Coronavirus treatment update: Where we stand today
Our latest coronavirus treatment update highlights the options that appear to work, ones that might, and ones that failed to live up to their promise.
New blood test for Alzheimer’s is as accurate as brain scans
A new blood test for Alzheimer’s is as accurate as the costly, invasive, and time-consuming methods currently used to detect the disease.
Researchers discover living 100-million-year-old microbes
Researchers have found microbes in deep sea sediment millions of years old. Given food, they sprung back to life.
Scientists test DIY coronavirus vaccine on themselves
Scientists have developed a DIY coronavirus vaccine they think could provide protection against COVID-19 — and they’re testing it on themselves.
COVID-19 tests that are fast, cheap, and less accurate may be key
Fast, cheap, DIY COVID-19 tests could dramatically increase the amount of testing done. And some experts think the trade off in accuracy would be worth it.
How to watch the Mars 2020 rover launch
NASA plans to launch its Mars 2020 rover on July 30. Here’s what you need to know about the agency’s latest Mars mission.
A new way to promote bone healing, inspired by LEGO blocks
Drawing inspiration from LEGO blocks, researchers have created a new type of scaffold to facilitate better bone healing and soft tissue repair.
New solar cells could be a breakthrough in clean energy
Better solar cells are an objectively good thing. Two new breakthroughs may help us harness more light, more cost effectively.
“Touchless touchscreen” could reduce distracted driving
New “predictive touch” tech could help prevent distracted driving by limiting the amount of time drivers spend interacting with vehicle displays.
Meet NASA's autonomous vehicle — for Mars
When Perseverance lands on Mars, it will hopefully drive further faster than any rover before. NASA’s autonomous vehicle’s secret? A dedicated “pilot.”
What a simulated Mars mission can teach you about life
After a simulated Mars mission, researchers come home with lessons we can all live by.
This underwater base could become the ISS of the ocean
Aquanaut Fabien Cousteau has announced plans to build Proteus, the world’s biggest underwater base for scientific research.
This genetically modified cow could transform beef production
Cosmo the bull calf has an extra SRY gene, which makes him more likely to sire male cows — and also makes him a strong candidate for use as a GMO food.
Small protein, big breakthrough for CRISPR gene editing
A new protein opens doors for gene editing by gaining access to hard-to-reach areas of the genome.
Doctors need to learn what illnesses look like on darker skin
Medical student Malone Mukwende wrote a book to teach others how to spot clinical signs of illness on patients with darker skin tones.
Preparing for the first human mission to Mars
Mars is going to be bombarded with visitors from planet Earth — the U.S., China, and UAE are all launching unmanned spacecraft to the red planet this month.
Scientists 3D print human tissue in space
A new bioprinter is proven to work in space. Researchers demonstrated they could 3D print human tissue cells on the International Space Station.
New blood test for cancer could lead to earlier diagnoses
A new blood test for cancer that can detect the disease four years before symptoms appear could one day be used as a routine cancer screening tool.
China Mars mission joins Emirates, with U.S. to follow
With each new Mars mission, the red planet renaissance heats up this July. China and newcomer the UAE are off-world, and NASA’s on deck.
Scientists organize concert to study COVID-19 transmission
To better understand the potential for COVID-19 transmission at live events, scientists are organizing a free concert by pop singer Tim Bendzko.
Digital IDs add transparency to fashion
With RFID tags, clothing’s new “digital identity” could be the key to circularity in fashion.
Massive 3D map of the universe fills in “troublesome” gap
The Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS) has released the largest 3D map of the universe ever created, detailing 11 billion years that were previously uncharted.
Inhaled coronavirus drug shows promise in small trial
An inhaled coronavirus drug containing interferon beta decreased patients’ chances of becoming severely ill by 79%, according to its creator.
The case for teaching students outside this fall
Transitioning to outdoor classrooms this fall could help stem the spread of COVID-19 in schools and protect students, according to researchers.
