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Robotic 'exoskeleton' prevents elderly falls: study![]() Paris (AFP) May 11, 2017 Scientists unveiled a lightweight, robotic, outer "skeleton" Thursday that can detect when someone loses their balance, correct their gait, and prevent their fall. Designed to limit stumbles among the elderly, the device has sensors that can discern in real time when a limb starts to buckle or flail, and lightweight motors which exert instant force on both legs to restore balance. "Wearable machines that enhance your movement and endurance no longer belong to the realm of science fiction," the d ... read more  | 
 
Chefs, robotics engineers, sailboat racers team up to tackle lionfish problemWashington (UPI) May 9, 2017 Lionfish populations are rapidly expanding along the East Coast of the United States and in the Caribbean, decimating native species and depleting the ecological diversity surrounding already vulnerable coral reefs. ... more  
Live interactions with robots increase their perceived human likenessWashington DC (SPX) May 15, 2017 Most human interactions with robots come from behind a screen. Whether it's fiction or a real-life interaction, rarely are we put face to face with a robot. This poses a significant barrier when we ... more  
3-D-printed 'bionic skin' could give robots the sense of touchMinneapolis MN (SPX) May 11, 2017 Engineering researchers at the University of Minnesota have developed a revolutionary process for 3D printing stretchable electronic sensory devices that could give robots the ability to feel their ... more  
Amazon's new Alexa speaker has a screen tooWashington (AFP) May 9, 2017 Amazon on Tuesday unveiled the latest member of its family of devices powered by its Alexa digital assistant - this one with a touchscreen. ... more  | 
 
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| Previous Issues | May 12 | May 11 | May 10 | May 09 | May 08 | 
 
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US Air Force Space Shuttle X-37B Finally UnmaskedSydney, Australia (SPX) May 08, 2017 The mysterious X-37B has ended its fourth mission, and for the first time on this flight, it has been officially unmasked. Gliding swiftly to a daylight landing at the Kennedy Space Centre after 718 ... more  
Computers learn to understand humans better by modelling themHelsinki, Finland (SPX) May 04, 2017 Computers are able to learn to explain the behavior of individuals by tracking their glances and movements. Researchers from Aalto University, University of Birmingham and University of Oslo p ... more  
Your future surgery may use an automated, robotic drillSalt Lake City UT (SPX) May 02, 2017 A computer-driven automated drill, similar to those used to machine auto parts, could play a pivotal role in future surgical procedures. The new machine can make one type of complex cranial surgery ... more  
The rise of automated artWashington DC (SPX) Apr 27, 2017 In 1968, sociologist Jean Baudrillard wrote on automatism that "contained within it is the dream of a dominated world [...] that serves an inert and dreamy humanity." With the growing popularity of ... more  
Synthetic two-sided gecko's foot could enable underwater roboticsWashington DC (SPX) Apr 27, 2017 Geckos are well known for effortlessly scrambling up walls and upside down across ceilings. Even in slippery rain forests, the lizards maintain their grip. Now scientists have created a double-sided ... more  
Service Academies Swarm Challenge Live-Fly Competition BeginsWashington DC (SPX) Apr 26, 2017 Small unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and other robots have become increasingly affordable, capable, and available to both the U.S. military and adversaries alike. Enabling UAVs and similar assets t ... more  | 
![]() Orbital cargo ship arrives at space station  
Human prejudices sneak into artificial intelligence systemsPrinceton NJ (SPX) Apr 19, 2017 In debates over the future of artificial intelligence, many experts think of the new systems as coldly logical and objectively rational. But in a new study, researchers have demonstrated how machine ... more  
Brane Craft Proposal Awarded Phase 2 by NASAEl Segundo CA (SPX) Apr 12, 2017 NASA has awarded Dr. Siegfried Janson of The Aerospace Corporation (Aerospace) with the 2017 NASA Innovative Advanced Concepts (NIAC) Phase II grant award, worth approximately $500,000, for further ... more  
NASA Invests in 22 Visionary Exploration ConceptsPasadena CA (JPL) Apr 10, 2017 A mechanical rover inspired by a Dutch artist. A weather balloon that recharges its batteries in the clouds of Venus. These are just two of the five ideas that originated at NASA's Jet Propulsion La ... more  
Lockheed Martin gets license for military exoskeleton techWashington (UPI) Apr 11, 2017 Lockheed Martin announced plans to explore the military exoskeleton market after licensing bionic augmentation technology from B-Temia. ... more  | 
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 Dallas TX (SPX) May 11, 2017  
Airbus has launched its U.S. base and operations of a new commercial drone start-up, named Airbus Aerial, at the AUVSI Xponential tradeshow and conference in Dallas. With bases both in the U.S. and in Europe, Airbus Aerial's initial business will focus on developing new imagery services. These services will leverage the best software and aerospace technology from across the globe to offer action ... more Kennedy Space Center FL (Sputnik) May 08, 2017Newest Secret US Spacecraft Returns to Earth After Over 700 Days in Space  Washington (AFP) May 9, 2017US drone back on Earth after nearly two years in space  Taurene, Latvia (AFP) May 12, 2017Latvian daredevil in 'drone-diving' world first  | 
 Basel, Switzerland (SPX) May 15, 2017  
For the first time, scientists have succeeded in studying the strength of hydrogen bonds in a single molecule using an atomic force microscope. Researchers from the University of Basel's Swiss Nanoscience Institute network have reported the results in the journal Science Advances. 
