How scientists turn food scraps into strong building materials
Researchers are using discarded food scraps to create a concrete substitute. It reduces food waste, and the material is edible and sweet.
DeepMind releases massive protein structure database
DeepMind is releasing a massive database of protein structure predictions that includes all the molecules in the human proteome.
Olympic swimmers get speed boost from pool engineers
We already know that Olympic swimmers are fast, but Olympic swimming pools can be engineered to be “fast,” too.
This 3D-printed graft may improve ruptured eardrum surgery
Researchers at Harvard have developed a 3D-printed graft they hope will make ruptured eardrum surgeries safer, faster, and more effective.
Will power plants move into the cloud?
A Colorado community has become a test subject for a new approach to the power grid, called a "virtual power plant" — 27 networked smart homes, with one key feature: a common brain that, in times of crisis, can autonomously optimize energy across the neighborhood.
Y Combinator launches a ‘Tinder for entrepreneurs’ to match startup co-founders
Famed accelerator hopes to make it easier for founders to find each other.
Baby exoplanet appears to be forming a moon
A unique baby exoplanet surrounded by a disc of gas and dust could unravel some of the mystery surrounding planet and moon formation.
What does whole genome sequencing tell you?
When it comes to decoding your genome, you have a menu of options, including whole genome sequencing. But how do you know what you're getting?
New vaccines may use AI to hit a moving target
Can AI create vaccines that work against mutations that haven't happened yet, groups of viruses, and virus too tricky to currently stop?
What pandemic nostalgia tells us about how memory works
The complex reality of remembering is anything but objective.
New gene therapy helps the heart repair itself after a heart attack
In a new study in pigs, gene therapy targeted the Hippo signaling pathway to heal the heart after an attack.
Autonomous boat maps seafloor from San Francisco to Hawaii without a human crew
The Saildrone Surveyor could change how we understand the ocean.
New AI “engines” can read and understand on multiple levels
Primer’s new AI tools are expert readers, capable of analyzing long bodies of text far faster — and more accurately — than humans can.
FDA approves first drug to treat lymphoma in dogs
The FDA has approved a medication specifically designed to treat lymphoma in dogs, potentially helping extend the lives of thousands of pets.
NASA’s new balloon-borne telescope is ready for liftoff
NASA’s new balloon-borne telescope could let astronomers study distant objects with the latest tech at a fraction of the cost of Hubble.
Lab-grown foie gras eliminates force-feeding
Gourmey is developing lab-grown foie gras, using stem cells to produce the delicacy without subjecting birds to the practice of gavage.
CRISPR used to create first gene-edited opossums
CRISPR technology has been used to create gene-edited opossums, a breakthrough that could have huge implications for medical research.
Sculpting robots chisel art out of marble
Italy's Robotor is inspiring artists to pick up Carrara marble as a medium by delegating the laborious carving process to sculpting robots.
Amateur astronomer discovers new moon of Jupiter
An amateur astronomer has spotted an unknown moon of Jupiter, marking the first discovery of a planetary moon by a non-professional.
“Mirrored” fabric may be de rigueur for a warming world
Inspired by the rising temperatures of climate change, researchers have developed mirrored cooling fabric.
The world’s first lab-grown coral could help save the ocean reefs
Researchers have figured out how to keep sea anemone and coral cells alive in the lab. This new type of coral garden could help research from evolutionary biology to human health.
Lucky accident shows how immune system can beat MRSA without antibiotics
Researchers have accidentally found that blocking caspase enzymes can make mouse immune responses more robust.
Japan breaks world record for fastest internet speed
Engineers in Japan have set a new world record for fastest internet speed — 319 Tb/s — using a specially developed fiber-optic cable.
This eco-toilet pays for human waste in digital currency
The BeeVi eco-toilet turns human waste into energy – and pays for the privilege.
This artificial heart uses magnets and spinning disks to reinvent the heart
Researchers have built an artificial heart: a titanium, pumpless, device with spinning magnets.
Is the US military testing an anti-aging pill?
