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Science News Archive August 2012 - Page 29


Page 29 of 29

Breaking the barriers for low-cost energy storage

A USC-led team has developed an air-breathing battery that uses iron plates and oxygen to store energy, reducing energy loss by 4% and making it 10 times more efficient than previous models. The battery's capacity can store between 8-24 hours' worth of energy, with the potential to help California transition to renewable energy sources.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalJournal of The Electrochemical Society·DateAug 1, 2012

Discovering new uses for old drugs

Scientists have developed a method to identify new uses for existing medicines, using 11 factors to pair likely drugs with diseases. The 'Train-Match-Fit-Streamline' approach could lead to repurposing of medicines like Celebrex and hookworm treatment for cancer.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of Medicinal Chemistry·DateAug 1, 2012

Worldwide increase of air pollution

The air quality worldwide will be as bad as it already is nowadays in urban areas of Southeast Asia by 2050 if no action is taken. Eastern China and northern India are expected to experience drastic decreases in air quality, while the Arabian Gulf region and North America will see an increase in ozone levels.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalAtmospheric Chemistry and Physics·DateAug 1, 2012

UCSB autism researchers find that focusing on strengths improves social skills of adolescents

A new study by UCSB researchers found that adolescents with ASD can improve their social skills by playing to their strengths, such as high intelligence and specific interests. The research team created social clubs around these interests, where students with ASD could interact and make friends with peers.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalJournal of Positive Behavior Interventions·DateAug 1, 2012

How the 'lone wolf' terrorist networks

A recent study by Prof. Gabriel Weimann reveals that lone wolf terrorists are not isolated individuals but part of virtual terrorist communities on the Internet. These online forums and platforms provide social environment, support, and moral encouragement to radicalize individuals and track their enlistment and training processes.

SourceUniversity of Haifa·JournalJournal of Terrorism Research·DateAug 1, 2012

In fly DNA, the footprint of a fly virus

Scientists discovered virus-like genes in the DNA of a commonly studied fruit fly, which could enable research on whether animals hijack viral genes as an anti-viral defense. The study found that several types of fruit flies harbored genes similar to those that code for the sigma virus, a fly virus in the same family as rabies.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalMolecular Phylogenetics and Evolution·DateAug 1, 2012

A direct look at graphene

Researchers at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory have made the first direct observations of electron-electron interactions in graphene. The study reveals that these interactions are critical to graphene's extraordinary properties, including its superconductivity and high-speed conductivity.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature Physics·DateAug 1, 2012

Too cool to follow the law

Researchers found that glass-former materials don't follow standard dynamics below a sub-melting point threshold, contrary to recent reports. The study highlights the need for precise viscosity data to accurately analyze their behavior.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal E·DateAug 1, 2012

Spouses of breast cancer survivors hold on to hope

Spouses of breast cancer patients struggle to find hope and balance in their lives, with many turning to exercise, music, and hobbies to cope. The study suggests that men need specific support and resources tailored to their needs, such as online guides and practical advice, to help manage stress and improve quality of life.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalOncology Nursing Forum·DateAug 1, 2012