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Science News for May 15, 2011


Exotic behavior when mechanical devices reach the nanoscale

A groundbreaking study by Prof. Adrian Bachtold's team has discovered nonlinear damping behavior in nanoscale mechanical devices, which facilitates amplification of signals and dramatic improvements in sensitivity. The findings have profound consequences for the physics of nanoelectromechanical resonators and will enable significant ad...

Scientists looking to burst the superconductivity bubble

New research reveals that bubbles in the fabrication process of high-temperature superconductor Bi2212 limit its critical current density, blocking connectivity and reducing electrical resistance. Densification of filaments before melting could help eliminate bubble formation and improve material performance.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalSuperconductor Science and Technology·DateMay 15, 2011

Researchers identify DNA region linked to depression

Researchers at Washington University and King's College London have independently identified a DNA region on chromosome 3 associated with depression. The region contains up to 90 genes and shows genome-wide significance, suggesting that many genes may be involved in depression.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal of Psychiatry·DateMay 15, 2011

Winding back the clock with kidney stem cells

Researchers at Monash University have successfully reprogrammed healthy adult kidney cells into embryonic-like stem cells, offering a new approach to modeling genetic kidney disorders and developing personalized medicine. The breakthrough enables the creation of limitless patient-specific stem cell lines for drug testing and disease mo...

SourceMonash University·JournalAmerican Journal of Nephrology·DateMay 15, 2011

'Master switch' gene for obesity and diabetes discovered

A study published in Nature Genetics reveals that the KLF14 gene acts as a master regulator controlling multiple genes found in fat tissue, influencing metabolic traits such as body-mass index, cholesterol, insulin, and glucose levels. This discovery has great therapeutic potential for treating conditions like obesity and diabetes.

SourceKing's College London·JournalNature Genetics·DateMay 15, 2011

'Computer synapse' analyzed at the nanoscale

Researchers have analyzed the physical and chemical properties of memristors using highly focused x-rays, providing a detailed insight into their behavior. This study is crucial for understanding how memristors work, which will lead to novel applications in semi-autonomous robots and complex electronic circuits.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalNanotechnology·DateMay 15, 2011