graphite material in one of the electrodes with high-density lithium metal are seen as hugely promising. An MIT team has developed a new electrolyte solution that… Continue reading “Drop in” electrolyte avoids cracking in high-capacity lithium battery

Polarized light reveals secrets of black hole’s magnetic field

Two years ago, astronomers revealed the first-ever direct images of a black hole. Now, the collaboration behind the historic image has released a new version that shows the polarization of the light around the object.Continue ReadingCategory: Space, Sc… Continue reading Polarized light reveals secrets of black hole’s magnetic field

AI monitoring system warns patients of improper inhaler usage

Even though at-home use of an inhaler or insulin pen can be extremely important, doctors have to pretty much just hope that patients are doing it right. A new system, however, could objectively assess patients’ technique within their homes, and let the… Continue reading AI monitoring system warns patients of improper inhaler usage

Study weighs up best “last mile” options for crewed lunar landings

Using mathematical models, a team of researchers from Skoltech and MIT has investigated various configurations of lunar landing spacecraft to determine the best approach for setting down astronauts on the Moon and returning them to an orbiting lunar st… Continue reading Study weighs up best “last mile” options for crewed lunar landings

Tooth-filling-like material keeps double-density lithium battery stable

One of the many potential pathways that could lead us to next-gen energy storage for smartphones, laptops and electric vehicles is the use of a solid-state electrolyte, in place of the liquid electrolytes used in today’s lithium batteries. A research t… Continue reading Tooth-filling-like material keeps double-density lithium battery stable

Waste plastic could be spun into eco-friendly clothing

MIT engineers have found a new use for a common plastic, managing to spin polyethylene into fabric that can passively cool the wearer by allowing heat through and moisture to evaporate. The discovery could see waste plastic bags being turned into sport… Continue reading Waste plastic could be spun into eco-friendly clothing

Tiny wing-flapping drone gets tougher by going softer

Although wing-flapping micro-drones do already exist, the things tend to be quite fragile – and thus not ideally suited to real-world use. An experimental new one, however, utilizes a softer mechanism for greatly enhanced durability.Continue ReadingCat… Continue reading Tiny wing-flapping drone gets tougher by going softer