Ruairi J Mackenzie
Senior Science Writer
As senior science writer, Ruairi pens and edits scientific news, articles and features, with a focus on the complexities and curiosities of the brain and emerging informatics technologies. Ruairi also drives Technology Networks' search engine optimization (SEO) and editorial AI strategy and created the site’s podcast, Opinionated Science, in 2020. Ruairi has a Master’s degree in Clinical Neurosciences from the University of Cambridge.
Latest Content
News
Skull Modification Practices of Ancient Japanese Ethnic Group Revealed
New research reveals that the Hirota people, who lived in Japan during the middle of the first millennium, practiced cranial modification – a process where the skulls of infants and young children are bound, warping them out of shape.
News
The Science of Sourdough's Unique Flavor Has Been Revealed
Sourdough breads have been baked for thousands of years. Sourdough’s simple recipe, which can be tweaked to produce a deep flavor profile, became a staple of thousands of lockdown kitchens. Now, a new analysis of the interior of the bread has revealed the factors that give sourdough its unique taste.
News
The Brain Circuits Behind Male Sex Drive Have Been Mapped for the First Time
Researchers at Stanford University have identified a brain hub that controls sexual arousal in male mice. By tweaking signaling in this area, the team was able to enhance or extinguish sexual desire and even let male mice engage in sexual activity immediately after ejaculation.
Article
The Ultimate Guide to Avoiding Predatory Conferences
Predatory conferences are the ramshackle distant cousin of your regular scientific event, a Fyre Festival of science (without the involvement of Ja Rule). It is getting harder to separate fake conferences from real ones. Given this deluge of dodgy science, we have created a guide to spotting and avoiding predatory conferences.
News
Wheat Gluten Found To Cause Brain Inflammation in Mice
Researchers have established that wheat gluten can induce brain inflammation in mice. The study could prove important for our understanding of how the human body processes gluten.
News
A New Vaccine for EBV, the World’s Most Successful Virus
A study details a new vaccine against the Epstein Barr virus (EBV), one of the world’s most successful infectious agents and a cause of cancer and multiple sclerosis.
News
Oxygen-Tolerant Strain of Gut Bacteria Could Advance Probiotics
Researchers from the University of Gothenburg and probiotic company BioGaia AB have announced a significant discovery that could pave the way for the development of next-generation probiotics, with potential applications for glucose control in individuals with prediabetes.
News
Quadriplegic Patient Feels Touch for First Time in Years After “Neural Bypass”
In a landmark clinical trial, researchers at Northwell Health’s Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research have restored a quadriplegic man’s ability to move and feel by implementing a revolutionary double neural bypass technology.
Article
The Pulse: Psychedelic News From Technology Networks Issue 6
Hello and welcome to the Pulse, the monthly psychedelics industry roundup from Technology Networks and Analytical Cannabis. Here, we’ll highlight some of the most significant psychedelic industry news from the past month, including important announcements, pre-clinical work and the latest from groundbreaking psychedelic clinical trials.
News
Scrambler Therapy Could Provide Long-Term Relief From Chronic Pain
A new paper penned by pain experts provides compelling evidence for the effectiveness of scrambler therapy as a treatment for chronic pain.
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