A new survey, led by researchers from University of York, has found owning a pet is associated with better mental health during COVID-19 lockdowns. The survey also linked pet ownership to lower levels of loneliness and, interestingly, both positive associations were detected regardless of species. The new research surveyed almost 6,000 subjects in the United Kingdom, 90 percent of whom […]

You’ve had a terrible night of fragmented sleep. You’re feeling groggy and out of sorts. So naturally, the first thing to do is drink the biggest, strongest coffee you can get your hands on. A new study from the University of Bath is suggesting that may not be the best idea. The study found a strong coffee first thing in […]

A study published in the journal JAMA Neurology is reporting promising results testing the world’s first portable MRI machine in a real-world intensive care setting. The groundbreaking device effectively detected brain abnormalities in almost all patients studied, paving the way for new bedside diagnostic capabilities. Developed by healthcare technology company Hyperfine, the point-of-care (POC) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system was […]

Connected gloves that transmit haptic feedback to the user, be it from objects in distant locations or virtual reality environments, could certainly open up some interesting possibilities. Scientists in Australia working in this field have demonstrated a new device they say offers a more realistic experience than previous solutions, by making use of soft artificial muscles that more closely resemble […]

Scientists have created thermocells, energy-efficient devices, that can harvest excess heat and convert it into renewable energy. They hope to create portable batteries that could be applied to many types of surfaces to harvest excess heat — including clothing to utilize heat from the human body as energy. The group of 11 scientists who worked on this project published their […]

When it comes to staying alert while working night shifts, some people choose to grab quick naps, while others pour back the coffee. A new study, however, suggests that coffee followed bya nap may work best. The problem with napping is that people often still feel groggy after they wake up. This can impair their ability to perform their job […]

Although there already are exercise machines that simulate nordic skiing, rowing and other activities, they’re usually separate devices that are all fairly large. Whipr takes a different approach, consisting of a small base unit that works with multiple attachments. The system was invented by marine biologist/scuba diver/stand-up paddler Luke Tipple, who needed a way of exercising in hotel rooms while […]

New preliminary research is suggesting a simple saliva test can detect the presence of a protein biomarker known to signal the occurrence of a heart attack in just 10 minutes. If this prototype test is validated in future studies it could dramatically accelerate the speed at which patients with cardiovascular problems can be diagnosed and treated. During a myocardial infarction, […]

Although cavities are caused by bacteria, simply killing all of the bacteria in the mouth isn’t a good idea, as some of them aid in digestion or have other beneficial effects. A nanoparticle coating, however, could someday prevent cavities without harming bacteria. Cavities occur when harmful bacteria such as Streptococcus mutans reproduce to form biofilms (aka plaque) on the teeth […]

The human contains different types of fat cells, and some are more desirable than others. White fat is the type that builds beer bellies and love handles, while the more beneficial brown fat is one that burns more easily to generate body heat. Scientists have developed a new gene-editing technique that converts a subject’s own white fat cells into brown […]