Science News Examiner: New discovery may end transplant rejection

Science News Examiner: New discovery may end transplant rejection

Australian researchers have demonstrated, at least on mice, a method for reducing organ rejection rates by increasing the level of regulatory T-cells (Tregs), which has the effect of reducing the immune system response to the new organs. The researchers tested the procedure by implanting "donor" pancreas islet cells into mice, and observed an 80% acceptance rate after more than 100 days. They now hope to extend the research to other organ transplants an, eventually, to humans.

3-D light system revolutionizes way fingerprints are taken | NetworkWorld.com Community

3-D light system revolutionizes way fingerprints are taken | NetworkWorld.com Community

University of Kentucky researchers have developed a system that can automatically acquire 10 fingerprints in high resolution in less than 10 seconds using a structured light system. The system captures a 3-dimensional image of the surface of each finger, then flattens them into a 2D virtual fingerprint. It can also capture fingerprints from the 5% of the population who have fingerprints too warn down to be reproduced using traditional ink-rolling.

Technology Review: Implantable Telescope for the Eye

Technology Review: Implantable Telescope for the Eye

An implantable telescopic system developed by a US startup has been approved by the US FDA as a treatment for end-stage macular degeneration. The device is implanted into the eye and magnifies the incoming image so that it covers an area of the cornea outside the damaged region.

A-Pod: The Coolest, Scariest Hexapod Robot Ever

A-Pod: The Coolest, Scariest Hexapod Robot Ever

Meet your new robot overlord.

Hey, GM and Segway: South Park Already Did It

Hey, GM and Segway: South Park Already Did It

Batteries grown from 'armour-plated' viruses - tech - 08 April 2009 - New Scientist

Batteries grown from 'armour-plated' viruses - tech - 08 April 2009 - New Scientist

Scientists have built a miniature rechargeable battery in which the electrodes were assembled using genetically-modified viruses. According to the developers, the process is much safer and cleaner than contemporary approaches to making electrodes for lithium ion batteries because the process takes place at room temperature and requires no harsh solvents. As a bonus, the deposited materials are nanostructured so can store and release power more quickly.

Technology Review: Blogs: arXiv blog: Quantum setback for warp drives

Technology Review: Blogs: arXiv blog: Quantum setback for warp drives

Some may recall the work of Mexican physicist Michael Alcubierre who proved that faster-than-light travel could be possible if you were able to make a warp bubble. His work, however, was based on classical physics so Italian physicist Stefano Finazzi augmented the theory to include quantum mechanics. What he found was that the warp bubble would be filled with Hawking radiation, and that the leading edge of the bubble would become unstable.