Flatworms can see where they're going without a head thanks to light sensitive cells throughout their bodies. Previous research had suggested that the worms don't rely entirely on their eyes to see. The researchers suggest that because flatworms are nocturnal, the system evolved to help them quickly hide from the sun. You can read more about that study in the proceedings in the national academy of sciences usa.
A new neural interface lets people type with their mind, and a crafting journey into materials science.
In this episode:
00:45 A brain interface to type out thoughts
Researchers have developed a brain-computer interface that is able to read brain signals from people thinking about handwriting, and translate them into on-screen text. The team hope this technology could be used to help people with paralysis to communicate quicker than before.
Materials scientist Anna Ploszajski joins us to talk about her new book Handmade, which details how her journey into craft helped shape her materials research.
We discuss some highlights from the Nature Briefing. This time, the genomes of some viruses that contain a very unusual DNA nucleobase, and the smouldering nuclear reactions that remain in the wreckage of the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant.