Science & Technology
Plastic particles themselves, not just chemical additives, can alter sex hormones
A new study used a pioneering technique to deliver endocrine-disrupting aerosolized micro-nano-plastics to female lab rats.
The reasons why insect numbers are decreasing
Researchers are investigating the causes and consequences of the worldwide insect decline as well as considering potential countermeasures.
Highly dexterous robot hand can operate in the dark — just like us
Researchers demonstrated a highly dexterous robot hand, one that combines an advanced sense of touch with motor learning algorithms in order to achieve a high level of dexterity. In addition, the hand worked without any external cameras — it’s immune …
New test reveals existing antibiotics, hiding in plain sight on pharmacy shelves, can treat superbugs
A new test revealed that FDA-approved antibiotics — available at your neighborhood pharmacy — can effectively treat superbugs. They are not prescribed, however, because the gold-standard test predicts they will not work. The new test may improve the …
Potential breakthrough in Type 1 diabetes treatment
Scientists identified three biomaterial formulations that could help develop a more sustainable, long-term, self-regulating way to treat Type 1 diabetes using a new screening technique that involves tagging each biomaterial formulation in a library of …
The future is foggy for Arctic shipping
As the Arctic warms and loses sea ice, trans-Arctic shipping has increased, reducing travel time and costs for international trade. However, a new study finds that the Arctic Ocean is getting foggier as ice disappears, reducing visibility and causing c…
Mental imagery a helpful way to distract teens from negative thought patterns
For adolescents who may get stuck in negative thought spirals, refocusing on mental imagery is a more effective distraction than verbal thoughts.
Scientists slow aging by engineering longevity in cells
Researchers have developed a biosynthetic ‘clock’ that keeps cells from reaching normal levels of deterioration related to aging. They engineered a gene oscillator that switches between the two normal paths of aging, slowing cell degeneration and setti…
Genomes from 240 mammal species explain human disease risks
Why is it that certain mammals have an exceptional sense of smell, some hibernate, and yet others, including humans, are predisposed to disease? A major international research project has surveyed and analyzed the genomes of 240 different mammals. The …
One famous dog and a powerful new approach for understanding biology and evolutionary history
Ever since scientists first read the complete genetic codes of creatures like fruit flies and humans more than two decades ago, the field of genomics has promised major leaps forward in understanding basic questions in biology. Two recent articles brea…
Pulling the plug on viral infections: CRISPR isn’t just about cutting
CRISPR claimed scientific fame for its ability to quickly and accurately edit genes. But, at the core, CRISPR systems are immune systems that help bacteria protect themselves from viruses. A new study reveals a previously unrecognized player in one suc…
Unraveling the mathematics behind wiggly worm knots
Researchers wanted to understand precisely how blackworms execute tangling and ultrafast untangling movements for a myriad of biological functions. They researched the topology of the tangles. Their research could inform the design of fiber-like, shape…
Information ‘deleted’ from the human genome may be what made us human
What the human genome is lacking compared with the genomes of other primates might have been as crucial to the development of humankind as what has been added during our evolutionary history, according to a new study led by researchers at Yale and the …