Payal Dhar

Payal Dhar

Live Science Contributor

Payal Dhar (she/they) is a freelance journalist, writing on science, technology, and society. They cover AI, engineering, materials science, cybersecurity, space, games, online communities, and any shiny new technology that catches their eye. She has written for Science News, Scientific American, Nature, Washington Post, Guardian, Chemical & Engineering News, IEEE Spectrum, and others. They also write science-fiction and fantasty. You can follow her @payaldhar.bluesky.social or read her work at payaldhar.contently.com.

Latest articles by Payal Dhar

'Pain sponge' derived from stem cells could soak up pain signals before they reach the brain

By Payal Dhar published

Scientists are developing a "sponge" that can soak up pain signals in the body before they reach the brain, potentially offering an alternative to painkillers.

4 Comments
Neuroscience

Tiny implant 'speaks' to the brain with LED light

By Payal Dhar published

By directly communicating with the brain, a new wireless device could someday help restore lost senses or manage pain without medications, its developers say.

2 Comments
Neuroscience
A black mamba photographed with an open mouth in front of a black background.

Deadly mamba snakebites stop muscles from working — but sometimes, antivenom can send them into overdrive

By Payal Dhar published

Some victims of venomous mamba snakebites see their symptoms worsen after getting antivenom, displaying a different type of paralysis. A new study explores why.

Medicine & Drugs

Scientists could soon create a 'universal antivenom.' But would it save lives?

By Payal Dhar published

A recent study hints that we could make a universal antivenom for snakebites, but some scientists say we need something else instead.

Snakes

Strikingly simple 'dial' in the brain may help it distinguish imagination from reality

By Payal Dhar published

Activity levels in a specific region of the brain predict whether we think something is real, irrespective of whether we've seen it or imagined it.

12 Comments
Neuroscience