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Science News for March 20, 2011


Batteries charge quickly and retain capacity, thanks to new structure

Researchers have developed a new battery structure that allows for faster charging and discharging without sacrificing energy storage capacity. This innovation could enable phones to charge in seconds and laptops to charge in minutes, while also improving performance in electric vehicles and medical devices.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateMar 20, 2011

Fish know to avoid the spear

Researchers found that fish exposed to speargun fishing are wary and keep their distance, fleeing earlier than those in protected zones. In some cases, the flight distance increased by 2.6 meters, putting them beyond spear range.

SourceARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies·JournalConservation Biology·DateMar 20, 2011
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

New imaging technique provides rapid, high-definition chemistry

A new synchrotron-based imaging technique provides high-resolution pictures of tissue molecular composition with unprecedented speed and quality. The IRENI facility cuts imaging time from hours to minutes while quadrupling sample size range, revealing detailed structure and chemistry.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin - Milwaukee·JournalNature Methods·DateMar 20, 2011

Metabolite levels may be able to improve diabetes risk prediction

Researchers found that levels of five amino acids, including isoleucine and leucine, can signal future disease risk and indicate candidates for preventive measures. The study used metabolite measurements to identify individuals at elevated risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalNature Medicine·DateMar 20, 2011
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.

New data published in Nature Genetics demonstrate that tiny LNA-based compounds developed by Santaris Pharma A/S inhibit entire disease-associated microRNA families

Tiny LNA-based compounds developed by Santaris Pharma A/S successfully inhibit entire microRNA families, targeting cancer, viral infections, and cardiovascular diseases. The high affinity and target specificity of these compounds enable functional inhibition without off-target effects.

SourceEdelman PR·JournalNature Genetics·DateMar 20, 2011

Climate change hits home

A new study by Cardiff University and Ipsos-MORI found that direct experience of extreme weather events like flooding can significantly affect people's perceptions of climate change. As a result, individuals who have experienced flooding are more prepared to take personal action and reduce their energy use.

SourceCardiff University·JournalNature Climate Change·DateMar 20, 2011
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

Mutant prions help cells foil harmful protein misfolding

Researchers at Brown University have discovered that mutant prions can aid cells in overcoming harmful protein misfolding, a process thought to be catastrophic. The findings suggest that targeted interventions at various stages of the misfolding process can enable cells to overcome the problem.

SourceBrown University·JournalNature Structural & Molecular Biology·DateMar 20, 2011

Scientists discover major clue in long-term memory making

Researchers at Duke University Medical Center have found a cascade of signaling molecules that allow brief signals to last for tens of minutes, forming stronger connections in the brain. This discovery could lead to new insights into diseases like Alzheimer's and autism.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalNature·DateMar 20, 2011

Preventive antibiotic use significantly lowers risk of infection with antibiotic-resistant bacteria in intensive care patients

A large randomized trial found that preventive antibiotic use significantly reduces the risk of infection with highly resistant microorganisms in intensive care patients. Patients treated with selective digestive tract decontamination (SDD) were 59% less likely to develop bacteraemia and 38% less likely to colonize respiratory tracts.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet Infectious Diseases·DateMar 20, 2011
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.

Bulgarian society awarded 2011 IOF Linda Edwards Memorial Award

The Association 'Women without Osteoporosis' of Bulgaria has received the 2011 IOF Linda Edwards Memorial Award for its outstanding campaigns to increase awareness, prevention, and treatment of osteoporosis. The award recognizes the organization's efforts to improve care for patients and its dedication to raising osteoporosis awareness.

SourceInternational Osteoporosis Foundation·DateMar 20, 2011