Science News for March 3, 2002

Gallium-based synthesis facilitates volume production of silica nanowires with optical uses

Researchers at Georgia Institute of Technology have developed a gallium-based synthesis method to produce large bundles of aligned silica nanowires. The nanowires can form unusual structures resembling cones, cherries, carrots, and comets, with potential applications as optical splitters in nanometer-scale photonic systems.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology Research News·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateMar 3, 2002

Anti-malarial assistant

A glycolipid called a-GalCer enhances long-lasting CTL mediated immunity against malaria in mouse models. It interacts with NKT cells to bridge innate and adaptive immunity.

SourceJournal of Experimental Medicine·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateMar 3, 2002

Gene duplication adapts to changing environment

A new study from the University of Michigan reveals how a duplicated gene in leaf-eating monkeys has evolved to improve digestion efficiency. The researchers found that the duplicated gene allows the monkeys to better cope with an acidic environment, suggesting a key adaptation to their unusual diet.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalNature Genetics·DateMar 3, 2002

New research shows that a person's home and office environment can reveal certain personality traits

A new study by Samuel Gosling and colleagues found that people can accurately assess certain personality traits based on office and bedroom environments, particularly openness and conscientiousness. The researchers used personal items, decorating style, neatness, and organization as cues to evaluate personalities.

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·JournalJournal of Personality and Social Psychology·DateMar 3, 2002

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.

A gateway for Ebola/Marburg viruses

Researchers demonstrate that Ebola and Marburg viruses rely on lipid rafts in the cell membrane to gain entry and assemble. This finding opens up potential therapeutic avenues against these deadly pathogens.

SourceJournal of Experimental Medicine·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateMar 3, 2002