Syndicated

ESA to test a reusable origami heat guard for spacecraft

ESA is preparing to test a very cool new fold-out heat shield for protecting spacecraft on re-entry. The Pridwen won't burn away like ablative heat shields, and it'll also slow falling satellites down enough to be caught in a hover net.

Source of Article

Continue ReadingESA to test a reusable origami heat guard for spacecraft

Bad drug, good weedkiller: “Failed” antibiotic repurposed as herbicide

Herbicide resistance represents a huge problem for the agricultural sector. Exploiting molecular similarities between bacteria and plants, researchers have repurposed a "failed" antibiotic as an effective weedkiller that's safe for humans.

Source of Article

Continue ReadingBad drug, good weedkiller: “Failed” antibiotic repurposed as herbicide

Sound-powered microbots zip to where they’re needed to deliver drugs

Researchers have taken another step forward in medical micro-robotics, designing a tiny sound-propelled bot with a unique design that mimics natural swimmers like bacteria. It can quickly move around the body to deliver drugs where they're needed.

Source of Article

Continue ReadingSound-powered microbots zip to where they’re needed to deliver drugs

Dyson decides to Dyson the hell out of robot vacuums

All was peaceful and gently sucky in the robot vacuum world – at least until this morning, when Dyson thundered in, Dysoning everything in its path, unleashing a fearsome 110,000 RPM Hyperdymium-driven beast that sucks six times harder than any other.

Source of Article

Continue ReadingDyson decides to Dyson the hell out of robot vacuums

Origins of schizophrenia may be linked to mom’s vitamin D

Molecular imaging technology has shown the crucial role maternal vitamin D levels play in the early development of the brain cells that produce dopamine. The finding provides a greater understanding of the mechanisms underlying schizophrenia.

Source of Article

Continue ReadingOrigins of schizophrenia may be linked to mom’s vitamin D

Virgin Orbit crashes out of the space race as assets are sold off

Space launch company Virgin Orbit has been grounded for good after a US bankruptcy court broke it up and sold off its assets to bidders. The demise of the ambitious venture comes after a failed attempt to conduct its first mission in January.

Source of Article

Continue ReadingVirgin Orbit crashes out of the space race as assets are sold off

To stop mice from eating seeds … make everything smell like seeds?

By digging up and eating sown wheat seeds, mice can have a huge impact on farmers' crops. In an eco-friendly effort to stop the rodents from doing so, scientists are now using wheat germ oil to make entire fields smell appetizing.

Source of Article

Continue ReadingTo stop mice from eating seeds … make everything smell like seeds?

Tiny holes key to making lightning-like energy from air, says study

As anyone who's ever seen a bolt of lightning knows, the air around us can be filled with an astonishing amount of energy. A new study shows a way to harvest this power using a perforated nanofilm that can be made from a vast variety of materials.

Source of Article

Continue ReadingTiny holes key to making lightning-like energy from air, says study