Bone marrow stem cells have been shown to form liver cells, suggesting a potential new approach for treating cirrhosis. Researchers at McGill University in Quebec discovered that cells from bone marrow can differentiate into hepatocytes, oval cells and bile duct cells.
NASA gave astronauts melatonin to improve sleep, but found no benefit; instead, electrodes seemed to help them relax and sleep better. Astronauts' duties likely cause insomnia, and monitoring equipment helps them see sleep as part of their mission.
Researchers have developed a new technique to spot contaminated corn by listening for telltale noises made by mouldy kernels when exposed to infrared strobe light. The method uses Fourier Transform Infrared Photoacoustic Spectroscopy (FTIR-PAS) and achieves a 96% accuracy in spotting clean and contaminated corn.
A new drug has been developed to target E.coli infections, reducing the risk of kidney damage by half in trials. The drug, developed by Synsorb Biotech, works by mimicking the receptors on gut cells to which the bacterium's deadly 'shiga' toxin binds, allowing it to mop up the toxin undigested.
Researchers have discovered that screensaver keys can be vulnerable to hacking by scanning hard drives for random chunks of data. This could allow hackers to find and crack private signature keys, compromising encryption systems, particularly those on Web servers.
MIT researchers have created a sensory tabletop that can track hand movements in three dimensions, allowing for new interactive technologies. The table uses electrodes to detect tiny currents generated by the user's hand, which are then used to calculate the hand's position in 3D space.
Recent studies indicate that electronic transmitters used by off-piste skiers to locate buried victims are ineffective due to limited range and prolonged rescue times. The signals only carry up to 50 meters and professional skiers take an average of 18 minutes to reach their companions, resulting in a low survival rate.
Campylobacter is a leading cause of food poisoning, but lacked a reliable test until now. Researchers have developed a quick DNA test that can identify the bacterium in eight hours, and a scanner to detect faecal contamination on meat.
A new sign language called thumbcode allows users to type 30 words per minute, compared to 60 words per minute for touch typists. The device-independent language uses hand positions to represent characters and can be used with gloves or video cameras.
An asteroid approximately 30-50 metres across has been discovered in an orbit close to Earth's, likely originating from the Moon. The object's unusual nearly circular orbit is unlike most comets and asteroids that cross the Earth's orbit.
Researchers analyzing humpback whale calls with information theory claim the animals may have a hierarchical grammar. The study measured entropy in the songs, finding predictable sequences of sounds that hint at complex communication.
Researchers are exposing chimps to lethal HIV strains to develop an AIDS vaccine, with some arguing that the practice is unjustified and disrespects animal life. Chimps have already been infected with deadly strains of HIV, and more may be exposed in future experiments.
As people age, a protein called TNF helps to destroy diseased cells but also causes the immune system to degenerate. Researchers found that older adults' immune cells became more sensitive to TNF, leading to increased cell death and weakening of the immune system.
A lack of testing on children means doctors must prescribe 'off label', leaving them with uncertainty about the outcome. This also leads to liability for healthcare authorities rather than pharmaceutical companies.
The vaccine targets Escherichia coli, the bacterium causing 85% of UTIs. Recipients develop antibodies that prevent bacteria from colonizing bladder walls. Clinical trials in women are planned for the end of this year to test the vaccine's effectiveness.
A new smart tyre sensor system has been developed using microscopic components to monitor temperature and pressure, providing reliable and affordable tyre condition checks. The system, patented by Goodyear, is expected to improve tyre safety and reduce maintenance costs for motorists.
The Great Ape Project advocates for nonhuman great apes to have individual rights, including the right to life and protection from cruel treatment. However, experts raise concerns about overemphasizing human-like qualities in great apes, which may lead to an expansion of moral concern beyond humans.
Physicists suggest MACHOs may be made of a weird kind of mirror matter generated in the big bang, with potential for mirror planets and organisms. This theory could explain the presence of invisible stars on the outskirts of our Galaxy.
NASA is investing half a million dollars in an experiment to create a device that shields a rocket from the Earth's gravity. The project, led by physicist Ronald Koczor, aims to replicate elements of Russian scientist E. E. Podkletnov's controversial experiments on antigravity.
A German study suggests that people complaining of health problems related to dental amalgam fillings may be using it as a scapegoat for underlying psychological issues. The researchers found low levels of mercury in the saliva, blood, and urine of participants, contradicting concerns about the alloy's safety.
A mercury poisoning illness known as Minamata disease has resurfaced in the Amazon rainforest, affecting thousands of people. The disease, which causes severe neurological damage, is linked to consumption of methyl mercury-contaminated fish.
Researchers in Mexico City are testing an antenna system designed to ionise the atmosphere, hoping to influence local wind patterns and rainfall to disperse air contaminants. However, experts remain sceptical due to the enormous number of electrons required to alter the natural level of ionisation.
The Rotary Rocket Company is set to conduct atmospheric tests for its revolutionary heli-rocket Roton. The craft will use four 7-meter-long helicopter blades to slow its descent and potentially slash the cost of getting satellites into space. If successful, the first Roton could blast into orbit as early as next year.
A cost-effective method to eliminate methane emissions from coal mines has been developed by Natural Resources Canada. The system uses a secret catalyst to oxidize methane to water and CO2, generating heat and electricity in the process.
Researchers found that pig eggs with multiple sperm can develop into healthy embryos with a normal number of chromosomes. The extra set of chromosomes is segregated into a separate cell, which shrivels and dies.
