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Science News for September 28, 2004


Good vibrations in the nanoworld

Carbon nanotubes' electronic and mechanical properties are highly dependent on the presence of defects, which alter their vibrational modes and affect electrical conductivity and heat transport. The study demonstrates the importance of understanding these effects for optimizing nanoscale devices.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateSep 28, 2004

Microscopic miracles

The development of nanomedicines has led to significant advances in the diagnosis and treatment of disease. Thousands of patients are already benefiting from products used to treat conditions such as cancer, AIDS, and arthritis.

Giving computers the jitters helps explain human behavior

A computer program simulated how people who felt threatened would respond to a serial subtraction problem, showing a 25% decrease in performance speed. Increasing knowledge through instruction and practice, or continuously checking results to bolster confidence, can help individuals switch their pre-task appraisal from threatening to c...

Winning combination to build bone density in children

A study by the University of Wales and the University of Exeter suggests that high levels of calcium intake combined with vigorous daily exercise are crucial for building and retaining bone mass in children. The researchers found that children should engage in at least 25-40 minutes of vigorous activity and consume at least 700-800 mil...

SourceAmerican Physiological Society·JournalJournal of Applied Physiology·DateSep 28, 2004