A New Type of Battery Inspired by Electric Eels

Electric eel power comes from cells, called electrocytes, that expel energy when needed. Eels can actually “synchronize the charging and discharging of thousands of cells in their bodies simultaneously,” says Max Shtein, a chemical engineer at the University of Michigan who worked on research for a soft, flexible battery based on this concept. Shtein and his team, which included individuals from the University of Fribourg …

“My Special Aflac Duck,” a Robot Companion for Children with Cancer

Insurance company Aflac and health research company Sproutel unveiled a robot duck companion at this year’s CES, made for children going through cancer treatment. More than just a plush toy, the animated robot features a chest sensor with a chemotherapy PICC line attachment. This allows children to witness their toy friend go through the same treatment as themselves, and offers emotional support. Further, there’s a …

NASA’s Make-Up Kits

Astronauts take plenty of grooming products into space—soap, lotion, deodorant, toothbrushes and more—but back in 1978, NASA believed women would also want a full make-up kit. NASA’s History Office shared an image of the kit, along with a quote from Sally Ride—the first American woman to go into space: “The engineers at NASA, in their infinite wisdom, decided that women astronauts would want make-up… You …