Cholera vaccine made from GM rice passes first human trial
An oral cholera vaccine that’s grown in genetically modified rice and can be stored at room temperature has passed its first human trial.
Virgin flight shatters record for number of people in space at once
A Virgin Galactic flight that set a new record for number of people in space at one time may have kicked off the era of space tourism.
Chinese canon employees must pass an AI smile test to go to work
Canon Information Technology's Beijing branch has launched a new type of employee monitoring — smile recognition technology.
TV shows train AI to predict human behavior
Algorithms are learning to guess what you'll do next by analyzing shows like "The Office."
Startup makes breast milk in a lab, which could replace formula
BioMilk, a food technology firm, has invented cultured breast milk that they hope will not only replace formula but even rival the real deal.
Oxford study: Move copper mining to dormant volcanoes
A more sustainable approach to copper mining may be digging wells under dormant volcanoes to suck out the metal-containing fluids below them.
We’re one step closer to a malaria-free world
Now that malaria has been eliminated in China, the long-held dream of a malaria-free world is one nation closer to reality.
This wireless pacemaker dissolves into your body
Researchers at Northwestern and George Washington University have developed a pacemaker that dissolves into the body.
Moderna launches human trial for mRNA flu vaccine
Moderna Therapeutics is trialing an mRNA flu vaccine in humans and developing one to protect against seasonal influenza and COVID-19.
This bacteria can find a landmine
Bacteria that glow in the presence of a landmine may one day help save lives.
Oxford launches HIV vaccine trial
The University of Oxford’s newly launched HIV vaccine trial will test a unique approach to protecting people against the AIDS-causing virus.
Natural killer cells fight cancer without collateral damage
Researchers at McMaster have developed a form of immunotherapy capable of working on solid tumors in the lab.
Disease-resistant pigs may be heading to farms soon
Using gene editing, researchers created disease-resistant pigs that could save the pork industry billions of dollars every year.
Scientists call Alzheimer’s amyloid theory into question
What if amyloid plaques are not the cause of Alzheimer’s, but instead a symptom? New research suggests restoring liquid amyloid may be key.
Castration linked to younger DNA and biological age
A study measuring biological age in castrated sheep has yielded a discovery that could inform anti-aging research for people.
Insect-sized robot can run like a cheetah
An insect-sized robot with the agility of a cheetah could one day save lives by assessing disaster zones ahead of first responders.
Should a herd of captive elephants be released into the wild?
Animal conservationists plan to attempt the largest elephant rewilding ever, flying an entire herd from a U.K. zoo to Kenya to be released.
Will we finally get another human Lyme disease vaccine?
Pfizer and French vaccine maker Valneva are one step closer to bringing a human Lyme disease vaccine to market.
Anyone can now make mouse-human chimeras
A newly published how-to guide for making mouse-human chimeras could lead to treatment breakthroughs for countless diseases.
Can AI cameras predict suicide attempts at bridges?
Seoul is deploying an AI-powered camera system designed to predict suicide attempts at bridges and send rescuers to help people in distress.
Mouse embryos with beating hearts grown from stem cells
Mouse embryos with muscles, blood vessels, and beating hearts have been grown from stem cells — bringing lab-grown organs closer to reality.
Sky-mapping system can predict whether cancer treatment will work
Johns Hopkins researchers are using image analysis developed for astronomy to study cancer immunotherapy.
New CRISPR tech could help us create superior crops of the future
A new CRISPR technology that focuses on gene activation rather than deactivation could help us create the superior crops of the future.
Toyota’s cleaning robot shows off its new skills
Toyota’s cleaning robot has demonstrated new skills, revealing an ability to detect clear objects and snap perfect selfies.
Hair-thin spine stimulator could relieve severe back pain
A new implant that delivers pain-relieving spinal cord stimulation can be put into place using just a needle — no invasive surgery required.
Kids build DIY microscope from LEGO & cheap phone parts
A DIY microscope made out of LEGO bricks and smartphone lenses could be a powerful learning tool, teaching kids the basics of microscopy.
