Mind-Controlled Devices

Led by Bin He, Ph.D., director of the Biomedical Functional Imaging and Neuroengineering Laboratory, the team has created a non-invasive brain-computer interface (BCI) that could one day restore mobility and independence for individuals with amputated limbs, paralysis and other impairments that prevent or limit normal movement. With the help of this interface, volunteers have been able to precisely control the flight of simulated and small model helicopters using only their minds.

via Live Science

Science of Spiderman

Science explained—explaining how Spiderman isn’t the only one who can walk on walls and make webs of steel. Very interesting!

Debunking Vampires– Drinking Blood

The thing that makes vampires, well…vampires, is their ability to drink blood. They drain their victims of the precious life fluid to feed. But here’s the thing, the human body isn’t adapted for digesting blood.

While small quantities may be harmless, anyone who consumes blood regularly runs a risk of haemochromatosis (iron overdose) or contracting blood-borne diseases if they’re sourcing it from other people.–Megan Gannon on Real-Life ‘Vampire’ Addicted to Blood

Small quantities can be broken down into proteins, iron, and amino acids, but too much iron can be extremely dangerous and can be deadly. Symptoms of an iron overdose are:

• Blood in stools or black colored stools. This is a sign of bleeding from the gastro intestinal tract.
• Abdominal pain.
• Nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.
• Vomiting blood.
• Metallic taste in the mouth.
• Difficulty in breathing.
• Rapid heartbeat.
• Dehydration.
• Low blood pressure.
• Convulsions or fits.
• Dizziness, headache and drowsiness.
• Fever.
• Liver damage.

Iron poisoning aside, there’s also blood-borne diseases such as HIV, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, and viral hemorrhagic fevers to consider.

Science Art

E.coli by Luke Jerram

Most people probably wouldn’t see the beauty in viruses or even be able to distinguish between one form or another. Instead of pursuing engineering, Luke Jerram instead decided to pursue art…in the form of what he calls “Glass Microbiology.” To do his work, Jerram enlisted the help of virologist Andrew Davidson from the University of Bristol and the expertise of professional glassblowers Kim George, Brian George and Norman Veitch. Together, they created glass art in the form of pathogens, such as the H1N1 virus or HIV.By creating sketches of the viruses, the glassblowers then create the intricate structures of the diseases.

Jerram’s microbial sculptures will be on display in “Playing with Fire: 50 Years of Contemporary Glass,” and “Pulse: Art and Medicine,” for those wanting to see the gorgeous pieces of art. For more images, click on Jerram’s site.

Swine Flu by Luke Jerram