Applied Science

Sleep Boosts Memory but Can also Implant False Memories

Credit: DepositphotosA group of psychologists from the University of York in the U.K. has discovered through experiments that sleeping after studying can solidify memories. However, as outlined in their publication in the journal Royal Society Open Science, sleep can also occasionally result in the formation of false memories.Recent research has highlighted the fallibility of...

A Transformer Resembling a Baggage Handler, Tosses Boxes

In its compact quadrupedal form, ANYmal looks like a robot dog on wheelsSwiss MileSwiss Mile's ANYmal robot is an impressive creation with the ability to navigate as a wheeled quadruped or stand upright on its hind legs, utilizing its front wheels as hands. Currently, it is acquiring skills for practical tasks, adding a touch...

The Impact of Sensory Deprivation on the Human Brain

Adaptation of the Brain in Response to Deprivation of Key Sensory Information.Credit: AtlasbyAtlas Studio/Shutterstock.In the quiet corners of Minnesota lies a room that has baffled those who dare to enter for more than 45 minutes. Orfield Laboratories in Minneapolis boasts the Guinness World Record for the quietest place on Earth—the anechoic chamber. Despite its...

A Robotic Excavator Constructs a Sizable Stone Wall Independently

The HEAP excavator at the construction site – an overlay on the boulders at left illustrates how each one was scanned prior to placementETH ZurichConstructing a wall by precisely arranging randomly shaped boulders is a task that involves considerable physical and mental effort. This challenging undertaking, ideally suited for automation, has been successfully accomplished...

Scientists Aid in Uncovering the Neural Mechanisms of Vision

Credit: PixaobayWhen confronted with images that deviate from anticipated patterns, such as encountering a "do not enter" sign instead of the expected stop sign, how does the brain respond and adapt in contrast to exposure to images that align with predictions?A team, including researchers from York University, embarked on a quest to address a...

Strawberries’ Potential in Dementia Prevention

Eating strawberries on a daily basis could reduce the chances of developing dementia in later life.Credit: Unsplash.A recent study exploring strawberry consumption unveils promising findings – daily intake of these beloved berries may reduce the risk of dementia among middle-aged individuals.Nature's Brain BoostersWhile the old adage suggests an apple a day keeps the doctor...

VRoxy Elevates Telepresence Beyond Visuals and Words

Mose Sakashita, a Cornell University doctoral student in the field of information science, with the VRoxy systemSreang Hok/Cornell UniversityIn essence, many telepresence robots are primarily remote-controlled tablets maneuvered through a room. However, the VRoxy system distinguishes itself by mirroring the user's movements and autonomously navigating to various spots within a designated area.A group of...

Unveiling the Rice Washing Dilemma: To Wash or Not to Wash?

Washing the rice. Credit:  Teste Cooking.Rice is a staple food for billions of people in Asia and Africa. It's also a versatile ingredient for many iconic dishes worldwide, including Greece's dolmades, Italy's risottos, Spain's paella, and the UK's rice puddings. In this publication, we'll unravel the scientific dilemma of whether or not to wash...

Life from the Thermodynamic Perspective: Unraveling Temporal Asymmetry

Life is perceived as a system perpetually defying equilibrium in thermodynamics, steadfastly opposing the relentless march toward chaos. This defiance embodies the essence of irreversibility, establishing an indelible connection between life and the ‘arrow of time,’ a concept introduced by the English physicist Arthur Eddington in 1927. Unlocking Temporal Asymmetry A groundbreaking effort by...

Vascular Cells are Crucial for Long-term Memory Formation

Credit: PixaobayResearch on long-term memories has largely focused on the role of neurons—the brain's nerve cells. However, in recent years, scientists are discovering that other cell types are also vital in memory formation and storage.A recent study, published in the journal Neuron, sheds light on the essential role of vascular system cells called pericytes...