The most impressive language generator yet
OpenAI’s GPT-3 is currently the talk of Twitter. The powerful language generator is writing everything from sci-fi to code.
Remote therapy is as effective as face-to-face, for depression
The pandemic has therapists' couches off limits. A new study finds that remote therapy may be as effective for depression as face-to-face, so I gave it a try.
Oxford COVID-19 vaccine triggers strong immune response
An Oxford COVID-19 vaccine triggered the creation of antibodies and T cells in trial participants, according to promising results published in The Lancet.
Doctors debate over using radiation therapy for COVID-19
Citing evidence from the past and recent, small trials, some doctors are calling for low-dose radiation therapy for COVID-19 patients. Controversy has followed.
New NFL mouth shield could protect players from COVID-19
The NFL’s mouth shield is designed to stop respiratory droplets. But player’s reactions have been mixed.
How to explain falling COVID-19 mortality rates
COVID-19 mortality rates are dropping in the U.S. and other nations — a few theories explain why more people are surviving the coronavirus.
"T cells" could provide immunity after antibodies fade
T cells that combat SARS-CoV-2 have been discovered in people who never had COVID-19, potentially putting natural herd immunity within our grasp.
Study: blood transfusions can slow signs of aging in mice
A new study shows that blood from fitter mice can reverse cognitive decline in sedentary mice.
Scientists 3D print a heart pump that can beat on its own
Scientists 3D print a heart pump capable of beating on its own — and the organoid could have a big impact on heart research.
VR experience aims to change people’s perspective of Earth
SpaceVR is trying to recreate the mind-altering “overview effect” experienced by astronauts using a float tank and VR headset.
For the first time, researchers edit human mitochondrial DNA
Researchers can now edit a part of the human genome that CRISPR has never been able to. This opens up new possibilities for research and cures for devastating rare genetic diseases.
“Community fridges” are helping fight food insecurity
Community fridges stocked with donated food that’s free for the taking are helping neighborhoods across the U.S. overcome food insecurity.
Bats may provide clues for treating COVID-19
Bats have long lives despite playing host to numerous viruses. Three scientists believe bats' immune systems may help develop new ways of treating COVID-19.
Moderna’s COVID-19 vaccine produces more antibodies than infection
Two shots of Moderna’s COVID-19 vaccine produces more antibodies than a coronavirus infection, according to Phase 1 preliminary data.
Study: Risk of death from COVID-19 is 45% lower on arthritis drug
The arthritis drug tocilizumab may lower ventilated patients' risk of death from COVID-19 by 45%, according to a retrospective study.
Survivors’ plasma might prevent coronavirus infections
Injections of COVID-19 survivors' blood plasma might prevent coronavirus infections, making them a promising stopgap until a vaccine is ready.
Researchers heal human lungs by hooking them up to live pigs
In a remarkable experiment, researchers heal human lungs by connecting them to live pigs. And the pigs are unscathed.
Engineers create reusable N95 mask out of rubber
With face masks still in demand, engineers unveil a new reusable N95 mask made of durable, easy-to-sterilize silicone rubber.
FDA: Smokeless cigarettes produce less harmful chemicals
FDA clears Philip Morris to market its smokeless cigarettes as modified risk tobacco products, which could benefit smokers battling a nicotine addiction.
Crowdsourcing ideas for animal conservation technology
The Digital Makerspace looks to an online community of thinkers to identify the most crucial animal conservation problems and solutions.
End-of-life AI
End-of-life and palliative care discussions with patients are crucial but difficult. Can AI help?
Police budget meetings are public—if you know where to look
To get more citizens engaged in the local police budget decision-making process, Reinvestin.us posts exactly when and how.
Pandemic spurs search for alternatives to nursing homes
Senior living facilities have accounted for upwards of 40% of COVID-19 deaths in America. Is it time to look for alternatives to nursing homes?
Natural herd immunity to COVID-19 might be impossible
Coronavirus antibodies can disappear, according to a new study, potentially killing hopes that natural herd immunity will end the COVID-19 pandemic.
