Radiation-proof Chernobyl worms offer answers about cancer

Studying a species of microscopic worms exposed to almost forty years of high radiation following an explosion at a Ukrainian nuclear power plant, researchers couldn’t find signs of genetic damage caused by the exposure. They believe the findings will … Continue reading Radiation-proof Chernobyl worms offer answers about cancer

Ingenious Neanderthals had glue as part of their prehistoric tool kits

Neanderthals were gluing handles onto their tools over 100,000 years ago, possibly making the species even smarter than previously thought. So says a new study that discovered the use of adhesives on ancient stone tools that were previously overlooked…. Continue reading Ingenious Neanderthals had glue as part of their prehistoric tool kits

DNA-folding nanorobots can manufacture limitless copies of themselves

Researchers have demonstrated a programmable nano-scale robot, made from a few strands of DNA, that’s capable of grabbing other snippets of DNA, and positioning them together to manufacture new UV-welded nano-machines – including copies of itself.Conti… Continue reading DNA-folding nanorobots can manufacture limitless copies of themselves

New compound knocks out 4 types of pain with no side effects in study

After screening 27 million compounds, researchers have found a small-molecule drug that performed as well as a common painkiller with no side effects in rodent tests. The hope is that the finding could lead to better pain management for humans.Continue… Continue reading New compound knocks out 4 types of pain with no side effects in study

To give mosquito insecticide a boost … just pop it in the microwave?

While insecticide-treated bed nets do help protect people from malaria-carrying mosquitos, the chemicals are becoming less effective as the insects develop a resistance to them. It now appears that microwaving one such insecticide, however, makes it “g… Continue reading To give mosquito insecticide a boost … just pop it in the microwave?

Peptoids pop some viruses like the disease-causing balloons they are

In the neverending human-vs-virus battle, scientists often focus on disrupting the protein coating on the bugs. New research shows a different way forward: using certain compounds to act as molecular “pins” that pop the membranes holding viruses togeth… Continue reading Peptoids pop some viruses like the disease-causing balloons they are

Gene therapy targeting sodium successfully reverses chronic pain

The National Institute of Health estimates that 100 million Americans, or around a third of the US population, live with a chronic pain condition. While the economic burden, more than US$500 billion annually, is well documented, increasingly studied is… Continue reading Gene therapy targeting sodium successfully reverses chronic pain

Regular internet use by older adults linked to reduced dementia risk

A new long-term study by researchers at NYU has found that regular internet usage by older adults is linked with a decreased risk of dementia. But it’s about striking a balance, with evidence excessive use can be harmful to cognitive health.Continue Re… Continue reading Regular internet use by older adults linked to reduced dementia risk

Gut-zapping lizard-inspired capsule could boost patients’ appetites

Even though a variety of conditions may cause people to lose their appetite, it’s important for those folks to keep eating in order to recover. A new “electroceutical” ingestible capsule could help, by making them feel hungry … and it was inspired by a… Continue reading Gut-zapping lizard-inspired capsule could boost patients’ appetites

Honeybee hive debris provides snapshots of urban microbiomes

Researchers have enlisted a new kind of helper to monitor the microbiomes of cities around the world: the honeybee. A recently published analysis shows that the debris which gathers at the bottom of their hives can reveal a great deal about what’s goin… Continue reading Honeybee hive debris provides snapshots of urban microbiomes