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Science News for March 24, 2013


Parkinson's drug helps older people to make decisions

A Parkinson's drug has been shown to reverse age-related impairments in decision making in some older people. The study found that treating older adults with a dopamine-boosting drug improved their ability to learn from rewards and make better decisions, comparable to those in their twenties.

SourceWellcome Trust·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateMar 24, 2013

UT MD Anderson scientists uncover the nuclear life of actin

Researchers found that actin's monomeric form interacts with chromatin to regulate gene expression and genome stability. The discovery challenges the dogma that actin functions through polymerization, revealing a novel mechanism for nuclear actin.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalNature Structural & Molecular Biology·DateMar 24, 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.

Nanowire solar cells raise efficiency limit

Researchers have discovered a single nanowire can concentrate sunlight up to 15 times the normal intensity, raising the potential for highly efficient solar cells. The breakthrough could lead to a significant impact on solar cell development and energy extraction.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Niels Bohr Institute·JournalNature Photonics·DateMar 24, 2013

Amniotic fluid stem cells repair gut damage

Stem cells from amniotic fluid have been shown to repair gut damage and improve survival rates in rodents with intestinal damage. The study found that these cells work by releasing growth factors that reduce inflammation and trigger the formation of new tissues.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalGut·DateMar 24, 2013
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

Surprises in the South polar vortex in Venus' atmosphere

Researchers discovered that the South pole vortex of Venus is composed of two main cloud layers, with centres of rotation at different altitudes forming a constantly evolving permanent structure. This phenomenon, known as super-rotation, occurs due to the planet's slow rotation speed and fast atmospheric rotation rate.

SourceElhuyar Fundazioa·JournalNature Geoscience·DateMar 24, 2013

Catalyst in a teacup: New approach to chemical reduction

Scientists have developed a new method for chemical reduction using a biomimetic catalyst that mimics naturally occurring enzymes. The catalyst-based approach uses cheap, replenishable reagents and works well at room temperature and in air, even allowing for safe use in a teacup. With high efficiency rates, the research has wide applic...

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateMar 24, 2013

Paint-on plastic electronics: Aligning polymers for high performance

University of Michigan engineers create thin-layer, conducting, highly aligned film for high-performance plastic electronics by designing semiconducting polymers with natural twist and flexible arms. This breakthrough enables faster charge carrier mobility and could lead to cheaper, greener electronics.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalNature Materials·DateMar 24, 2013

Researchers identify genetic sequence that helps to coordinate synthesis of DNA-packaging proteins

A new genetic sequence has been identified as crucial for coordinating the synthesis of DNA-packaging proteins in cells. This process is essential for maintaining genomic stability and preventing birth defects and cancers. The discovery provides insights into how cells regulate histone protein production, a critical step in chromatin a...

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateMar 24, 2013
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

The genomic studies of wheat sheds new light on crop adaptation and domestication

Two recent studies published in Nature provide unprecedented insights into the biology of wheat, shedding light on its adaptation to diverse climates and improving grain quality. The research revealed the role of repeat expansion in genome size during evolution and identified key genes for abiotic stress response, providing a valuable ...

SourceBGI Shenzhen·JournalNature·DateMar 24, 2013

Nature versus nurture -- better looking birds have healthier babies

A study published in Frontiers in Zoology found that female great tits' appearance signals healthy attributes in their offspring, with black stripe correlating to chick weight at two weeks and white cheek patches to immune strength. The research suggests a balance between genetic and environmental factors in determining offspring health.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalFrontiers in Zoology·DateMar 24, 2013