technical updates

The explosion of Blue Origin's New Glenn rocket is a big setback for the spaceflight company and will have implications for NASA's plans to return astronauts to the surface of the moon. from Latest from Space.com https://ift.tt/71oclft

A remarkable crystal called molybdenum oxychloride could help make futuristic technologies like smart contact lenses and ultrathin AR glasses a reality. Scientists have created the first detailed experimental map of its optical properties, revealing the strongest light-bending effect ever measured in a natural material. The crystal can act either like a reflective metal or transparent glass, allowing it to manipulate light with extraordinary efficiency while being thousands of times thinner than a human hair. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3NBWQnE

"I think these are not far-out type of ideas; they are not really futuristic ideas that we are talking about." from Latest from Space.com https://ift.tt/7K2UqDv

Losing weight may involve rewiring the gut and the brain at the same time. In a study of obese adults, an intermittent fasting-style diet led to significant weight loss, healthier metabolic markers, and notable shifts in gut bacteria. Brain scans also revealed changes in regions tied to appetite, cravings, and self-control. The results suggest the gut microbiome and brain may work together to influence weight-loss success. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/7ujW4CG

A new study suggests fish oil may help reduce insulin resistance even in people who aren't obese. In diabetic rats, omega-3 supplementation improved blood sugar levels, cholesterol, and inflammation by shifting immune cells into a more anti-inflammatory mode. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3DsuoHA

‘She listens to Dolly Parton now. She’s exposed to all kinds of things being in jail, because she’s got nothing but time.’ from Latest from Space.com https://ift.tt/T9EyduY