Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News Archive 2011 - Page 62


Page 62 of 311

RUB researchers break W3C standard

Researchers from Ruhr-University Bochum found a serious attack against XML Encryption, which is used by companies like IBM and Microsoft to protect data. The attack exploits a weakness in the CBC mode for chaining ciphertext blocks, rendering XML Encryption insecure.

Analysis of over 10,000 breast cancer patients shows that, following breast conserving surgery, radiotherapy almost halves 10-year-risk of recurrence, and reduces 15-year-risk of mortality by a sixth

A large study of over 10,000 breast cancer patients found that radiotherapy significantly reduces the risk of cancer recurrence and mortality. The study found that radiotherapy almost halves the 10-year-risk of recurrence and reduces the 15-year-risk of mortality by a sixth

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateOct 19, 2011

Manufacturing goes viral

Engineers and scientists at UC Berkeley developed a simple, single-step process to direct M13 phages to serve as structural building blocks. The resulting thin-film structures exhibit complex properties, such as bending light and guiding cell growth. The technique sheds light on the self-assembly of biological tissues in nature.

Electrochemistry controlled with a plasma electrode

Scientists at Case Western Reserve University create an electrochemical cell with a stable plasma electrode, allowing for controlled electron transfer and reducing losses. The technology has the potential to improve battery and fuel cell efficiency and enable new applications such as hydrogen production and nanomaterial synthesis.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateOct 19, 2011

Blue stragglers

Astronomers discover how blue stragglers, old stars appearing younger than expected, are created through mass transfer. The study reveals that these stars eat up the mass of their giant-star companion, allowing them to continue burning and living longer.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNature·DateOct 19, 2011

Impact study: Princeton model shows fallout of a giant meteorite strike

Researchers at Princeton University have developed a new model that simulates the seismic fallout of a giant meteorite strike, showing that the impact's effects are scattered and unfocused, resulting in less severe ground displacement and tsunamis. The model also provides new insights into the surface and interior details of other plan...

SourcePrinceton University·JournalGeophysical Journal International·DateOct 19, 2011

Putting light-harvesters on the spot

Researchers have found that a membrane protein interacts with a single soluble protein to anchor the subunits of light-harvesting complexes in the membrane. The new model proposes the formation of a pore for protein transport, supporting the integration into the membrane.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateOct 19, 2011

New study shows passing mood can profoundly alter 'rational decisions'

Researchers find that people's economic decisions change when survival or reproduction is on their minds. This contradicts the idea of humans making rational choices in finance, suggesting biases developed millions of years ago still affect us today. The study suggests these ancient biases can profoundly alter financial decisions over ...

SourceArizona State University·JournalJournal of Personality and Social Psychology·DateOct 19, 2011

Time on your hands -- good or bad?

A balanced amount of spare time is crucial for happiness in a consumer society. Materialistic teenagers with compulsive buying issues need just the right amount of leisure time to feel happier. Moderate time affluence alleviates negative side effects of material values and compulsive buying on adolescent happiness.

SourceSpringer·JournalApplied Research in Quality of Life·DateOct 19, 2011

The cannabis genome: How hemp got high

Researchers have sequenced the DNA of a potent marijuana strain and compared it to hemp, revealing the genetic differences that lead to marijuana's psychoactive effects. The study found that domestication and breeding of marijuana strains resulted in the loss of an enzyme responsible for producing non-psychoactive compounds.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalGenome Biology·DateOct 19, 2011

Forgetting is part of remembering

Research shows that forgetting can be beneficial for memory and problem-solving. By eliminating irrelevant information, we can better retain and recall important details. This phenomenon is particularly evident in situations where updating our knowledge becomes necessary.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalCurrent Directions in Psychological Science·DateOct 18, 2011

Detecting 'bath salts' designer drug

Researchers at Sam Houston State University are developing new methods to detect designer drugs like 'bath salts', which can produce powerful and unpredictable effects. The study uses solid phase extraction, chromatography, and spectroscopy to identify beta-keto amphetamines in biological samples.