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Scientists have come up with a new wireless brain-machine interface (BMI) that can let monkeys control a wheelchair with their minds. A latest Duke University-led study appeared in Nature's Scientific Reports has revealed how the research team developed the brain-machine interface.

The researchers fixed two microelectrode arrays in the brains of two rhesus monkeys. They rooted them in the sites responsible for limb movement and planning. Thereafter, the wireless BMI changed their cortical activity for directing the speed and direction of the robotic wheelchair.

The research holds a lot of significance as it may eventually be used in helping paralyzed people move around using either a high-tech wheelchair or upgraded intelligent robotic devices.

On Thursday, the state Assembly passed a package of anti-tobacco bills, including measures that would increase the legal smoking age from 18 to 21 in California. The Assembly approved a measure prohibiting the use of electronic cigarettes in theaters, restaurants, and other public areas where traditional smoking is not allowed.

Lawmakers have approved six bills, citing the health risks of tobacco. They have sent the bills to the state Senate, which had earlier acted on the smoking-age and vaping bills, but now, have to vote on small amendments.

According to Republicans, it’s not fair to take away the decision on smoking from youngsters eligible for marriage, vote, joining military and signing contracts.

According to scientists, they have found a way to ‘steer’ the immune system for killing cancers.
The method developed by them has been reported in Science journal. The method finds unique markings in a tumor, its ‘Achilles heel’, which can be targeted by the immune system.

However, the approach would be very costly and will require designing different approach for every individual. The technique hasn’t been tried on patients so far, the team added. As per experts, the idea is sensible, but could face a lot of complications in reality.

Researchers think their findings may form the backbone of fresh treatments. Currently, they are looking forward to test it on patients in a couple of years.

Kolponomos is a carnivorous mammal which existed 20 million years ago and belonged to the family of mammals such as cats, seals, bears, civets, and the dog. The mammal is thought to have inherited teeth like that of otter. The new discovery about this species links it to Smilodon, a sabertoothed cat. According to paleontologist Jack Tseng and colleagues, there existed a similar jaw structure in both.

Heavy molars in Kolponomos have suggested that the prehistoric animal relied on hard-shelled marine invertebrates for food while their large neck muscle attachments and robust bones along with other features put it in proximity with sea otter. Much is not known about Kolponomos as no complete skeleton was ever found.

An enormous external fuel tank called ET-94 will be now transported from New Orleans to Los Angeles to permanently reside at the California Science Center. The tank weighs 32½ ton and was originally made for being used during a space shuttle program.

However, the tank never went ahead with its mission and is now all set to take this classic road journey. The diameter of the external propellant tank is 27.6 feet and the length is 154 feet, which is actually longer than the shuttle Endeavour, which is located at the museum.

Astronomers are still struggling with gaining an insight into the celestial phenomenon of fast radio bursts (FRBs). These mystifying occurrences in the space have gained a lot of attention pertaining to their origin.

These cosmic radio explosions were recently discovered to have occurred in a series and have challenged the earlier notions about the phenomenon. The previously detected FRBs occurred in the form of a single blast.