Science

In a way it seems so obvious: find out what kinds of things people are putting into their bodies by studying what comes out the other end. These do sound like muddy waters, but some see a very bright future for this dark corner of science.

New research from Harvard suggests some single-celled organisms may be capable of more complex decision-making than we give them credit for. In experiments, they were found to consult a hierarchy of options and be capable of “changing their minds.”

NASA has released the first significant findings from the Parker Solar Probe's first two close encounters with the Sun that began in November 2018. Four new studies outline how the spacecraft has both confirmed theories and sprung a few surprises.

The blood-borne signs of aging – and indeed, perhaps the causes of agiing – make three big shifts around the ages of 34, 60 and 78, a new Stanford-led study has found, potentially leading to new diagnostic tests and avenues of anti-aging research.

The 3D-printing of titanium-alloy objects does open up some intriguing possibilities. That said, the finished items aren't always as strong as they could be. New research suggests that adding copper to those alloys could make a big difference.

Hokkaido University’s ongoing research into hydrogels has borne fresh fruit: a new polymer-based material that, unlike other polymers, hardens when heated – by 1,800 times.

Nothing ruins a session like stale beer, but it’s a common problem. Now researchers from Jiangnan University have found a way to keep beer fresher for longer, by genetically engineering lager yeast to produce certain compounds that slow staleness.

Two compelling new studies are building on a hypothesis suggesting age-related dementia is caused by a leaky blood-brain barrier. Experts suggest the studies are interesting but not particularly applicable to human cases of dementia.

The Pill only works if you remember to take it every single day. To reduce that risk and hassle, researchers at MIT have updated their slow-release, star-shaped oral capsules to last up to four weeks, and used it to deliver contraceptive drugs.

Having nearly completed its long journey to the asteroid Bennu and collected a couple of orbital records along the way, NASA’s OSIRIS-REx spacecraft is now being readied for its most critical maneuver, sample collection.

Scientists in Canada have come up with a new adhesive they say can address some of the shortcomings of commercial glues, using ultra-strong connections at the molecular level to create new kinds of bonds between unlikely material partners.

Since ancient times, honey has been used to boost the healing of wounds. In a 21st Century twist, it has now also been incorporated into a surgical mesh coating that could help prevent post-operative infections.