Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News for November 9, 2008


New small-scale generator produces alternating current by stretching zinc oxide wires

The new flexible charge pump generator can produce an oscillating output voltage of up to 45 millivolts, converting nearly seven percent of the mechanical energy applied into electricity. This advancement resolves key issues with previous generators, such as moisture infiltration and wear, enabling more robust designs.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology Research News·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateNov 9, 2008

Mental health linked to stillbirth and newborn deaths

Women with serious mental illnesses are at least twice as likely to experience stillbirths or newborn deaths compared to those without such conditions. Research revealed that mothers with schizophrenia have a higher risk of stillbirth, while those with other psychotic illnesses face significant complications during childbirth.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalArchives of Disease in Childhood·DateNov 9, 2008

HIV's disguises no match for 'bionic assassins'

Researchers have engineered killer T-cells with a receptor that can recognize and destroy HIV-infected cells, regardless of the virus's disguise. This technology may lead to a powerful therapy for HIV treatment and could also be applied to other infectious agents.

SourceWellcome Trust·JournalNature Medicine·DateNov 9, 2008

Yale researchers unravel mystery of brain aneurysms

A study published in Nature Genetics has identified three chromosome segments where common genetic variations can create significant risk for ruptured aneurysms, leading to strokes. The findings could lead to new screening tests and therapies to strengthen blood vessels in the brain.

SourceYale University·JournalNature Genetics·DateNov 9, 2008

Simple brain mechanisms explain arbitrary human visual decisions

Scientists report that a simple decision-making task does not involve the frontal lobes, instead relying on the parietal lobe to process sensory information and control responses. This finding challenges the traditional view of human decision-making as willful acts, suggesting that many decisions may be driven by automatic processes.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateNov 9, 2008