Men should quit alcohol 3 months before starting a family, study suggests

A study has found that it takes longer than previously thought for the negative effects of alcohol consumption to leave a man’s sperm. Given the link between alcohol and birth defects, the findings are important for potential fathers to factor in when … Continue reading Men should quit alcohol 3 months before starting a family, study suggests

Graphene electronic-tattoo monitors blood pressure over time

Scientists have developed a new electronic “tattoo” that can monitor a patient’s blood pressure continuously. The e-tattoo is made of graphene and can be worn for long periods without getting in the way, allowing for better health data.Continue Reading… Continue reading Graphene electronic-tattoo monitors blood pressure over time

Graphene tractor beams could one day redirect lightning strikes

Lightning strikes are a major trigger for wildfires, including the record-breaking blazes that devastated Australia, California and other regions this year. An international research team has now demonstrated a method that could effectively control whe… Continue reading Graphene tractor beams could one day redirect lightning strikes

Limb-inspired bridges promise high earthquake resistance at low cost

Today’s bridge columns are typically formed by large monolithic concrete structures that afford them great strength, but do invite the possibility of cracking should an earthquake strike. There are other options, including constructing these load-beari… Continue reading Limb-inspired bridges promise high earthquake resistance at low cost

Safe, fast-charging lithium battery handles 5 times the current

Carefully introducing new materials into the design of today’s lithium-ion batteries has the potential to greatly improve their performance, and scientists have just happened upon a promising possibility in carbon nanotubes. By incorporating these mate… Continue reading Safe, fast-charging lithium battery handles 5 times the current

Antioxidant nanofiber mats help prevent food spoilage and heal wounds

Antioxidants are important for fighting the process of oxidation, which can spoil food and alcohol and harm cells in the body. Now, researchers at Texas A&M University have woven antioxidants into nanofiber mats, which release the vital compounds slowl… Continue reading Antioxidant nanofiber mats help prevent food spoilage and heal wounds

Extremophile microbes found thriving half a mile beneath the seafloor

Every time we think we’ve figured out the limits of where life can exist, we discover extremophile organisms thriving under conditions we’d previously ruled out. The latest example comes from studies of rock cores drilled from the floor of the Indian O… Continue reading Extremophile microbes found thriving half a mile beneath the seafloor