Honda startup equips shoes with vibrating navigation system
A Honda-established startup is developing a vibrating navigation system that helps visually impaired people get around by vibrating their feet to relay directions.
Virgin Galactic gets greenlight to fly space tourists
Virgin Galactic is the first spaceline to get the Federal Aviation Administration's approval to fly space tourists — a huge milestone in space tourism.
Pharma giant GSK embraces digital twins for vaccine development
Pharma leviathan GlaxoSmithKline is rolling out digital twins to help create “the vaccine factory of the future.”
Astronauts use CRISPR in space for first time
A first-of-its-kind experiment using CRISPR in space could help protect astronauts from DNA damage on long trips beyond Earth’s atmosphere.
New evidence discovered of underground water on Mars
Either underground water on Mars is far more prevalent than previously thought or something we can explain is going on beneath the Red Planet’s surface.
Black holes caught eating neutron stars for first time
Using gravitational waves, astronomers have observed collisions between black holes and neutron stars for the first time.
“LEGO-like” vaccine protects mice from COVID, SARS, MERS, and variants
Using a “chimeric” spike protein, researchers have immunized mice against multiple types of coronaviruses with one shot.
CRISPR therapy cures first genetic disorder inside the body
For the first time, researchers appear to have effectively cured a genetic disorder by directly injecting a CRISPR therapy into patients’ bloodstreams.
Returning old clothes to the earth can help cotton grow again
An Australian cotton industry trade group aims to return used cotton cloth to the soil to help new cotton grow.
Diagnosing infections without the lab — or wait
Researchers have developed a device that can test for infections in under an hour, no lab needed.
New search and rescue drone listens for human screams
To help first responders find people during disasters, researchers are training a search and rescue drone to listen for human screams.
Gardners and prisoners collaborate to create art
As a multidisciplinary artist and activist is creating "solitary gardens" in a collaborative effort between people in solitary confinement and volunteers on the "outside."
Throwable rescue robots sent to help at collapsed building
Teledyne Flir has sent at least two of its rescue robots to help hunt for survivors in a collapsed building in Florida.
To find leaking methane, ready the satellites
Researchers are using methane-hunting satellites to sniff out the potent greenhouse gas, helping to reduce methane emissions.
Chunks of Venus’ crust float like icebergs on its mantle
New evidence of tectonic activity on Venus expands our understanding of the hellish planet and offers a window into Earth’s own geological past.
Scientists map the DNA from that strange pink snow
A group of European researchers have hiked the Alps to look into the phenomenon of pink snow. They have now sequenced the DNA from the algae that is the hallmark of the rosey color.
A new superbug strategy
Researchers at the University of Geneva have a new idea on how to stop superbugs: don’t kill them.
Kidney donation vouchers shave years off wait times
Kidney donation vouchers appear to be working as hoped, increasing the number of donations and decreasing wait times for needed organs.
Goodbye AC: This new roofing material keeps houses cool
A scientist has invented “cooling paper” — a material that reflects the sun's rays off rooftops and even absorbs heat from homes and buildings. And it is made from recyclable paper.
These mind-reading helmets could be a Fitbit for your brain
Kernel has developed two mind-reading helmets that record the same brain activity data as massive, million-dollar machines, but cost just $100,000.
There may be a way to reverse acetaminophen damage in the liver
New research out of Singapore suggests that a protein thought to help acetaminophen toxicity may do the opposite.
Flying race car zips across the sky for the first time
The world’s first flying race car, the Airspeeder Mk3, has completed its maiden flight and is on track to compete in a first-of-its-kind racing series later in 2021.
E. coli turns plastic waste into vanillin
Scientists have engineered E. coli bacteria to convert plastic waste into vanillin, an in-demand compound used in vanilla flavoring and more.
It’s not enough to remove "bad apples" from police forces
Police use of force complaints would not dramatically decrease if “bad apples” were fired early in their careers, Princeton and UPenn researchers predict.
Finless Foods prepares to launch plant-based tuna
Plant-based tuna might be inside your next sushi roll.
Hippos in tracking study unexpectedly contract anthrax
A study into the movement of hippos led to new research on anthrax outbreaks when some of the animals wearing GPS trackers contracted the disease.
You can now buy a balloon ride to the edge of space
Space tourism company Space Perspective has begun selling tickets for rides in a stratospheric balloon that can reach the edge of space.
The augmented, virtual, human-machine future of surgery is here
Advancements in XR technologies are rapidly integrating into the future of surgery.
Cultured meat is now being mass-produced In Israel
Israeli startup Future Meat Technologies’ industrial-scale cultured meat production facility is designed to get lab-grown meat onto consumers’ plates ASAP.
Is it time for America to bring back the boarding house?
A revival of the boarding house — popular in the 1800s, banned by modern zoning — could help solve America’s affordable housing woes.
Treatment appears to stop Alzheimer's in monkeys
NYU researchers have modified monkey’s immune system to slow their equivalent of Alzheimer’s disease and improve their cognition.
Urine test for brain cancer detects tumors of any size
A new urine test for brain cancer analyzed microRNAs to correctly identify 100% of patients with brain tumors, regardless of their tumor’s size.
Low doses of nitrous oxide may treat depression
A new, small study has found that low doses of nitrous oxide — laughing gas — can treat symptoms of depression.
See the first 3D map of the heliosphere
Astronomers have created the first ever 3D map of the heliosphere, using satellite data to reveal the part of the universe influenced by our sun’s solar wind.
MIT researchers can fit more drug in less pill
A new drug formulation method developed by chemical engineers at MIT can fit more drug into less pill.
Surgeons can now practice on a 3D-printed copy of your liver
A new technique for creating life-like 3D-printed livers based on individual patients’ scans could help surgeons be better prepared for operations.
We may have a new ally in the fight against dengue fever
A large trial has provided the best evidence yet that infecting mosquitoes with Wolbachia can help reduce dengue infections.
Snails wearing smallest computer solve extinction mystery
The world’s smallest computer was used to figure out why one species of snail survived a situation that pushed more than 50 others into extinction.
Many amputees couldn’t afford a bionic arm — until now
Indian startup Makers Hive has developed a bionic arm that’s not only 90% cheaper than most, but also more functional.
How lasers will create ‘uncrashable’ cars
Luminar is using lidar to build smarter and safer autonomous vehicles.
New Chinese space station receives first astronauts
The new Chinese space station has received its first crew, a huge milestone for a project that began nearly 30 years ago.
Beer hops could hold key to preventing common liver disease
Compounds derived from hops might be able to help prevent — or even treat — nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in people.
A robot could save farmers from being buried alive in grain
The Grain Weevil robot helps farmers manage stored grain, keeping them out of bins where they might lose their lives to grain entrapment.
Green sand beaches could erase carbon emissions
By spreading green sand all over a Caribbean beach, Project Vesta hopes to pull tons of carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere and lock it away for eons.
Major airlines preorder hundreds of flying taxis
Several major airlines have preordered Vertical Aerospace’s in-development flying taxis, suggesting the industry views eVTOLs as the future of urban mobility.
A virus "chimera" reveals new dengue targets
Using a flavivirus that only infects insects, Australian researchers can safely study more dangerous viruses.
New kind of nuclear reactor to be built at retiring coal plant
TerraPower, a nuclear power startup founded by Bill Gates, has announced plans to build a new kind of nuclear reactor at a retiring coal plant.
McDonald’s is replacing human drive-thru attendants with AI
McDonald's just rolled out a voice recognition system at 10 drive-thrus in Chicago.
Two opposite kinds of stroke. One promising treatment.
A new stroke treatment could give doctors a way to help victims sooner, improving their chances of avoiding permanent brain damage.
How subterranean microbes are devouring carbon emissions
Researchers at Pellissippi State Community College found naturally occurring microbes deep in the Earth’s crust are helping soak up CO2.
