Tech
- Chemistry
Like Magneto? Microcrystals give magnets superpower over living cells
New iron-rich protein crystals could help researchers better understand the nerve cells that control movement and sensation. All they need are magnets.
- Animals
Drones help scientists weigh whales at sea
Drone imagery lets scientists estimate a whale’s weight. And that may help monitor the health of these big mammals for conservation purposes.
- Life
A new spin on lab-grown meat
A technique inspired by how cotton candy is spun could help produce lab-grown meat at a lower cost and on a bigger scale.
- Animals
Weird little fish inspires the development of super-grippers
Suction-cup designers were inspired by the rock-grabbing tricks of the aptly named clingfish.
- Earth
Sunflower-like rods could boost efficiency of solar collectors
A new material bends to follow the sun. Rods made from it could soak up far more of the sun’s light than ordinary solar collectors.
- Tech
Teen’s research suggests spinning wing parts might boost aircraft safety
An Arizona teen replaced an aircraft wing’s leading-edge flap with a spinning cylinder. This could increase lift, reduce drag and help prevent some aircraft stalls and spins, his data suggest.
- Tech
Teen auto-safety researcher nabs $25,000 science fair prize
Alaina Gassler took home the $25,000 top prize at the Broadcom MASTERS teen science competition. Her qualifying project could boost vehicle safety by eliminating blind spots for car drivers.
- Health & Medicine
Graphene fabric keeps mosquitoes from biting
Graphene is a super-thin material with many cool uses. The latest: protection against mosquito bites by embedding it in your clothing.
- Materials Science
This device uses the cold night sky to generate electricity
A new device uses the temperature difference between Earth and outer space to create electricity after dark. Powering a lamp, it would be the ultimate night light.
- Chemistry
Reversible superglue mimics snail slime
Inspired by snail slime, scientists have created the first super-strong adhesive that can be easily become unstuck, when necessary.
- Animals
This robot catches jellyfish with a gentle ‘hug’
A soft robotic hand gently catches jellyfish by trapping the creatures within its silicone fingers.
- Health & Medicine
Ultrasound might become a new way to manage diabetes
Ultrasound turns on production of the hormone insulin in mice. Someday, it might help maintain healthy blood-sugar levels in people who were recently diagnosed with diabetes.
