Researchers at Northwestern University have shown that sugar pill placebos are as effective as any drug on the market for relieving chronic pain in people with a certain brain anatomy and psychological characteristics.
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We all know that our body has an "internal clock" which determines when various daily biological processes take place. Problems can occur, however, if that clock is out of sync with the actual time of day. A simple new blood test can reportedly determine if that's the case.
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Chameleons change color via a layer of skin cells which contain nanocrystals. As the lizards stretch or relax their skin, the spacing between those crystals changes, altering the manner in which they reflect light. Now, scientists have designed a color-changing nanolaser that works the same way.
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Because diabetics often have both nerve damage and poor circulation, they will often not notice when they receive skin wounds, which proceed to heal very slowly. Those wounds can thus become chronic. A new regenerative bandage, however, could help keep this from happening.
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Not only are large scars often unsightly, but the stiff scar tissue can also limit a person's range of motion, causing discomfort. And although there are procedures that minimize scarring, it's not always apparent if such measures need to be taken. New nanoparticles could help doctors decide.
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Graphene, the "wonder material" composed of one-atom-thick sheets of linked carbon atoms, now has yet another potential application. Led by Prof. Jiaxing Huang at Northwestern University, scientists have used it to create a hair dye that's far less harmful than regular dyes.
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We've seen all sorts of innovations to help rehabilitate stroke patients, from Nintendo Wii games to stem cell treatments. Now, a team of researchers has come up with a band-aid-like sensor, worn on the throat, which tracks vital information to send wirelessly to a doctor.
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Researchers have developed a new technique to make metamaterials with nanoscale structures that can be tuned with strange optical properties. Using DNA-modified gold nanoparticles, the team could change the material's color, opening the door for new sensors or cloaking devices.
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One technology with a lot of potential when it comes to energy storage is the lithium-metal battery. Engineers have come up with a new design that address some of its shortcomings, making use of crumpled balls of graphene that fall into line as a scaffold when the battery is charging.
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We've already seen bracelets that monitor the wearer's exposure to the sun's ultraviolet rays. Now, L’Oréal has teamed up with Northwestern University to create a thumbnail-mounted gadget that does the same job. According to the university, it is the world's smallest wearable device.
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