The U.S. military is developing an anti-aging pill that is designed to inhibit performance reduction that comes with aging.
Historic Blue Origin flight included four people — but no pilot
A Blue Origin flight on July 20 marked the first time a pilotless spacecraft has flown with a crew consisting solely of space tourists.
The world’s first needle-free diabetes test
A needle-free diabetes test that measures glucose levels from saliva, not blood, could be ready for consumers as soon as 2023.
Why waterless beer is the future
A new beer startup is creating concentrated beer by temporarily removing the water to reduce the carbon footprint during shipping.
Neuroprosthesis lets paralyzed man “speak” whole words again
An experimental neuroprosthesis that translates brain activity into words on a computer screen has given a paralyzed man back his “voice.”
A bison bridge could bring herds over the Mississippi
The proposed Bison Bridge would be the world's longest wildlife bridge, providing safe passage for the animals over the Mississippi River.
Hemp plants pull toxic “forever chemicals” from soil
To rid an indigenous tribe’s land of toxic forever chemicals, scientists are having hemp plants pull the contaminants straight from the soil.
Ancient human’s genome sequenced from DNA in cave dirt
Researchers have sequenced the genome of one of the ancient humans who lived in Satsurblia Cave 25,000 years ago using samples of cave dirt.
Watching the moon’s “wobble” may help prevent flooding on Earth
A new NASA study predicts record flooding in the 2030s due to a combination of rising sea levels and a “wobble” in the moon’s orbit around Earth.
Rarely seen glass octopus caught on film
An underwater robot has recorded stunning footage of a glass octopus, an almost completely transparent cephalopod rarely caught on film.
CRISPR halts coronavirus transmission in human cells
A new CRISPR treatment that halted coronavirus transmission in human cells could be the easy-to-distribute COVID-19 drug the world needs.
Yale study: magic mushrooms may grow connections between brain cells
A single dose of psilocybin caused increased growth in neuron-connecting dendritic spines in mice.
World’s first lab-grown chocolate made in Switzerland
Swiss researchers have developed a way to make lab-grown chocolate, using a single cocoa bean to create unlimited chocolate.
When AC and cool showers aren't enough, this app finds the shady streets to walk
Cool Walks, a new app from a public agency in Barcelona, is unique in that it allows users to choose the shadiest path to their destination.
Goats are helping California battle wildfires
By having goats eat the dry vegetation that fuels wildfires, Californians can prevent the blazes from spreading into populated areas.
Printing embedded tech in artificial skin just got easier
Stanford researchers present new chemical method for mass-producing stretchable transistor arrays that can be printed in artificial skin.
Say cheese: Life on these exoplanets may be watching us
Researchers flipped the viewpoint and asked the question of: if life on exoplanets existed, could they see us?
Cholera vaccine made from GM rice passes first human trial
An oral cholera vaccine that’s grown in genetically modified rice and can be stored at room temperature has passed its first human trial.
Virgin flight shatters record for number of people in space at once
A Virgin Galactic flight that set a new record for number of people in space at one time may have kicked off the era of space tourism.
Chinese canon employees must pass an AI smile test to go to work
Canon Information Technology's Beijing branch has launched a new type of employee monitoring — smile recognition technology.
TV shows train AI to predict human behavior
Algorithms are learning to guess what you'll do next by analyzing shows like "The Office."
Startup makes breast milk in a lab, which could replace formula
BioMilk, a food technology firm, has invented cultured breast milk that they hope will not only replace formula but even rival the real deal.
Oxford study: Move copper mining to dormant volcanoes
A more sustainable approach to copper mining may be digging wells under dormant volcanoes to suck out the metal-containing fluids below them.
We’re one step closer to a malaria-free world
Now that malaria has been eliminated in China, the long-held dream of a malaria-free world is one nation closer to reality.
This wireless pacemaker dissolves into your body
Researchers at Northwestern and George Washington University have developed a pacemaker that dissolves into the body.
