Tiny sea creatures reveal the ancient origins of neurons
From Center for Genomic Regulation 20/09/23 A study in the journal Cell sheds new light on the evolution of neurons, focusing on the placozoans, a millimetre-sized marine animal. Researchers at the Centre for Genomic Regulation in Barcelona find evidence that specialized secretory cells found in these unique and ancient creatures may have given rise to […]
Supreme intelligence: Future AI should mimic ecological systems as well as the brain
From Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies 13/09/23 Many of today’s artificial intelligence systems loosely mimic the human brain. In a new paper, researchers suggest that another branch of biology — ecology — could inspire a whole new generation of AI to be more powerful, resilient, and socially responsible. Published September 11 in Proceedings of the National […]
Titanium micro-spikes inspired by insect wings skewer superbugs
From RMIT University 30/08/23 A new study suggests rough surfaces inspired by the bacteria-killing spikes on insect wings may be more effective at combatting drug-resistant superbugs, including fungus, than previously understood. The increasing rates of drug-resistant infection has health experts globally concerned. To avoid infection around implants – such as titanium hips or dental prosthesis […]
21st century mining boom in tropics is degrading rivers, new analysis shows
From Dartmouth College 24/08/23 Through deforestation, erosion, and the transmission of sediment downstream, mining is having detrimental impacts on the environment Gold and mineral mining in and near rivers across the tropics is degrading waterways in 49 countries, according to a Dartmouth-led study. Published in Nature, the findings represent the first physical footprint of river […]
Sabertooth tigers: Roars or purrs? The answer lies in bones
From North Carolina State University 22/08/23 When a sabertooth tiger called out, what noise did it make – a mighty roar or a throaty purr? A new study from North Carolina State University examined the data behind the arguments for each vocalization and found that the answer was more nuanced than they thought – and […]
SpinLaunch tests NASA and Airbus payloads
By Charles Carter, 12/10/22 US startup SpinLaunch has tested NASA, Airbus, Cornell University and Outpost payloads in the latest flight of their 10,000G electric powered centrifuge launch system. This was the tenth flight test of their 200kg-class satellite launcher, taking place on 27th September, although it was first time partner payloads have been mounted to […]
Lightweight multi-purpose robot tractor
By Charles Carter, 11/10/22 Norwegian startup Autoagri has developed a lightweight, multi-purpose robot tractor that aims to reduce costs, soil compaction and carbon footprint. The company unveiled their IC-Series machine in May last year, taking orders for pilot units for use in agriculture and other sectors in October 2021. How does it work? The IC-Series […]
Sustainable vegan cactus leather
By Charles Carter, 10/10/22 Mexican startup Desserto has created a sustainable vegan leather made from cactus proteins and fibres. As well being a no-slaughter leather, the company claims the nopal cactus needs no irrigation water, is a very efficient natural carbon sink and doesn’t pollute waterways like the conventional leather industry. How does it work? […]
Hull cleaning bot: lowers emissions and protects biodiversity
By Charles Carter, 08/10/22 South Korean startup SLM has created a cleaning bot, CHIRO, that removes the build up of plants and organisms on a ship’s hull, reducing friction, lowering emissions and protecting biodiversity. Known as biofouling, the accumulation of aquatic species is a major cause of bio invasions as ships transfer organisms across the […]