Newcastle University

The system is able to differentiate between chicks' distress calls and other noises in the environment

Good Thinking

Automated analysis of chick chirps may ensure better living conditions

When it comes to farm animals being raised in subpar conditions, chickens often have it particularly rough. A new system that analyzes chick vocalizations, however, could help alert farmers (or authorities) when things really need to change.

Technologies that capture carbon dioxide before it reaches the atmosphere are seen as a potential tool in the fight against climate change

Materials

Carbon capture membrane assembles its own silver structures

Scientists at Newcastle University have happened upon a particularly promising example if a carbon capture technology, developing a low-cost membrane that assembles one of its own key components as it absorbs CO2.

A new study has found Bronze Age warriors wielded their swords with skill to minimize damage to the metal

Science

Combat experiments reveal fighting techniques of Bronze-Age warriors

Bronze Age swords make for impressive museum displays, but how were they used? To find the answer, scientists teamed up with history enthusiasts to combine laboratory studies with staged experimental fights using replica weapons.

The sawshark redemption – a Pliotrema kajae specimen

Biology

Two rare sawshark species newly discovered in West Indian Ocean

It turns out that there still are new things under the sun – or in this case, under the water. Scientists have recently discovered not one but two previously-unknown species of the six-gill sawshark, which is itself rarely seen.

Manuka honey, which was used in the study, is made from nectar collected by bees that forage on the wild Manuka tree

Medical

Layers of honey may help surgical meshes resist infection

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.

Scientists have uncovered what they say is the first direct evidence of bacteria switching shapes and shedding their cell walls to evade antibiotics

Medical

Bacteria caught changing shape to evade antibiotics

For the first time, scientists in Australia have observed bacteria shedding their protective shells and changing shape to escape detection by antibiotics.

Lard may have greased the skids used to haul the giant megaliths of Stonehenge

Science

How do you build Stonehenge? Add lard

According to a recent study by Newcastle University, if you want to build a replica of Stonehenge, get some lard. By studying neolithic pottery from a site near the ancient stone circle, archaeologists suggest that pig fat was used as a lubricant to help move the gigantic megaliths.

CT scan of the newly discovered Atacama snailfish

Biology

Three new fish species discovered in the extreme depths of the Atacama Trench

A new exploration to the Atacama Trench off South America’s west coast has shed new light on one of the Earth’s deepest places, including video evidence of what appears to be three brand new species of marine life.

Co-author Dr. Steve Swioklo (left) and Prof. Che Connon, with a 3D-printed cornea

Medical

For the first time, scientists 3D-print human corneas

There's a limited supply of donor human corneas, meaning that not everyone who needs an eyesight-saving transplant can get one. As a result, biosynthetic corneas have recently been developed. These could become quicker and easier to produce, as scientists have successfully 3D-printed the things.

By putting tiny 3D glasses onto praying mantises, researchers have discovered a unique, previously unknown type of 3D vision that's based on movement

Science

Tiny glasses reveal praying mantises have a different kind of 3D vision

By putting tiny 3D glasses on the bugs, researchers at Newcastle University have found that praying mantises possess a unique, previously unknown type of 3D vision that's based on movement.

The patterns of wood particles in original paper items can be used to verify that they're not copies

Science

Paper fingerprints could thwart counterfeiters

At a glance, a sheet of paper may seem very uniform. Look closer, however, and you'll see that it's made up of a random jumble of tiny interwoven wood particles. Scientists have taken advantage of that fact, using each jumble as a "texture fingerprint" for authenticating individual paper items.

The prototype hand uses an off-the-shelf digital camera to help reach for and grasp objects

Robotics

Bionic hand uses built-in camera to home in on objects

Biomedical engineers at Newcastle University are giving new meaning to hand-eye co-ordination by fitting a bionic hand with a camera. The hand uses an off-the-shelf camera combined with machine learning to allow patients to grasp objects automatically without consciously operating the device.