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Science News for January 4, 2013


A temperature below absolute zero

Researchers at Max-Planck-Gesellschaft create an atomic gas that exhibits a negative Kelvin temperature, where particles possess high energies despite being thermally insulated. This phenomenon challenges traditional notions of heat and cold, with potentially groundbreaking implications for thermodynamics and quantum mechanics.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalScience·DateJan 4, 2013

Researchers seek longer battery life for electric locomotive

A team of Penn State researchers has developed a method to improve regular battery management practices for lead-acid batteries used in electric locomotives. The new approach increases the cell capacity by 41 percent and overall battery capacity by 30 percent, rejuvenating dead cells and reducing sulfation.

SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of Power Sources·DateJan 4, 2013

Website launched to help patients prepare for complex medical decisions

A new online resource called PREPARE has been developed to help people make complex medical decisions through user-friendly content, videos, and a step-by-step process. The website addresses key aspects of advance care planning and decision making, providing concrete examples and tools for patients and their families.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalJournal of Pain and Symptom Management·DateJan 4, 2013

Ben-Gurion U. researchers use data from traffic app to identify high frequency accident locations

Researchers at Ben-Gurion University used Waze GPS data to identify intersections with the highest number of accidents, revealing police response time variability and underutilized resources. The study suggests that leveraging geosocial networks can improve road safety by providing real-time traffic and accident reports.

Why good resolutions about taking up a physical activity can be hard to keep

Researchers discovered a key protein receptor plays a crucial role in motivation during physical exercise, explaining why many people struggle to stick to their fitness goals. The CB1 cannabinoid receptor regulates the brain's reward system, controlling how long individuals engage in voluntary physical activity.

Shifting the balance between good fat and bad fat

Sanford-Burnham researchers discover that protein p62 plays a crucial role in balancing metabolism in fat tissue. When p62 is missing, the body's metabolic balance shifts towards 'bad' white fat and away from 'good' brown fat. This finding indicates that p62 could be an attractive target for new therapies aimed at curbing obesity.

SourceSanford Burnham Prebys·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJan 4, 2013