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Science News for August 2, 2013


New coating turns ordinary glass into super glass

Researchers at Harvard University have developed a new coating that makes ordinary glass tough, self-cleaning and incredibly slippery. The coating, inspired by the slippery leaves of carnivorous pitcher plants, repels a variety of liquids and maintains its mechanical stability even after scratches or damage.

SourceWyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 2, 2013

How does ethanol induce nerve cell apoptosis?

Recent studies demonstrate that ethanol directly induces apoptotic cell death of neurons, leading to brain damage and cognitive deficits. The researchers found that ethanol activates the p53-related cell cycle arrest pathway, resulting in neuronal apoptosis.

SourceNeural Regeneration Research·JournalNeural Regeneration Research·DateAug 2, 2013

New findings could help improve development of drugs for addiction

Researchers at Scripps Research Institute identified a promising new compound, 6'-guanidinonaltrindole (6'-GNTI), which targets the kappa opioid receptor (KOR) to reduce dopamine release and potential side effects. The study's findings suggest a potential breakthrough in developing effective drugs for addiction with fewer side effects.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateAug 2, 2013

Cobalt replacements make solar cells more sustainable

Researchers at the University of Basel have successfully replaced iodine in copper-based dye-sensitized solar cells with cobalt, increasing sustainability and improving long-term stability. This breakthrough uses a systems chemistry approach to optimize molecular components, paving the way for environmentally friendly energy production.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalChemical Communications·DateAug 2, 2013
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

Take your child's word for it on asthma, study finds

Children's perceptions of living with asthma may differ significantly from those of their caregivers, a new study shows. The study found that both children and caregivers should be interviewed during doctor visits to ensure accurate understanding of the child's condition.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio·DateAug 2, 2013

Researchers create 'soft robotic' devices using water-based gels

Researchers have developed a technique to pattern and actuate hydrogel materials, enabling the creation of soft robotic devices with potential biomedical applications. The devices can manipulate objects using electrically assisted ionoprinting, opening new possibilities for drug delivery and tissue scaffolding.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 2, 2013
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.

BUSM professor honored with lifetime achievement award for work on PTSD

Terence M. Keane, a renowned expert on posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), has received the Distinguished Scientific Contributions to Clinical Psychology Award from the American Psychological Association. His work focuses on developing new therapies and treatments for PTSD, which affects approximately 7.7 million adults in the US.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·DateAug 2, 2013

Pollutants from incense smoke cause human lung-cell inflammation

Research reveals that burning incense generates indoor air pollutants that cause inflammation in human lung cells, similar to cigarette smoke. The study recommends improving ventilation and using alternative combustion devices to mitigate this health risk.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel Hill·JournalThe Science of The Total Environment·DateAug 2, 2013

Often misidentified, multiracial people value accurate perceptions

Research found that multiracial people are more likely to be misidentified as white rather than black and value being accurately identified. Multiracial participants were more interested in meeting partners who had accurately identified them, while single-race people had similar negative reactions to being misidentified.

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·DateAug 2, 2013

Video games boost visual attention but reduce impulse control

New research finds that playing violent video games boosts visual skills but impairs proactive executive control, leading to increased aggression. This reduction in impulse control is linked to increased attention problems and aggression.

SourceSociety for Personality and Social Psychology·DateAug 2, 2013
Creality K1 Max 3D Printer

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.

How to stop bleeding in the ER caused by warfarin

Prothrombin complex concentrates (PCCs) are recommended as the first line of defense for reversing warfarin-associated hemorrhage in emergency departments. PCCs can reverse anticoagulation three to five times faster than fresh frozen plasma, making them a life-saving treatment option.

SourceAmerican College of Emergency Physicians·JournalAnnals of Emergency Medicine·DateAug 2, 2013

Baby owls sleep like baby humans

Researchers discovered baby owls spend large amounts of time in REM sleep, similar to human infants, and this changes as they age. The team also found a link between the expression of a melanism-related gene and sleep patterns, suggesting that brain development may influence adult traits.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalFrontiers in Zoology·DateAug 2, 2013

Decoding material fluxes in the tropical ocean

Researchers at GEOMAR found that about one third of oxygen supply in tropical oxygen minimum zones is provided by vertical turbulent mixing, surprising previous assumptions. High-precision measurements confirmed this finding, using a tracer and profiling current meters.

SourceHelmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel (GEOMAR)·JournalBiogeochemistry·DateAug 2, 2013

Why is orange the new black for female victims of trauma?

Researchers found that intimate partner violence increases risk for property crimes, drug offending, and commercial sex work. Witnessing violence also contributes to property crimes, fighting, and use of weapons. Women who experienced caregiver violence are more likely to run away as teens.

SourceSAGE·JournalPsychology of Women Quarterly·DateAug 2, 2013

Revised location of 1906 rupture of San Andreas Fault in Portola Valley

Researchers used high-resolution imaging technology to locate the 1906 fault trace, resolving decades of confusion caused by human error. The primary rupture occurred along a single western trace of the San Andreas Fault, with no step-over within the town.

SourceSeismological Society of America·JournalBulletin of the Seismological Society of America·DateAug 2, 2013
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.

NYU-Poly student awarded grant to trace surface water flow

Flavia Tauro, a graduate student at NYU-Poly, has won the AGU Hydrology Section's Horton Research Grant to develop novel tracer particles for hydrological monitoring. Her technique aims to improve the efficiency and feasibility of traditional tracing methods while reducing environmental impact.

SourceNYU Tandon School of Engineering·DateAug 2, 2013
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.

A crystal of a different color

Scientists have unexpectedly created two differently colored crystals from one chemical, revealing new insights into agostic bonds crucial for industrial catalytic reactions. The discovery provides valuable information for making plastics and fuels.

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateAug 2, 2013

Wired for change

A study of gene expression in five closely related mouse species reveals the first steps of evolution in gene regulation. The research found that transcription-factor binding variation is an important indicator of gene-regulation activity.

SourceEuropean Molecular Biology Laboratory·JournalCell·DateAug 2, 2013
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.

NASA sees a very active tropical Eastern Pacific Ocean

The Eastern Pacific Ocean has become extremely active, with NASA tracking Hurricane Gil and two developing tropical low-pressure areas. System 91E is expected to slow down as it approaches the Central Pacific, while Hurricane Gil is expected to weaken over cooler waters and stronger wind shear.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateAug 2, 2013

New drugs to find the right target to fight Alzheimer's disease

Researchers have developed two new classes of compounds that target the gamma-secretase enzyme to treat Alzheimer's disease. These compounds produce shorter forms of amyloid peptide 38, which do not aggregate into neurotoxic plaques. Early-onset hereditary forms of Alzheimer's may be linked to mutations in the APP protein gene, leading...

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 2, 2013

Injuries from teen fighting deal a blow to IQ

A new Florida State University study has found a significant link between physical fights and IQ decline in teenagers. After two fights, boys experience an average IQ loss of 1.62 points, while girls lose an average of 3.02 points.

SourceFlorida State University·JournalJournal of Adolescent Health·DateAug 2, 2013

International research team discovers new mineral

Researchers from UC Riverside and international partners discover a new mineral, cubic boron nitride, named qingsongite, which has unique properties resembling those of diamond. Qingsongite was found in the southern Tibetan mountains under extreme conditions and has been officially approved by the International Mineralogical Association.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·DateAug 2, 2013
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.

Ischemic stroke susceptibility gene in a Northern Han Chinese population

Researchers found that a specific gene polymorphism is associated with an increased risk of ischemic stroke in the Han Chinese population. The study identified the -607C allele as a strong risk factor for ischemic cerebrovascular disease, while the A allele may provide protective effects.

SourceNeural Regeneration Research·JournalNeural Regeneration Research·DateAug 2, 2013

Bio-inspired design may lead to more energy efficient windows

A new process, dubbed 'bio-inspired approach to thermal control,' has been developed by University of Toronto professor Ben Hatton and his colleagues. This technique involves attaching optically clear, flexible elastomer sheets to regular glass window panes, resulting in a 7-9 degree cooling effect. The innovation could lead to signifi...

SourceUniversity of Toronto Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering·JournalSolar Energy Materials and Solar Cells·DateAug 2, 2013