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Science News for May 5, 2013


Microwave oven cooks up solar cell material

Researchers used a microwave oven to produce a nanocrystal semiconductor for more efficient photovoltaic solar cells and LED lights, biological sensors, and systems to convert waste heat to electricity. The method produces the material quickly and uses less toxic metals than other semiconductors.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalJournal of Crystal Growth·DateMay 5, 2013

More hurricanes for Hawaii?

A new study projects a significant increase in tropical cyclones affecting Hawaii, with conditions becoming more favorable for hurricane formation due to global warming. The study suggests that despite potential decreases in tropical cyclones globally, Hawaii may experience a rise in near-shore storms.

SourceUniversity of Hawaii ‑ SOEST·JournalNature Climate Change·DateMay 5, 2013

Genome sequencing provides unprecedented insight into causes of pneumococcal disease

A study using genome sequencing technology revealed that pneumococcal bacteria population shifted from targeted vaccine strains to rare, pre-existing types, explaining the vaccine's effectiveness. This breakthrough enables real-time surveillance of bacterial populations, improving understanding of vaccination effectiveness and future d...

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalNature Genetics·DateMay 5, 2013

Discovery helps show how breast cancer spreads

Researchers have discovered that breast cancer patients with dense breasts are more likely to develop aggressive tumors. A protein called DDR2 plays a key role in this process, facilitating the spread of cancer cells by activating a multistep pathway.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalNature Cell Biology·DateMay 5, 2013

A new cost-effective genome assembly process

A new cost-effective genome assembly process has been developed by a collaboration between DOE/JGI, Pacific Biosciences, and the University of Washington. The HGAP method produces final assemblies with >99.999% accuracy using single molecule real-time DNA sequencing, eliminating the need for circular consensus sequencing.

SourceDOE/Joint Genome Institute·JournalNature Methods·DateMay 5, 2013