Loon is beaming balloon-based internet to Kenya
The Loon balloon-based internet platform looks to bring connectivity to those without it. The first commercial deployment is taking place high above Kenya.
What we know about how the coronavirus affects the brain
Studies are finding that the coronavirus affects the brain as well as the lungs in some patients, causing delirium, strokes, and even fatal swelling.
Gene writing: A new type of genetic engineering
Startup Tessera Therapeutics has developed gene writing, a new approach to genetic engineering that it says overcomes CRISPR’s shortcomings.
Should we be using AI models for diagnosing COVID-19?
Researchers are training algorithms to help predict the severity of COVID-19. But is AI ready for COVID-19?
Volunteers build first nationwide database of police records
Thousands of volunteers are data scraping public websites to compile police records into a single national database for researchers to mine.
New air filter for COVID-19 could lower risk of being indoors
A new air filter for COVID-19 heats up to nearly 400 degrees Fahrenheit to kill the coronavirus in aerosols.
New algorithm gives trauma survivors a "PTSD risk score"
A newly developed algorithm calculates a "PTSD Risk Score" for people seeking treatment for traumatic injuries.
Is the coronavirus airborne, and does it matter?
Is the coronavirus airborne? More than 200 scientists have told the WHO that yes, it’s likely the coronavirus spreads through aerosols.
Microdosing marijuana can relieve chronic pain
Microdosing marijuana can relieve chronic pain without impairing a person’s ability to think clearly, according to a new study.
A new way to heal badly broken bones with electrical stimulation
A new bone scaffold delivers electrical stimulation to broken bones, speeds up the healing process, and then simply dissolves into the body.
3D-printed vegan steak is heading to restaurants in 2020
Israeli startup Redefine Meat has announced the Alt-Steak, a plant-based vegan steak that it claims mimics the texture and taste of beef.
Psychedelic toad venom explained
5-MeO-DMT, a psychedelic found in toad venom, causes mushroom-intense trips that are over quick. Could it have more accessible therapeutic potential?
New images reveal which type of face mask is the best
To find out which type of face mask is the best, researchers rigged a mannequin’s head to a fog machine and then tested four masks on it.
Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine produces more antibodies than the disease itself
Early data shows Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine produces immunity as good as, or better than, recovery from the virus.
A guide to flying during the coronavirus pandemic
Flying during the coronavirus pandemic can increase your infection risk, but if you can't avoid it, here’s how to do so as safely as possible.
This 10-year time lapse of the solar cycle is breathtaking
Using images collected by the Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO), NASA has created a stunning time lapse of the sun’s solar cycle.
Can AI predict which depression treatment is most effective?
Artificial intelligence-powered algorithms that analyze brain scans are showing promise in helping doctors find an effective depression treatment on the first try.
Can old vaccines be new weapons against COVID-19?
Well-established vaccines using weakened pathogens provide general immune benefits. Now researchers are proposing them to help fight COVID-19.
Researchers discover how to improve eyesight naturally
The world is aging, and with age comes vision decline. New research may have found how to improve eyesight in an accessible way.
What are the risks for pregnant women with COVID-19?
Pregnant women have a lot to worry about, but is stressing over coronavirus worth it? Here's the latest research.
Cracking the mystery of how insects fly — with robots
Scientists made a robot that can keep up with flying insects, helping researchers understand flight physics.
Reopening schools this fall could benefit children
Experts in favor of reopening schools as soon as possible argue that school closures could be hurting young people’s physical, mental, and social health.
This designer is making masks for people with disabilities
With special closures, see-through panels, and a riot of colors and patterns, designer Sky Cubacub is making face masks for people with disabilities.
Battling a locust swarm from space
Using data from NASA satellites, researchers are scouring East Africa for areas where a desert locust swarm might be born — so they can destroy the eggs.
3d-modeling is changing how we see deep sea corals
We don’t understand deep sea coral reefs. Photogrammetry is the first step to unlocking their significance.
