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Science News Archive June 2013 - Page 9


Page 9 of 30

Ups-and-downs of Indian monsoon rainfall likely to increase under warming

Computer simulations suggest that Indian monsoon daily variability will likely increase under future global warming, leading to severe impacts on agriculture and communities. The study's findings highlight the need for adaptation measures to account for this increased variability, such as intelligent insurance schemes.

SourcePotsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK)·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateJun 20, 2013

A cheaper drive to 'cool' fuels

Researchers at the University of Delaware have developed an inexpensive catalyst that converts carbon dioxide into synthetic fuels for powering cars, homes, and businesses. The catalyst uses solar energy to convert CO2 into carbon monoxide, a valuable commodity chemical with many industrial applications.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateJun 20, 2013

Making a beeline for the nectar

A new study by Levente Orbán and Catherine Plowright found that bumblebees prefer radial patterns over concentric patterns when searching for nectar. The researchers tested flower-naive bees using radio-frequency identification technology and video recordings, exposing them to two types of patterns: concentric and radial.

Chlamydia promotes gene mutations

Researchers at Max Planck Institute discover Chlamydia promotes gene mutations, impairing DNA damage response and leading to uncontrolled cell growth. The infection can cause chronic damage, increasing risk of cervical and ovarian cancer.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalCell Host & Microbe·DateJun 20, 2013

Brain images of previously unattainable quality

The BigBrain model is based on data from over 7,400 tissue samples and provides a detailed understanding of the normal structure of different functional areas of the brain. The high-resolution model will contribute to precise identification and evaluation of changes in the brains of patients with neurodegenerative diseases.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalScience·DateJun 20, 2013

Does your salad know what time it is?

Scientists found they could use light to coax postharvest vegetables to produce more cancer-fighting antioxidants at certain times of day. This study suggests that storing fruits and vegetables in dark conditions may reduce their ability to keep daily rhythms.

SourceRice University·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJun 20, 2013

Cheap, color, holographic video

Researchers at MIT's Media Lab have developed a new approach to generating holograms that could enable the creation of color holographic-video displays. The technique uses an optical chip, resembling a microscope slide, built for about $10, which can produce high-resolution video images up to 30 times per second.

Sound waves precisely position nanowires

Using sound waves, researchers can create repeatable patterns of metallic nanomaterials onto substrates that are incompatible with conventional lithography methods. The technique allows for the patterning of nanowires with tunable spacing and density, enabling potential applications in various fields.

SourcePenn State·JournalACS Nano·DateJun 19, 2013

Are we pushing animals over the edge?

The study found that human population density is a significant threat to extinction, with a 3.3% increase in threatened mammals and birds over the next decade. Conservation efforts should consider human population density to mitigate biodiversity loss.

SourceSpringer·JournalHuman Ecology·DateJun 19, 2013

HIV-derived antibacterial shows promise against drug-resistant bacteria

Researchers have developed HIV-derived antibacterial compounds that target and disrupt bacterial membranes, showing powerful activity against clinically resistant bacteria. These engineered cationic antimicrobial peptides (eCAPs) may also be applicable to treatment of other respiratory infections and biodefense applications.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalAntimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy·DateJun 19, 2013

Laughing gas does not increase heart attacks

Researchers at Washington University School of Medicine found no link between nitrous oxide anesthesia and increased risk of heart attack. Despite concerns about the impact on homocysteine levels, the study showed that B vitamins did not influence heart attack risk in surgery patients.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalAnesthesiology·DateJun 19, 2013