Hydrogen is the most common element in the universe and is an integral part of almost all organic compounds. M ... more Strathclyde UK (SPX) May 09, 2017Space radiation reproduced in the lab for better, safer missions  Washington (UPI) May 12, 2017Northrop Grumman delivers new battlefield radar  Durham NC (SPX) May 10, 20173-D printers open new design space for wireless devices  | 
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 Espoo, Finland (SPX) May 12, 2017  Lexington KY (SPX) May 15, 2017Materials research creates potential for improved computer chips and transistors  Raleigh NC (SPX) May 10, 2017'Persistent photoconductivity' offers new tool for bioelectronics  Seoul, South Korea (SPX) May 12, 2017Model for multivalley polaritons  | 
 Johannesburg (AFP) May 13, 2017  
 South Africa will relaunch plans to build nuclear power plants by signing new agreements with several countries, Energy Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi said Saturday. 
A court in Cape Town last month ruled the government had failed to allow adequate public consultation for preliminary agreements with Russia, South Korea and the United States for the construction of eight reactors. 
Struggling to ... more Los Angeles (AFP) May 10, 2017Tunnel collapse at US nuclear site raises safety concerns  Los Angeles (AFP) May 10, 2017Tunnel collapses at US nuke site, no radiation leak  Washington DC (UPI) May 8, 2017Plutonium research to aid nuclear cleanup techniques  | 
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 Washington (AFP) May 12, 2017  
 The Pentagon said Friday it played no part in an unusual deal in which Islamic State jihadists were allowed to leave a key town in Syria - only for some of them to be killed anyway. 
The US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces had independently cut a deal with the jihadists that let a group of about 70 of them leave Tabqa, an important city by a dam near the IS stronghold of Raqa. 
But as soon ... more Hong Kong (AFP) May 11, 2017Dramatic terror drill ahead of China visit  Copenhagen (AFP) May 9, 2017Turkey to play role in Raqa fight: Mattis  Copenhagen (AFP) May 9, 2017Anti-IS coalition meets in Denmark to assess campaign  | 
 Sydney (AFP) May 11, 2017  
 A major Australian power grid operator was Thursday partially leased to a local-foreign consortium in a multi-billion-dollar deal, ending an international chase for electricity assets being privatised to raise funds for infrastructure projects. 
Australia's largest state New South Wales has sought to privatise three large power assets - TransGrid, Ausgrid and Endeavour Energy - but faced ro ... more  (UPI) May 10, 2017Poland central to EU energy diversification strategy  Washington (UPI) May 9, 2017Myanmar recovery linked to development of electrical grid  Washington (UPI) Apr 10, 2017U.S. emissions generally lower last year  | 
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 Kent UK (SPX) May 15, 2017  
A new generation of higher-powered batteries for phones and cameras could result from ground-breaking research led by scientists at the University of Kent. 
Researchers from the University's School of Physical Sciences (SPS), working with scientists from other European institutions, formulated a recipe to increase the rate at which a solid material - an artificial mineral - can conduct char ... more Washington DC (UPI) May 11, 2017No batteries necessary, new medical implant derives energy from the human body  Trieste, Italy (SPX) May 15, 2017Laser pulses reveal the superconductors of the future  Washington DC (SPX) May 11, 2017Can the motion of checking your smartwatch charge it?  | 
 Beijing (XNA) May 12, 2017  
While it remains unclear exactly how long China's first lunar explorers will spend on the surface, the country is already planning for longer stays. 
Eight Chinese volunteers will live in "Yuegong-1," a simulated space "cabin" in Beijing for the next year, strengthening China's knowledge and technical know-how, and helping the country's scientists understand exactly what will be required fo ... more Beijing (AFP) May 11, 2017China tests 'Lunar Palace' as it eyes moon mission  Beijing (XNA) May 01, 2017China to conduct several manned space flights around 2020  Beijing (Sputnik) May 01, 2017Reach for the Stars: China Plans to Ramp Up Space Flight Activity  | 
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 Copenhagen, Denmark (SPX) May 15, 2017  
Identifying areas of particular high impact is an important step to improving the environmental sustainability of production systems. Insects have been heralded as the foods of the future - and now the first study to measure the environmental impacts and identify hotspots associated with commercial insect production has been published. 
