April 27, 2005

Scientists at UCLA said that they have achieved nuclear fusion in a tabletop experiment using a small heated crystal and electricity in a chamber of deuterium gas. The reaction gave off energy, neutrons, and an isotope of helium as proof that fusion had taken place. However, the experiment did not produce more energy than was put in. Further experiments are needed to show whether this method can be used to generate excess energy.

April 7, 2005

Sony has patented a technology for non-invasive transmission of sensory stimuli directly into the human brain. The technology uses pulses of ultrasound targeted at specific parts of the brain to create sensory experiences consisting of images, tastes, and sounds. Despite the patent, Sony claims that no experiments with people have yet been conducted.

March 31, 2005

A chip implanted into the brain of a paralyzed man allows him to control, through a computer, devices using only his thoughts. The device, called the BrainGate, contains 100 tiny electrodes that sense signals in his motor cortex. In addition, the man has also been able to use the device to control a robotic hand in order pick up and move small objects.

March 24, 2005

Scientists have recovered soft tissue from a newly discovered Tyrannosaurus Rex fossil. The tissue includes blood vessels and perhaps even whole cells. If complete DNA can be recovered, it may be possible to create a clone of the animal.

March 20, 2005

NewScientist.com takes a look at the thirteen biggest mysteries in science, including the placebo effect, high energy cosmic rays, dark matter, tetraneutrons, and cold fusion.