Stellar light show predicted for next year as black hole swallows star

Astronomers have watched a supermassive black hole take two bites of a star, and predicted when it might go back for a third. If it does, this should make for an intriguing stellar light show.Continue ReadingCategory: Space, ScienceTags: Astronomy, Bla… Continue reading Stellar light show predicted for next year as black hole swallows star

Optical device forgoes lenses for better detection of tainted water

It’s ironic that in places where drinking water needs to be checked for microbes the most, labs that can perform the analysis are least likely to be present. A new “lensless” device could help, as it uses light to instantly detect harmful microorganism… Continue reading Optical device forgoes lenses for better detection of tainted water

The world’s first octopus-inspired superior sunscreen is on its way

A unique material inspired by a pigment in the skin of octopus, squid and cuttlefish has been harnessed to boost the skin-protecting active ingredients in sunscreen, as well as providing a shield against skin damage. And while it comes with all the ben… Continue reading The world’s first octopus-inspired superior sunscreen is on its way

Secrets of the deep – how fish scales could confound counterfeiters

Scientists have devised a method of using fish scales to convey encrypted messages. Not only would the technology divert seafood industry waste from landfills, it should also be less costly than existing options such as special inks.Continue ReadingCat… Continue reading Secrets of the deep – how fish scales could confound counterfeiters

Ultraviolet eyes will explore the universe under new NASA mission

NASA has officially selected a new mission – the Ultraviolet Explorer, or UVEX. By scanning the skies in UV light, it will be able to study the hottest objects and fleeting events like supernovae, complementing existing and upcoming telescopes watching… Continue reading Ultraviolet eyes will explore the universe under new NASA mission

Camera captures the world as animals see it, with up to 99% accuracy

It’s easy to forget that most animals don’t see the world the way humans do. In fact, with infrared and ultraviolet sight, many animals experience a world that is completely invisible to us.Continue ReadingCategory: Biology, ScienceTags: University of … Continue reading Camera captures the world as animals see it, with up to 99% accuracy

Ultraviolet light could hold the key to recycling disposable diapers

Disposable diapers are a huge source of global waste, largely because they’re difficult to recycle. A new process, however, could salvage the “superabsorber” polymer utilized in the liners of those diapers – and yes, even if they’re soiled.Continue Rea… Continue reading Ultraviolet light could hold the key to recycling disposable diapers

Handheld device could soon keep dangerous drugs from going to prison

In order to smuggle illegal drugs into prisons, people are now soaking materials like paper and fabric in such drugs, letting the materials dry, then passing them along to inmates. A new portable device, however, sees through that ruse.Continue Reading… Continue reading Handheld device could soon keep dangerous drugs from going to prison

All-in-one gadget sees the invisible to accurately spot problem wounds

When Captain Kirk stepped out with a tricorder in hand in the very first episode of Star Trek in 1966, the data-sensing, -scanning and -analyzing gadget seemed to be a rather useful but very far-in-the-future piece of technology.Continue ReadingCategor… Continue reading All-in-one gadget sees the invisible to accurately spot problem wounds