MIT scientists have discovered how to tap into the powerful world of bacteria to create bionic biofilms of nanowires, quantum dots and electricity conductors.
The Palm-sized Chemistry Lab that Costs Less than Your Morning Frappucino
Stanford bioengineer Manu Prakash has created a $5 hand-cranked chemistry lab from music box parts that, instead of pricking metal tines to sound different tones, yields precise amounts of designated liquid chemicals. The small device is an inexpensive, easily manufactured, programmable and energy self-sufficient tool applicable to a wide variety of scientific and educational industries.
Scents and Sustainabilty: UC Davis Scientists Opt to Change Our Sensory Experience
UC Davis Scientists are making life a little sweeter by using cultured bacteria instead of nonrenewable oils to produce more eco-friendly fragrances.
Research Shows that Urban Green Spaces Have Lasting Effect on Mental Health
A new study in the field of environmental health suggests that green spaces may benefit individuals’ mental health for a longer period of time than other positive life experiences such as receiving a job promotion, winning the lottery, or getting married.
Are Diamonds Really Forever? From Ashes to Fashion
Swiss company Algordanza has taken a new approach to symbolic jewelry by transforming the carbon in our beloved’s ashes into beautiful memorial diamonds.
IAAC Students Design Bio-photovoltaic Cells that Extract Excess Energy from Soil
A team of research students at the Institute for Advanced Architecture of Catalonia in Spain has recently designed and installed a bio-photovolatic wall at their Valldaura campus to generate some buzz about collecting the natural and continuous untapped energy that constantly flows beneath our feet.
Merel Bekking’s Neurological Search for the Perfect Product Design
The job of designing products is already a rough task even before you consider the amount of fundamental uncertainty a consumer feels about their own preferences and emotions. If, however, MRI scans could map neurological preference, could the perfect product be created? Merryl Bekking, Dutch designer, explores the possibilities.
Scientists Reveal Stunning Video of a Memory being formed at the Molecular Level
Researchers at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine of Yeshiva University have recently been able to visually capture a memory being formed at the molecular level as it happens. Using advanced imaging techniques, Dr. Robert Singer and his team at the Department of Anatomy and Structural Biology have finally penetrated the elusive layer between the intangible memories and their previously only indirectly observed processes.
Japanese Researchers Perfect the Art of Acoustic Levitation
The art of acoustic levitation stems from the ability to control sound vibrations enough to combat gravity. While it’s not exactly a new science, Yoichi Ochiai and his team of researchers at the University of Tokyo have recently developed a 3D setup that demonstrates a remarkable increase in precision and maneuverability.
Dare to Wear Bioart: Dresses Embroidered with Sterilized Deadly Bacteria
Hoping to demystify the word ‘bacteria’ through her various aesthetically-pleasing yet initially terrifying textile installations, UK artist Anna Dumitriu has sewn different types of (thoroughly sterilized) deadly bacteria into her artwork.
New Cellular Anti-Aging Compound to Begin Human Trials Next Year
Although aging is a thing some try to combat the proactive way with a healthy diet and exercise, researchers have found that our biochemistry plays a significant role in muscle deterioration at the cellular level. In a recent study, researchers found that replenishing NAD+ levels could restore the muscle tone of a 60-year-old human to that of a 20-year-old.
Heat from Underground Train Tunnels will soon Warm London Homes
While we usually consider it to be cold and damp underground, the train tunnels in Europe are a different story. Heat from the train’s engines, brakes and crowds warms the tunnels and continuously escapes through the exits. In November this year the Islington Council announced it will be channeling this lost heat to nearby homes through the Celsius project.
Scientists have Found that Distractions can actually Improve your Memory
Researchers have found that mentally rehearsing information we want to remember isn’t just an act; it actually helps us retain memories by strengthening neural connections. But when working on a project that seems overwhelming, many of us intermittently seek distraction to rest our brains for a bit. Fortunately scientists at University College London have found that these distractions can actually improve our memory, not hinder it.
Neural Lab at UW Demonstrates first Human Brain-to-Brain Communication
Researchers at the Neural Systems Laboratory at the University of Washington are believed to have created the first ever documented and approved human brain-to-brain communication. While it’s not exactly the superpower of telepathy we’ve all been dreaming of, it’s still pretty close.
Recently discovered Earth-sized Exoplanet That Theoretically Shouldn’t Exist
Since the birth of the field of exoplanet study, 755 planets have been found and confirmed – and the newest on the list is Kepler-78b. Although not habitable, what’s interesting about this recently discovered planet is its unexplainable data found by CfA researchers.
My Office is a Skeleton: Research Building made of Biosynthetic Bones
Tom Benard at L’ecole Spéciale d’Architecture in Paris has gone beyond designing a simple organic shelter; his Organ of Evolution project extends as a fully functioning, biosynthetic research building.
Eco-friendly Nokia Cell Phone Powered by Sugar
With the help of industrial designer Daizi Zheng, Nokia is yet another company joining the environmental race for sustainability with a pollution-free cell phone battery that is powered only by sugar.
Experimental Cloudscapes Hover Near a Tokyo Museum
To eliminate this separation between us and these vaporous creatures, Tetsuo Kondo Architects and Transsolar created Cloudscapes at the Museum of Contemporary Art in Tokyo. The 20-foot tall Cloudscape is wrapped in a transparent elastic vinyl to provide a surreal experience.
Highly Efficient ‘Solid Rain’ Decreases Water Consumption up to 95%
Initially designed to combat northern Mexico’s droughts, chemical engineer Sergio Velasco created Solid Rain, a non-toxic, highly absorbent potassium-based powder that stores excess water to efficiently deliver it later to plants in need.
Art by Algorithms: Dimension through a Ballpoint Pen
Dimension is a careless thing, wondering wherever it pleases. But fastened to a page, even snapshots of 3-dimensional figures with familiar shapes and horizons lack the feeling of depth. Visual artist Christopher Arabadjis responds to this with drawings devoid of classical appeal and color; instead, he extracts their basic foundations of texture and shape to make them the only focus.