Lab rats with brain implants sense invisible infrared light

Duke University researchers implanted lab rats with a device enabling them to perceive invisible infrared light. Miguel Nicolelis and his colleagues jacked a head-mounted infrared sensor into the rat's brain. It's wired into a region of the brain that processes touch, providing the rodents with a "sixth sense" for infrared. They published their research in the science journal Nature Communications . The possibilities aren't limited to infrared spectrum either. "We could create devices sensitive to any physical energy," Nicolelis says. "It could be magnetic fields, radio waves, or ultrasound. We chose infrared initially because it didn't interfere with our electrophysiological recordings." The technology could someday lead to improved neuroprosthetics to help blind people see.

Scientific American endorses Joe Biden, breaking 175-year tradition of never endorsing a presidential candidate Because Trump is an enemy of science. "Scientific American has never endorsed a presidential candidate in our 175-year history—until now," tweeted the publication today. "The 2020 election is literally a matter of life and death. We urge you to vote for health, science and Joe Biden for President." Excerpt: The evidence and the science show […] READ THE REST

Scientists find preserved cave bear frozen more than 20,000 years ago Reindeer herders in the Russian Arctic's Lyakhovsky Islands found a preserved carcass of a cave bear frozen in the ice between 22,000 and 39,500 years ago. From the North-Eastern Federal University in Yakutsk: [North-Eastern Federal University} scientist Lena Grigorieva said of the island discovery of the adult beast: 'Today this is the first and only find […] READ THE REST

Possible sign of life on Venus Astronomers reported today that they've detected phosphine in the atmosphere of Venus, a possible biosignature of life on the planet. The researchers from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, University of Manchester, and their colleagues published the news in Nature Astronomy and in another paper submitted to the science journal Astrobiology. From the New York Times: […] READ THE REST

This portable security cam is super discreet, shots HD quality video, and offers first-rate peace of mind Surveillance cameras aren't just a luxury anymore. They're practically a necessity. Whether you want to keep an eye on your home or children, secure your business or just make sure your actions are documented correctly, discreet, portable security cameras have never been more accessible or more powerful. The Tokk C2 Discreet Day/Night Vision Camera is […] READ THE REST

Electrical engineering is one of the most stable professions around, and this training can help get you there When you were a kid, your mom and dad probably told you to grow up and become a doctor or a lawyer. Practical people that they were, your parents probably assumed that if you were able to scale the educational heights of those revered professions, you'd be handsomely rewarded with a hefty paycheck. While you […] READ THE REST