Lifeboat Foundation

Acoustic tractor beams use the power of sound to hold particles in mid-air, and unlike magnetic levitation, they can grab most solids or liquids. For the first time University of Bristol engineers have shown it is possible to stably trap objects larger than the wavelength of sound in an acoustic tractor beam. This discovery opens the door to the manipulation of drug capsules or micro-surgical implements within the body. Container-less transportation of delicate larger samples is now also a possibility and could lead to levitating humans.

Researchers previously thought that acoustic tractor beams were fundamentally limited to levitating small objects as all the previous attempts to trap particles larger than the wavelength had been unstable, with objects spinning uncontrollably. This is because rotating sound field transfers some of its spinning motion to the objects causing them to orbit faster and faster until they are ejected.

Continue reading “The world’s most powerful acoustic tractor beam could pave the way for levitating humans” »

The straight poop on fecal transplants. Scientists think fecal transplants help us live longer, healthier lives.

Quote: “Seres Therapeutics is one of the more promising names in poop.”

Here’s the straight poop on fecal transplants, a new medical procedure which physicians use to treat infections. Geroscientists suspect that fecal transplants could help us live longer, healthier lives by giving us a microbiome upgrade. [This report was originally published on LongevityFacts.com. Author: Brady Hartman]

Continue reading “Why Are These People Eating Pills of Poop? (Medical Fecal Transplants)” »

A study in the top journal The Lancet reports that 40% of Americans walking around today will develop type 2 diabetes.

(A look back at the best of 2017)

(A look back at the best of 2017)

Researchers at UND announce FDA approval of a novel compound that improves the treatment of pancreatic cancer, a particularly deadly tumor.

Summary: People can delay or prevent type 2 diabetes with a healthy diet and exercise. Medications also work but are less effective than lifestyle changes. [This article first appeared on the LongevityFacts.com website. Author: Brady Hartman.]

According to the CDC, the ways to delay or prevent type 2 diabetes include diet, exercise, and in some cases, medications. Don’t take risks with your health – all three of these tactics should only be carried out under the supervision of a qualified physician.

Research shows that some prevention strategies are more successful than others in preventing type 2 diabetes.

Summary: A wrap-up of the 2017 reports on the search for breakthrough treatments for Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s disease, and other forms of dementia, showing the advancements made in understanding, treating and preventing these neurodegenerative diseases, including promising therapies in the pipeline. [This article first appeared on the website LongevityFacts.com. Author: Brady Hartman. ]

During 2017, researchers made advances towards understanding what causes Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and other forms of dementia. During the year, brain scientists announced they have many promising treatments for dementia in the pipeline. Moreover, researchers have suggested ways to prevent these disabling neurodegenerative diseases.

Here’s a wrap-up of advancements made in understanding, treating and preventing dementia.

Continue reading “Hunting Breakthrough Cures for Dementia (Best of 2017 Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s Reports)” »

HANGZHOU, China—In a hospital west of Shanghai, Wu Shixiu since March has been trying to treat cancer patients using a promising new gene-editing tool.

U.S. scientists helped devise the tool, known as Crispr-Cas9, which has captured global attention since a 2012 report said it can be used to edit DNA. Doctors haven’t been allowed to use it in human trials in America. That isn’t the case for Dr. Wu and others in China.

In a hospital west of Shanghai, Wu Shixiu since March has been trying to treat cancer patients using a promising new gene-editing tool.

Continue reading “China, Unhampered” »

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GTFDxptyV-s

Summary: Researchers say coffee prevents Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s for those consuming 3 cups daily. The brain health benefits of the beverage seem to differ between decaf and regular coffee. [Author: Brady Hartman. This article first appeared on LongevityFacts.com.]

Perhaps you’ve heard the latest news – the evidence on coffee’s health benefits is increasing every day.

In fact, new research shows that coffee protects your brain, and recent studies show that daily coffee drinkers have a significantly reduced risk of both Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases.

Continue reading “Coffee Improves Brain Health, Prevents Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s Say Researchers” »