Moderna launches human trial for mRNA flu vaccine
Moderna Therapeutics is trialing an mRNA flu vaccine in humans and developing one to protect against seasonal influenza and COVID-19.
This bacteria can find a landmine
Bacteria that glow in the presence of a landmine may one day help save lives.
Oxford launches HIV vaccine trial
The University of Oxford’s newly launched HIV vaccine trial will test a unique approach to protecting people against the AIDS-causing virus.
Natural killer cells fight cancer without collateral damage
Researchers at McMaster have developed a form of immunotherapy capable of working on solid tumors in the lab.
Disease-resistant pigs may be heading to farms soon
Using gene editing, researchers created disease-resistant pigs that could save the pork industry billions of dollars every year.
Scientists call Alzheimer’s amyloid theory into question
What if amyloid plaques are not the cause of Alzheimer’s, but instead a symptom? New research suggests restoring liquid amyloid may be key.
Castration linked to younger DNA and biological age
A study measuring biological age in castrated sheep has yielded a discovery that could inform anti-aging research for people.
Insect-sized robot can run like a cheetah
An insect-sized robot with the agility of a cheetah could one day save lives by assessing disaster zones ahead of first responders.
Should a herd of captive elephants be released into the wild?
Animal conservationists plan to attempt the largest elephant rewilding ever, flying an entire herd from a U.K. zoo to Kenya to be released.
Will we finally get another human Lyme disease vaccine?
Pfizer and French vaccine maker Valneva are one step closer to bringing a human Lyme disease vaccine to market.
Anyone can now make mouse-human chimeras
A newly published how-to guide for making mouse-human chimeras could lead to treatment breakthroughs for countless diseases.
Can AI cameras predict suicide attempts at bridges?
Seoul is deploying an AI-powered camera system designed to predict suicide attempts at bridges and send rescuers to help people in distress.
Mouse embryos with beating hearts grown from stem cells
Mouse embryos with muscles, blood vessels, and beating hearts have been grown from stem cells — bringing lab-grown organs closer to reality.
Sky-mapping system can predict whether cancer treatment will work
Johns Hopkins researchers are using image analysis developed for astronomy to study cancer immunotherapy.
New CRISPR tech could help us create superior crops of the future
A new CRISPR technology that focuses on gene activation rather than deactivation could help us create the superior crops of the future.
Toyota’s cleaning robot shows off its new skills
Toyota’s cleaning robot has demonstrated new skills, revealing an ability to detect clear objects and snap perfect selfies.
Hair-thin spine stimulator could relieve severe back pain
A new implant that delivers pain-relieving spinal cord stimulation can be put into place using just a needle — no invasive surgery required.
Kids build DIY microscope from LEGO & cheap phone parts
A DIY microscope made out of LEGO bricks and smartphone lenses could be a powerful learning tool, teaching kids the basics of microscopy.
Honda startup equips shoes with vibrating navigation system
A Honda-established startup is developing a vibrating navigation system that helps visually impaired people get around by vibrating their feet to relay directions.
Virgin Galactic gets greenlight to fly space tourists
Virgin Galactic is the first spaceline to get the Federal Aviation Administration's approval to fly space tourists — a huge milestone in space tourism.
Pharma giant GSK embraces digital twins for vaccine development
Pharma leviathan GlaxoSmithKline is rolling out digital twins to help create “the vaccine factory of the future.”
Astronauts use CRISPR in space for first time
A first-of-its-kind experiment using CRISPR in space could help protect astronauts from DNA damage on long trips beyond Earth’s atmosphere.
New evidence discovered of underground water on Mars
Either underground water on Mars is far more prevalent than previously thought or something we can explain is going on beneath the Red Planet’s surface.
Black holes caught eating neutron stars for first time
Using gravitational waves, astronomers have observed collisions between black holes and neutron stars for the first time.
“LEGO-like” vaccine protects mice from COVID, SARS, MERS, and variants
Using a “chimeric” spike protein, researchers have immunized mice against multiple types of coronaviruses with one shot.
