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Science News Archive July 2013 - Page 20


Page 20 of 31

Hubble spots azure blue planet

For the first time, Hubble has measured the visible color of an exoplanet, revealing HD 189733b to be a deep azure blue due to its hazy and turbulent atmosphere. The planet's atmosphere is scorching with temperatures over 1000 degrees Celsius and features glass rain.

SourceESA/Hubble Information Centre·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateJul 11, 2013

Cells make costume changes for cardiac regeneration

Scientists have identified a novel mechanism of cardiac regeneration in zebrafish, where muscle cells from the atrium actively migrate into damaged parts of the heart muscle in the ventricle. This process, known as transdifferentiation, results in the formation of new ventricular tissue and restoration of cardiac function.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature·DateJul 11, 2013

New molecularly imprinted nicotine receptors

Researchers have created synthetic receptors that mimic biological nicotine receptors, showing promise in clinical detection and treatment therapies for nicotine addiction. The new molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) demonstrate high selectivity and effectiveness across a wide pH range.

SourceDe Gruyter·JournalMolecular Imprinting·DateJul 11, 2013

Clinicians should pay attention to stroke patients who cannot walk at 3-6 mon after onset

A case study reported by Jeong Pyo Seo et al. in Neural Regeneration Research (2013) highlights the importance of investigating delayed gait recovery in stroke patients who cannot walk within 3-6 months after onset. The patient, a 32-year-old female, showed improved gait function despite severe spasticity and sensory-motor dysfunction.

SourceNeural Regeneration Research·JournalNeural Regeneration Research·DateJul 11, 2013

Nature: How forests cope with more carbon dioxide

A study by researchers found that forests in the northern hemisphere increase their water use efficiency as atmospheric carbon dioxide concentrations rise, exceeding theoretical expectations. This adaptation helps plants conserve water despite increased photosynthesis, potentially shifting the global water and carbon cycle.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalNature·DateJul 11, 2013

Grazing slugs hinder grassland restoration

Research shows that selective grazing by slugs can prevent key grassland species from taking hold and reduce overall plant diversity. The team found that some of the most ecologically important species, such as red clover, are particularly tasty to slugs, which may hinder restoration efforts.

SourceNewcastle University·JournalAnnals of Botany·DateJul 11, 2013

Acceptance predicts satisfaction in later life

A new study found that acceptance of what cannot be changed is crucial for older adults' happiness after losing independence. The ability to exert control was also linked to satisfaction, but secondary control - adapting to environment changes - played a more significant role in care residents.

SourceSpringer·JournalJournal of Happiness Studies·DateJul 11, 2013

Cry analyzer seeks clues to babies' health

Researchers developed a computer-based tool to analyze babies' cries for subtle acoustic features that can indicate neurological problems or developmental disorders. The new analyzer uses machine learning algorithms to evaluate over 80 parameters, offering non-invasive ways to measure disruptions in young babies' brains and behavior.

Insect discovery sheds light on climate change

Scientists discovered a new, extinct family of insects in British Columbia and Washington state that helps understand how animals responded to global climate change. The Eorpidae family's extinction raises questions about the impact of evolutionary diversification and climate change on communities.

SourceSimon Fraser University·JournalJournal of Paleontology·DateJul 11, 2013

What is glass? A million-dollar question

The University of Akron researchers aim to understand the fundamental origin of glass transition, with potential applications in flexible electronics, corrosion-resistant coatings, and vaccine preservation. They plan to use biomimicry to evolve new materials with desired properties.

ID got you, under the skin

A team at Jadavpur University has developed a computer algorithm that can analyze the minutiae of blood vessels revealed by an infra-red scan of a person's face. The thermogram shows the pattern of blood vessels almost down to the smallest capillary with an accuracy of over 97%, making it suitable for high-security applications.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Computational Intelligence Studies·DateJul 11, 2013

Political options tested in virtual wind tunnel

A computer model was developed to assess how different levels of segregation would affect violence in Jerusalem. The study found that social distance is a key mechanism explaining violence, with higher levels increasing the likelihood of violent encounters.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalAmerican Journal of Political Science·DateJul 11, 2013