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Uncovering stimulation's impact on neurons

Takashi Kozai aims to design a coating technology that can control neuron activity using biomolecules. The goal is to establish the relationship between different types of stimulation and their impact on excitability, which could improve BCI technology for rehabilitation of neurodegenerative diseases.

Older entrepreneurs as successful as their younger counterparts, study reveals

A new study published in the Journal of Business Venturing found that older business entrepreneurs can be just as successful as their younger counterparts. The study also showed that women's chances of success increase with age. Meanwhile, midlife is considered a challenging time to start a business due to child care and elder care obl...

SourceRensselaer Polytechnic Institute·JournalJournal of Business Venturing·DateApr 6, 2020

The right thumb becomes the left arm

A research team has induced a re-association of the right thumb with a virtual left arm through visuo-motor synchronization in a virtual environment. The study contributes to understanding body schemes of augmented humans and their limitations. Body-part re-association may be applied to developing functional prosthesis and embodied tools.

SourceToyohashi University of Technology (TUT)·JournalFrontiers in Robotics and AI·DateMar 19, 2020

£500,000 NIHR grant for obesity treatment

A £500,000 NIHR grant will be used to investigate the effectiveness of NHS-funded obesity treatment programmes in the UK. The project, BE:COME, aims to determine which components of these programmes contribute to weight loss and identify the best combination for different groups of people.

All optical control of exciton flow in a colloidal quantum well complex

Researchers from Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, demonstrate a convenient way to control exciton flow between different colloidal quantum wells at room temperature through optical signals. They achieve continuous transition among three distinct exciton flow regimes with efficiencies of ~50%, ~90% and ~2%.

KIST develops biofuel production process in cooperation with North American researchers

Researchers at KIST and international partners develop a new biofuel production process that uses genetic engineering to remove lignin, a major obstacle in biofuel production. The innovative process also utilizes bio-derived deep eutectic solvents and analysis technology to ensure economic feasibility.

SourceNational Research Council of Science & Technology·JournalFrontiers in Plant Science·DateFeb 28, 2020

Scientists came up with nanoconcrete for casting under negative temperature conditions

Researchers from Far Eastern Federal University develop a novel concrete mixture with nano additives, allowing for casting under low-temperature conditions and reducing the need for major renewal after 50 years. The new mixture also exhibits improved strength, density, and durability compared to conventional concrete.

SourceFar Eastern Federal University·JournalConstruction and Building Materials·DateFeb 28, 2020

Pill-sized 'heater' could increase accessibility in diagnosing infectious disease

Researchers developed a pill-sized 'heater' that regulates temperature of biological samples through different stages of diagnostic testing, increasing accuracy and accessibility. The device can be used in various settings to detect viruses without electricity, reducing the need for specialized training and costly lab equipment.

SourceUniversity of Toronto Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 20, 2020

Environmental solutions to go global

A new Australian technology developed by Flinders University and Clean Earth Technologies can absorb pollutants, including mercury and oil spills. The solution uses a polymer made from sulfur and plant oil to capture toxic substances in water, reducing environmental harm.

SourceFlinders University·JournalAdvanced Sustainable Systems·DateFeb 16, 2020

New technology for pathogen detection driven by lasers

Researchers at Purdue University have developed a lanthanide-based assay coupled with a laser to detect toxins and pathogenic E. coli in various samples. The technology uses a high-powered laser pulse to obliterate a sample, collecting spectral signatures that are compared to a database for identification.

SourcePurdue University·JournalAnalytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry·DateFeb 14, 2020

Storytelling can reduce VR cybersickness

A study found that emotionally evocative storylines can reduce virtual reality cybersickness, especially in non-gamers, by enhancing presence and decreasing sensory conflicts. The findings suggest that game design can be used to create more inclusive VR experiences.

SourceUniversity of Waterloo·JournalInternational Journal of Human-Computer Studies·DateFeb 13, 2020