CRISPR therapy cures first genetic disorder inside the body
For the first time, researchers appear to have effectively cured a genetic disorder by directly injecting a CRISPR therapy into patients’ bloodstreams.
Returning old clothes to the earth can help cotton grow again
An Australian cotton industry trade group aims to return used cotton cloth to the soil to help new cotton grow.
Diagnosing infections without the lab — or wait
Researchers have developed a device that can test for infections in under an hour, no lab needed.
New search and rescue drone listens for human screams
To help first responders find people during disasters, researchers are training a search and rescue drone to listen for human screams.
Gardners and prisoners collaborate to create art
As a multidisciplinary artist and activist is creating "solitary gardens" in a collaborative effort between people in solitary confinement and volunteers on the "outside."
Throwable rescue robots sent to help at collapsed building
Teledyne Flir has sent at least two of its rescue robots to help hunt for survivors in a collapsed building in Florida.
To find leaking methane, ready the satellites
Researchers are using methane-hunting satellites to sniff out the potent greenhouse gas, helping to reduce methane emissions.
Chunks of Venus’ crust float like icebergs on its mantle
New evidence of tectonic activity on Venus expands our understanding of the hellish planet and offers a window into Earth’s own geological past.
Scientists map the DNA from that strange pink snow
A group of European researchers have hiked the Alps to look into the phenomenon of pink snow. They have now sequenced the DNA from the algae that is the hallmark of the rosey color.
A new superbug strategy
Researchers at the University of Geneva have a new idea on how to stop superbugs: don’t kill them.
Kidney donation vouchers shave years off wait times
Kidney donation vouchers appear to be working as hoped, increasing the number of donations and decreasing wait times for needed organs.
Goodbye AC: This new roofing material keeps houses cool
A scientist has invented “cooling paper” — a material that reflects the sun's rays off rooftops and even absorbs heat from homes and buildings. And it is made from recyclable paper.
These mind-reading helmets could be a Fitbit for your brain
Kernel has developed two mind-reading helmets that record the same brain activity data as massive, million-dollar machines, but cost just $100,000.
There may be a way to reverse acetaminophen damage in the liver
New research out of Singapore suggests that a protein thought to help acetaminophen toxicity may do the opposite.
Flying race car zips across the sky for the first time
The world’s first flying race car, the Airspeeder Mk3, has completed its maiden flight and is on track to compete in a first-of-its-kind racing series later in 2021.
E. coli turns plastic waste into vanillin
Scientists have engineered E. coli bacteria to convert plastic waste into vanillin, an in-demand compound used in vanilla flavoring and more.
It’s not enough to remove "bad apples" from police forces
Police use of force complaints would not dramatically decrease if “bad apples” were fired early in their careers, Princeton and UPenn researchers predict.
Finless Foods prepares to launch plant-based tuna
Plant-based tuna might be inside your next sushi roll.
Hippos in tracking study unexpectedly contract anthrax
A study into the movement of hippos led to new research on anthrax outbreaks when some of the animals wearing GPS trackers contracted the disease.
You can now buy a balloon ride to the edge of space
Space tourism company Space Perspective has begun selling tickets for rides in a stratospheric balloon that can reach the edge of space.
The augmented, virtual, human-machine future of surgery is here
Advancements in XR technologies are rapidly integrating into the future of surgery.
Cultured meat is now being mass-produced In Israel
Israeli startup Future Meat Technologies’ industrial-scale cultured meat production facility is designed to get lab-grown meat onto consumers’ plates ASAP.
Is it time for America to bring back the boarding house?
A revival of the boarding house — popular in the 1800s, banned by modern zoning — could help solve America’s affordable housing woes.
Treatment appears to stop Alzheimer's in monkeys
NYU researchers have modified monkey’s immune system to slow their equivalent of Alzheimer’s disease and improve their cognition.
Urine test for brain cancer detects tumors of any size
A new urine test for brain cancer analyzed microRNAs to correctly identify 100% of patients with brain tumors, regardless of their tumor’s size.