Applied Science

Viagra use Tied to 18% Lower Alzheimer’s Risk in Men

Scientists found a surprising link between erectile dysfunction medication use and Alzheimer's risk DepositphotosPhosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors like Viagra are primarily recognized for their efficacy in treating erectile dysfunction. However, a study involving close to 270,000 men has contributed to the increasing evidence suggesting that these medications could also reduce the likelihood of developing Alzheimer's...

A study Confirms that ADHD Affects Overall Brain Connectivity

Assessing connectivity across the entire brain could help identify likely ADHD developmentDepositphotosAnalyzing neuroimaging data from almost 12,000 participants, researchers have verified the necessity of adopting a comprehensive approach encompassing the entire brain for the diagnosis, research, and treatment of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).Earlier research has concentrated on specific brain regions or networks. However, scientists...

An Avocado Robot Gathers Canopy Data by Swinging Among Trees

The Avocado abseiling robot is designed to gather environmental data from otherwise inaccessible treetop areasEmanuele Aucone/SNSFResearchers in Switzerland are developing an environmental monitoring robot named Avocado, drawing inspiration from abseiling spiders. This fruit-shaped robot utilizes a winch and rotors to descend through the canopy, collecting data on life in the treetops.The prototype from ETH...

University of Amsterdam Chemists Develop AI-Driven Autonomous Chemical Synthesis Robot

The University of Amsterdam introduces RoboChem, an autonomous benchtop platform designed for rapid, precise, and continuous chemical synthesis. Credit: University of AmsterdamChemists at the University of Amsterdam (UvA) have introduced an innovative autonomous chemical synthesis robot called "RoboChem," which is equipped with an integrated AI-driven machine learning unit. Representing a breakthrough in the...

Drone-Deployed Mini LineFly Protects Birds on Power Lines

An E2500 HP coaxial rotor drone lowers a Mini LineFly robot onto a power lineFulcrumAirIt's unfortunate that birds frequently meet fatal accidents when colliding with unnoticed overhead power lines. To address this issue, a novel system employs a drone and a robot to enhance the visibility of these lines, preventing such incidents.Introduced earlier this...

Study Dismisses Digital Prostate Exams for Cancer Screening

A recent study discovered that using a digital rectal exam by itself or with a blood test doesn't enhance the detection of prostate cancer more than just using the blood test alone. This suggests that digital exams may not be as helpful as believed and might not be necessary for screening men without signs...

Using Generative AI to Uncover Human Memory and Imagination

Credit: DepositphotosUCL research employing AI models enhances our comprehension of memory by revealing the brain's process of reconstructing past events and envisioning novel scenarios.UCL researchers find that recent progress in generative AI sheds light on how memories facilitate learning about the world, reliving past experiences, and creating entirely new scenarios for imagination and planning.AI...

These Micro-Robots Were Inspired by Mini-Bugs and Water Striders

One robot weighs 55 milligrams, while its parter is just 5 milligrams. BOB HUBNER, WSU PHOTO SERVICESThe conceptual framework of two diminutive insect-inspired robots could eventually be applied to environmental monitoring, surgical procedures, and search-and-rescue missions. Weighing eight and 55 milligrams, these bots, modeled after a mini-bug and a water strider, are claimed to potentially...

Caltech’s Leading Role in Ultrasound Brain–Machine Interface Advancement

The latest advancements in Brain-Machine Interfaces feature functional ultrasound (fUS), a non-invasive technique for reading brain activity. This innovation has shown promising results in controlling devices with minimal delay and without the need for frequent recalibration. Credit: SciTechDaily.comFunctional ultrasound (fUS) represents a significant advancement in Brain-Machine Interface technology, providing a less invasive way to...

Revolutionary Biorobotic Heart: A Breakthrough in Cardiac Research and Surgery

In a groundbreaking achievement, researchers have successfully combined biological tissue with robotic technology, potentially heralding a significant advancement in the field of heart disease research. Credit: Summit Art Creations/Shutterstock.comScientists have achieved a groundbreaking feat by combining real heart tissue with advanced soft robotic technology, resulting in a biorobotic heart that mimics the rhythm of...