Here First - Science and Technology Blog

The new Japanese robot is an "avatar" electronically controlled via an interactive suit that allows the user to see through the robot's eyes and feel with his hands, which allows an accurate objects grabbing actions. The robot, called V Telesar mimic the movements of its pilot. It was created by Japanese researchers from Keio University. The view "through the eye" of the robot is achieved through a 3D headset, the robotic body can move in seven different directions. Telesar's sensors are so sensitive and precise that the user can "taste" the touched object's temperature. Moreover, the user can feel the shape of small objects. The information obtained from sensors are transmitted to the user through gloves equipped with semiconductors and data engine that mimics the sensations of touch, pressure, texture and temperature of objects. One member of the Telesar team, Furukawa Mashahiro sais about the suit that it "makes you fe...

A team of neuroscientists researchers at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory , New York, USA, led by Professor Pavel Osten, has developed a new technique to create images of the entire brain, after having conducted experiments on the brains of mice. The new technique takes successive images of brain sections precisely, using a laser microscope with two photons. The resulting images are then computer processed, resulting in a three-dimensional image of the entire brain. Developed in conjunction with the TissueVision company, new brain scanning technique was called Serial Two-Photon Tomography - STP . Study leader, Professor Pavel Osten argues that this new technology is extremely accurate and is sufficiently developed to be already used in specific procedures. The researchers tested the process at different resolutions, from 1-2 microns to less than one micron and obtained a complete set of data regarding the studied brain from 6.5-8.5 hours and a standby time considerably reduced c...

An American pathologist from Indiana University along with an international team of researchers extracted DNA samples from the brains of deceased patients belonging to the period 1896-1938 in order to observe if they contain genes related to schizophrenia or other mental illness. It is believed that schizophrenia is caused by certain genetic variations, but researchers were unable to identify the precise mutation or series of mutations that are directly related to the disease. Scientists took advantage of the fact that brain samples dating from the late 19th and early 20th century are kept perfectly preserved museum in a special substance (a form flammable gelatin and cellulose). The brains were not affected in any way by modern medicaments and have with clinical notes. However, extracting DNA and RNA samples was not easy, because the brains must be treated with liquid nitrogen at -180 degrees Celsius temperature. Although researchers have not published their findings, if DN...

Our human body is very complex, and every organ or body part has its own importance that's usually noticed when we have a problem with tha specific part. In the following infographic we learn more about the foot, it's common problems and how to avoid them. For example, having a good hygiene and walking regularly will keep your feet in good shape and ready to carry you around for many years. Also, at the bottom of the infographic you will learn which exercises to follow in order to have healthy feet. Via: MiToe

Folks who consume baked or baked fish every week could be ameliorating their brain wellness and cutting down their risk of getting mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and Alzheimer's disease. The study establishes a direct connection between fish eating habbits, brain structure and Alzheimer's risk. "The results showed that people who consumed baked or broiled fish at least one time per week had better preservation of gray matter volume on MRI in brain areas at risk for Alzheimer's disease." Alzheimer's disease is an incurable, graduated brain disorder that slowly ruins memory and cognitive skills. National Institute on Aging reports that 5.1 million US citizens may have Alzheimer's disease. In MCI, blackout is present but it's not that aggressive. Folks with MCI usually go on to germinate Alzheimer's disease. "Consuming baked or broiled fish promotes stronger neurons in the brain's gray matter by making them larger and healthier,...

Researchers at the University of Edinburgh, Scotland are workin on a type of artificial blood that will be ready for human tests in two or three years. The artificial blood is created from divisible stem cells harvested from adult bone marrow. The fresh created blood will be O Negative and could be used for 98% of patients. Basically, blood is a liquid material that carries oxygen and other nutrients through the veins and arteries. Every day people are injured or develop problems that requires surgery. This means blood loss requires transfusion of fresh blood from various donors. In some cases this could be a problem because the blood type could be hard to find, especially in underdeveloped countries. In addition, there are external risks of blood infections such as HIV, hepatitis, etc. The team from Edinburgh, led by Professor Marc Turner, is cultivating stem cells from bone marrow in a material very similar to red blood cells. They believe that the mechanism is refined and will...

I'm sure everyone heard about foods that are not good for your health: pork, fats, junk food, etc. But what should we eat and how should we treat our body in order to live longer? If you want to have a healthier and longer life then you should eat natural food. Stop buying from your local drugstore pills stuffed with  large complex of vitamins. Nutritionists advise you to try a cheaper and safer option. Why pay for pills when you can pay for the real deal? "We know that fruit and vegetable diet is healthy, that prevents many diseases and reduces costs for maintaining health. Unfortunately, nobody knows exactly how each component of this regime affects the longevity of life" said Dr. Hubert Warner, who runs an aging program research. This does not mean it won't affect it. Almost every study available shows that fruit and vegetable is the simplest way to keep your body in shape. Another study shows that chocolate and wine are the secret of a long healthy life....