Lithium mining just became a water sport
A team of scientists claims they’ve created an affordable method for extracting lithium from seawater, as an alternative to lithium mining.
3D-printed liver tissue may be first step to lab-grown organs
A NASA challenge designed to accelerate tissue engineering has announced two winning teams, both of which used 3D bioprinting to create human liver tissue.
Flickering screens help kids with reading disabilities
Adding visual white noise to computer screens appears to help children with reading disabilities read and recall words written on them.
Google and Harvard have created the most detailed brain map yet
Google and Harvard have released the most detailed map yet, called a connectome, of a section of the human brain.
Neck-zapping device helps sleep-deprived soldiers think
A handheld device that delivers vagus nerve stimulation was shown to combat the effect of sleep deprivation in soldiers.
Did the flu lose diversity during the pandemic?
After a record-low flu season, an entire clade of flu may be gone. If so, making vaccines may have become easier.
Ion propulsion will power new space station
China's new space station will get a boost from an ion propulsion system, making it the first crewed spacecraft to feature the sci-fi-sounding engines.
This machine will make seashells out of CO2
Scientists are building a machine that will suck carbon dioxide out of the ocean and turn it into seashells.
Astronomers find more than 100,000 "stellar nurseries"
The biggest survey of stellar nurseries to date, PHANGS-ALMA, charts more than 100,000 star formation regions across our corner of the universe.
Volcanoes to power bitcoin mining in El Salvador
Now that bitcoin is legal tender in El Salvador, the nation is working to power bitcoin mining facilities with geothermal energy harnessed from volcanoes.
Bacteria are cleaning Michelangelo's Reanaissance sculptures
Faced with stubborn, literal stains of the family’s violent past, the Medici Chapel has used bacteria to clean Michelangelos.
Hope and controversy: FDA approves first new Alzheimer's drug in decades
The FDA has approved the first new Alzheimer’s drug in decades, but the decision brings not only hope, but controversy.
Can AI negotiate? Walmart is betting on it
AI startup Pactum is trying to save big companies millions with AI negotiation.
NASA probe snaps stunning photos of Ganymede
NASA has shared new photos of Ganymede taken by the Juno probe when it was just 645 miles away from Jupiter’s icy moon.
Blood test can quickly tell if a targeted cancer therapy works
The ExoSCOPE blood test can determine with 95% accuracy whether a targeted cancer therapy is working within 24 hours of administration.
Want strong teeth? Eat this candy.
Researchers claim to have invented an experimental breath mint that may renew tooth enamel and strengthen teeth, and it’s already headed into human trials.
This high schooler created a drug discovery search engine
While looking for drugs to potentially fight Alzheimer’s, a high school researcher's AI did “comically” bad, until he thought of it as a search engine.
Bomb detectors record rare pygmy blue whales singing
Underwater microphones used to listen for signs of nuclear bomb testing have captured the singing of a population of rare pygmy blue whales.
Can a 40-seat drone bus get off the ground?
Startup Kelekona is developing an electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) vehicle capable of carrying 40 passengers at once.
China’s “artificial sun” sets a new record for nuclear fusion
China’s nuclear fusion reactor, the Experimental Advanced Superconducting Tokamak (EAST), has set a new world record for temperature.
Disease-resistant banana created with CRISPR
African scientists have used CRISPR to create a disease-resistant banana that is indistinguishable from unmodified plants.
Antidote saved 100% of bees from lethal pesticide
Beehives are under threat from common insecticides. But researchers created pollen-like microparticles to deliver an antidote.
Microscopic animals revived after 24,000 years in permafrost
A multicellular animal called the bdelloid rotifer has used cryptobiosis to survive in the Siberian permafrost for at least 24,000 years.
Startup plans to remove 1 billion tons of CO2 from the air
A new carbon sequestration startup plans to remove one billion tons of excess carbon from the atmosphere by 2035 using enhanced mineral weathering.