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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

Ancient ice melt unearthed in Antarctic mud

Scientists discovered ancient melting of East Antarctic ice sheet 5-3 million years ago during Pliocene Epoch, causing sea levels to rise 20 meters. This finding provides insights into future sea level rise due to global warming.

SourceImperial College London·JournalNature Geoscience·DateJul 21, 2013
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.

Iberian lynx threatened by climate change

The Iberian lynx, the world's most endangered cat species, is threatened by climate change and may go extinct in 50 years. Climate change must be incorporated into strategies to reintroduce the species to new habitats for survival.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalNature Climate Change·DateJul 21, 2013

2 in 1 solution for low cost polymer LEDs and solar cells

Researchers from UNIST developed a new plasmonic material that enhances performance in both polymer light-emitting diodes (PLEDs) and polymer solar cells (PSCs), achieving world-record high efficiency, with PLEDs reaching up to 27.16 cd A-1 and PSCs producing enhanced power conversion efficiency (PCE) of up to 8.31%.

SourceUlsan National Institute of Science and Technology(UNIST)·JournalNature Photonics·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

Current efforts will not save the world's most endangered cat

A new study finds that current conservation efforts for the Iberian lynx are insufficient to save the species from extinction within 50 years, as climate change is not accounted for in management plans. The research highlights the importance of integrating climate models into biodiversity management.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·JournalNature Climate Change·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
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.

Mirror, mirror on the wall, who has the lowest noise of them all

A Vienna-Boulder collaboration demonstrates a novel technology for producing mirrors with reduced mechanical loss, enabling advancements in precision measurement and fundamental physics research. This breakthrough could accelerate progress in the development of narrow linewidth laser sources and large area crystalline coatings.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalNature Photonics·DateJul 21, 2013

Study links mental illness to early death in people with epilepsy

A study published in The Lancet found that people with epilepsy are ten times more likely to die prematurely than the general population, with mental illness being a major contributor. The research revealed a strong correlation between psychiatric diagnoses and increased risk of accidents and suicide.

SourceWellcome Trust·JournalThe Lancet·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

Paper-thin e-skin responds to touch by lighting up

Engineers at UC Berkeley created the first user-interactive sensor network on flexible plastic, responding to touch with instant light emission. The new e-skin technology has potential applications in robots, wallpapers, dashboard displays, and health monitors.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalNature Materials·DateJul 21, 2013
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.

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.

SourceWhitehead Institute for Biomedical Research·JournalNature Genetics·DateJul 21, 2013

A flip of the mitotic spindle has disastrous consequences for epithelial cells

A study published in Nature reveals that the alignment of the mitotic spindle is essential for maintaining epithelial integrity. The researchers found that when the spindle becomes misaligned, it can cause cells to delaminate from the epithelium, leading to tumor-like growths and expression of genes associated with invasive human tumors.

SourceStowers Institute for Medical Research·JournalNature·DateJul 21, 2013
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

For a healthy brain, don't let the trash pile up

A NIH-funded study found that rapidly removing defective proteins can help protect brain cells from death. Researchers developed a new technique to track protein turnover in neurons, revealing differences in how individual cells handle proteins. This discovery may lead to improved treatments for neurodegenerative diseases.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateJul 21, 2013

Mental illness heightens early death risk in people with epilepsy

A 41-year study of 70,000 patients with epilepsy found that three-quarters of those who died had also been diagnosed with a psychiatric condition. The study suggests that carefully assessing and treating psychiatric disorders could help reduce the risk of premature death in these patients.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateJul 21, 2013