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Science News Archive May 2012 - Page 15


Page 15 of 31

SomaLogic and NEC announce launch of SomaSuite

SomaLogic and NEC announce the release of SomaSuite, a professional software tool that simplifies the analysis of proteomic data generated by SomaLogic's SOMAscan assay technology. The tool enables researchers to quickly discover significant protein expression changes in their biological samples.

Full control of plastic transistors

Scientists at Linköping University have developed a method to precisely control the threshold voltage of plastic transistors, a crucial property for their use in logic circuits. By modifying the gate electrode material, they were able to reduce the threshold voltage by up to 0.9V.

SourceLinköping University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 16, 2012

Bright future for solar power in space

Researchers are working on a space-based solar power system that can beam energy back to Earth through microwaves or lasers, providing a constant delivery of solar energy. The project aims to target remote areas difficult to reach by traditional means, such as disaster zones or outlying regions.

Geolocating soccer players

A GPS device provides ten data points per second, allowing for accurate evaluation of soccer players' acceleration, speed, distance covered, and workload indicators. The study found that midfielders have the highest number of accelerations and high-intensity movements during sprints.

SourceElhuyar Fundazioa·JournalJournal of Sports Science·DateMay 16, 2012

Cyber partners help you go the distance

A new study published in Annals of Behavioral Medicine found that virtual exercise partners can significantly improve motivation and performance. Women who exercised with a more capable virtual partner cycled an average of two minutes longer than those who worked out alone, and reported no decline in motivation to exercise.

SourceSpringer·JournalAnnals of Behavioral Medicine·DateMay 16, 2012

How the worm knows where its nose is

Researchers have discovered compartmentalized neural activity in nematode neurons, which enables movement and encodes body position. This finding has significant implications for understanding neurological disorders like schizophrenia and developing potential treatments.

SourceHarvard University·JournalNature·DateMay 16, 2012

Plant growth without light control

Researchers from Japan and Karlsruhe have successfully used a synthetic photoreceptor to stimulate plant growth and development, regardless of exposure to light. This breakthrough could lead to improved agricultural practices and more efficient biomass production.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalThe Plant Cell·DateMay 16, 2012

Study shows first case of chronic traumatic encephalopathy in blast-exposed military personnel

Researchers have found evidence of chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) in brain tissue from blast-exposed military service personnel. The study discovered that exposure to a single blast equivalent to an IED results in CTE and long-term brain impairments, with the blast wind leading to traumatic brain injury.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateMay 16, 2012

Make or break for cellular tissues

Researchers developed a model to study the behavior of cellular tissues, finding that they can split into disjointed patches when subjected to unfavorable substrates. This phenomenon, known as dewetting, is governed by the cells' sensitivity to substrate stiffness.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal E·DateMay 16, 2012

Baby galaxies grew up quickly

Researchers found that some baby galaxies from over 12 billion years ago had a high content of heavier elements, similar to our Sun. This suggests potential for planet formation and life in the early Universe. The study used quasars as light sources to analyze the spectral lines and measure the amount of elements.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateMay 16, 2012