Recent research into how “brain stars” (astrocytes) store memories has reshaped our understanding of memory retention in the brain. Previous Beliefs About Memory and Neurons Scientists at Baylor College of Medicine have been examining the role of astrocytes, star-shaped cells in the brain that function as tiny storage units for memories. These cells work in […]
Brain Stars Function as Tiny Storage Units for Our Memories Read More »
Zombies tap into our fears, and once they get in our heads, they stay there. Animals overtaken by “zombies” lose control over their bodies and actions, instead serving the needs of a virus, fungus, or other parasite. The word “zombi” originates from Vodou, a religion that developed in Haiti. But the modern image of undead,
The Last of Us: Could Fungi Trigger a Zombie Apocalypse? Read More »
Deep underground, a community of microbes has thrived in isolation for billions of years. These organisms, found in 2 billion-year-old rock, have been cut off far longer than any known subterranean microbes, surpassing the previous record of 100 million years. Geomicrobiologist Yohey Suzuki from the University of Tokyo finds this discovery very exciting. He notes
Microbes Found Alive Sealed in Rock For 2 Billion Years Read More »
The Harmonic Drive The Harmonic Drive is a fundamental component in countless robotic applications. Although simple and intriguing to watch in action, this gear system combines exceptional precision with an impressive torque-to-weight ratio, even with its characteristic wobbling motion. But how exactly does it work? This seemingly unusual mechanism operates ingeniously: its flexible-ellipse-within-a-circle configuration creates
How it works: The Harmonic Drive gear, Precise, High-torque, With a Wobbling Motion Read More »
Exoskeletons have assisted paraplegic patients in walking for years, but KAIST’s latest model offers a unique approach. The WalkON Suit F1 can move up to a patient in a wheelchair, secure itself around their legs and torso, and help them stand and walk. Professor Kyoung-Chul Kong of KAIST’s Department of Mechanical Engineering has focused on
Front-Loading Exoskeleton Helps Paralyzed Patients Walk Read More »
Spraying orchards and vineyards is not environmentally friendly, as tractors emit exhaust while applying herbicides and pesticides. This issue was a key motivation behind the development of the electric, autonomous Prospr robot. Created by the New Zealand agritech firm Robotics Plus, this all-wheel-drive robotic vehicle was introduced last September at the FIRA agricultural robotics show
The Crop-Spraying Robot Reduces Emissions and Herbicide Use Read More »
From fire-breathers to sprinters, climbers, and gymnasts, we’ve witnessed an impressive array of quadruped robots. Now, the fourth-generation Honey Badger has expanded the list of robodog abilities to include underwater walking. Founded in 2019, Poland’s MAB Robotics originated from a student research group that created their first robodog. The startup’s Honey Badger quadruped has seen
Check it Out: Brave Robodog Takes a Stroll Underwater Read More »
How would you feel about owning your own AT-ST walker from Star Wars: Return of the Jedi? The newly announced Tron 1 biped robot is the next best option. It’s slightly smaller than a walker, and unfortunately, there’s no riding inside it. Produced by the Chinese robotics company LimX Dynamics, known for its quadruped and
Watch: “The World’s First Multi-Modal Bipedal Robot” May Soon be Available to You Read More »
The Toyota Research Institute has been making significant strides in teaching robots to quickly learn and execute tasks autonomously. Now, it is introducing its Large Behavior Model technology to the remarkable Atlas humanoid robot in collaboration with Boston Dynamics. Surprisingly, humanoid robot hardware is already quite advanced. Over a decade of development at Boston Dynamics
Boston Dynamics and Toyota Collaborate: Training Atlas to Learn Read More »
Researchers have created an ultrasensitive robotic ‘finger’ that mimics human touch, capable of safely conducting routine physical exams similar to those performed by doctors. They believe this ‘robodoctor‘ could soon appear in medical clinics. Doctors use their fingers as diagnostic tools to gather various insights about your health. Medical professionals use their fingers to check
A Robotic Finger Could Conduct your Next Intimate Physical Exam Read More »