Tech
We summarize the week's scientific breakthroughs every Thursday.
- Psychology
Lend an ear to science
Pop music hit maker Clive Davis knows a catchy song when he hears one. Now an app aims to define that elusive quality more concretely.
- Neuroscience
Video games could boost reading skills in dyslexia
People with dyslexia, a developmental reading disorder, have a harder time switching from visual cues to auditory ones, but the constant shifts in video games may help improve the how quickly individuals perceive the change.
- Tech
Termite-inspired robots build structures without central command
Simple guidelines keep machines hauling and placing bricks.
- Physics
Getting warmer in attempt to reach ignition
Fusion energy output hits modest milestone at National Ignition Facility.
- Chemistry
Swapping electrolytes could prevent big battery fires
Researchers now say they have designed a nonflammable lithium ion battery that is as effective as what is already in use.
- Tech
The gene sequencing future is here
The biggest expense in sequencing a human genome now is the cost of storing it.
- Neuroscience
Football helmet redesign can reduce concussion risk
No helmet will ever eliminate the risk of sustaining a concussions during a football game. But tweaking the design may slow the speed of head movements after a hit and reduce the risk of brain trauma.
- Planetary Science
China’s moon rover may be beyond repair
If the rover’s electronics are exposed to the extremely cold temperatures on the moon, they will break, leaving Jade Rabbit inoperable.
- Health & Medicine
Nanopackaging biodegrades after delivering cancer drug
DNA binding creates potentially nontoxic tumor-targeting structures.
- Tech
A turkey’s wattle inspires a biosensor’s design
A group of scientists from the University of California, Berkeley have developed a color-changing biosensor inspired by a turkey’s wattle.
- Materials Science
Nanotube whiskers could aid robot-human interaction
Tiny hairlike sensors made from nanomaterials are more sensitive than existing devices to detect tiny pressures.
- Animals
Head cam shows how falcons track prey
Falcons use motion camouflage to capture flying prey, a new study shows.
