Scientific American: Technology

Welcome to the “Scientific American: Technology” update from Hawaii Science Digest.

Top Story: Scientists have created a new artificial eye that mimics the retina’s natural curve.

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Accessed on 26 May 2020, 1945 UTC.

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May 26, 2020

Dear Reader,

A new artificial eye successfully mimics the spherical shape of a human peeper, an achievement that could lead to sharper robotic vision and better prosthetic retinas. Other stories featured this week include the soaring number of satellites in orbit around Earth, a device that pumps oxygen into N95 masks to help wearers breathe easier and a cheap device for quickly detecting heavy metals in drinking water.

Sophie Bushwick, Associate Editor, Technology
@sophiebushwick

Medical & Biotech

New Artificial Eye Mimics a Retina’s Natural Curve

Researchers have crafted a device that replicates the shape of the eye’s sensory membrane

By Sophie Bushwick

SPACE

Satellites in Low Orbits Are Taking over the Skies

Earth monitoring and high-speed Internet are driving demand

By Mark Fischetti,Nadieh Bremer

MEDICAL & BIOTECH

New Design Helps N95 Mask Wearers Breathe Easier

The device prevents oxygen deprivation in coronavirus-blocking respirators

By Sophie Bushwick

ENGINEERING

Low-Tech Water Wand Finds Contaminated Drinking Water

A cheap, simple device that detects heavy metals could streamline testing

By Rachel Crowell

SPACE

NASA Renames Next-Generation Telescope after Nancy Grace Roman

The pioneering astronomer and ‘mother of Hubble’ paved the way for revolutionary space observatories

By Hanneke Weitering,SPACE.com

MEDICINE

How to Transport Crucial Vaccines without Cooling

Unlike vials, flexible films could preserve medicines for long periods, with no refrigeration needed

By Harini Barath

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QUOTE OF THE DAY

“In Afghanistan, a group of teenage girls are trying to build a mechanized, hand-operated ventilator for coronavirus patients, using a design from M.I.T. and parts from old Toyota Corollas.”

Diaa Hadid, NPR