02 May 2012

Inexpensive, abundant starch fibres could lead to ouchless bandages

A process that spins starch into fine strands could take the sting out of removing bandages, as well as produce less expensive and more environmentally-friendly toilet paper, napkins and other products, according to food scientists. 

25 April 2012

Reversal of solar magnetic poles turns out to be asymmetrical

Approximately every 11 years the magnetic field on the Sun reverses completely – the north magnetic pole switches to south, and vice versa. Researchers have found that there is an imbalance in this flip... 

24 April 2012

New technique may help severely damaged nerves regrow and restore function

Engineers at the University of Sheffield have developed a method of assisting nerves damaged by traumatic accidents to repair naturally, which could improve the chances of restoring sensation and movement in injured limbs. 

23 April 2012

Mini-sensor measures magnetic activity in human brain

A miniature atom-based magnetic sensor has passed an important research milestone by successfully measuring human brain activity. 

19 April 2012

Finding ET may require giant robotic leap

Autonomous, self-replicating robots – exobots – are the way to explore the Universe, find and identify extraterrestrial life and perhaps clean up space debris in the process, according to a Penn State engineer, who notes that the search for extraterrestrial intelligence – SETI – is in its 50th year.  

19 April 2012

DNA origami puts a smart lid on solid-state nanopore sensors

Researchers have enhanced the capabilities of solid-state nanopores by fitting them with cover plates made of DNA. These nanoscale cover plates, with central apertures tailored to various "gatekeeper" functions, are formed by so-called DNA origami techniques...  

19 April 2012

Laser technology at Stellenbosch University helping sprinters

Stellenbosch University has initiated a new research project called the “Southern African Sprinting Project” and its purpose is to help sprinters and hurdlers improve their start, acceleration and running technique using laser technology...  

18 April 2012

Nanocrystal-coated fibres might reduce wasted energy

Researchers are developing a technique that uses nanotechnology to harvest energy from hot pipes or engine components to potentially recover energy wasted in factories, power plants and cars. 

12 April 2012

Playing the survival game, discarding genes

A new hypothesis suggests that some species are surviving by discarding genes and depending on other species to play their hand. 

12 April 2012

So T. rex was a wimp?

Bite forces of the largest extinct crocodilians were twice as powerful as those exerted by the jaws of the mighty Tyrannosaurus rex.