New Atlas

Biology Audio available

Mental compass: New evidence suggests humans can sense Earth's magnetic field

Michael Irving March 18, 2019

Magnetoreception, or the ability to sense the Earth’s magnetic field, pops up throughout the animal kingdom, but it’s generally thought to be something humans missed out on. But new research has found changes in human brain wave activity that seems to be in response to a changing magnetic field.

A new study has found evidence that humans can detect changes in the geomagnetic field

Robotics

3D printed, magnetic mesh "robots" float, bend and grab on demand

Michael Irving January 23, 2019

When you imagine robots, you probably aren’t picturing stretchy meshes that can float on water, but that’s exactly what researchers have developed. These soft structures are 3D printed and embedded with magnetic particles that let them stretch and compress to pick up and move small objects.

This claw robot can retract when a magnetic field is switched on

Outdoors

Multi-function magnetic light does the twist

Ben Coxworth December 6, 2018

It's not unheard of for outdoorsy types to have a flashlight, headlamp and bike headlight. The HeadSpin is designed to function as all three, and more, thanks to a twisting magnetic mounting system.

Medical Audio available

Eye implant uses magnets to manage glaucoma

Ben Coxworth November 9, 2018

Glaucoma occurs when a blockage causes aqueous humor fluid to accumulate within the eye faster than it can drain out. This increases intraocular pressure, which can in turn damage the optic nerve, causing blindness. A new implant, however, may be particularly effective at reducing that pressure.

The implant is activated via externally-applied magnetic fields

Games

Magnetic blocks let users build pixelated creations

Michael Irving October 29, 2018

Antsy Labs has introduced its own spin on classic DIY building toys with Pixl, a set of blocks with tiny embedded magnets to keep them stacked in 3D models or lined up in pixelated 2D artworks.

Pixl is a set of building blocks with tiny embedded magnets

Materials

Move over, graphene: Iron ore mineral becomes newest 2D material

Michael Irving July 29, 2018

Brazilian researchers have created a new two-dimensional material called hematene, which is made up of sheets of iron ore just three atoms thick. And as is often the case with 2D materials, hematene seems to have different properties to its regular form.

Researchers have created a new two dimensional version of hematite, with unusual properties

Medical

Magnetic nanoparticles put the heat on cancer

Michael Irving June 27, 2018

Scientists are coming up with some creative ways to fight cancer. Researchers at the University at Buffalo have developed new kinds of nanoparticles that can infiltrate, heat up and kill cancer cells more effectively and efficiently than similar methods.

A transmission electron microscope image of the zinc ferrite nanoparticles that can be triggered by a ...

Materials

Multifunctional surface flips from sticky to slippery on demand

Michael Irving June 26, 2018

Harvard scientists have led an international team to develop a new surface that can reconfigure its shape, stickiness or slipperiness on demand, through the application of a magnetic field.

A new composite surface dubbed FLIPS can change its shape, stickiness and slipperiness through the application ...

3D Printing

Morphing 3D-printed objects move by magnetism

Ben Coxworth June 14, 2018

Some day, it may be possible for tiny squishy robots to make their way through people's bodies, without being tethered to an external power supply or control unit. We've recently gotten a step closer to that being a reality, thanks to 3D-printing tech that produces magnetically-responsive devices.

This 3D-printed magnetic device is capable of crawling, rolling, snatching a passing ball, and even enveloping ...

Science

Magnetic nanoparticles could salvage yucky wine

Ben Coxworth June 13, 2018

If wines such as cabernet sauvignon contain high amounts of chemical compounds known as alkylmethoxypyrazines (MPs), their fruity/floral bouquet can be overwhelmed, resulting in an off-putting flavor and aroma. Now, scientists have used magnetic nanoparticles to remove MPs from wine.

Should there be too many alkylmethoxypyrazines in your wine, try adding some putative imprinted magnetic polymer ...