Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News for January 20, 2011


Insect eyes inspire improved solar cells

Researchers have created an antireflective coating based on moth eyes that improves the performance of photovoltaic modules in laboratory and field experiments. The film reduces reflections by up to 30% and increases solar cell efficiency by 5-6%.

SourceOptica·JournalOptics Express·DateJan 20, 2011

Manchester leads green chemical training push

The University of Manchester is leading a €3.7m European Union-funded project to train the next generation of scientists in green manufacturing methods for the chemical industry. The 'BIOTRAINS' programme brings together experts from academia and industry to develop safer and less-environmentally damaging industrial processes.

Breastfeeding -- added protection for cancer survivors?

Research suggests that breastfeeding can partially offset negative side effects of childhood cancer treatment, including impaired growth and reproductive difficulties. Women who have survived childhood cancer should be advised to breastfeed if they can, as it may help protect them against lasting effects of cancer treatment.

SourceSpringer·JournalJournal of Cancer Survivorship·DateJan 20, 2011

Study examines risk factors of a mass shooting

A study by Michigan State University suggests that a complex array of factors contribute to mass shootings, including peer victimization, lack of parental support, and ineffective mental health services. The research aims to reduce the issues that trigger violence and promote school connectedness among minority students.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalJournal of Loss and Trauma·DateJan 20, 2011

Speaking the same language means better health care quality, Wayne State University study finds

A Wayne State University study found that patients report less confusion and better health care quality when providers speak the same language. The study aimed to address language barriers in healthcare, which disproportionately affect minority populations, and suggests low-tech solutions to improve communication.

SourceWayne State University - Office of the Vice President for Research·JournalThe Journal of the American Board of Family Medicine·DateJan 20, 2011

Unfolding amyloid secrets

Researchers at the University of Leeds have uncovered the first misfold that triggers the formation of amyloid fibres, a critical step in understanding these disease-causing structures. This discovery offers new targets for therapies and may shed light on other protein-related diseases.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalMolecular Cell·DateJan 20, 2011

Thwarting attacks on cell phone mesh networks

Researchers have developed a computer algorithm to identify and block distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks on mobile ad hoc networks in under 22 seconds. The technique can halt 80% of attack traffic and provide a model framework for building better security systems.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Security and Networks·DateJan 20, 2011

Brain's clock influenced by senses

Researchers at University College London found that our sense of time is shaped by sensory input from the environment, allowing us to refine our internal timekeeping. By comparing sensory change to an average rate, we can judge how much time has passed and improve our judgements.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJan 20, 2011

For robust robots, let them be babies first

Researchers created simulated and actual robots that evolve their body forms while learning to walk, resulting in faster adaptation and improved resilience. The evolving robots developed a more robust gait than fixed-body robots, enabling them to better deal with disruptions.

SourceUniversity of Vermont·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 20, 2011

Stretching the truth: JILA biophysicists help unravel DNA stretching mystery

Researchers at JILA disprove the popular theory that DNA's backbone needs a small gap or loose ends to extend by 70% when subjected to 65 picoNewtons of force. The new study uses a novel test structure to demonstrate that the mechanism behind overstretching is the same for both nicked and intact DNA molecules.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateJan 20, 2011

Uncovering the genetics of prostate cancer

A research project aims to analyze the genomes of 250 prostate cancer patients under 50 to identify genetic mutations that cause and promote the disease. The goal is to produce a comprehensive map of genetic modifications involved in prostate cancer, which may lead to new treatment approaches and diagnostic methods.

Mammograms: Detecting more than breast cancer, may help assess heart risk in kidney disease patients

Researchers found mammograms show calcifications in the blood vessels of nearly two-thirds of women with end-stage renal disease, potentially contributing to heart disease risk. The study suggests mammograms may be a useful tool for studying cardiovascular disease progression in kidney patients.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalClinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateJan 20, 2011