The new technique devised by the scientists is a variation of a commonly used method called somatic cell nuclear transfer. It involves transplanting the nucleus of one cell, containing an individual's DNA, into an egg cell that has had its genetic material removed. The fertilised egg cell then develops and eventually produces stem cells. The process is relatively efficient, requiring a relatively small number of human eggs to produce each cell line, making it practical and feasible.
A Mask That Gives The Wearer "Superhuman" Powers
The Royal College of Art in London announced on May 9, 2013 that its researchers had developed two 3D printed masks that can give the wearer "superhuman" sight and hearing. One of the masks covers the wearer's ears, mouth and nose and uses a directional microphone to give him the ability to hear an isolated sound in a noisy environment. With the mask on, the user could select a person in a crowd and hear his words without any surrounding noise.
The other prototype is to be worn over one's eyes. A camera captures video and sends it to a computer, which can apply a set of effects to it in real-time and send it back to the user. The wearer can use the mask to see movement patterns, similar to the effects of long-exposure photography.
According to the developers, the technology has many possible applications. The wearer could use the visual mask to analyse movement and technique in sports. Concert-goers could use the hearing mask to concentrate on a certain performer.
Scientists Find Eco-friendly Way Of Forging Steel
As per a report released on May 8, 2013, scientists at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), USA, have developed a technique to lessen smoke emissions during the process of forging steel. This can go a long way in changing the image of steel making as one of the most polluting industries. In addition, there may be other side benefits as the resulting steel, according to scientists, could be of higher purity. The process may also turn out to be cheaper than the existing ones.
The researchers found that a process known as molten oxide electrolysis could use iron oxide from the lunar soil to create oxygen with no special chemistry. They tested the process using lunar-like soil from a meteor crater in Arizona, USA, where there are enough traces of iron oxide, and found that it produced steel as a by-product. The researchers' method used an iridium anode, which is expensive and limited in supply, so it is not viable for bulk steel production. However, after more research, they identified an inexpensive metal alloy that can replace the iridium anode in molten oxide electrolysis.
An Insect-inspired Camera With 180-degree View
As per reports released on May 2, 2013, scientists at the University of Illinois and North-western University, USA, have developed a new insect-inspired camera that can take pictures across 180 degrees and deliver exceptionally sharp images. The camera features 180 miniature lenses and exceptionally wide-angle field of view. We humans capture pictures using the two lenses of our relatively flat eyes, while a top quality SLR camera has just one flat lens. The new camera a rounded half bubble, similar to a bulging eye of a fly has 180 micro-lenses mounted on it, allowing it to take pictures across nearly 180 degrees. This is possible only for a camera shaped like a bug's eye.
With its wide-angle field of view, the new technology could be used in future surveillance devices or for imaging in medical (such as endoscopic) procedures. Its developers say that it would be simple enough to combine two of the hemispheres they have demonstrated to get a 360-degree view. This is because basically the procedure involves mounting many small eyes on one big eye. Each small eye, composed of a micro-lens and a micro-scale photo detector, is a separate imaging system. When all of these eyes are taken together, they will be able to take a clear picture, with just one snap, across nearly 360 degrees
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