TRAPPIST planets bugged to listen in on alien radio comms

If aliens are watching Earth, they might be able to detect us from the radio signals we beam to Mars to control our rovers there. Astronomers have now listened in on the nearby TRAPPIST-1 system to check whether aliens are chattering between their own … Continue reading TRAPPIST planets bugged to listen in on alien radio comms

Americans live 4 to 5 years less than their Australian peers

When it comes to life expectancy in high-income English-speaking countries, a new study has found that America has sat in last place since 2001. Despite its plethora of deadly animals, Australia remains the best performer and, the researchers say, shou… Continue reading Americans live 4 to 5 years less than their Australian peers

Blocking an enzyme improves age-related memory problems

Researchers have identified an enzyme that’s key to updating existing memories with new information, a process that declines naturally with age. Blocking the enzyme improved memory impairment, opening the door to developing treatments for age-related m… Continue reading Blocking an enzyme improves age-related memory problems

Scientists look to leaves for longer roots on better crops

A new technique may make it easier to selectively breed crop plants for better, deeper roots. The non-destructive process involves quickly checking a plant’s leaves to see how far down its roots go into the soil.Continue ReadingCategory: ScienceTags: P… Continue reading Scientists look to leaves for longer roots on better crops

Common bug’s tiny, complex balls bestow UV-blocking superpowers

We humans like to think we’re so clever, but in many cases nature has beaten us to the punch with a better version. The newest example comes from a humble insect that’s probably in your own backyard, which makes nanoscale soccer balls that hide it from… Continue reading Common bug’s tiny, complex balls bestow UV-blocking superpowers

Astonishing scar-free surgery prints living skin right into wounds

In a world first, researchers have printed multi-layered, living skin directly onto significant injuries in rats for scar-free skin repair. It’s not sci-fi – they’re genuinely 3D-printing skin (and possibly hair) right into damaged areas.Continue Readi… Continue reading Astonishing scar-free surgery prints living skin right into wounds

For better sugar-reduced chocolate … just swap in some oat flour?

While chocolate will likely never be considered an overall healthy food, it would be good if there could at least be a lower-sugar version of it that people liked just as much as the real thing. Well, it turns out that the addition of oat flour could h… Continue reading For better sugar-reduced chocolate … just swap in some oat flour?

Phone vs PC: Device dictates how we process online deception, study finds

Smartphones versus personal computers. One tends to be used more for ‘play,’ while the other is favored for work. A new study has found that the way we process deceptive online information very much depends on the device we’re using to view it.Continue… Continue reading Phone vs PC: Device dictates how we process online deception, study finds

Protein discovery could be used to stop breast cancer in its tracks

Researchers have uncovered the mechanism by which a protein facilitates the spread of breast cancer cells from the primary tumor into healthy tissue. The discovery not only improves our understanding of the metastatic process but is the first step to d… Continue reading Protein discovery could be used to stop breast cancer in its tracks

Herbs and spices facilitate fat removal thanks to taste trick

It’s a law of nature almost akin to gravity itself: food that tastes good is usually bad for us. But new research shows that a simple preparation trick can dramatically slash fat, sodium and added sugars while making foods like brownies and meatloaf ta… Continue reading Herbs and spices facilitate fat removal thanks to taste trick