You’ve heard of robots that can run, lift, jump and crawl. Now, prepare to see one that can bleed. In a paper published in the scientific journal Nature, a joint team of researchers from Cornell University and the University of Pennsylvania detailed how they built a soft robotic lionfish, complete with a multi-functional circulatory system. At its core: a blood-like compound that not … Continue reading Updating fluid-powered machines: Scientists design bizarre-looking lionfish powered by a blood-like compound
Medical doctors STUNNED as bone marrow transplant for leukemia treatment changes man’s DNA, proving medical interventions can OVERWRITE your genetic code
A Nevada man was shocked to learn that a bone marrow transplant he received actually changed his DNA and replaced it with that of his German donor. Chris Long of Reno is currently in remission from acute myeloid leukemia. Three months after his bone marrow transplant operation, he discovered that the DNA in his blood … Continue reading Medical doctors STUNNED as bone marrow transplant for leukemia treatment changes man’s DNA, proving medical interventions can OVERWRITE your genetic code
Underwater espionage: Can fish be used for underwater surveillance?
If the Pentagon is going to get its way, then chances are, it’s Nemo who’ll soon do the finding for the U.S. military. According to a statement published in its website, the Defense Advanced Research Project Agency (DARPA) – the Department of Defense‘s experimental research arm ?– says it is looking to recruit fish and other forms of undersea … Continue reading Underwater espionage: Can fish be used for underwater surveillance?
Arsenic is toxic to humans, but these microbes live and breathe it
Researchers from the School of Oceanography at the University of Washington have discovered how some microorganisms that live in portions of the ocean where oxygen is almost absent manage to thrive. Called marine oxygen-deficient zones (ODZs), these regions are sandwiched between the oxygen-rich surface and the deep layers. In their study, which appeared in the journal PNAS, they … Continue reading Arsenic is toxic to humans, but these microbes live and breathe it
Space cooties: Should astronauts be worried about fungi on space stations?
Bacteria and viruses are not the only tiny hitchhikers during outer space that might endanger the health of astronauts. Recently, Belgian researchers brought up concerns about microscopic fungi living aboard space stations and spacecraft, especially the upcoming missions to the moon and Mars. Experts know very little about the potential pathogenic properties of these microorganisms. The … Continue reading Space cooties: Should astronauts be worried about fungi on space stations?
Ambitious study looks at converting food waste back into food
Swedish researchers talk about the potential of using fungi to convert food waste into valuable products. In addition to the usual biofuels, animal feed, and textiles produced from waste food, they want to turn the fungi into a protein-rich source of food for humans. Human civilization continues to churn out increasing amounts of waste products like plastic trash and food … Continue reading Ambitious study looks at converting food waste back into food
Worms are cool: They can regrow their brains if they lose their heads
There are some animals that can grow back specific parts of their body when they have been cut off. Lizards, for example, are known for their ability to grow back their tails. However, experts have found something even more fascinating. New research published in Proceedings of the Royal Society B has revealed that some species of ribbon … Continue reading Worms are cool: They can regrow their brains if they lose their heads
Cool science: Researchers have successfully observed how fish and amphibians regenerate tissue into their perfect original shape
Wouldn’t it be neat to regrow a lost limb without any trace of scar or trauma? Researchers have successfully observed how the skin cells of some fish and amphibians are capable of advanced tissue regeneration without scarring, retaining its perfect original form. The findings, published in the journal The Company of Biologists, hint at this mechanism’s potential application in human … Continue reading Cool science: Researchers have successfully observed how fish and amphibians regenerate tissue into their perfect original shape
Frankenstein experiments combine human and animal DNA in the name of “science”
There are not too many subjects which remain controversial in modern society. It seems like everywhere you look there is a person or group pushing for the right to do pretty much what they want. And yet, there remains one subject which is highly controversial and will elicit very strong feelings one way or the … Continue reading Frankenstein experiments combine human and animal DNA in the name of “science”
Local lake virus saves man suffering from life-threatening, antibiotic resistant heart infection
An 80-year old Connecticut man owed his life to a virus taken from a nearby lake. Experimental bacteriophage therapy with the OMKO1 virus eliminated an antibiotic-resistant infection that was threatening the man’s heart, according to a LiveScience article. Researchers from the Yale School of Medicine (YSM) in New Haven, Connecticut reported that the naturally-occurring virus succeeded in treating Pseudomonas aeruginosa, which resisted conventional antibiotic … Continue reading Local lake virus saves man suffering from life-threatening, antibiotic resistant heart infection
Dr. Eddy Bettermann MD 