Tag: #138

Special lenses reduce the likelihood of epileptic attacks. Novel hearing glasses make for more inclusive conversations. Now, a New York-based company has developed smart glasses for vision-impaired people or those with retinal diseases like age-related macular degeneration. The trick? Two cameras in the frames record the field of vision, while two inward-facing cameras capture the eye and its movement....

In Africa, group purchases are helping local commerce, while smallholders would benefit from detailed satellite images. Into the mix comes a social organisation from Ghana, which helps women in West Africa grow and sell shea nuts. The fruits are used in food products and cosmetics; the global market is currently estimated at $2 billion annually. A digital platform is...

Mussels can help heal internal wounds. Now, an Australian university research team has discovered that oysters also contain extraordinary healing properties. Or, more specifically, Sydney Rock Oysters. A protein in the oysters’ blood, called hemolymph, has the potential to stick it to antibiotic resistant bacteria. Once inside the body, the pathogens form a protective film of microorganisms. The proteins...

Magnetic fields strengthen weakened skeletal muscles. Having a heart attack destroys countless heart muscle cells, which can ultimately lead to heart failure. But as a Dutch research team recently discovered, heart repair may one day be possible. The team took its inspiration from the zebrafish, which, unlike humans, is able to restore its damaged heart’s cells within two months....

Blind people can now navigate buildings more easily. Still, reading texts in braille requires training and a highly developed sense of touch. According to a Chinese research team, however, this role could soon be performed by a digital pen. The team developed a soft, thin film with an embedded fibre optic sensor, which uses light to feel. Like human...

Dragonfly wings and joint braces share a connection. For damaged cartilage tissue, a new biopaste could help. Therapeutic exercise or rest can alleviate other joint complaints. And now a US-based research team has developed a wearable device so that active people can manage their conditions more effectively. The device contains four electric sensors. Using bands for support, these are...