Tech
We summarize the week's scientific breakthroughs every Thursday.
- Tech
SPIDER shrinks telescopes with far-out design
Researchers hope new approach to interferometry and photonics will replace standard telescopes and long-range cameras where room is scarce.
- Tech
Light-activated heart cells help guide robotic stingray
Layers of silicone, gold and genetically engineered rat heart cells make up the body of a new stingray robot that can swim in response to light.
- Psychology
Moral dilemma could put brakes on driverless cars
Driverless cars race into a moral conflict over saving passengers or pedestrians.
- Archaeology
Lidar maps vast network of Cambodia’s hidden cities
Laser survey unveils the extent, and the mystery, of Southeast Asia’s Khmer Empire
- Tech
Monitoring online groups offers insight into ISIS attacks
Targeting online groups may be key to limiting the digital reach of ISIS.
- Life
Biologists seek help to ‘see’ itty-bitty molecules in 3-D
A new citizen science project called Microscopy Masters aims to improve how scientists build three-dimensional models of proteins.
- Earth
Spy satellites reveal early start to Antarctic ice shelf collapse
Declassified spy satellite images reveal that Antarctica’s Larsen B ice shelf began destabilizing decades earlier than previously thought.
- Tech
Nanoparticles beat back atherosclerosis
Nanoparticles that find and destroy waxy plaques in blood vessels could be the next big treatment for heart disease.
- Computing
New technique produces real randomness
A new technique makes it easier for computers to roll the dice.
- Tech
3-D TVs are a work in need of progress
In 1966, scientists predicted 3-D TVs would broadcast life-size holograms by 1984.
- Tech
Insect-sized bot is first to both fly, land
A tiny aerial robot nicknamed RoboBee uses static electricity to perch on surfaces midflight. The landing device could one day help robots conserve energy during search and rescue missions.
- Life
How to trap sperm
Lab-made beads can trick and trap sperm, potentially preventing pregnancy or selecting sperm for fertility treatments.
