Advancements in Brain-Controlled Bionic Limbs
Researchers have reported in \"Natural Medicine\" a groundbreaking technique enabling a user's brain to control a bionic prosthesis. The method, known as magneto micrometry, involves placing magnetic spheres inside muscles, whose movements are then monitored using magnetometers. By reconstructing muscle pairs, users gain a sense of the position and movement of a bionic limb. This system is expected to be commercially available within five years, offering people with below-knee amputations the ability to walk more naturally and navigate slopes, stairs, and obstacles with greater ease.
Rapa Nui Witnesses Rare 'Ring of Fire' Solar Eclipse
On October 2, the inhabitants of Rapa Nui, commonly known as Easter Island, observed a spectacular \"ring of fire\" annular solar eclipse. For about six minutes, the new moon appeared to sit perfectly inside the sun's disk, with the edges creating the stunning phenomenon known as \"Baily’s beads.\" This rare event marked the island's first annular solar eclipse since 1788, offering a unique celestial display to the remote Pacific community.
Predator Dynamics: Sea Urchins and the Battle for Kelp Forests
Invasive sea urchins are rapidly devouring kelp forests off Australia's New South Wales coast, posing a significant ecological threat. While lobsters have been considered their primary predators, scientists from the University of Newcastle have discovered that sharks are consuming most sea urchins placed outside lobster dens. This research suggests that a diverse predator population could be crucial in protecting these vital marine ecosystems.
Flu Shot Offers Significant Protection for High-Risk Groups
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that this year's flu vaccine reduces the chance of hospitalization by 35 percent among high-risk groups. This data, collected from over 11,000 individuals in five Southern Hemisphere countries, indicates that vaccination significantly lowers severe flu infections. The study highlights variations in hospitalization risk among different age groups and suggests that this Southern Hemisphere data may help estimate protection levels for the upcoming flu season in the Northern Hemisphere.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