The long-term health effects of COVID-19
As their numbers swell, some survivors are reporting long-term health effects of COVID-19.
Fertilizer feeds half the world. Can we make it without fossil fuels?
Fertilizer is needed to feed the world, but its production comes with a carbon footprint. This solar-powered strategy may reduce that.
Simple tips for choosing a face mask that works
To prevent the spread of COVID-19, face coverings are now mandatory in many states. Here’s what you need to know about choosing a face mask.
This magnetic sponge may be the key to oil spill cleanup
A new magnetic sponge makes the job of oil spill cleanup safer for the environment.
Qualified immunity might not protect police for much longer
The U.S. government is considering changes to qualified immunity, a doctrine that protects police from civil lawsuits.
New tech startup aims to teach more girls to code
This start-up just launched an at-home coding kit that aims to get more girls into tech.
Who is at high risk for COVID-19? Experts weigh in.
Two COVID-19 risk factors are particularly likely to increase a patient’s chances of having a severe case, according to a new CDC report.
Lasers reveal a massive Mayan civilization secret
Massive and ancient, this remnant of the Mayan civilization was hidden in plain sight — until lasers revealed it.
NASA’s plans for space tourism are becoming a reality
NASA’s space tourism plans, which include hosting private citizens on the International Space Station, are starting to come to fruition.
Nanotech endometriosis treatment could ease women’s pain
An in-development endometriosis treatment uses dye-filled nanoparticles to identify and destroy diseased tissues.
How police spend their time
The New York Times looks at how police spend their time at work, providing insights that could be useful for “unbundling the police” efforts.
These kids are mowing lawns for people in need
In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, Raising Men Lawn Care Service has seen a surge in youths volunteering to mow lawns for those in need.
Prescription video games for kids with ADHD could be on the horizon
With its FDA approval, EndeavorRx may mark the beginning of prescription video games for kids with ADHD and other mental health disorders.
Do police de-escalation techniques work?
The public is calling on law enforcement to find alternatives to using force. But do de-escalation tactics actually work?
Personalized blood test for cancer hunts down tumor DNA
A newly unveiled personalized blood test for cancer monitoring has a sensitivity 10 times that of existing liquid biopsy methods.
Building a factory for human organs
Tissue engineering and regenerative medicine experts are working to mass-produce human organs through the ARMI consortium.
Secrets of the Dead Sea Scrolls may be in animal DNA
Scholars' understanding of the Dead Sea Scrolls may be enhanced by an unusual source: the DNA of the animals they’re printed on.
The world's first floating 3D printed house
A group in the Czech Republic is using a 3D printing robot to construct what it claims will be the world’s first floating 3D printed house.
This gang is breaking the stereotype of the absent black father
These dads are on a mission to change the way the world views black parenthood.
Does a positive antibody test mean i’m immune? it depends.
As the conversation shifts from tracking and diagnosing COVID-19 to reopening society, people are now focused on antibody tests. But experts warn that an antibody screen may supply a false peace of mind.
How to stop COVID-19's killer cytokine storm
COVID-19 can cause a potentially lethal cytokine storm, a runaway immune system response. Researchers are studying drugs they hope can calm the storm.
Mind-blowing holograms are replacing circus animals
With pressure to eliminate circus animals, one show gets creative with holograms.
How does the coronavirus spread? Expert consensus builds
Scientists are beginning to come to a consensus on coronavirus transmission.
Your smartphone can help end police misconduct
There are now apps, websites, and phone shortcuts designed to help you not only document police misconduct, but also report and protect it.
Converting prisons into farms, community centers, and shelters
Across the U.S., prisons, jails, and detention centers are being transformed from facilities that confine people into ones that support them.
Why Juneteenth (June 19) could soon be a national holiday
Across the U.S., companies and governments are starting to officially recognize Juneteenth, the June 19 holiday also known as Black Independence Day.
Starlink internet to begin beta testing
SpaceX’s Starlink internet project promises to use satellites to improve internet access. Beta testers will get the chance to try it later this summer.