university-of-california-san-diego

Automotive

EVs now rival gas vehicles for reliability and longevity per new study

Reliability and longevity may once have been among the most common reasons for not owning an electric vehicle. But a new study claims that battery-powered electric vehicles are now equally reliable – and can run for longer – than conventional vehicles.

This bioelectronic device delivers gentle electrical signals to bacteria that prevents the formation of biofilm, stopping dangerous infections

Medical Innovations

Wearable zaps infections by targeting antibiotic-resistant bacteria

As more bacteria become increasingly resistant to antibiotics, we need more ways to fight infections. That's where this new patch comes in. With a gentle electric zap, this wearable could prevent bacteria from doing a number on us through our skin.

Pain reduction from mindfulness and placebo engage different brain mechanisms

Chronic Pain

Pain relief from mindfulness meditation not a placebo effect

New research has found that mindfulness meditation reduces pain by engaging a distinct brain pathway from the pathway activated by a placebo. The standalone analgesic effect that mindfulness produces could be leveraged to help people living with painful conditions.

Scientists have created a biodegradable plastic by embedding plastic-eating microbe spores right into the material

Environment

Plastic embedded with plastic-eating spores is degradable – and tougher

A new biodegradable plastic embedded with spores of plastic-eating bacteria manages to break down 90% of the material after five months in landfill. Weirdly, this actually made the plastic tougher and stronger during use.

Ramsey problems, such as r(4,5) are simple to state, but as shown in this graph, the possible solutions are nearly endless

Science

Maths problem solved after stumping the world for nearly a century

Forget politics; if you want to divide a crowd, ask if anyone enjoys mathematics. But even the most maths-averse people may still be impressed by two researchers who have solved a problem that has been stuck in the same puzzling place since 1937.

This confocal microscopy image shows amyloid plaques (blue and red) in the brain of a mouse – the accumulation of amyloid plaques is so far the most well-documented biochemical hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease

Alzheimer's & Dementia

Intermittent fasting alleviates debilitating Alzheimer’s symptoms

Six million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease, and with it comes the physical behaviors that are responsible for 80% of nursing home admissions. Researchers believe fasting set to circadian rhythms could alleviate these awful side effects.