Seashell-inspired material makes for strong, light spacecraft shielding

Inspired by seashells, scientists at Sandia National Labs have engineered a versatile new material that’s incredibly inexpensive, strong, lightweight, and heat resistant. The material could find use in shielding for spacecraft or fusion facilities.

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Fecal transplants reverse signs of aging in brain, gut and eyes of mice

A new study has not only highlighted how gut bacteria can influence inflammation and brain health, but demonstrated how hallmarks of aging in the brain, gut and eyes might even be reversed through fecal transplants.

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New imaging tech promises cheap, handheld skin cancer scanner

Researchers have demonstrated a new kind of non-invasive skin cancer detection tool. Preliminary tests found the technology to be 97 percent effective at detecting cancer tissue and the researchers are now working to develop a cheap handheld device.

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Water from Earth’s atmosphere may be raining onto the Moon

The Moon may look like a big dry ball, but there’s more water up there than you might expect. In a new study, scientists have shown that at least some of it could have been showered onto the lunar surface from the Earth’s atmosphere.

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“Master” switch for ear cell programming offers new hope for hearing loss

Scientists studying the mechanisms behind deafness have pinpointed a single gene they described as a type of master switch for cell differentiation, opening up exciting new possibilities around restoration of hearing.

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Stroke severity linked to certain strains of gut bacteria

Researchers have homed in on strains of gut bacteria associated with the severity of a common form of stroke. The findings build on research suggesting future therapies targeting the microbiome could reduce a person’s risk, and aid in recovery.

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Nike’s bug-eyed sneakers split into three pieces for recycling

Nike looks to make shoe recycling simpler with its new ISPA Link, a glue-less sneaker that quickly separates into three pieces to presort itself for recycling. The company hopes to scale the program to make sneaker recycling a more universal concept.

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Inflammation mediator shows promise as new multiple sclerosis therapy

Scientists may have uncovered a new therapy for multiple sclerosis, involving an inflammation-regulating lipid. Tests in mice showed that the lipid reduced symptoms and slowed disease progression, hinting at an underlying mechanism for the condition.

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NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope completely aligned and fully focused

Scientists working on NASA's James Webb Telescope have reached an important milestone, completely aligning the space observatory's massive mirrors, enabling it to capture in-focus images with all onboard instruments.

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Recycled soot coating captures solar heat better than graphene

Engineers in the US and Mexico have developed a way to use soot from emissions to improve solar thermal devices. The coatings are not only cheaper to produce but more efficient than using materials like graphene, while reducing pollution.

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