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Science News for December 14, 2005


More effective lasers

Photonic crystals provide ideal characteristics for the development of instruments with diverse applications. A multidisciplinary research effort at the University of Navarra has led to significant breakthroughs in manufacturing these crystals, paving the way for miniaturization and enhanced nanotechnology.

AGU journal highlights - 13 December 2005

Researchers studied hurricane-force wind estimation using synthetic aperture radar and found a newly-developed model outperforms previous methods. Additionally, weakened thermohaline circulation led to increased snow cover over Europe due to reduced atmospheric circulation and changed climate influences. The Arctic Ocean's change also ...

SourceAmerican Geophysical Union·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateDec 14, 2005

New discovery may improve treatment of neurodegenerative diseases and type 2 diabetes

Scientists from Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona have developed a method to identify precise zones of proteins that cause aggregation, leading to potential therapeutic targets for Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and type 2 diabetes. The new approach may enable the design of more effective drugs by shielding or stabilizing these critical reg...

SourceUniversitat Autonoma de Barcelona·JournalBMC Structural Biology·DateDec 14, 2005

See the ball, hit the ball

A new study by University of Virginia psychologists has found a significant correlation between the perceived size of a softball and the batting average of its players. The study, published in Psychological Science, suggests that when players are hitting well, they perceive the ball as larger, while poor performers see it as smaller.

SourceUniversity of Virginia·JournalPsychological Science·DateDec 14, 2005