Environmental Factors Can Alter Mammalian Sex Determination, Study Finds

Researchers from the University of Tokyo and the Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC) have made significant strides in bioengineering by developing a robotic arm made from human muscle tissue. This innovative arm, measuring 18 centimeters, can mimic natural movements and even contract like real muscles, according to Professor Masaharu Takeuchi of the University of Tokyo. The collaboration aims to create prosthetics that not only function like human limbs but are also capable of regeneration, utilizing the patient’s own cells. The arm relies on cable-driven mechanics and is stimulated electrically to achieve finger movements similar to those of a natural hand. IBEC researchers are enhancing this technology by designing integrated stimulation systems that emulate real muscle responses. Samuel Sánchez, the IBEC director, indicated that the project has evolved from simple shapes to complex, functional muscle structures, advancing possibilities for drug testing and soft robotics. Despite the promising advancements, challenges such as ensuring the long-term viability of tissues and vascularization remain hurdles to be overcome, as emphasized by both teams.

A 54-year-old former taxi driver in Japan has been arrested on charges of drugging and raping multiple female passengers, with police recovering nearly 3,000 videos and images of the assaults. The suspect, identified as Satoshi Tanaka, was taken into custody following an incident where he allegedly gave sleeping pills to a woman in her twenties, resulting in her losing consciousness during a taxi ride. According to The Yomiuri Shimbun, Tanaka then transported her to his home, where he reportedly filmed the sexual assault. A Tokyo police spokesman confirmed the charges include non-consensual sexual intercourse and violations related to filming intimate acts. Traces of sleeping pills were reportedly found in the victim's hair. Tanaka's alleged crimes date back to 2008, as police continue to investigate the vast amount of disturbing footage found on his devices. He was previously arrested in October for drugging another woman and robbing her of approximately $270 (or 40,000 yen), but was released before being apprehended again for this latest series of offenses.

A 54-year-old former taxi driver in Japan, Satoshi Tanaka, has been arrested on charges of drugging and sexually assaulting multiple female passengers. According to reports from The Yomiuri Shimbun and Jiji Press, police discovered nearly 3,000 videos and images depicting Tanaka's assaults on around 50 women, which were recorded in his taxi and home. The arrest followed an incident where Tanaka allegedly gave sleeping pills to a woman in her twenties in 2024, causing her to lose consciousness before he assaulted her and filmed the act. "The man got a woman... to take sleeping pills, which caused her to lose consciousness... and committed an indecent act," a Tokyo police spokesman stated. This is not Tanaka's first brush with the law; he was arrested previously for allegedly drugging another woman and stealing approximately 40,000 yen (around $370). Media reports indicate that traces of sleeping pills were found in the victim's hair, further supporting claims against Tanaka.