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Science News for April 2, 2010


MIT makes significant step toward lightweight batteries

A team of MIT researchers has made significant progress on lithium-air batteries by identifying metal catalysts that can improve efficiency and increase energy density. The study finds that electrodes with gold or platinum catalysts show higher activity and efficiency than simple carbon electrodes.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalElectrochemical and Solid-State Letters·DateApr 2, 2010

Longer-lasting flowers: Fresh ideas from ARS researchers

Researchers have found that spraying low concentrations of a compound known as thidiazuron (TDZ) significantly extends the life of potted plants' leaves and flowers. In tests with greenhouse-grown cyclamen plants, TDZ-treated plants had a longer life than unsprayed plants.

SourceUnited States Department of Agriculture - Research, Education and Economics·JournalPostharvest Biology and Technology·DateApr 2, 2010

Tropical Storm 23S born in Southern Indian Ocean

Tropical Storm 23S has formed over the Southern Indian Ocean with maximum sustained winds of 39 mph. The storm is expected to strengthen and intensify over the weekend before being affected by a mid-latitude trough, potentially weakening it.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateApr 2, 2010

Most women unaware of risk for debilitating fractures

A landmark international study of over 60,000 women found that many are unaware of their risk factors for debilitating fractures, which can lead to chronic pain, reduced mobility, and increased mortality. The study emphasizes the need for improved education on osteoporosis risk factors and treatment options.

SourceUMass Chan Medical School·JournalOsteoporosis International·DateApr 2, 2010
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

Ecologists receive mixed news from fossil record

A new study explores the variability in fossil assemblages, finding that communities may be more resilient than thought. The researchers used living and fossil communities to investigate the factors affecting the low variability seen in fossil records.

SourceUniversity of Chicago·DateApr 2, 2010

Attitude toward everyday activity important for healthy lifestyle

Researchers found a positive correlation between individuals with a positive attitude towards physical activity and those who performed more unintentional physical activity. Unintentional activity, such as climbing stairs or walking further to reach a parking spot, can help burn extra calories.

SourcePenn State·JournalAnnals of Behavioral Medicine·DateApr 2, 2010
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

Neuroscientists show how brain stores memories of specific fears

Researchers found that the amygdala distinguishes between different fear memories and retrieves them selectively. The study suggests a more sophisticated storage and recall capacity than previously thought, with implications for addressing specific fear memories.

SourceNew York University·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateApr 2, 2010

Engineers turn noise into vision

Princeton engineers developed a technique to clarify images using rays of light scattered by clouds, human tissue, or murky water. The method, known as stochastic resonance, can potentially improve signal technologies such as sonograms, radar systems, and night vision goggles.

SourcePrinceton University, Engineering School·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateApr 2, 2010

Traces of early Native Americans -- in sunflower genes

Researchers found that gene duplication events led to functional diversity in sunflower genes, including a gene variant that lengthened flower growth periods. This trait may have been favored by early Native Americans for domestication purposes.

SourceIndiana University·JournalCurrent Biology·DateApr 2, 2010

April 2010 Lithosphere highlights

Researchers have made significant findings on the state of stress in central and eastern North American seismic zones, providing insights into earthquake-generating stresses. Additionally, studies have mapped the depth domains of the Eastern Ghats Belt in India, offering clues to understanding ancient collisions.

SourceGeological Society of America·JournalLithosphere·DateApr 2, 2010
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

Plastic electronics could slash the cost of solar panels

Researchers at Princeton University have developed a new technique to produce electricity-conducting plastics, potentially lowering the cost of manufacturing solar panels. The breakthrough allows for the use of low-cost printing techniques and replaces expensive materials like indium tin oxide.

SourcePrinceton University, Engineering School·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 2, 2010

Caltech scientists uncover structure of key protein in common HIV subgroup

Researchers have uncovered the three-dimensional structure of a key protein found on the surface of a specific HIV-1 subgroup, providing valuable insights for vaccine design. The discovery reveals unusual autoreactivity between an anti-HIV antibody and the CD4 receptor, raising questions about potential autoimmune responses.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalNature Structural & Molecular Biology·DateApr 2, 2010

New technology enables machines to detect microscopic pathogens in water

A new system developed by Texas AgriLife Research can automatically scan water samples and detect potential pathogens like cryptosporidium and giardia, providing results immediately. This technology has the potential to address key challenges in pathogen detection in food and water, making it accessible globally.

SourceTexas A&M AgriLife Communications·DateApr 2, 2010