Newly discovered “oral plug” keeps whales from drowning as they dine

Whales are famous for feeding by gulping down huge amounts of water to capture tiny krill. But how do they do this without drowning themselves with every mouthful? Researchers have now discovered an “oral plug” in the throats of some species that block… Continue reading Newly discovered “oral plug” keeps whales from drowning as they dine

Laundry-friendly battery can be put through the wash

Electronics woven into fabrics promise to open up all kinds of interesting possibilities, from clothing that monitors muscle activity and tracks breathing, to garments that can talk to one another. Developing pliable power sources to go with them is an… Continue reading Laundry-friendly battery can be put through the wash

Cancer drug restores blood-brain barrier to reverse Alzheimer’s in mice

Preserving the blood-brain barrier might prove to be an effective way of preventing the onset of Alzheimer's disease

As researchers continue to search for the causes behind Alzheimer’s disease and age-related dementia, one possibility is that a leaky blood-brain barrier could have a role to play, allowing for the easy passage of harmful proteins. A new study has explored how this defense might be shored up through the use of an existing anti-cancer drug, with the authors demonstrating some promising results around the reversal of cognitive decline in mice.

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Continue reading Cancer drug restores blood-brain barrier to reverse Alzheimer’s in mice

Genetic screening exposes weakness in “Achilles’ heel” of solid cancers

Cancer cells have a potent ability to divide and quickly spread throughout the human body, but they also carry some weaknesses that scientists are working hard to exploit. A research team in Canada has now identified a new vulnerability in an enzyme co… Continue reading Genetic screening exposes weakness in “Achilles’ heel” of solid cancers

Blood vessel coating could make anti-rejection drugs unnecessary

When a patient receives an organ transplant, they have to take drugs in order to keep their immune system from rejecting the organ – and those drugs often have serious side effects. Such medication may one day no longer be necessary, however, thanks to… Continue reading Blood vessel coating could make anti-rejection drugs unnecessary

Recycled pulp mill waste adds strength and resilience to cement

Pulp mills generate significant amounts of waste and we’re seeing scientists get quite creative with how it might be put to use, with the possibilities including everything from foams, to batteries to stronger concrete. The latest example comes from re… Continue reading Recycled pulp mill waste adds strength and resilience to cement

Pulsating bed could prevent brain damage in premature babies

When a baby is born premature, it’s vitally important that the infant’s still-developing brain receive enough oxygen. A new medical device could help, by mimicking the heartbeat and breathing of a parent.Continue ReadingCategory: Health & Wellbeing… Continue reading Pulsating bed could prevent brain damage in premature babies

“Cold Tube” cooling system uses half the energy of an air conditioner

Air conditioners are a convenient way to cool down offices and homes, but they use huge amounts of energy in the process. A team of scientists has been developing an alternative solution for those warm summer months called the Cold Tube, which works by… Continue reading “Cold Tube” cooling system uses half the energy of an air conditioner

Ancient Mars may not have been “warm and wet” but covered in ice

Modern Mars is a barren world, drier than any desert on Earth. But geological evidence shows that this wasn’t always the case – in the distant past the Red Planet had flowing water. It’s long been thought that ancient Mars was warm and wet, but a new s… Continue reading Ancient Mars may not have been “warm and wet” but covered in ice

Astronomers identify the best spot on the planet for a telescope

An international team of astronomers has identified what may be the best spot on Earth to stick a telescope. According to the study, a high plateau in eastern Antarctica would have an exceptionally clear view of the stars, even outperforming other loca… Continue reading Astronomers identify the best spot on the planet for a telescope