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Science News for September 18, 2011


Crystal structure shows how motor protein works

The study reveals exactly how dynamin proteins form large assemblies that pinch off bubbles from cell membranes, allowing cells to 'eat' and compartmentalize external items. Understanding these miniature motors may enable the engineering of cells with new functions.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalNature·DateSep 18, 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.

Award winner 'can count fish from space'

Dr Nick Graham, a young researcher at James Cook University, has won the Scopus Young Researcher of the Year Award for his work on predicting fish populations in coral reefs. His research uses satellite data to study the architecture of coral reefs from space, providing valuable insights into how degraded reefs can recover.

SourceARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies·DateSep 18, 2011

Why carbon nanotubes spell trouble for cells

Researchers at Brown University found that carbon nanotubes enter cells tip-first and at a 90-degree angle, often causing repeated inflammation. The team's study suggests that understanding how nanomaterials interact with cells is crucial for designing products that help cells rather than harm them.

SourceBrown University·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateSep 18, 2011

Nanoparticles cause brain injury in fish

Scientists have found that nanoparticles can cause brain injury in fish, leading to the formation of vacuoles and nerve cell death. The results may influence policy regulations on environmental protection and human safety.

SourceSociety for Experimental Biology·DateSep 18, 2011

Researchers sequence dark matter of life

A breakthrough allows scientists to assemble virtually complete genomes from DNA extracted from a single bacterial cell. This opens the door to sequencing bacteria that cannot be cultured in the lab, including those living on the planet's surface and within human bodies.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateSep 18, 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.

Minimizing extinctions in a changing climate: New study

A new decision-support model developed by scientists can guide allocation of conservation funding to save more species from extinction. The model incorporates both ecological and economic information, prioritizing conservation activities based on a yearly budget.

SourceUniversity of Melbourne·JournalNature Climate Change·DateSep 18, 2011

U of T-led research improves performance of next-generation solar cell technology

Researchers from U of T, KAUST, and Penn State created the most efficient solar cell using collodial-quatum-dots (CQD), achieving record electrical currents and power conversion efficiency. The team's innovative approach eliminated charge traps, enabling rapid electron movement and providing a path to long-term stability.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalNature Materials·DateSep 18, 2011

Reassurance for dementia sufferers on impact of common drugs

Researchers have found that taking common medications for dementia does not cause further cognitive decline in those already suffering from the condition. The study involved 224 participants with established Alzheimer's dementia and suggests that low doses of certain medications may be safe for people with dementia.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalAge and Ageing·DateSep 18, 2011
Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.

ADHD symptoms worsen quality of life for individuals with autism

Research from Autism Speaks Autism Treatment Network found that over half of children and adolescents with autism also have ADHD symptoms, compromising their adaptive abilities and quality of life. The study highlights the importance of identifying and treating ADHD symptoms in individuals with autism.

SourceAutism Speaks·DateSep 18, 2011

Catching a breath -- wirelessly

Researchers developed a noninvasive wireless system to measure breathing rates, alerting caregivers if breathing stops. The technique could increase surgery patient safety and reduce infant mortality by detecting sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) without invasive monitoring.

SourceUniversity of Utah·DateSep 18, 2011

Gamers succeed where scientists fail

A team of gamers solved the molecular structure of a retrovirus enzyme using online game Foldit, achieving results in just three weeks. The breakthrough could lead to the development of new anti-AIDS drugs by targeting specific features on the molecule.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalNature Structural & Molecular Biology·DateSep 18, 2011

Deep oceans can mask global warming for decade-long periods

A new study suggests that the planet's deep oceans can absorb enough heat to flatten the rate of global warming for periods of up to a decade. The research, based on computer simulations of global climate, points to ocean layers deeper than 1,000 feet as the main location of the 'missing heat'.

SourceNational Center for Atmospheric Research/University Corporation for Atmospheric Research·JournalNature Climate Change·DateSep 18, 2011

Milking the pigeon: extracting the mechanisms involved

Researchers analyzed gene expression profiles in pigeon crops and found genes involved in cell growth, antioxidant production, and immune response. The study reveals the mechanisms behind pigeon 'milk' production, which is essential for young pigeon squabs.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Genomics·DateSep 18, 2011
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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