Researchers are conducting the largest genetic sequence of human diseases to date
As reported on May 23, 2013, researchers at the University of London, England, conducted the largest human disease sequence study to date. In their study, the scientists investigated the genetic basis of six autoimmune diseases. The exact cause of these diseases – autoimmune thyroid disease, Celia’s disease, Kuhn’s disease, psoriasis, multiple sclerosis and type 1 diabetes is not known, but it is believed to be a complex combination of genetic and environmental factors.
The scientists, who published their findings in the journal Nature, estimate that rare variants of risk genes account for only about 3 percent of the inheritance of these conditions that can be explained by common variants. They say the genetic risk for these diseases likely involves a complex set of hundreds of weakly affecting variants, each of which is common to people.
Bioengineers create sweat-resistant fabric
Biological engineers at the University of California, USA, said on May 21, 2013 that they have invented a waterproof fabric that can wick away sweat using microfluidic technology. The new tissue acts like human skin. It turns excessive sweat into drops that are excreted on their own. In their research, they developed a new microfluidic platform using water-attracting (water-loving) threads that were sewn into highly hydrophobic fabric. They were able to create patterns of threads that absorb water droplets from one side of the fabric, push them along the threads and eventually expel them from the other side.
It’s not just that the threads conduct water through capillary action. The water-repellent properties of the surrounding fabric also help push water down the channels. Unlike conventional fabrics, the water-pumping effect continues to work even when the hydrophobic fibers are completely saturated, due to the pressure created by the surface tension of the droplets. The rest of the fabric remains completely dry. By tweaking the pattern of the water-conducting fibers and how they are sewn to each side of the fabric, the researchers can control where sweat collects and where it drains away from the outside.
Transformation of human skin cells into embryonic stem cells
According to a May 16, 2013 report, in a major medical breakthrough, scientists have for the first time transformed human skin cells into embryonic stem cells. These newly made stem cells are capable of transforming into any other type of cell in the human body. Created by scientists at the Oregon National Primate Health Center, USA, cloned embryos can form new heart muscles and new bones along with brain tissue or any other type of cell in the body. Scientists have used the same cloning technology that created Dolly the sheep (the first cloned mammal) in 1996, overcoming technical problems that have stymied them for more than a decade over how to create collections of superbody cells from donated skin.
The new technique the scientists created is a different method commonly used called somatic cell nuclear transfer. It involves implanting a single cell nucleus, which contains an individual’s DNA, into an egg cell that has had its genetic material removed. The fertilized egg cell then develops and eventually produces stem cells. This process is relatively efficient, requiring a relatively small number of human eggs to produce per cell line, making it both practical and feasible.
A mask that gives its wearer superpowers.
The Royal College of Art in London announced on May 9, 2013 that its researchers had developed a 3D-printed mask that could give the wearer “superhuman” sight and hearing. One of the masks covers the wearer’s ears, mouth, and nose and uses a directional microphone to give him or her the ability to hear an isolated voice in a noisy environment. With the mask, the user can pick out a person in a crowd and hear their words without any ambient noise.
Another prototype is to be worn over his eyes. The camera captures the video and sends it to a computer, which can apply a set of effects to it in real time and send it back to the user. The wearer can use the mask to see motion patterns, similar to the effects of long exposure photography.
According to the developers, this technology has several possible applications. The wearer can use the visual mask to analyze movement and technique in sports. Concert-goers can use a hearing mask to focus on a specific artist.
Scientists find an eco-friendly way to forge steel
According to a report released on May 8, 2013, scientists at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), USA, have developed a technology to reduce smoke emissions during the steel forging process. This could go a long way in changing the image of the steel industry as one of the most polluting industries. In addition, there may be other side benefits because, according to the scientists, the resulting steel could be of higher purity. The process may also be cheaper than the current ones.
Researchers have found that a process known as molten oxide electrolysis can use iron oxide from lunar soil to produce oxygen without special chemistry. They tested the process using lunar soil from a meteorite crater in Arizona, USA, where there are enough traces of iron oxide, and found that it produced steel as a by-product. The researchers’ method used an iridium anode, which is expensive and limited in supply, so it’s not viable for mass steel production. However, after further research, they identified an inexpensive metal alloy that could replace the iridium anode in molten oxide electrolysis.
An insect-inspired camera with a 180-degree viewing angle
According to reports on May 2, 2013, scientists at the University of Illinois and Northwestern University, USA, have developed a new insect-inspired camera that can take 180-degree images and deliver exceptionally sharp images. The camera features 180 miniature lenses and an exceptionally wide field of view. We humans take pictures with two lenses for our relatively flat eyes, while a high-quality SLR camera has only one flat lens. The new camera has a half round bubble, similar to a fly’s bulging eye, that has 180 microlens mounted on it, allowing it to take pictures across nearly 180 degrees. This is only possible for a bug-eye camera.
With its wide-angle field of view, the new technology could be used in future monitoring devices or for imaging in medical procedures (such as endoscopy). Its developers say it would be very easy to combine the two hemispheres they’ve articulated to get a 360-degree view. This is because the procedure basically involves fitting several small eyes onto one large eye. Each tiny eye, consisting of a tiny lens and a tiny photodetector, is a separate imaging system. When all of these eyes are taken together, they will be able to take a clear picture, with just one shot, across nearly 360 degrees.
A new aerial robot inspired by aviation
Researchers at Harvard University, USA, succeeded in designing, manufacturing and transporting a small robot inspired by flies. The demonstration of the first controlled flight of an insect-sized robot marks the culmination of more than a decade of work. It was created jointly by the Harvard School of Engineering and Applied Sciences and the Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard University.
The project is called Ruby. It’s inspired by fly biology, with sub-millimeter-sized anatomy and two delicate wings that flap almost invisibly (about 120 times per second). The tiny device represents the absolute edge for precision manufacturing and control systems.
Scientists develop technology that can turn any surface into a touch screen
Scientists at Carnegie Mellon University, USA, have developed a new technology that enables users to turn any surface into a touch screen with just a wave of their hand. It has been proven that the upright interface can be built ‘virtually anywhere’ you like it. This is a huge improvement over previous technologies which required some depth camera systems to combine with a ‘projector’ to turn any surface into a touchscreen.
The new system is known as World Kit. It enables a person to rub the arm of a sofa to “paint” the TV remote or run their hand through an office door to spread a calendar of which subsequent users can “pull up” an expanded version. These temporary interfaces can be moved, modified or deleted with similar gestures, which makes them very personal.
The researchers used a ceiling-mounted camera and projector to record the room’s geometries, sensing hand gestures and projecting images onto the desired surfaces. Users can call up switches, message boards, indicator lights, and a variety of other interface designs from the menu. Developers say that users will eventually be able to customize design interfaces with gestures.
A robot that can accurately predict human actions
Scientists at the Personal Robotics Laboratory at Cornell University in the USA said on May 4, 2013 that they have developed a new “intelligent” robot that can predict human actions with amazing accuracy. The robot can refill his/her empty coffee cup and can also keep the door open for him/her. In addition, he can perform many other tasks. The robot basically learns to predict human actions and then adjust accordingly.
From a database of 120 3D videos of people performing common household activities, the robot was trained to identify human activities by tracking body movements. The robot watches a new scene with a 3D camera, identifies the activities it sees, and considers possible uses for the objects in the scene, and how those uses fit into the activities.