Researchers have created a new bioink that allows them to print catalytically active live cells into various self-supporting 3D geometries with fine filament thickness, tunable cell densities and high catalytic productivity. A research team from the U.S. Department of Energy’s Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) was able to use the new ink to 3D print…
Squid Protein Could Hold Key for Renewable Plastic Alternatives
Researchers Capture Electricity-Breathing Bacteria
Hiding within the hot springs of Yellowstone National Park, scientists from Washington State University (WSU) have found electricity-breathing microbes that could help tackle two emerging global problems—environmental pollution and sustainable energy. If harnessed correctly, this bacteria can “eat” pollution by converting toxic pollutants into less harmful substances, while simultaneously generating electricity. “As these bacteria pass…
Bacteria Could be Alternative to Chemical Pesticides for Crop Protection
New Extraction Method Yields Rare Earth Elements
Unique Spider Silk Property Discovered Has Potential for Smart Textiles, Artificial Muscles
Understanding How Frogs Fight Off Fungal Infections Could Lead to Novel Treatments for Humans
Researchers are investigating the ability of some frog species to resist diseases that have driven other amphibians to extinction, in order to find new ways to treat fungal infections in humans. Researchers have long known that skin bacteria protects amphibians by producing fungi-fighting compounds. Now, a team from the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute is looking…
Encapsulation Adds to the Toxicity of Insecticides
Medical Students Learn in World’s Largest Virtual Reality Anatomy Lab
Anatomy students at Taipei Medical University are now able to see every internal organ, tissue and muscle in unprecedented 3D detail, thanks to the world’s largest virtual reality (VR) anatomy lab. The lab, which opened late last year, includes 10 sets of VIVE Pro Headsets loaded with 3D Organon VR Anatomy software, allowing students to…
Using Nanotechnology, Researchers Inject Genes Into Plants to Fight Off Droughts, Fungal Infections
External factors can limit crop growth and harvest yields for farmers. Now, a team led by researchers from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) has created a genetic tool that uses nanoparticles to deliver genes into the chloroplasts of plant cells, engineering plants to survive droughts and resist fungal infections. The new technique offers plant…
Researchers Create Revolutionary Catalyst That Can Convert CO2 into Useable Chemicals
New Study Tests Effectiveness, Interest for Using VR in the Classroom
As part of a multi-phase study investigating the use of virtual reality (VR) as a teaching tool, Cornell University researchers found that while students were more interested in learning using VR, actual learning rates were no different with VR than using traditional teaching methods such as hands-on activities and computer simulations. Natasha Holmes, PhD, senior…
New Method Could Rapidly Detect Cancer in Cells
Vitamin C Aids in Nanowire Growth
A team from Rice University has discovered how to transform small gold nanorods into fine gold nanowires with just a small dose of vitamin C. “There’s no novelty per se in using vitamin C to make gold nanostructures because there are many previous examples,” Rice chemist Eugene Zubarev said in a statement. “But the slow…
New Process Turns Desalination Byproduct into Beneficial Chemicals
New White House Science Advisor Outlines His Goals at AAAS Annual Meeting
After filling a position that was previously vacant for more than two years, the new director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) said he is ready to enact changes that will push the U.S. to new frontiers in science. During the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) annual…
Red Phosphorus Could be Key to Bringing Lithium Metal Batteries to the Market
Immersive Science Brings VR Tools to Research Labs
Shrinky Dinks Inspire Respiration Monitor
MIT Researchers Develop Better Imaging System for Autonomous Vehicles
Alkali Metals Improve Performance of Solar Cells
A research team from the Georgia Institute of Technology, the University of California San Diego and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology has discovered that adding alkali metal to perovskite solar cells could enable energy devices to last longer and maintain better performance. “Perovskites could really change the game in solar,” David Fenning, a professor of…
Study Finds Wearable Devices Not Effective for Forecasting Stress Fractures
Whether you are a professional athlete or an amateur runner, there may be no more debilitating and frustrating injury than a stress fracture. Stress fractures generally begin with persistent and irritating pain in the foot or lower leg that gets more intense and possibly swollen as the athlete continues to train. These injuries— microcracks in…
Using Virtual Reality, Automotive Designers Can Step into Their Creations
For an automobile designer, one of the most challenging and time-consuming aspects of creating a new vehicle is having to sketch in 2D sketch while thinking in 3D. Gravity Sketch, a UK-based virtual reality (VR) software firm, is working to provide car companies, including Ford Motor Company, with VR tools that will allow designers to…
Nitrogen Key to One-Step Chemical Synthesis Method
Researchers may have found a way to use nitrogen to boost a family of useful molecules called alpha-aminoketones. A research group from Rice University has developed a one-step technique that adds nitrogen to compounds to simplify the synthesis of valuable precursors for a number of products, including drugs, pesticides and fertilizers. Ketones, which represent important…
Soft Actuator Mimics Shape Changes Found in Nature
Thus far, the mechanical world has lagged behind the natural world in developing sophisticated forms of movement that could be harnessed for systems like engines and motors. A team from the Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS) has created a new technique to change the shape of a flat sheet…