Nerve-stimulating earbud could accelerate language learning
A non-invasive vagus nerve stimulation device can make language learning easier — and it might help with other types of learning, too.
An invite to hack voting machines
Voting machines may have security vulnerabilities, so the largest supplier is inviting pro hackers to find them.
Researchers create blueprint for the “love hormone” receptor
The shape of the love hormone receptor is finally revealed in a 3D map created by researchers at the University of Zurich.
Blind YouTuber shows tech industry how to be more inclusive
Visually impaired YouTuber Kristy Viers has created a channel where she demonstrates the assistive technology features on her devices.
These ultra-black deep-sea fish absorb over 99% of light
Researchers have discovered ultra-black deep-sea fish that can absorb over 99% of light. Their skin may hold secrets to creating new ultra-dark materials.
Hack your dreams to improve your waking life
These scientists want to hack your dreams to improve your creativity and memory.
Medieval medicine yields modern weapons
Deadly antibiotic-resistant superbugs require new weapons. Ancient and medieval medicine may point us to where to find them.
Designer antibodies could help treat and prevent COVID-19
A pair of new trials will test the ability of designer antibodies to not only treat COVID-19, but also potentially prevent coronavirus infections.
Divers remove wildlife-killing “ghost nets” from shipwreck
The Healthy Seas initiative removes wildlife-killing “ghost nets” from the ocean so that they can be recycled into useful Econyl yarn.
A sunblock to save Martian explorers from radiation in space
Radiation in space is a major threat to astronauts’ health, but a new biomaterial could make space exploration a little less dangerous by blocking x-rays.
Afghan farmers use solar panels to grow food — and opium
Farmers in Afghanistan are taking advantage of cheap solar panels to power the water pumps they use to irrigate crops for food and opium production.
Is quantum hacking the biggest threat to encryption?
While some security experts prepare for quantum hacking, others argue that the EARN IT Act is the threat to encryption we need to address right now.
See prototype of Mars-bound Starship take its first “hop”
The first Starship test flight was a success, with the massive SpaceX rocket lifting off from a base in Texas and landing less than a minute later.
Updated coronavirus vaccine list: Where we stand today
A regularly updated coronavirus vaccine list highlighting the candidates closest to receiving approval from regulators.
Japan automates construction with the first bot-built dam
A Japanese construction company has robots taking over jobs that are understaffed, due to a labor shortage.
A humanlike brain means this smart robot can see, feel, and think
A smart robot that uses neuromorphic computing, may one day “think” like humans.
Tracking the Crew Dragon: Return to Earth
A SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft with two astronauts onboard has returned to Earth from the International Space Station, marking a milestone in spaceflight.
Building trees in the Metaverse might actually save the forest
NatureXR, a new collective, is the first to build 3D model trees, then have scientists certify them as "real” for virtual reality.
Immune signals may predict severe cases of COVID-19
Severe cases of COVID-19 involve a runaway immune response called a cytokine storm. Immune system “signatures” may sharpen doctor’s forecasts.
Human-like "organ chips" could eliminate animal studies
To rapidly test for COVID-19 treatments without animal studies, researchers make a model human body out of “organ chips.”
Gene therapy gives hope for duchenne muscular dystrophy
A boy received the first gene therapy trial for Duchenne muscular dystrophy and is able to walk once again.
Robots can read your p-p-p-poker face
Emotion-detecting technology could be the next frontier of personalization. But what does this mean for privacy?
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.