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Jun 17, 2019

This new laser can track down and kill cancer cells

Posted by in category: biotech/medical

A new paper reveals a revolutionary method of targeting cancer cells that is completely non-invasive. In using lasers, the tumour can be destroyed before it grows.

Jun 17, 2019

Scientists use sound to see around corners

Posted by in categories: robotics/AI, transportation

Echoes could help autonomous cars—or spies.

Jun 17, 2019

Pomegranate compound with anti-aging effects passes human trial

Posted by in categories: biotech/medical, life extension

Urolithin A, a metabolite of biomolecules found in pomegranates and other fruits, could help slow certain aging processes. EPFL spin-off Amazentis, in conjunction with EPFL and the Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, has published a paper in the journal Nature Metabolism outlining the results of their clinical trial.

It is a fact of life that skeletal muscles begin to lose strength and mass once a person reaches the age of 50. A recent clinical trial involving two EPFL entities—spin-off Amazentis and the Laboratory of Integrative Systems Physiology (LISP) – showed that urolithin A, a compound derived from biomolecules found in fruits such as pomegranates, could slow down this process by improving the functioning of mitochondria—the cells’ powerhouses. A joint paper presenting the results of the trial, published today in Nature Metabolism, also demonstrates that ingesting the compound poses no risk to human health.

Jun 17, 2019

More on our “First Base”: How do we help protect astronauts from radiation on the surface of the moon?

Posted by in category: space

Placing regolith over their heads has long been considered necessary but previous methods have not been practical. On the lunar surface, the simpler the construction the better.

Jun 17, 2019

Are China and US racing towards inevitable military confrontation in outer space?

Posted by in categories: military, space

Beijing is still behind in terms of its space-based military capabilities, but the gap is closing fast, experts say.

Jun 17, 2019

Cosmologists Clash Over the Beginning of the Universe

Posted by in category: cosmology

What happened before the Big Bang? And what happened before that? Stephen Hawking’s answer—there was no beginning—is now the subject of intense debate.


A recent challenge to Stephen Hawking’s biggest idea — about how the universe might have come from nothing — has cosmologists choosing sides.

Jun 17, 2019

How China Is Creating the Factory of the Future

Posted by in categories: futurism, robotics/AI

By comparison, the next biggest market, Japan, will be responsible for 11% of all shipments over that same period and the U.S. for 7%. Developing-world markets Mexico, India, Thailand, Vietnam and Brazil will collectively buy just 5% of industrial robots.


China is setting the pace in automation to create the factory of the future.

Jun 17, 2019

Anti-aging compound from pomegranates proves promising in human clinical trials

Posted by in categories: biotech/medical, life extension

Since aging is a key driver of many diseases, targeting that process could be a handy catch-all for treating a range of diseases and improving quality of life for pretty much everybody. Researchers at EPFL have now reported a new step towards that goal, with human clinical trials of a fruit-derived compound showing promise in slowing mitochondrial aging in elderly patients, with no side effects found.

Jun 17, 2019

Aston Martin will race a detuned Valkyrie at Le Mans in the new Hypercar class

Posted by in category: transportation

The Automobile Club de l’Ouest has announced a new top class for the Le Mans endurance race – a “hypercar” class that will begin in 2020–21, designed to entice some of the world’s most extreme streetcars to throw down and prove themselves. And one we’ll definitely see on track is the awesome Aston Martin Valkyrie.

Jun 17, 2019

A genetic mutation could help us understand how to stop pain

Posted by in category: genetics

People like Jo Cameron, who can’t feel any pain, could help us find the on-off switch for suffering.