Dr. Octopus Heads to the Operating Room
Robotic surgery has proved itself to be less than perfect so far. Stiff robotic limbs, burning surfaces, numerous complications. But what if that surgeon’s assistant was less like a standard robot—and more like an octopus?
Supercooled Livers Last for Days
A solution that protects rat livers from freezing could extend the transplant window for human organs
New Cystic Fibrosis Medication a Triumph of Drug Discovery
Getting a drug from conception to market is among the riskiest, hardest and most expensive of scientific and human endeavors, often requiring up to ten years of effort and anywhere between 1 and 5 billion dollars.
Sudden Death: What Is Marfan’s Syndrome?
A congenital connective tissue disorder that confers pro basketball height also permanently benches an NBA prospect’s dreams of joining the league
Anthrax Blunder Reveals Deadly Potential of Accidents
A lab director has reportedly been reassigned and other heads at the U.S. Center for Disease Control are likely to roll after an incident earlier this month in which at least 75 staff members may have accidentally been exposed to live samples of anthrax being transported from one lab to another.
Health Bloggers Offer More Advice Than Criticism
My PhD mostly dealt with research blogs from ResearchBlogging.org (RB) an aggregator of blog posts covering peer-reviewed research. In this article, we (Prof.
Apple, Google Say "Drop That Doughnut!"
Tech companies are offering an ever-increasing number of health monitoring and promoting apps, to keep you in shape and interesting in buying more gadgets. Larry Greenemeier reports
Hi-Tech Helmet Heads Off Stroke Damage
A helmet placed on the head of a stroke victim sends low-intensity microwaves through the brain to quickly determine whether a blockage or hemorrhage is taking place, making faster treatment possible. Wayt Gibbs reports
"Bionic Pancreas" Manages Blood Sugar Levels in Type 1 Diabetics
Smartphone apps are useful for more than dating or ordering a taxi—they're increasingly helping people manage their health, including monitoring blood pressure or sending reminders to take medications.
Psychedelic Chemist & `Godfather of Ecstasy' Alexander Shulgin Dies at 88
Alexander Shulgin, chemist and renowned psychonaut who acquainted the world with the drug MDMA - or Ecstasy - died Monday evening at his home in Lafayette, Calif.
Shattering Kidney Stones
An improved method of eliminating the agonizing pellets
ID’ing a Skull Just Got Easier
CT scans may soon link human remains to missing persons