Fudan University

Scientists in China have developed a new chemical mix that can allow brain tissue to be frozen and thawed without damage

Science

Frozen human brain tissue works perfectly when thawed 18 months later

In good news for future animation figureheads, there might be a new way to revive frozen brains without damaging them. Scientists in China have developed a new chemical concoction that lets brain tissue function again after being frozen.

Five children born deaf have gained the ability to hear and recognize speech, thanks to a groundbreaking gene therapy clinical trial

Body & Mind

Groundbreaking gene therapy trial allows 5 children born deaf to hear

A breakthrough clinical trial using gene therapy has restored hearing to five children born deaf. After six months, the children were able to recognize speech and hold conversations, raising hopes for wider use in the near future.

Heart Disease

Death of a sibling in childhood increases heart disease risk by 17%

Research has linked the death of a sibling early in life to a 17% increased risk of cardiovascular disease, with most being early-onset. The findings highlight the need to provide support to bereaved siblings to reduce the risk of future health issues.

Neural spirals give scientists a new look at cognitive processing

Alzheimer's & Dementia

Newly found whirlpool-like currents could organize our brains

By focusing on the interaction between neurons, researchers have been able to uncover much about the way our brains operate. A new study though, has zoomed out and found larger swirling patterns that seem to help the brain organize itself.

Research has found a link between exposure to air pollution and the risk of developing heart arrhythmia

Heart Disease

Air pollution strikes at the heart, linked to rhythm disturbances

New research out of China has unveiled a concerning link between air pollution exposure and heart rhythm disturbances, further demonstrating the dangers of unclean air and the urgent need for global efforts to improve air quality.

A molecular model of the new treatment package – the gold atoms (brown) can be seen in the center, surrounded by positively charged ligands (red) which are attracted to bacteria, and zwitterionic ligands (blue), which protect the host's cells

Body & Mind

Gold nanoclusters make old antibiotics effective against superbugs again

Scientists may have found a way to re-enlist old antibiotics in the fight against superbugs. Gold nanoparticles were wrapped in molecules that seek out bacteria and disrupt their cell membranes, allowing existing drugs to kill them easier.

The technology may help alert both motorists and pedestrians

Good Thinking

Color-changing road signs could be better at getting drivers' attention

Even though road signs already tend to be highly reflective, some night-time drivers still don't notice the things. New technology could help, as it causes signs to reflect in an attention-getting rainbow of changing colors.

Researchers have developed a new graphene production technique that cuts the amount of solvent required by up to half

Materials

Cleaning up graphene production

With current techniques for the mass production of graphene requiring large amounts of organic solvents that aren't great for the environment, the announcement of a more environmentally friendly and cost effective technique for the large-scale production of the wonder material comes as good news.

Depression could come down to stronger and weaker connections between various parts of the brain

Mental Health

Uncovering depression's web in the brain

A new study out of the University of Warwick in the UK and Fudan University in China found out just how strengthened and weakened neuronal circuits can cause our grey matter to deliver dark days.