Taking inspiration from plankton, researchers create engineered blood cells that are an important step toward a universal blood supply.
Bradley van Paridon
Brad completed a Ph.D. where he studied invasive parasites and parasites that manipulate their hosts. After graduating, he began freelance science writing and podcasting. His written and audio stories have appeared in Chemistry World, Hakai, Scientific American, and Undark.
Warming Mars’ atmosphere with nanoparticles
Engineering mineral rich dust and releasing it as an aerosol could warm the planet and kickstart the thickening of the atmosphere.
Super-black material created from etched wood
This material absorbs more than 99% of the light that strikes it, making it useful in applications ranging from solar energy to astronomy.
Cutting out processed foods doesn’t automatically make a diet healthier
Switching to less processed does not guarantee a healthy diet; the types of foods may be more important than their level of processing.
AI lie detectors lead people to make more false accusations, study finds
Participants with lie-detecting AI were more likely to trust it, more readily agreeing when it falsely labeled something a lie.
Tiny robots with a big impact: Scientists develop microrobots for single-cell handling
Fitted with nanoscale grippers, these microrobots offer new opportunities for imaging and manipulating single cells.
Combing through the science of split ends
Materials scientists are applying biomechanics to understand how split ends contribute to our bad hair days—and what can be done to fix them.
Big data is changing the way we diagnose disease
Scientists are approaching disease and diagnosis in a new way, leverage big data to provide better options for both clinicians and patients.
Say goodbye to food allergies with this nanoparticle therapy
Encapsulating allergens in nanoparticles was found to reprogram the immune system, suppressing severe reactions to food allergies.
These plant-based robots will help with reforestation
A biohybrid robot made from oats moves in response to humidity and is being tested as a biodegradable vector for reforestation efforts.