App turns smartphones into electronic stethoscopes

A new study has demonstrated that an app designed to turn a smartphone into an electronic stethoscope can capture reliable, quality recordings of user heartbeats across the population, which could be used to remotely monitor heart conditions.

Source of Article

Continue ReadingApp turns smartphones into electronic stethoscopes

New class of ceramics can be thermoformed into shape like sheet metal

In what they hail as a “new frontier in materials,” engineers at Northeastern University have developed a new type of ceramic that can be fashioned into thin and complex shapes, opening up expansive new applications in electronics.

Source of Article

Continue ReadingNew class of ceramics can be thermoformed into shape like sheet metal

Dino-killing asteroid set off mile-high tsunami and month-long mega-quake

Around 66 million years ago a huge asteroid slammed into Earth and wiped out most life. Two new studies have identified evidence that the impact triggered global tsunamis almost a mile high and mega-earthquakes that rumbled for months afterwards.

Source of Article

Continue ReadingDino-killing asteroid set off mile-high tsunami and month-long mega-quake

World-first stem cell therapy trial treats spina bifida before birth

In a world-first clinical trial, three babies have been born after receiving stem cell treatment for spina bifida. A stem cell patch is applied to the fetus’ spine while still developing in the womb, and early results are promising one year on.

Source of Article

Continue ReadingWorld-first stem cell therapy trial treats spina bifida before birth

Scientists scrutinize new video of orcas hunting great white sharks

Back in July, we heard how orcas were hunting great white sharks in South Africa. While scientists were basing their findings on examinations of shark carcasses, they've now gained new insights by analyzing aerial video of a hunt in action.

Source of Article

Continue ReadingScientists scrutinize new video of orcas hunting great white sharks

Study indicates that even small amounts of crude oil can harm seabirds

It's always upsetting to see images of seabirds covered in crude oil, as the result of an accidental spill. According to a new study, however, even tiny amounts of routinely released waterborne oil may seriously damage such birds' feathers.

Source of Article

Continue ReadingStudy indicates that even small amounts of crude oil can harm seabirds

China turns on the world’s largest compressed air energy storage plant

The world's largest and, more importantly, most efficient clean compressed air energy storage system is up and running, connected to a city power grid in northern China. It'll store up to 400 MWh of energy and release enough power for 40-60,000 homes.

Source of Article

Continue ReadingChina turns on the world’s largest compressed air energy storage plant

NASA and SpaceX explore idea of shifting Hubble to a more stable orbit

NASA is now exploring how Hubble can remain operational further into the future with the help of SpaceX’s Dragon capsule, which might be used to dock with the telescope and shift it to a more stable orbit.

Source of Article

Continue ReadingNASA and SpaceX explore idea of shifting Hubble to a more stable orbit

Discovery of cancer’s fungal fingerprint could predict disease outcomes

A pair of new studies have reported novel links between fungal microorganisms and cancer. The research reports different types of tumors seem to harbor unique fungal populations, raising the possibility of new ways to diagnose and treat cancer.

Source of Article

Continue ReadingDiscovery of cancer’s fungal fingerprint could predict disease outcomes