Science News
Robotic hand pokes food and water to tell if they have mercury in them
New Scientist - 6 Feb 2023 18:43
A robotic hand with a tiny sensor on one of its fingers can detect potentially harmful mercury ions in samples of food and water by prodding them
Ultra-Processed Foods May Lead To Cognitive Decline
Neuroscience News - 6 Feb 2023 00:54
Ultra-processed foods have been linked to accelerated cognitive decline associated with aging and an increased risk of developing dementia. Researchers say it may be possible to mitigate some negative dietary effects on ...
Three nautilus species new to science have been found in the Pacific
New Scientist - 6 Feb 2023 15:58
The distinct branching patterns and stripes on the shells of three kinds of nautiluses has been used to identify them as separate species
Brain 'Zips and Unzips' Information to Perform Skilled Tasks
Neuroscience News - 6 Feb 2023 23:38
In order to perform certain skilled movement tasks, such as playing the piano or dancing, the brain "zips and unzips" information about the timing and order of movements ahead of the action being performed.
Fatal 'brain-eating' amoeba successfully treated with repurposed UTI drug
Live Science - 6 Feb 2023 23:02
Doctors successfully treated a patient's rare brain infection with a drug typically used for UTIs.
Genes for Gaucher disease may have protected Jewish people against TB
New Scientist - 6 Feb 2023 22:00
The gene variants that lead to Gaucher disease helps immune cells kill tuberculosis bacteria, at least in zebrafish
Why icicles are rippled
Phys.org - 6 Feb 2023 21:17
Winter is coming to an end; the last nights of below zero temperatures are here. In the morning, one still spots the occasional icicle on a gutter or car bumper. When you look at these icicles carefully, you may notice t...
7.5-foot-long sword from 4th-century Japan may have 'protected' deceased from evil spirits
Live Science - 6 Feb 2023 20:14
Archaeologists have unearthed an oversized ceremonial iron sword and a bronze mirror shaped like a shield from a 1,600-year-old burial mound in Nara, Japan.
The surprising benefits of mild paranoia - and how to keep it in check
New Scientist - 6 Feb 2023 18:45
Psychologists are forging a new understanding of paranoia, which has led to the idea we evolved the condition because it sometimes has practical benefits
Statue of slain Roman emperor dressed as Hercules found near sewer in Rome
Live Science - 6 Feb 2023 17:20
Archaeologists in Rome have discovered a statue of an ancient Roman emperor who is dressed to look like Hercules.
An extension of FermiNet to discover quantum phase transitions
Phys.org - 6 Feb 2023 17:20
Architectures based on artificial neural networks (ANNs) have proved to be very helpful in research settings, as they can quickly analyze vast amounts of data and make accurate predictions. In 2020, Google's British AI s...
Using muon detectors to remotely create a 3D image of the inside of a nuclear reactor
Phys.org - 6 Feb 2023 17:16
A team of physicists affiliated with several institutions in France has developed a way to use muon detectors to create 3D images of difficult-to-access objects, such as a reactor inside a nuclear plant. The research is ...
Earth Has Plenty of Raw Materials to Meet Future Wind and Solar Power Needs, Study Finds
Singularity Hub - 6 Feb 2023 17:00
A common concern about the green energy transition is whether we’ll have enough materials to build all the wind turbines and solar panels required. A new analysis suggests planet Earth has more than enough to go around...
Mild brain damage may affect memory more than severe injuries
New Scientist - 6 Feb 2023 16:35
In a small study, memory recall was better in people with more severe damage to a brain region involved with memory, compared with those with milder damage. With severe damage, other parts of the brain may take on the da...
Chinese surveillance balloon shot down by US fighter jet over sea
New Scientist - 6 Feb 2023 15:51
A Chinese balloon that was travelling over the US, including over military sites, was shot down by a fighter jet on 4 February
Suspected Chinese 'spy balloon' shot down by US fighter jet over sea
New Scientist - 6 Feb 2023 15:51
A Chinese balloon that was travelling over the US, including over military sites, was shot down by a fighter jet on 4 February
Two major earthquakes cause devastation across Turkey and Syria
New Scientist - 6 Feb 2023 15:24
At least 1500 people have died in Turkey and Syria after a 7.8-magnitude quake followed by a 7.5-magnitude quake in the same region less than 10 hours later
What is sleep hypnosis and does it really work?
Live Science - 6 Feb 2023 14:00
Sleep hypnosis could be a potential therapy for sleep disorders, but more research is needed.
Diving drone can switch between flying and swimming
New Scientist - 6 Feb 2023 13:05
A drone that can fly like a standard quadcopter but also operate underwater could be developed as a tool for engineers and search and rescue teams
17th-century Frenchwoman's 'innovative' gold dental work was likely torturous to her teeth
Live Science - 6 Feb 2023 13:00
The teeth of an aristocratic French woman who lived at the turn of the 17th century were held in place with fine gold wires, a new study has found.
Which came first: the chicken or the egg?
Live Science - 6 Feb 2023 12:00
Most biologists will answer confidently when asked 'which came first, the chicken or the egg?" but the answer may depend on what type of egg you're talking about.
More Variability Found to Help Learning
Neuroscience News - 6 Feb 2023 01:20
Variable stimuli may lead to better learning performance and outcomes under novel circumstances, a new study reports.