New Atlas

Science Audio available

Yale research suggests brain scan can detect suicide risk in PTSD sufferers

Rich Haridy May 14, 2019

Researchers believe they have homed in on a specific biomarker that can be linked to suicidal thoughts in subjects suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The new study adds to a growing body of research into novel ways clinicians can identify patients at high risk of suicide.

New research suggests increased activity of a certain brain receptor can signal suicidal thoughts in patients ...

Biology Audio available

Sperm sensor molecule could lead to new contraceptives or fertility treatments

Michael Irving May 6, 2019

Researchers at Yale University have identified a key molecule that helps activate sperm and guide them to the egg. This could make it a target for both infertility treatments and new contraceptive methods.

A newly-identified molecule could be the key to both fertility treatments and new contraceptives

Biology Audio available

Scientists uncover ancient platypus crab

David Szondy April 25, 2019

An international team of scientists has discovered a 95 million year-old "platypus crab" that may throw into question how you define a crab. Dating back to the mid-Cretaceous period, the tiny swimming crab shows larval features that produce new insights on evolution.

Artistic reconstruction of Callichimaera perplexa

Biology Audio available

Brain function partially restored in pigs – four hours after death

Michael Irving April 17, 2019

In a breakthrough study, researchers have managed to restore some brain function in pigs, including synaptic activity, as long as 4 hours after death. They used a system that pumps preserving chemicals through the brain’s circulatory system, but of course the finding raises some ethical questions.

Researchers have managed to restore some brain function in pigs as long as four hours after ...

Robotics

Robotic recycling hand knows which materials it's grabbing

Ben Coxworth April 11, 2019

In recycling facilities, workers pick through items going past on a conveyor belt, sorting them by their material. While this setup is a source of employment, it's also costly, limiting the feasibility of such operations. A new material-detecting robot hand, however, could bring costs down.

A Baxter robot uses the RoCycle hand to sort objects for recycling

Space Audio available

New galaxy discovered that's light on dark matter

Michael Irving April 1, 2019

In a pair of studies published this week, astronomers have shed new light on dark matter through close observation of a galaxy previously found to have very little of the stuff, while the same team found a new example of a similar oddball galaxy.

The galaxy NGC 1052-DF2 has been found to have very little dark matter

Around The Home

Yale's voice-controlled security camera shines a light on intruders

Paul Ridden March 28, 2019

As you break out your keys to open the front door, there's a good chance that the door's lock is made by Yale. But the company doesn't just make locks, and has just released an All-in-One outdoor camera that deters would-be intruders with light and sound. And it comes with voice control too.

Yale's All-in-One camera is IP65-certified for outdoor use, features a night vision mode and comes with ...

Medical Audio available

Dual studies highlight ketamine’s potential to treat anxiety and addiction

Rich Haridy January 10, 2019

Two new studies suggest the psychiatric benefits of ketamine treatment may extend beyond just the targeting of depression. The research demonstrates ketamine may be helpful in targeting both anxiety- and substance abuse-related depression.

New evidence suggests ketamine can reduce anxiety related to major depression, and substance abuse depression

Science

Promising new Alzheimer’s treatment unexpectedly found in old antibiotic

Rich Haridy January 2, 2019

Fascinating new research from a team at Yale has described a promising new Alzheimer’s treatment, developed from a half-century old antibiotic. The research suggests a drinkable cocktail composed of newly discovered polymers may disrupt the early stages of the neurodegenerative disease.

A drinkable cocktail composed of newly discovered polymers may disrupt the early stages of Alzheimer's

Robotics

Multipurpose robotic skins bring stuffed animals to life

Michael Irving September 19, 2018

In an effort to make robots that are more adaptable, Yale researchers have developed “robotic skins” that can be fitted over a range of everyday objects, like soft toys or pieces of foam, to turn them into robots programmed for different tasks.

Robotic skins can be wrapped around everyday objects, like stuffed animals, to make them move