Cricket farming can be a sustainable way to produce an ... more Miami (AFP) May 12, 2017'Awesomesauce,' proclaims US astronaut on historic spacewalk  Houston TX (SPX) May 09, 2017External commercial ISS platform starts second mission  Washington DC (SPX) May 08, 2017NASA Receives Proposals for Future Solar System Mission  | 
 Pasadena CA (JPL) May 12, 2017  
Opportunity has arrived at the top of "Perseverance Valley" on the rim of Endeavour Crater. 
The next step on Sol 4720 (May 4, 2017), was a short approach of 39 feet (12 meters) to the northern end of the "spillway" that overtops into Perseverance. From this vantage point, the rover has been engaged in multiple-sol collection of extensive Panoramic Camera (Pancam) panoramas all around the r ... more Providence RI (SPX) May 12, 2017Ancient Mars impacts created tornado-like winds that scoured surface  Pasadena CA (JPL) May 08, 2017Seasonal Flows in Valles Marineris  Pasadena CA (JPL) May 05, 2017NASA Rover Curiosity Samples Active Linear Dune on Mars  | 
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 Hampton VA (SPX) May 11, 2017  
The world's most powerful rocket - NASA's Space Launch System (SLS) - may experience ground wind gusts of up to 70 mph as it sits on the launch pad before and during lift off for future missions. Understanding how environmental factors affect the rocket will help NASA maintain a safe and reliable distance away from the launch tower during launch. 
SLS model testing in NASA Langley Research  ... more Washington DC (SPX) May 15, 2017NASA Affirms Plan for First Mission of SLS, Orion  Huntsville AL (SPX) May 15, 2017Winners Announced for NASA, Orbital ATK Rocketry Challenge  Palo Alto CA (SPX) May 15, 2017SSL satellite built for Bulgaria Sat arrives at Cape Canaveral for FOR falcon 9 launch  | 
 Fort Collins CO (SPX) May 09, 2017  
Protected areas in the United States, representing 14 percent of the land mass, provide places for respite, recreation, and natural resource conservation. However, noise pollution poses novel threats to these protected areas, according to a first-of-its-kind study from scientists at Colorado State University and the U.S. National Park Service. 
Researchers found that noise pollution was twi ... more Oslo (AFP) May 5, 2017Norway wealth fund drops Indian group over environment concerns  Coatzacoalcos, Mexico (AFP) May 7, 2017Human rights, environment activist killed in Mexico  London (AFP) May 5, 2017Britain publishes long-awaited air pollution plan  | 
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 Washington DC (UPI) May 10, 2017  
 South Korea plans to open the world's largest test site for self-driving cars in October, government officials said. 
 K-City, an 88-acre site, is under construction and will provide testing ground as large as a city, according the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure & Transport said. 
 K-City will be twice the size of MCity, the vehicle testing site in Ann Arbor, Mich. 
 But it wi ... more Washington (AFP) May 11, 2017Judge blesses $1 bn compensation deal in VW diesel case  San Francisco (AFP) May 12, 2017Judge seeks criminal review of Uber-Alphabet dispute  Chicago IL (SPX) May 12, 2017Experiments show that a few self-driving cars can dramatically improve traffic flow  | 
 Upton, NY (SPX) May 02, 2017  
The ability to pattern materials at ever-smaller sizes - using electron-beam lithography (EBL), in which an electron-sensitive material is exposed to a focused beam of electrons, as a primary method - is driving advances in nanotechnology. When the feature size of materials is reduced from the macroscale to the nanoscale, individual atoms and molecules can be manipulated to dramatically alter ma ... more Osaka, Japan (SPX) May 04, 2017X-ray microscope optics resolve 50-nm features while eliminating chromatic aberrations  Helsinki, Finland (SPX) Apr 27, 2017Self-assembled nanostructures can be selectively controlled  Lund, Sweden (SPX) Apr 20, 2017Nanotubes that build themselves  | 
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 Basel, Switzerland (SPX) May 15, 2017  
For the first time, scientists have succeeded in studying the strength of hydrogen bonds in a single molecule using an atomic force microscope. Researchers from the University of Basel's Swiss Nanoscience Institute network have reported the results in the journal Science Advances. 
Hydrogen is the most common element in the universe and is an integral part of almost all organic compounds. M ... more Strathclyde UK (SPX) May 09, 2017Space radiation reproduced in the lab for better, safer missions  Washington (UPI) May 12, 2017Northrop Grumman delivers new battlefield radar  Durham NC (SPX) May 10, 20173-D printers open new design space for wireless devices  | 
 Paris (ESA) May 15, 2017  
Water conservation is a growing concern globally, and particularly for farmers in the USA, where decades of irrigating huge fields has depleted vital resources of fresh surface water and groundwater. An ESA spin-off that can help to preserve water supplies while guaranteeing crop irrigation is now undergoing final testing. 
The ambitious plan of former ESA employee Javier Marti is to tackle ... more Dublin, Ireland (SPX) May 11, 2017Tillage farming damaging earthworm populations  Zurich (AFP) May 5, 2017Syngenta shareholders accept ChemChina offer  Washington DC (SPX) May 04, 2017Conservation agriculture offers tired soil remedies  | 
 
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