Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News Archive July 2012


Page 1 of 26

Protein-based coating could help rehabilitate long-term brain function

Researchers have developed a protein-based coating that can help rehabilitate long-term brain function and prevent the brain's immune response from rejecting brain-computer interface electrodes. The coating, using an interleukin-1 receptor antagonist, has shown promising results in pre-clinical studies with animal models.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalJournal of Biomedical Materials Research·DateJul 31, 2012

Low-cost carbon capture gets X-rayed

Scientists at University of Leeds used Diamond Light Source to study calcium oxide-based materials as CO2 sorbents. They found a mechanism for interaction between CaO and water, which led to disintegration and generation of nano-sized crystallites. This new knowledge aims to improve the efficiency of this economically viable method.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalEnergy & Environmental Science·DateJul 31, 2012

Ecosystems reveal radiation secrets

A new study challenges conventional models assessing radiation's impact on human health, revealing a non-linear transfer of radioactive compounds in ecosystems. The research found that levels of these compounds are three times higher in fish-eating species than in non-fish-eating species.

SourceSpringer·JournalHydrobiologia·DateJul 31, 2012

From microns to centimetres

University of Toronto researchers have developed a device that can create three-dimensional, functional tissues through a precise and controlled process. The technology uses biomaterials to form a 'mosaic hydrogel' sheet, onto which cells are seeded in specific placements, mimicking natural cell placement in living tissues.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateJul 31, 2012

Coral reef thriving in sediment-laden waters

A new study has discovered that Middle Reef, part of Australia's Great Barrier Reef, has grown more rapidly than other reefs in areas with lower levels of sediment stress. The reef thrives in water with high levels of sediment, which had previously been believed to be detrimental to growth.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalGeology·DateJul 31, 2012

Adding a '3D print' button to animation software

A group of computer graphics experts led by Harvard researcher Moritz Bächer create a software tool that translates video game characters into fully articulated action figures using 3D printing. The tool optimizes joint placement, size, and location for physical constraints, producing robust and realistic printed figures.

SourceHarvard University·JournalACM Transactions on Graphics·DateJul 31, 2012

Economic recession leads to increased entrepreneurship, MU study finds

A recent economic recession has led to a significant increase in entrepreneurship, particularly among necessity-driven ventures. Research suggests that the number of Americans engaging in self-employment rose significantly during this period, with notable increases in rural entrepreneurship levels and African American participation.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalEntrepreneurship Research Journal·DateJul 31, 2012

University of Illinois professor develops tool that helps dietitians deliver info clients need and can understand

A new algorithm developed by a University of Illinois professor helps dietitians determine a client's specific knowledge gaps, enabling them to focus on what the client needs to know. This tool addresses the challenge of inadequate pre-assessment of nutrition literacy among dietitians.

When we forget to remember -- failures in prospective memory range from annoying to lethal

Research on prospective memory reveals that failures occur when we form intentions but lose focus due to interruptions or multitasking. Habital tasks can also lead to implicit intentions, making it harder to remember them. To defend against these failures, professionals use memory tools like checklists and implementation intentions.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalCurrent Directions in Psychological Science·DateJul 31, 2012