Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News for July 21, 2013


Making big 'Schroedinger cats'

Physicists at the University of Calgary successfully tested quantum mechanics on a large scale, creating a system in two substantially different states at once. This breakthrough demonstrates the application of quantum superposition principles to everyday macro objects.

SourceUniversity of Calgary·JournalNature Physics·DateJul 21, 2013

Hydrogen cars quickened by Copenhagen chemists

Researchers at the University of Copenhagen have developed a new fuel cell design that produces as much electricity as current models but requires significantly less platinum, a rare and valuable precious metal. The discovery, published in Nature Materials, could lead to more economically viable fuel cell production.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·JournalNature Materials·DateJul 21, 2013

Antioxidants -- too much of a good thing?

A recent study published in The Journal of Physiology found that high doses of the antioxidant compound resveratrol, commonly found in red wine and supplements, can block cardiovascular benefits of exercise in older men. This counterintuitive result highlights the complex relationship between antioxidants and exercise.

SourceWiley·JournalThe Journal of Physiology·DateJul 21, 2013

A first in front line immunity research

Researchers have characterised the binding of IFNβ proteins to cells, providing a breakthrough in understanding immune response mechanisms. This study offers new avenues for developing treatments with reduced side effects and improved effectiveness.

SourceMonash University·JournalNature Immunology·DateJul 21, 2013

Loss of African woodland may impact on climate, study shows

A study by the University of Edinburgh reveals that deforestation in south-central Africa is driven by population growth and agriculture demands. Sustainable fuel alternatives and reduced burning practices can mitigate this loss, while forest cover north of the Congo basin shows a contradictory trend.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalPhilosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London (B )·DateJul 21, 2013

MS research could help repair damage affecting nerves

A study published in Nature Neuroscience has identified a compound called activin-A that helps trigger the regeneration of protective sheaths around nerve fibers in the brain. This finding could lead to new drug targets for enhancing myelin regeneration and restoring lost function in patients with multiple sclerosis.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateJul 21, 2013

Sex chromosome shocker: The 'female' X a key contributor to sperm production

A groundbreaking study reveals that nearly 340 genes on the X chromosome contribute to sperm production, surprising scientists who once viewed it as a stable and unchanging chromosome. The research, published in Nature Genetics, uses advanced sequencing methods to assemble the first accurate reference sequence of the human X chromosome.