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Science News Archive 2012 - Page 44


Page 44 of 333

Making a better invisibility cloak

Researchers at Duke University have created a more efficient cloaking device by reducing reflections and increasing wave transmission. The new design uses a diamond-shaped pattern with copper strips to guide electromagnetic waves around an object, eliminating loss due to reflections.

SourceDuke University·JournalNature Materials·DateNov 11, 2012

First noiseless single photon amplifier

Griffith University researchers have developed a device capable of amplifying the information in a single photon without adding noise, preserving quantum information. The breakthrough has far-reaching implications for quantum technologies, including improved quantum cryptography and long-distance communication.

SourceGriffith University·JournalNature Physics·DateNov 11, 2012

Game changer for arthritis and anti-fibrosis drugs

University of Utah medical researchers have identified a new pathway to block inflammation while minimizing the risk of infection, which could lead to more effective treatments for conditions like arthritis, diabetes, and traumatic brain injury. The discovery has vast potential for developing safer anti-inflammatory medicines.

SourceUniversity of Utah Health·JournalNature·DateNov 11, 2012

Kids need at least 7 minutes a day of 'vigorous' physical activity, but most aren't getting that

Researchers found that children need at least seven minutes a day of intense physical activity to prevent weight gain and obesity. The study tracked over 600 kids aged 9-17 and showed that vigorous activity reduced the risk of unhealthy weight, while sedentary behavior was common.

SourceUniversity of Alberta Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry·JournalArchives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine·DateNov 9, 2012

Study questions the relevance of SCIP benchmarks among CABG patients

A study from Boston University School of Medicine found that achieving SCIP benchmarks for glycemic control may not be relevant among patients undergoing CABG surgery who receive perioperative continuous insulin infusions. These patients had excellent glycemic control, despite being outliers in the SCIP guidelines.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalJournal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery·DateNov 9, 2012

A comparative medicine study by Penn vet identifies a new approach to combat viral infections

A comparative medicine study by Penn vet scientists identifies a new strategy for enhancing the effects of interferon in fighting off infection. The research suggests that targeting a particular molecule, protein tyrosine phosphatase 1 B (PTP1B), can boost the activity of a person's own interferon.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 9, 2012

SETAC announces Chris Lee Award for metals research winner, Kevin Brix

Kevin Brix, a University of Miami PhD graduate, has been awarded the SETAC/ICA Chris Lee Award for his outstanding research on metal toxicity in aquatic organisms. His work focuses on the mechanisms of metal toxicity to freshwater and marine species, with a particular emphasis on dietary metal exposure and its effects on aquatic life.

A new way of making glass

Researchers at the University of Bristol and Heinrich-Heine-Universität in Düsseldorf have developed a new way of making glass by changing its structure. This method uses computer simulations to encourage atoms in a molten alloy to form polyhedra, leading to a solid with a disordered atomic arrangement - a characteristic of glass.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateNov 9, 2012

How infection can trigger autoimmune disease

Scientists confirm that an infection can trigger an autoimmune disease by identifying the exact conditions for an autoantibody response to occur. The research reveals a unique problem with the immune system's ability to distinguish between self and non-self, leading to autoimmunity in certain cases.

SourceResearch Australia·JournalImmunity·DateNov 9, 2012

When identity is tied to former employer, unemployed report higher well-being

A study by San Francisco State University Assistant Professor Jennifer Tosti-Kharas found that unemployed individuals who strongly identified with their former employer reported feeling more confident and having a greater sense of purpose. This strong sense of self appeared to offset the isolation common during job loss, particularly f...

SourceSan Francisco State University·JournalJournal of Managerial Psychology·DateNov 9, 2012