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Science News for July 3, 2011


Biofuels from the sea

Researchers found that July is the best month for kelp harvesting due to its high carbohydrate levels and low metal content. The use of kelp as a biofuel source has potential to provide a storable energy source, mitigating the limitations of other renewables like wind power.

SourceSociety for Experimental Biology·JournalBioresource Technology·DateJul 3, 2011

Overlooked peptide reveals clues to causes of Alzheimer's disease

A previously understudied amyloid peptide, A-beta-43, is more abundant and neurotoxic than previously studied peptides in promoting Alzheimer's disease. The findings suggest a potential role for A-beta-43 as a biomarker for diagnosis and a new approach for preventing AD-causing amyloidosis.

SourceRIKEN·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateJul 3, 2011
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.

Getting aid to where it is needed

Researchers from London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine and Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh examined GHIs' operations in Uganda using agency theory. They found strong conflict of interest between GHIs' priorities and the Ugandan government's needs, with the latter preferring flexible resource allocation for long-term benefits.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalGlobalization and Health·DateJul 3, 2011

Biomarker MIA shows presence of neurofibromas

Researchers discovered a simple blood test for the protein melanoma-inhibitory activity (MIA) can indicate neurofibroma presence. The level of MIA depends on neurofibroma size and growth.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Medicine·DateJul 3, 2011

Specialized seeds can really float your boat

Scientists from the Biomimetics-Innovation-Centre have developed a new anti-fouling surface based on a seed from a species of palm tree. The artificial surface mimics the hairy-like structure of the seeds' surfaces, which constantly move to prevent fouling by marine organisms.

SourceSociety for Experimental Biology·DateJul 3, 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.

Important step in the next generation of computing

Researchers at the University of Cambridge have developed a new, more efficient way of generating spin current using collective motion of spins called spin waves. This breakthrough addresses a major obstacle in spintronics, a technology that could radically change computing with high-speed, high-density and low-power consumption.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalNature Materials·DateJul 3, 2011

Warming ocean layers will undermine polar ice sheets

New research suggests that warming ocean layers surrounding the Greenland and Antarctic ice sheets will melt underwater portions faster than previously thought. This would increase sea level rise more than already projected.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalNature Geoscience·DateJul 3, 2011