Science

The latest in science news, from the depths of space to the quantum realm

A new study has homed in on several specific bacteria that could be associated with the onset of food allergies in babies

Medical

Restoring missing gut bacteria a potential cure for food allergies

A new study suggests food allergies can be triggered in infants by a lack of certain gut bacteria. As well as identifying which bacteria are key to protecting against the onset of food allergies, a subsequent mouse study revealed a specific probiotic cocktail can reverse pre-established allergies.

Space

SpaceX catches a falling piece of rocket with a giant net

SpaceX is on a mission to reuse as much of its launch systems as possible. Part of this strategy involves catching pieces of rocket as they plummet back toward Earth, something the company managed to pull off for the first time following yesterday’s landmark Falcon Heavy launch.
Space

Boeing Starliner completes last and most difficult parachute test

Boeing's CST-100 Starliner spacecraft has completed its fifth, final, and most dangerous parachute test. It was released from a balloon and dropped safely to the desert floor at the White Sands Missile Range with three of its six parachutes deliberately rigged to malfunction.
Science

Phone-connected device detects bacterial toxins in water

Potentially fatal to both animals and humans, blue-green algae blooms occur when overly-abundant cyanobacteria in the water produce harmful substances known as cyanotoxins. The sooner those toxins are detected, the better – which is where a new smartphone-connected device comes into the picture.
Medical

Drug-dispensing implant is controlled by Bluetooth

Over the past several years, we've heard about a number of implantable devices that regularly dispense medication within the body, doing away with the need for pills or injections. A new one takes things further, as its dosage level can be changed after it's been implanted.
Science

Smartphones and fitness trackers used to gauge employee performance

Ordinarily, when employers wish to assess the performance of employees, they have them fill out questionnaires or take part in interviews. A new (and perhaps somewhat Orwellian) system is claimed to be more objective and thus more accurate, however, by utilizing smartphones and fitness trackers.
Science

Performance enhancing probiotics? Study homes in on beneficial bacteria in elite athletes

A study has found increased volumes of a certain species of gut bacteria in marathon runners following the completion of an event. This species was found to metabolize exercise-induced lactate into propionate, a compound that may increase exercise capacity.