Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News Archive October 2011 - Page 7


Page 7 of 28

Nanotubes key to microscopic mechanics

Carbon nanotubes have been used to increase the electrical conductivity of silicon nitride by 13 orders of magnitude, enabling the production of intricate micro-components without compromising production time or integrity. The resulting nanocomposite materials offer improved wear resistance and preservation of mechanical properties.

SourceElsevier·JournalMaterials Today·DateOct 25, 2011

Dividing corn stover makes ethanol conversion more efficient

Researchers at Purdue University have developed a more efficient method for converting corn stover into cellulosic ethanol by separating its three distinct parts: the rind, pith, and leaves. This new approach enables better utilization of enzymes to break down cellulose, resulting in increased ethanol production with reduced costs.

SourcePurdue University·JournalBiotechnology and Bioengineering·DateOct 25, 2011

Blood proteins predict survival in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, Pitt-led team says

A panel of blood proteins can predict patient survival in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, guiding treatment plans and identifying those in urgent need of a lung transplant. The biomarker panel has predictive power that may also help design more effective research trials.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateOct 25, 2011

Peer pressure in preschool children

Researchers found that four-year-olds conformed their public judgment of a situation to the majority of peers despite better knowledge. This conformity plays a crucial role in acquiring group-specific behavior. In the study, only 40% of children conformed at least once, indicating some level of peer pressure on young minds.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalChild Development·DateOct 25, 2011

Take your blood pressure meds before bed

A study by the American Society of Nephrology found that taking blood pressure-lowering medications at bedtime improves blood pressure control and reduces the risk of heart problems. Patients who took their medications before bed had better outcomes than those who took them in the morning.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateOct 24, 2011

In developing rats, antidepressant exposure linked to brain, behavioral abnormalities

Researchers found that antidepressants given to rats during development led to brain abnormalities and behavioral traits similar to autism spectrum disorder. The study suggests a potential link between selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and the rise in developmental disorders in children.

SourceUniversity of Mississippi Medical Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 24, 2011

New device measures viscosity of ketchup and cosmetics

A new device developed at the University of Sheffield enables real-time monitoring of liquid flow and rheology, making it easier to control product properties. The technology ensures that companies producing liquids can incorporate the device into their development process, reducing costs and improving efficiency.

SourceUniversity of Sheffield·JournalMeasurement Science and Technology·DateOct 24, 2011

Leeds puts Britain on trial

The 'Britain on Trial: Young Voices Speak Out' event brings together young people with leading writers, artists, academics, and activists to discuss challenges and develop ideas for change. Participants create and share their own creative responses to social issues using performance-poetry, art, and drama.

Deliberate practice: Necessary but not sufficient

Research by Guillermo Campitelli and Fernand Gobet found that deliberate practice is necessary to achieve mastery in skills like chess. However, the duration of practice alone does not guarantee success. Other factors such as intelligence, handedness, and working memory also contribute to an individual's ability to excel in these areas.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalCurrent Directions in Psychological Science·DateOct 24, 2011

Yoga and stretching exercises beneficial for chronic low back pain

A study found yoga classes to be more effective in reducing symptoms and improving function for patients with chronic low back pain compared to a self-care book. Stretching exercises also showed moderate benefits in reducing back pain, suggesting that the mental component of yoga may not be the primary factor in its effectiveness.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Internal Medicine·DateOct 24, 2011

Harsh discipline fosters dishonesty in young children

Young children exposed to harsh punishment are more likely to lie and better at telling convincing lies than those from non-punitive schools, a study suggests. The research found that children in punitive environments could deceive even older children, challenging existing theories on cognitive development.

SourceMcGill University·JournalChild Development·DateOct 24, 2011

Thomas Jefferson is the first high school to subscribe to the Journal of Visualized Experiments

Thomas Jefferson High School has become the first high school to subscribe to JoVE, a video-based research journal. The school's advanced equipment and digital resources will help students learn complex experimental techniques more effectively. This partnership aims to inspire future scientists by exposing them to cutting-edge research...

SourceThe Journal of Visualized Experiments·JournalJournal of Visualized Experiments·DateOct 24, 2011

Mechanical stress can help or hinder wound healing depending on time of application

A recent study found that applying mechanical forces to a wound site immediately after healing began can disrupt vascular growth and prevent bone healing. However, delaying the application of mechanical stress until later in the healing process can enhance functional bone regeneration through adaptive remodeling.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 24, 2011