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Science News Archive June 2013 - Page 8


Page 8 of 30

Pistil leads pollen in life-and-death dance

A Brown University research team has discovered the genetically prescribed dance steps of the pollen tube, which leads to its self-sacrifice and allows flowering plants to reproduce. The study highlights the complex intercellular communications involved in pollination.

SourceBrown University·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJun 20, 2013

Stress from 9/11 linked to nationwide resurgence in smoking among Americans who had quit

A Weill Cornell study found that over 1 million Americans who had quit smoking took up the habit again after 9/11, resulting in a 2.3% increase in adult smokers nationwide. The study estimates the cost to government at $530-830 million due to increased Medicare and Medicaid use, productivity losses, and decreased tax revenue.

SourceWeill Cornell Medicine·JournalContemporary Economic Policy·DateJun 20, 2013

A revolutionary new 3-D digital brain atlas

The BigBrain atlas provides nearly cellular resolution, allowing researchers to see details close to the level of individual cells. This high-resolution model can be used for various applications such as computational modeling, simulating brain functions and analyzing data from MRIs and PET scans.

SourceMcGill University·JournalScience·DateJun 20, 2013

Black-white education gap is worsened by unresponsive state policymakers, Baylor study shows

A Baylor University study finds that state policymakers are less responsive to addressing the black-white education gap, particularly for African-American students. Despite efforts from federal-level initiatives like No Child Left Behind and Race to the Top, the research suggests a persisting achievement gap due to political foundations.

SourceBaylor University·JournalAmerican Politics Research·DateJun 20, 2013

Danish chemists in molecular chip breakthrough

A Danish team of chemists has successfully created the world's smallest transistor using a single layer of graphene, paving the way for more sustainable and efficient electronic devices. The breakthrough uses precise placement of molecules to test their functionality, significantly improving testing efficiency.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateJun 20, 2013

That grocery store cabbage is alive

Researchers discovered that grocery store produce continues to perceive light and alter its biology in response to circadian rhythms. This affects nutrient levels and phytochemicals, which have anti-cancer properties.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJun 20, 2013

Smoke engulfs Singapore

In June 2013, NASA's Terra and Aqua satellites captured images of smoke billowing from Sumatran wildfires. The resulting haze descended on Singapore, pushing air quality indices to hazardous levels. Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong warned that the haze could last for several weeks.

Solar splashdown

NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory captured spectacular images of June 7, 2011 solar eruption and splashdown. The event provided an 'up close' view of what happens on distant stars during accretion. Astronomers can now learn about young star growth by analyzing ultraviolet light emission.

Light and nanoprobes detect early signs of infection

Researchers use silver-based nanoprobes that reflect distinct optical fingerprints when light is shined on infected samples, detecting specific genetic materials taken from human samples. This technique has the potential to provide fast and reliable information about patients at the point of care.

SourceDuke University·JournalAnalytica Chimica Acta·DateJun 20, 2013