Contributor

B. David Zarley

Senior Staff Writer

Contact

b.david@freethink.com

B. David Zarley is a senior staff writer for Freethink, where he covers health and medicine, including infectious disease, psychedelic research, mental health, and the brain. A graduate of SUNY Fredonia, his work has also appeared in The Atlantic, The Verge, Jezebel, Frieze, Sports Illustrated, VICE, Paste Magazine, and numerous other publications. He lives in Chicago and can be reached via Signal by request. Send him story ideas!

Clean Energy

China successfully tests space-based solar power components

Researchers at China’s Xidian University have successfully tested a proof-of-concept for collecting solar power via satellites.

B. David Zarley

CRISPR

CRISPR could create a one-shot treatment for HIV

Researchers have used gene editing to engineer HIV-fighting immune cells inside the bodies of mice.

B. David Zarley

CRISPR

CRISPR can create a “captain’s log” for bacteria traveling through the microbiome

A team at ETH Zurich has modified E. coli to work like biological recorders of the processes of the gut.

B. David Zarley

Healthcare

Apple Watch now approved to track Parkinson’s symptoms

Apple Watch motion data will now be incorporated into Rune Labs’ StrivePD app, which tracks Parkinson’s symptoms.

B. David Zarley

Medicine

Moms’ “super-antibodies” point the way to new antibody medicines

Pregnancy bestows on babies enhanced antibodies that can protect against a broader range of disease. Now, we know how.

B. David Zarley

Public Health

A vaccine against mosquito saliva may be the key to stopping their diseases

University of Leeds researchers have identified a compound in mosquito saliva as a potential target to protect against multiple viruses.

B. David Zarley

Transportation

This compact electric vehicle wants to combine a scooter and a car

Nimbus is now taking pre-orders for its compact electric vehicle, which splits the difference between scooter and car.

B. David Zarley

Medicine

A smart bomber for bacteria could help save antibiotics

Brown University researchers have developed a “smart” drug delivery system that only releases its payload when bacteria are present.

B. David Zarley

Coronavirus

Handheld antibody tester could reveal if you’re immune to COVID

Hong Kong researchers have developed a handheld COVID antibody testing device more capable than current home tests.

B. David Zarley

Medicine

Tiny nanoscale drills can bore holes right through bacteria

Rice University researchers have developed tiny, bacteria-boring drills in an effort to stop superbugs.

B. David Zarley