Science

Gene therapy mends optic nerves in promising advance for treating glaucoma

Researchers in Australia are claiming an important breakthrough in glaucoma research, demonstrating how the degenerative condition can be treated using an innovative form of gene therapy that repairs damaged optic nerve cells.

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World first: Dutch brewery burns iron as a clean, recyclable fuel

Yes, iron. Fine iron powder can burn at high temperatures, emitting nothing but rust as a by-product. That rust can be reduced back into iron powder using renewable energy to create a clean, renewable combustion fuel that could have big implications.

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New mineral discovered in Moon meteorite could lurk deep beneath Earth

Researchers have discovered a new mineral in a meteorite from the Moon. Named donwilhemsite, the mineral appears to form under high pressures and may play a crucial role in the rock cycle deep within the Earth.

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NASA sends first commands to Voyager 2 in eight months

After almost eight months of silence, NASA has sent radio commands to the Voyager 2 spacecraft. On October 29, the DSS43 radio antenna in Australia sent a signal to the 43-year-old probe, which returned a confirmation signal.

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Microneedle patch tests for malaria without needing to draw blood

Engineers at Rice University have designed a new bandage-like microneedle device that could greatly improve access to malaria testing, with the ability to detect key markers of the disease without drawing any blood at all.

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CERN scientists design trap to transport antimatter between facilities

Antimatter is a tricky substance to store and transport, mostly because it annihilates any container you try to put it in. Now CERN researchers have outlined a new antimatter trap designed to safely carry the volatile stuff to new facilities.

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Smallest rogue planet discovered seems to be a free-floating exo-Earth

While almost every planet ever found orbits a star, there are some loners that roam the cosmos entirely on their own. Now astronomers have spotted the smallest of these “rogue planets” ever discovered, which is only the size of Earth or smaller.

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NASA announces public challenge to find ways to unload lunar landers

Having conquered space toilets, NASA has announced a new challenge that invites the public to submit novel ways to unload lunar payloads. NASA’s Lunar Delivery Challenge is offering US$25,000 in prizes for the best ideas for removing cargo.

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Liquid nanofoam lining bolsters football helmets against repeat impacts

Engineers at Michigan State University have crafted a new type of liquid foam lining they say can help football helmets better sustain repeated impacts, improving their longevity and the safety of those wearing them.

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Suckerfish seen “surfing” blue whales in world-first underwater footage

A new study has delved into underwater behavior of remora, producing the first-ever continuous recordings of these so-called suckerfish in action and showing how they surf, feed and even socialize on the surface of blue whales.

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