All stories — Page 6

20 Mar 2026

Robotic hand gently picks up fragile objects

Researchers at the University of Texas at Austin built a robotic hand called FORTE that uses tactile sensing and soft robotics to pick fragile items like potato chips and raspberries without crushing them.

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20 Mar 2026

Warm temperatures in pregnancy linked to loss of male fetuses in Sub-Saharan Africa

A study of nearly three million births across 33 Sub‑Saharan African countries found first‑trimester exposure above 20°C linked to higher loss of male fetuses. Authors cite the "frail male" idea and call for stronger maternal care.

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19 Mar 2026

How gig work is changing earning in Africa

Digital gig work now reaches millions across Africa. About 27 percent of online gig workers are women, and more than 21 million people earn part- or full-time through gig jobs that grew with smartphones after 2015.

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17 Mar 2026

Global Dengue Observatory tracks monthly trends

A new Global Dengue Observatory shows monthly dengue trends in many countries. It uses WHO and research data to help track outbreaks and improve reporting, with special corrections for Latin America.

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17 Mar 2026

Exercise helps reduce 'chemo brain' during chemotherapy

Researchers tested a home exercise program during chemotherapy and found patients who followed it kept daily activity and reported clearer thinking. The trial compared a six-week exercise plan with standard care during treatment.

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17 Mar 2026

Short bursts of movement may help health

An expert at Virginia Tech says short, intermittent activity can boost health, but a brief Futurity excerpt gives no details. The report notes the idea is encouraging but does not offer precise guidance.

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17 Mar 2026

March Madness and the illusion of control

Fans fill March Madness brackets and often think their choices control outcomes. Albert Cohen of Michigan State University says skill matters but luck still shapes results; his comments were published on Futurity.

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17 Mar 2026

High-fat diet lets gut bacteria reach mouse brains

Emory University researchers found that a short high-fat diet can let live gut bacteria travel to the brain in mice. The bacteria moved along the vagus nerve; returning to a normal diet reduced this effect and researchers call for more study.

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17 Mar 2026

Climate change and farming in North Kivu

In North Kivu, eastern DRC, changing rainfall and more extreme weather are damaging crops and food supplies. Research and local studies report shorter rainy seasons and heavier rains; experts promote irrigation, better planning and resilient seeds.

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17 Mar 2026

Blood piRNAs predict short-term survival in older adults

A study led by Duke Health found that small RNA molecules called piRNAs in blood can predict two-year survival for people aged 71 and older. A simple blood test may help identify short-term risk.

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17 Mar 2026

Smart textiles could monitor and protect health

Researchers reviewed studies on MXenes, microscopic metal-based materials that can give fabrics new functions. MXene-based smart textiles can measure vitals, show antimicrobial behaviour and harvest solar energy, but they face limits like oxidation and sustainability.

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17 Mar 2026

Humpback whales change song pitch when others join

New research shows humpback whales alter the pitch of their songs when a nearby whale starts singing. Scientists say singers listen and modify sounds in real time, a behaviour that challenges earlier ideas about mammal vocal groups.

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