Science & Technology
Robotic glove that ‘feels’ lends a ‘hand’ to relearn playing piano after a stroke
A new soft robotic glove is lending a ‘hand’ and providing hope to piano players who have suffered a disabling stroke or other neurotrauma. Combining flexible tactile sensors, soft actuators and AI, this robotic glove is the first to ‘feel’ the differe…
Researchers demonstrate single-molecule electronic ‘switch’ using ladder-like molecules
Researchers have demonstrated a new material for single-molecule electronic switches, which can effectively vary current at the nanoscale in response to external stimuli. The material for this molecular switch has a unique structure created by locking …
Climate disasters, traumatic events have long-term impacts on youths’ academics
Experiencing traumatic events such as natural disasters may have long-term consequences for the academic progress and future food security of youth — a problem researchers said could worsen with the increased frequency of extreme weather events due to…
For type 2 diabetics who exercise, some approaches are better than others
An analysis on the positive effects of exercise on blood sugar levels in people with Type 2 diabetes shows that while all exercise helps, certain activities — and their timing — are extremely good for people’s health.
Rising monkey and pig populations pose human disease risk
Exploding populations of wild pigs and macaque monkeys in Southeast Asia are threatening native forests and disease outbreaks in livestock and people, according to new research.
The device that can remotely and accurately monitor breathing: Tested on cane toads
Scientists have accurately monitored the breathing patterns of cane toads in a proof of principle to develop contactless vital-sign monitoring for humans in a range of settings such as intensive care units, aged-care facilities, for at-risk prisoners, …
Getting adults on board with messy nature play
Climbing trees, making mud pies, or simply playing outside, parents and educators know that being in nature is an important part of every childhood. But when it comes to messy or risky play, it’s a whole different story according to new research.
Discovering features of band topology in amorphous thin films
Topological materials’ unique properties make them a great choice for making next-generation devices. In order to exploit them, it was thought that crystalline materials, where atoms are highly ordered, were needed. But now, a research group has verifi…
Scientists designed new enzyme using Antarctic bacteria and computer calculations
For the first time, researchers have succeeded in predicting how to change the optimum temperature of an enzyme using large computer calculations. A cold-adapted enzyme from an Antarctic bacterium was used as a basis.
Early birds of the future: earlier, but still too late?
Birds need to adapt to climate change, but evolution is a slow process. Model species such as the great tit are an indispensable yardstick for our ability to predict the impact of climate change on nature. Using innovative methods, a team from the Neth…
Label date, not phrasing, drives consumer decisions to toss food
Up to half of consumers may decide to pour perfectly good milk down the drain based solely on their glance at the date label on the carton, a new study suggests.
Static electricity attracts ticks to hosts
Ticks can be attracted across air gaps several times larger than themselves by the static electricity that their hosts naturally accumulate, researchers have discovered.
Scientists discover clues to aging and healing from a squishy sea creature
Insights into healing and aging by those who studied how a tiny sea creature regenerates an entire new body from only its mouth. The researchers sequenced RNA from Hydractinia symbiolongicarpus, a small, tube-shaped animal that lives on the shells of h…
Lessons learned from first genetically-modified pig heart into human patient
A new study has revealed the most extensive analysis to date on what led to the eventual heart failure in the world’s first successful transplant of a genetically-modified pig heart into a human patient.