Astrophysicist James Annis suggests that cataclysmic gamma-ray bursts could be sterilizing galaxies, preventing extraterrestrial life from reaching Earth. This theory may provide an explanation for the Fermi Paradox, with intelligent life having recently emerged in the Galaxy and being unable to explore yet.
Researchers identify receptor on egg surface that binds to sperm surface protein, offering new avenue for contraception. The target, alpha-6/beta-1 integrin, could be used to deceive an egg into changing its outer coat to keep sperm out.
A new imaging device, Hall Effect Imaging (HEI), uses ultrasonic emissions to highlight variations in electrical conductivity between healthy and diseased tissue, offering a faster alternative to painful biopsies. HEI has high specificity, ruling out false positives, and could complement MRI technology.
Researchers have developed a device that allows paralyzed patients to write sentences on a computer screen using their brain waves. The system uses slow cortical potentials, which are recorded more reliably than other components, and enables patients to control a cursor and select characters from a panel.
Biologists have successfully developed a new method for preserving human eggs using a choline-based solution, which allows for higher survival rates compared to traditional methods. The breakthrough could pave the way for easier egg banking at fertility clinics and improve chances of motherhood for women with damaged ovaries.
Researchers found high concentrations of tolyltriazoles in groundwater under an airport, causing toxicity to bacteria and aquatic life. Current regulations only monitor glycol levels, ignoring major sources of toxicity.
Physicists Daniel Kabat and Gilad Lifschytz propose tachyons as the solution to explain how black holes absorb particles without violating M-theory. Tachyons, with imaginary mass, could provide a mechanism for energy absorption, making it possible for black holes to devour matter.
The Cellular Automata Machine (CAM) brain will be built under contract by Genobyte, a company in Boulder, Colorado. It will contain nearly 40 million artificial neurons, compared to the few hundred neurons used in most other specialists in artificial intelligence.
Researchers have found that temporarily blocking sex hormones can boost the immune system of people with HIV, cancer, and those who have received immunosuppressive treatments. The study suggests that drugs that suppress sex hormone production may help restore immune function and combat diseases.
Astronomers believe the Universe has expanded since the big bang about 15 billion years ago, but a new theory proposes that it may have rotated like a merry-go-round for an indefinitely long period. If true, this rotation could have suddenly changed into expansion thanks to a 'vacuum phase transition.'
Researchers found that carbonic acid, a chemical irritant, causes the tingling sensation when drinking champagne. Volunteers were asked to rate the sensation after sticking their tongues into carbonated water for up to 15 seconds.
A new urine test developed by Irish scientists can detect the 'date rape drug' Rohypnol up to a week after its use. The test uses antibodies and enzymes to identify the metabolite of Rohypnol, improving detection beyond existing antibody tests.
A psychologist proposes that cave artists, who painted sophisticated images 31,000 years ago, were actually people with underdeveloped minds. An autistic girl's unusual drawing skills inspired this theory, which suggests that artistic talents emerged due to mental deficiencies rather than sophistication.
Russian scientists are developing a bacterial mixture to break down organic waste from astronauts' underwear, reducing storage issues in space. The disposal unit will process plastic, cellulose, and other waste aboard spacecraft, addressing the acute problem of waste management in space.
Researchers have developed a nasal vaccine that could protect people from pneumonic plague, the disease responsible for the Black Death. The vaccine, which targets tissue lining the gut and respiratory system, has shown promising results in mice trials.
New superballoons could carry scientific experiments and relay voices globally, offering a cost-effective solution for space research. The balloons' lightweight design and strong materials enable long-duration flights up to 100 days at an altitude of 36 kilometres.
Researchers propose that HIV's passive infection of astrocytes may contribute to AIDS dementia by disrupting glutamate removal. The study found more apoptotic astrocytes in brains of people with dementia compared to those without, suggesting a potential new target for prevention and treatment.
A new technique discovered by Lars Sørensen allows thieves to unlock and steal from cars using handheld computers, exploiting vulnerable infrared remote controls. The method is being taken seriously by car manufacturers, who are investigating ways to mitigate the threat.
The CFIT Reduction Task Force has found that airlines are placing too much faith in new technologies and not enough emphasis on basic training and safety procedures. The task force recommends a checklist and education aid to alert flight crews to the dangers of CFIT accidents, which have increased by seven confirmed incidents this year.
A team led by Patrick Kochanek has identified specific biochemical markers that may help detect child abuse. Preliminary evidence suggests that victims of abuse often have abnormal levels of quinolinic acid in their cerebrospinal fluid, which could reveal whether a parent is lying about the timing of an injury.
A team of researchers has developed an electronic neural switch that mimics biological neural activity, paving the way for the creation of autonomous robots capable of thinking, learning, and seeking out new environments. The device uses nanoelectronic processors to transmit signals similar to those from nerve cells, enabling it to pro...
Researchers found that rats born by Caesarean section showed marked differences in brain development compared to naturally born controls. They had altered dopamine systems and responses to stress tests. The findings hint at a potential link between Caesarean births and schizophrenia risk.
Maxygen's DNA shuffling technique has created ultra-efficient proteins and supergenes, including a potent interferon that is 285,000 times more effective than natural versions. The company has also developed superior enzymes with potential applications in industrial processes.
Engineers warn that natural alpha particle emissions from materials like lead solder could corrupt data, causing crashes or data loss. The next generation of microprocessors will be more susceptible to this threat due to shrinking transistors.
Researchers at Kanagawa University have invented a technique to store human organs for up to 10 days using the natural preservative trehalose. The method involves flushing organs with trehalose solution and storing them in silica gel, allowing for longer-term preservation without significant tissue damage.