Scientists solve the mystery of what happens when we faint

While nearly 40% of the population will faint in their lifetime, until now scientists have not known the exact mechanism at play when we experience that brief, terrifying lack of consciousness. That is, until now.Continue ReadingCategory: Biology, Scie… Continue reading Scientists solve the mystery of what happens when we faint

Material made of live glowing algae could be used in stress sensors

Whether they’re in machines, buildings or aircraft, it’s always helpful to know if components are undergoing mechanical stress. A new material could quickly and easily let inspection personnel know, utilizing integrated glowing algae.Continue ReadingCa… Continue reading Material made of live glowing algae could be used in stress sensors

Earbud-integrated sensors analyze both brain waves and sweat

Earlier this year we heard about the ear-EEG, a special earbud that reads electrical activity in the brain. Well, scientists have now developed add-on sensors that allow regular earbuds to do so, and to analyze sweat to boot.Continue ReadingCategory: H… Continue reading Earbud-integrated sensors analyze both brain waves and sweat

Plant virus recruited to save crops from root-eating nematodes

Plant parasitic nematodes are microscopic soil-dwelling creatures that damage crops by feeding on their roots. Scientists have now developed a greener and more efficient means of eradicating them, using a modified plant virus.Continue ReadingCategory: … Continue reading Plant virus recruited to save crops from root-eating nematodes

Material uses live cyanobacteria to neutralize waterborne pollutants

We often hear of cyanobacteria as being the cause of toxic blue-green algae blooms in lakes and rivers. Soon, however, a 3D-printed material that incorporates the microbes could be used to help purify polluted water – and after the bacteria are finishe… Continue reading Material uses live cyanobacteria to neutralize waterborne pollutants

“Pickpocket” bacteria steal tumor DNA for accurate cancer diagnoses

Certain gut bacteria have been linked to colon cancer, but now they might get a chance at redemption. Scientists have engineered “pickpocket” bacteria to detect colorectal cancer, with a 100% success rate in mouse tests.Continue ReadingCategory: Medica… Continue reading “Pickpocket” bacteria steal tumor DNA for accurate cancer diagnoses

Sand-swimming robot inspired by freshly hatched baby sea turtles

When baby sea turtles hatch from their buried eggs, they use their powerful flippers to make their way up through the sand. A new “sand-swimming” robot, inspired by those hatchlings, could one day save lives or even explore other planets.Continue Readi… Continue reading Sand-swimming robot inspired by freshly hatched baby sea turtles

Soft robotic gripper uses nothing but air to grasp and release objects

As is the case with any other electrical device, the less energy that a robot uses to perform its assigned duties, the better. A new soft robotic gripper was created with this fact in mind, as it grasps and releases objects without using any electricit… Continue reading Soft robotic gripper uses nothing but air to grasp and release objects

Trial finds psilocybin to be a promising treatment for anorexia

A new phase 1 clinical trial has found that a single dose of psilocybin combined with psychotherapy may be a promising treatment for anorexia nervosa, a mental illness that is notoriously difficult to treat and for which there are currently no approved… Continue reading Trial finds psilocybin to be a promising treatment for anorexia