The many threats facing bumblebees can be tested using a “virtual safe space” created by scientists at the University of Exeter. Bumble-BEEHAVE provides a computer simulation of how colonies will develop and react to multiple factors including pesticides, parasites and habitat loss.

'Soft Robots' are a new development in robotics that aims to make human-friendly automation. These machines, made out of liquid-metals and polymer fibers, could help bring humans and robots closer together.

A new algorithm developed by UCLA researchers more accurately predicts which people will survive heart failure, and for how long, whether or not they receive a heart transplant. The algorithm would allow doctors to make more personalized assessments of people who are awaiting heart transplants, which in turn could enable health care providers to make better use of limited life-saving resources and potentially reduce health care costs.