World's Tiniest Engines Could Power Microscopic Robots

Expanding polymer-coated gold nanoparticles.

Credit: Yi Ju/University of Cambridge NanoPhotonics

Scientists have created the world's tiniest practical engines, and these light-powered machines could one day power microscopic robots small enough to enter living cells, the researchers say.

Diving Robot 'Mermaid' Lends a Hand (or 2) to Ocean Exploration.

OceanOne performs like a human diver, controlled through a touch-sensitive interface.

Credit: Frederic Osada / Teddy Seguin / DRASSM

In Mediterranean waters, off the coast of France, a diver recently visited the shipwreck La Lune —  a vesssel in King Louis XIV's fleet — which lay untouched and unexplored on the ocean bottom since it sank in 1664. But the wreck's first nonaquatic visitor in centuries wasn't human — it was a robot.

Portable Device Can Test If Your Food Is Gluten-Free

This portable gluten tester from 6SensorLabs can detect if a food has 20 parts per million or more of gluten.

Credit: 6SensorLabs

For people with gluten allergies or celiac disease, the idea of eating out in restaurants can be terrifying. It typically involves scrutinizing menus and food labels, interrogating waiters, or having to bring their own meals wherever they go.

Unmanned robot surgery works in pig trial

Image copyrightSPL

An unmanned robot has been used to stitch together a pig's bowel, moving science a step closer to automated surgery, say experts.

Pilots report more than 1,400 laser incidents in 2015

Image copyrightThinkstock

More than 1,400 incidents of lasers being shone at aircraft were reported to the UK's Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) in 2015.

IBM allow free access to quantum processor online

Image copyrightIBM

Image captionThe processor can be accessed via a web interface

IBM has made a functioning quantum processor available to the public over the internet.

Bitcoin 'creator' backs out of Satoshi coin move 'proof'

Image copyrightPA

Image captionDr Wright said he did not "have the courage" to prove he is Satoshi Nakamoto

The Australian entrepreneur who has claimed to be the inventor of Bitcoin has reneged on a promise to present new "proof" to support his case.