Language affects how fast our brains perceive different shades of color

Speaking a language with different words for different color shades allows the brain to perceive those shades quicker than using a language with only one word for that color, according to new research. The findings highlight the important interaction b… Continue reading Language affects how fast our brains perceive different shades of color

Mighty morphin’ power drone uses flexy arms to squeeze through gaps

Quadcopter drones may be agile but they’re also relatively wide and delicate, limiting their potential uses. The Morphy drone addresses these drawbacks with flexible propeller arms which allow it to basically just squeeze its way through narrow spaces…. Continue reading Mighty morphin’ power drone uses flexy arms to squeeze through gaps

Tracking whales with existing fiber-optic cables may reduce ship strikes

Global warming has caused many large whales to move from warmer waters, increasing the risk of being struck by ships. Norwegian researchers have converted existing fiber-optic cables into hydrophones, enabling them to track Arctic fin whales in real ti… Continue reading Tracking whales with existing fiber-optic cables may reduce ship strikes

“World-first” autonomous electric passenger ferry enters use in Norway

Building bridges over municipal waterways isn’t a simple or inexpensive endeavor, which is why many cities instead look to ferries. With that fact in mind, a new autonomous electric passenger ferry is being trialled in Norway, and it’s said to be the f… Continue reading “World-first” autonomous electric passenger ferry enters use in Norway

Chemicals in plastics may be a driver of weight gain, study finds

Obesity rates around the world are on the rise, almost tripling since 1975. While the contribution of things like sugar is well-established, the trend is a complex one involving all manner of lifestyle factors. Scientists at the Norwegian University of… Continue reading Chemicals in plastics may be a driver of weight gain, study finds

Norwegian app designed to sleuth out sources of sea plastic pollution

When you see plastic trash washed up on the shore, don’t you wish there was something you could do? Besides just picking it up, that is? Well, a new app may soon be able to determine where that garbage came from, so action can be taken.Continue Reading… Continue reading Norwegian app designed to sleuth out sources of sea plastic pollution

Study finds bioplastics to be just as toxic as regular plastic

Often made from plants, recycled material and various forms of organic matter, bioplastics promise a number of advantages over conventional plastics produced through fossil fuels. These include less energy-intensive production, faster biodegradation in… Continue reading Study finds bioplastics to be just as toxic as regular plastic

Robotic sea turtle shows promise as fish farm inspector

Marine aquaculture pens have to be regularly checked for holes, plus the fish need to be inspected for disease or parasites. And although the job is typically performed by human divers, it turns out that a robotic sea turtle may be a better choice for … Continue reading Robotic sea turtle shows promise as fish farm inspector