New app lets users test cosmetics virtually

Using facial recognition technology and specialized algorithms, consumers can snap a selfie, scan a bar code on their phone and instantly know what they'll look like. Sharon Reich reports.

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Grow your own furniture in a field

A UK-based designer is training trees to grow into fully-formed pieces of furniture by guiding the branches around special moulds over a number of years. Matthew Stock reports.

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Smart phone ingredient found in plant extracts

Scientists in Germany develop a method for extracting from plants an element used in everything from smart phones to parking sensors for vehicles. Edward Baran reports.

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Low emission biogas also produces fertiliser

A new method of removing toxic hydrogen sulfide from biogas could revolutionise the renewable gas industry, says inventor Andrew White. Jim Drury went to meet him.

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Paralysed man voluntarily moves his legs in exoskeleton

UCLA scientists publish findings that show a paralysed man was able to voluntarily control his leg muscles and take steps in a robotic exoskeleton device. Jim Drury reports.

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Snot-filled whale research takes flight

A robotic drone designed to collect spewing whale snot could potentially usher in a new hands-off approach to marine mammal research. Ben Gruber has more.

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Robot mother builds and improves its own children

Scientists from the University of Cambridge build a robotic 'mother' that designs and builds its own 'children', assessing them to improve the performance of the next generation. Matthew Stock reports.

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