New Atlas

Robotics Audio available

Robot taught to copy handwriting and sketches

Ben Coxworth May 17, 2019

Imagine if you were working with a robot that could leave you written messages, or draw diagrams to explain concepts. Such a scenario has come a step closer to reality, as a university student has taught a robot how to copy what we write, and what we draw.

The robot's version of a Mona Lisa sketch, beneath the hand-drawn original

Medical

Polymer catheter coating kills infection-causing bacteria

Ben Coxworth March 8, 2019

Hospital-acquired infections are a serious problem, and the most common type of such infections occurs when catheters are inserted into blood vessels. A new coating, however, shows promise for killing bacteria at insertion sites, keeping them from establishing biofilm colonies on the catheters.

When bacterial biofilms form on intravascular catheters, potentially fatal bloodstream infections can result

Science Audio available

BrainGate tech lets paralyzed volunteers control a tablet via their thoughts

Ben Coxworth November 22, 2018

In recent years, a brain-computer interface (BCI) developed by the US BrainGate consortium has allowed people to control a robotic arm and to type, using only their thoughts. Now, a group of paralyzed volunteers has utilized the technology to perform various functions on a tablet.

A test subject uses the BrainGate BCI to play "Ode to Joy" on a virtual keyboard ...

Space

Rolling stones could be responsible for Phobos' grooves after all

James Holloway November 21, 2018

Scientists have long debated the cause of the distinctive grooves on the surface of Mars' moon Phobos. One leading theory has it that the lines are signs of structural failure. But a competing idea suggests the marks may be superficial, caused simply by rolling stones on Phobos' surface.

Could rolling stones be responsible for the grooves in Phobos' surface?

Energy

Alloy nanoparticles cut cost of platinum and increase life of hydrogen fuel cells

David Szondy October 17, 2018

A team of Brown University scientists has developed a new catalyst that could make hydrogen fuel cell-powered vehicles more economical. Based on nanoparticles made of an alloy of platinum and cobalt, the new catalyst is cheaper than pure platinum, and also more efficient and longer lasting.

The new catalyst combines an outer shell of platinum atoms (gray spheres) with ordered layers of ...

Space Audio available

Scientists find definitive evidence of water on the Moon

David Szondy August 20, 2018

A NASA team has found definitive evidence of water ice at the poles of the Moon. Using data from NASA's Moon Mineralogy Mapper aboard the Indian Chandrayaan-1 lunar orbiter, the new discovery indicates that not only is water present on the Moon, but it is readily accessible from the surface.

Distribution of surface ice at the Moon's south pole (left) and north pole (right) as detected ...

Medical

Giant cancer cell properties probed for potential treatment targets

Michael Irving August 14, 2018

"Giant” cancer cells contribute to many of the disease’s most dangerous abilities, but they remain relatively unstudied. Now, researchers from Brown University have investigated these troublemakers, revealing some physical characteristics that could eventually unlock new forms of treatment.

Brown University scientists have studied giant cancer cells, seen in the middle of the image surrounded ...

Space

High-speed cannon shows how asteroid impacts seeded early Earth's oceans

Michael Irving April 25, 2018

It's been suggested that asteroids delivered water to a bone-dry early Earth, but whether that would work in practice remained unanswered. Now scientists at Brown University have tested the theory using a high-powered cannon, and found that a surprising amount of water is transferred in the process.

A frame from the video of the Brown team's hypervelocity impact experiment, which found that water-rich ...

Energy

Titanium helps perovskite solar cells do a lead detox

Michael Irving February 14, 2018

Over the last few years, perovskite has proven itself to be a promising material for photovoltaic solar cells, but it’s not without its problems. Now, a team has found a way to helps solve at least one of those issues, removing toxic lead from the device by substituting in titanium.

A new design for perovskite solar cell has found that titanium could be a viable substitute ...

Biology

Life-extending protein could keep us healthier for longer

Michael Irving January 29, 2018

Rather than focusing on a longer lifespan, it’s a better to improve our “healthspan,” the time we can enjoy good health. A new study from Brown University has linked the protein Sirt4 with an extended healthy lifespan in fruit flies, and the find may carry across to humans.

Brown University researchers have identified a protein that can increase the healthy lifespan of fruit flies, ...