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Science News for November 21, 2010


Rare disease reveals new path for creating stem cells

Researchers at Harvard Medical School have found a way to rewind the internal clock of mature cells and drive them back into an adult stem-cell stage by mimicking a rare genetic disorder. This new approach has implications for personalized medicine, particularly in tissue engineering.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalNature Medicine·DateNov 21, 2010

How hummingbirds fight the wind

A team of researchers has built a robotic hummingbird wing to discover how these birds manage to hover in gusty conditions. The robotic wing replicates the figure-eight pattern of a hummingbird's wings, creating vortices on both the downstroke and upstroke.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·DateNov 21, 2010
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Enhancing the efficiency of wind turbines

Researchers are presenting innovative air-flow technology to increase wind turbine efficiency, reducing costs and environmental impact. Tiny grooves on turbine blades also show promise in drag reduction.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·DateNov 21, 2010

Genes link sexual maturity to body fat in women

An international study identified 30 genes controlling puberty age and found they also play a role in fat metabolism, linking early maturity to increased obesity risk. The study of over 100,000 women from Europe, US, and Australia highlights the complex biological processes controlling puberty timing.

SourceThe Peninsula College of Medicine and Dentistry·JournalNature Genetics·DateNov 21, 2010

Air flows in mechanical device reveal secrets of speech pathology

Asymmetrical airflow affects vocal fold motion in individuals with paralysis, causing chaotic irregular vibrations and impaired intelligible speech. The discovery may lead to the development of implant materials that mimic voice apparatus properties to restore good vibrations.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·DateNov 21, 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.

Simple rubber device mimics complex bird songs

Researchers at Harvard University have developed a simple physical model that reproduces the characteristics of real bird song, using a stretched rubber tube to mimic the zebra finch's sounds. The device, which relies on minimal neural control, produces harmonics and patterns similar to those found in actual bird songs.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·DateNov 21, 2010

In the test tube, teams reconstruct a cancer cell's beginning

Researchers have identified key factors in cancer cell development and reconstituted the first step in the process in a test tube. The study, published in Nature Structural & Molecular Biology, found that DNA breaks are a major instigator of cancer cell development.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio·JournalNature Structural & Molecular Biology·DateNov 21, 2010

Jet engine too hot? Schedule an MRI!

Researchers are using magnetic resonance imaging to analyze the mixing of hot and cool air in jet turbines, aiming to optimize bypass design and reduce coolant usage. This technique could lead to significant energy savings and improved performance, potentially slashing development time from years to just hours.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·DateNov 21, 2010

IVCC develops new public health insecticides

The Innovative Vector Control Consortium (IVCC) has received a $50 million grant to develop new insecticides for malaria and other neglected tropical diseases. The new funding will support the development of three new Active Ingredients for public health insecticides by 2020.

SourceLiverpool School of Tropical Medicine·DateNov 21, 2010
GoPro HERO13 Black

GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.

Scientists call for protection of Australia's subtropic seas

Scientists urge increased focus and better management for reefs south of the Great Barrier Reef and WA tropical coral zone, critical refuges for northern tropical marine life. The Coffs Harbour Declaration highlights seven priorities to improve subtropical marine environment management.

SourceARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies·DateNov 21, 2010

Scientists discover genes linking puberty timing to body fat in women

Researchers have identified 30 new genes controlling the age of sexual maturation in women, which also affect body weight regulation. The study highlights specific genetic links between early puberty and body fat, shedding light on how biological processes control puberty timing.

SourceKing's College London·JournalNature Genetics·DateNov 21, 2010

Jump rope aerodynamics

Researchers build robotic jump rope device to control rope parameters, capturing motion with high-speed cameras. They find that air-induced drag affects the shape of the rope, reducing total drag. Insights from the study may inform other situations involving flexible filaments in engineered and natural systems.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·DateNov 21, 2010

Should airplanes look like birds?

Researchers in California and South Africa re-designed an aircraft with a bird-inspired shape to improve aerodynamics and reduce fuel consumption. The study showed that a flying wing configuration can generate nearly wing-only levels of lift and drag, potentially making planes more energy efficient.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·DateNov 21, 2010
Creality K1 Max 3D Printer

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.

Genes link puberty timing and body fat in women

Scientists have discovered 30 new genes that control the age of sexual maturation in women, which also affect body weight regulation and fat metabolism. The study found associations between these genes and early menarche, as well as increased risk of health problems like obesity, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalNature Genetics·DateNov 21, 2010

Global CO2 emissions back on the rise in 2010

Despite the financial crisis, global CO2 emissions from fossil fuels are expected to rise by over 3% in 2010, reversing previous declines. Meanwhile, deforestation-related emissions have decreased by over 25% since 2000.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalNature Geoscience·DateNov 21, 2010