Wearable tech tells users when to give their voice a rest

People such as singers, public speakers and teachers run the risk of injuring their vocal cords through overuse. An experimental wearable system is designed to help keep that from happening, by warning users as they approach their vocal threshold.Conti… Continue reading Wearable tech tells users when to give their voice a rest

Heat-sensing SmokeMon necklace could help smokers quit the habit

In order to help someone quit smoking, it’s important to know how much they smoke in the first place, and to what degree they may periodically falter. An experimental new smoking-tracking necklace is designed to help in both regards.Continue ReadingCat… Continue reading Heat-sensing SmokeMon necklace could help smokers quit the habit

Tiny eBiobots use LEDs and muscle tissue for real-time remote control

Back in 2012, we heard about tiny biped “biobot” robots that used actual muscle tissue to walk. Well, the descendants of those bots are now equipped with LEDs, which allow them to be remotely steered in a practical fashion.Continue ReadingCategory: Rob… Continue reading Tiny eBiobots use LEDs and muscle tissue for real-time remote control

A year in a day: Ultracool dwarf star system breaks record

Thanks to the vast distances between objects in our galaxy, astronomers often have to wait months or years to observe how celestial bodies like stars and planets move around each other. Recently though, astrophysicists at Northwestern University and th… Continue reading A year in a day: Ultracool dwarf star system breaks record

Flower-like pacemaker uses light for pain-free defibrillation

Ordinarily, pacemakers correct irregular heartbeats by delivering an electric shock to the entire heart – which can be painful. An experimental new one takes a different approach, and it does so by encompassing the heart with light-emitting “petals.”Co… Continue reading Flower-like pacemaker uses light for pain-free defibrillation

Memory-enhancing “super neurons” discovered in the brains of SuperAgers

A new study has discovered the existence of enlarged neurons in the brains of SuperAgers

Scientists studying the brains of so-called “SuperAgers” have discovered a set of significantly enlarged neurons associated with memory. These neurons also appeared more resistant to characteristics of Alzheimer’s disease, and present as a unique biological signature that these subjects may have carried throughout their whole lives.

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Molecular Achilles’ heel breaks down toxic PFAS “forever chemicals”

Toxic PFAS compounds earn themselves the nickname of “forever chemicals” thanks to their tendency to persist in the environment for decades. In a new study, chemists claim to have found an Achilles’ heel to these ultra-stable molecules, using a relativ… Continue reading Molecular Achilles’ heel breaks down toxic PFAS “forever chemicals”

“Brain thermometer” circuitry might explain those summer afternoon naps

The relationship between temperature and sleep is a highly complicated one, but researchers continue to tease out valuable new insights around how the heat and cold can influence our rest. A new study on fruit flies may help explain why siestas came to… Continue reading “Brain thermometer” circuitry might explain those summer afternoon naps

Dissolvable implant kills pain by cooling nerves – no drugs required

Nobody wants to suffer physical pain if they don’t have to, yet they also don’t want to risk developing an addiction to pain-killing opioids. That’s where a new drug-free implant comes in, as it reduces pain by cooling nerves.Continue ReadingCategory: … Continue reading Dissolvable implant kills pain by cooling nerves – no drugs required

Dissolving pacemaker links up with wearables to better control the heart

Last year, scientists at Northwestern University announced a transient pacemaker that dissolves when no longer needed. They’ve now improved the device, and incorporated it into a linked suite of wearable sensors.Continue ReadingCategory: Medical, Scien… Continue reading Dissolving pacemaker links up with wearables to better control the heart