Research has discovered that inside every cell in the human body is a kill code designed to trigger self-destruction if it senses a cell is turning cancerous. Across two studies the scientists homed in on the code underlying this mechanism and believe it may lead to a new kind of cancer treatment.
Continue Reading
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.
Continue Reading
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.
Continue Reading
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.
Continue Reading
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.
Continue Reading
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.
Continue Reading
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.
Continue Reading
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.
Continue Reading
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.
Continue Reading
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.
Continue Reading
See the stories that matter in your inbox every morning