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Science News for February 6, 2011


Tropical Atlantic sees weaker trade winds and more rainfall

A new study finds that the tropical Atlantic has experienced weaker trade winds and changes in ocean surface temperature, leading to increased rainfall over adjacent land areas. This shift is attributed to asymmetric reduction in surface solar radiation due to man-produced aerosols.

SourceUniversity of Hawaii at Manoa·JournalNature Geoscience·DateFeb 6, 2011

Fluorescent peptides help nerves glow in surgery

Scientists at UC San Diego have developed injectable fluorescent peptides that cause hard-to-see peripheral nerves to glow, alerting surgeons to their location. The discovery could revolutionize nerve preservation in surgery, especially in cases where nerves are damaged or distorted.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateFeb 6, 2011
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.

Working together to take the pulse of the universe

A collaboration between CSIRO and NASA has tracked down 25 ultrafast 'millisecond' pulsars in just two years, revealing insights into the physics of these small spinning stars. The research uses a combination of land- and space-based detectors to understand how pulsars make their beams of radiation.

SourceCSIRO Australia·DateFeb 6, 2011

Chocolate is a 'super fruit'

New research published in Chemistry Central Journal reveals that chocolate contains more antioxidants and polyphenols than fruit juice. Dark chocolate and cocoa have been found to have a higher antioxidant capacity and greater total flavanol content, making them a healthier alternative.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalChemistry Central Journal·DateFeb 6, 2011

Engineers grow nanolasers on silicon, pave way for on-chip photonics

Researchers at UC Berkeley have developed a method to grow nanolasers directly onto a silicon surface, enabling highly efficient silicon photonics. This breakthrough could lead to powerful biochemical sensors and faster microprocessors, as well as new applications in computing, communications, displays, and optical signal processing.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalNature Photonics·DateFeb 6, 2011
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.

Rural underage binge drinkers put their health at risk

A study of over 44,000 15 and 16 year olds in Germany found that rural teenagers are more likely to engage in binge drinking than their urban counterparts. Binge drinking has serious social and health consequences, including increased risk of accidents, unsafe sexual behavior, and long-term brain damage.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Public Health·DateFeb 6, 2011

Using mining by-products to reduce algal blooms

A CSIRO study found that mining by-products can effectively remove phosphorus and nitrogen from water, reducing the risk of algal blooms. The research suggests using these by-products as a cost-effective and environmentally-friendly solution for treating wastewater.

SourceCSIRO Australia·DateFeb 6, 2011

Recognizing gibbons from their regional accents

Researchers used acoustic analysis and genetic diversity to identify gibbons from their regional accents, showing a high degree of similarity between species within the same location. The study suggests that gibbon songs are adapted to forest environments, with distinct patterns in each region.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Evolutionary Biology·DateFeb 6, 2011

DNA engine observed in real-time traveling along base pair track

A team of scientists created a programable molecular transport system, observed in real time using atomic force microscopy. The system consists of a DNA origami track with a motor and fuel, allowing for adjustable speed and potential applications in drug delivery and synthetic ribosome creation.

SourceInstitute for Integrated Cell-Material Sciences, Kyoto University·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateFeb 6, 2011
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.

Pivotal discoveries in age-related macular degeneration

A team of researchers led by Dr. Jayakrishna Ambati has discovered a molecular mechanism implicated in geographic atrophy, the major cause of untreatable blindness in the industrialized world. The study identified Alu RNA toxicity as the underlying cause and developed two potential therapies to prevent geographic atrophy.

SourceUniversity of Kentucky·JournalNature·DateFeb 6, 2011

Pollutants in aquifers may threaten future of Mexico's fast-growing 'Riviera Maya'

The study found that illicit drugs, pharmaceuticals, and personal care products are contaminating Mexico's aquifers, posing a threat to the region's freshwater quality and availability. The researchers recommend integrated approaches to protecting and managing the aquifer to ensure sustainable tourism and human health.

SourceUnited Nations University·JournalEnvironmental Pollution·DateFeb 6, 2011