Science & Technology
A greener, more effective way to kill termites
Scientists have discovered a highly effective, nontoxic, and less expensive way to lure hungry termites to their doom.
Martian meteorites deliver a trove of information on Red Planet’s structure
Mars has a distinct structure in its mantle and crust with discernible reservoirs, and this is known thanks to meteorites that scientists have analyzed. These results are important for understanding not only how Mars formed and evolved, but also for pr…
Antibodies may aid effort to fight influenza B
Researchers have isolated human monoclonal antibodies against influenza B, a significant public health threat that disproportionately affects children, the elderly and other immunocompromised individuals.
Children’s visual experience may hold key to better computer vision training
A novel, human-inspired approach to training artificial intelligence (AI) systems to identify objects and navigate their surroundings could set the stage for the development of more advanced AI systems to explore extreme environments or distant worlds,…
Overcoming barriers to heat pump adoption in cold climates and avoiding the ‘energy poverty trap’
Converting home heating systems from natural gas furnaces to electric heat pumps is seen as a way to address climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Mussels downstream of wastewater treatment plant contain radium, study reports
Burrowed into streambeds and rarely moving for their decades-long lifespans, freshwater mussels are biomonitors, meaning they indicate how clean their environment is, according to researchers. As the bivalves feed on organic matter and filter the water…
This self-powered sensor could make MRIs more efficient
MRI scans are commonly used to diagnose a variety of conditions, anything from liver disease to brain tumors. But, as anyone who has been through one knows, patients must remain completely still to avoid blurring the images and requiring a new scan. A …
Researchers identify a genetic cause of intellectual disability affecting tens of thousands
Researchers have identified a neurodevelopmental disorder, caused by mutations in a single gene, that affects tens of thousands of people worldwide. The findings will improve clinical diagnostic services for patients with neurodevelopmental disorders.
Researchers discover ‘trojan horse’ virus hiding in human parasite
An international team has found a new RNA virus that they believe is hitching a ride with a common human parasite. The virus is associated with severe inflammation in humans infected with the parasite Toxoplasma gondii, leading the team to hypothesize …