Calling ET: NASA Expands Search for Alien Life
The search for life beyond our own solar system has taken a major step forward with a new interdisciplinary research coalition devoted to the search for life in the cosmos. Nexus for Exoplanet System Science (NExSS) will be made up of research teams from several NASA facilities, 10 U.S. universities and two research institutions, according […]
Scientist Proposes New DNA-based Naming System for All Living Organisms
All living organisms on Earth could soon have a new name if a Virginia Tech professor has his way. Boris Vinatzer has developed a system that classifies and names organisms based on their genome sequence. His study was published today in PLoS One. Vinatzer says his new system would provide scientists and others with a […]
New Robot Crawls Like a Sea Turtle
Researchers have designed a robot that crawls like a sea turtle which could help inspire future multi-terrain robots that would also be able to swim and walk. The new robot, dubbed “Flipperbot,” was designed to allow scientists to learn more about the locomotion of animals such as seals, sea turtles and mudskippers. Its creators, from […]
Flower Signals Electrify Nectar-Seeking Bees
Like a neon sign designed to attract customers, flowers emit electrical signals which help draw bees on the hunt for nectar. While factors such as bright colors, patterns and tempting fragrances play a role in helping bees with their nectar-gathering duties, a study in Science Express reveals electrical signals from the blooms also help bees […]
Opium-like Brain Chemical Triggers Overeating
Are you on a diet but having a hard time resisting that candy bar or cheeseburger? The problem might really be in your head. Researchers have found that an opium-like chemical produced in the brain might explain why some people overeat sweet and fatty foods. “This means that the brain has more extensive systems to […]