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Science News for February 19, 2011


Plants that can move inspire new adaptive structures

Plant-based researchers are developing adaptive structures inspired by Mimosa's ability to twist, bend, stiffen, and heal. Artificial cells mimic the mechanisms behind plants' nastic motions, leading to innovative technologies like shape-changing robots and morphing wings for airplanes.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·DateFeb 19, 2011
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

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.

Super-sharp radio 'eye' remeasuring the universe

Scientists have extended a directly-measured 'yardstick' three times farther into the cosmos using the super-sharp radio vision of the VLBA. New measurements have placed a galaxy at 450 million light-years from Earth, with implications for understanding Dark Energy and the expansion rate of the Universe.

SourceNational Radio Astronomy Observatory·DateFeb 19, 2011

Hamstring grafts prove more effective in ACL knee reconstruction, study says

A study published by the American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine found that patients receiving hamstring tendon grafts had lower rates of pain and mobility issues 15 years after ACL knee reconstruction. The results showed a higher activity level in those with hamstring grafts, with 77% able to perform strenuous activities.

SourceAmerican Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine·DateFeb 19, 2011

AAAS Symposium: New research facilitates scientific knowledge transfer

New research provides urgently needed solutions to resolve the reproducibility crisis in computational science by creating a registry for computational results, open licenses for intellectual property framework, and technical communication methodologies. This enables wider availability of scientific knowledge and detects flawed science.

SourceColumbia University·DateFeb 19, 2011

American Cancer Society honored for work in palliative care

The American Cancer Society has received a Presidential Citation Award from the American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine for its efforts in promoting palliative care for patients with cancer. The organization has funded over $7 million in research grants to improve quality of life for patients, survivors, and their families.

SourceAmerican Cancer Society·DateFeb 19, 2011
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.

Tip sheet: Caltech researchers presenting at AAAS

At this year's AAAS meeting, Caltech researchers will present topics ranging from solar and renewable energy solutions to the latest advancements in bioengineering. Nathan Lewis will discuss strategies for achieving clean energy goals and generating clean fuels from sunlight and water.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·DateFeb 19, 2011

Enhancing nuclear security: Training and international collaboration

The European Commission's Joint Research Centre has created a European nuclear security training centre to train first responders at the EU level. The centre offers a balanced approach between theoretical lectures and hands-on sessions, covering topics such as nuclear forensics and radiological crime scene management. International col...

SourceEuropean Commission Joint Research Centre·DateFeb 19, 2011
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.

Mimicking photosynthesis path to solar-derived hydrogen fuel

A Penn State materials chemist has developed an artificial system that mimics photosynthesis to produce solar-derived hydrogen fuel. However, the process remains inefficient and expensive due to recombination of electrons and limited lifetime of the system. The researcher aims to improve efficiency by modeling energy pathways and adjus...

SourcePenn State·DateFeb 19, 2011

Common hip disorder can cause sports hernia

Researchers found that athletes with symptomatic femoro-acetabular impingement (FAI) had a higher incidence of athletic pubalgia and sports hernias. Treating the underlying hip condition can resolve symptoms, allowing patients to return to play.

SourceHospital for Special Surgery·DateFeb 19, 2011

The world’s oldest water?

Deep saline groundwaters in the Witwatersrand Basin show unique chemical signatures that differ from ocean and surface waters, suggesting isolation for a long time. The discovery adds to our understanding of a unique environment with microbial ecosystems that thrive on chemical energy from rock.

SourceNatural Sciences and Engineering Research Council·JournalChemical Geology·DateFeb 19, 2011
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

Turning to nature for inspiration

Researchers at Northwestern University are developing artificial hair cell sensors that mimic nature's ability to sense vibrations and movement. These biologically inspired sensors have the potential to improve medical device performance, enhance robotic capabilities, and create new consumer goods.

SourceNorthwestern University·DateFeb 19, 2011