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Science News for November 24, 2013


Black hole jets pack a powerful punch

Researchers have found evidence of iron and nickel in the jets from a typical black hole, revealing that these heavy atoms carry more energy than lighter particles. This discovery suggests that black holes' accretion disks power jets, which could generate detectable gamma rays and neutrinos.

SourceCSIRO Australia·JournalNature·DateNov 24, 2013

A new, flying jellyfish-like machine

Researchers presented a new, simplified method of robotic flight at the APS Division of Fluid Dynamics Meeting in Pittsburgh. The device, weighing just two grams and spanning eight centimeters in width, flies by flapping four wings arranged like petals on a flower.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·DateNov 24, 2013

Gene-silencing study finds new targets for Parkinson's disease

Researchers used RNA interference to identify dozens of genes that may regulate mitochondrial disposal, opening new drug targets for Parkinson's and related disorders. Four helper genes were found to enhance or inhibit tagging of damaged mitochondria.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke·JournalNature·DateNov 24, 2013
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.

UNL scientists develop novel X-ray device

Researchers at UNL's Extreme Light Laboratory developed a novel method to generate research-quality X-rays using a 'tabletop' laser, increasing accessibility to the technology. The new device produces high-energy X-rays with potential applications in Homeland Security, medical imaging, and scientific research.

SourceUniversity of Nebraska-Lincoln·JournalNature Photonics·DateNov 24, 2013

Even if emissions stop, carbon dioxide could warm Earth for centuries

A Princeton University-led study found that carbon dioxide in the atmosphere could continue to warm the planet for hundreds of years after a sudden halt in emissions. The researchers simulated an abrupt stop in carbon emissions and found that the planet warmed by 0.37 degrees Celsius over 400 years.

SourcePrinceton University·JournalNature Climate Change·DateNov 24, 2013

Diamond 'flaws' pave way for nanoscale MRI

Researchers at Cambridge's Cavendish Laboratory have achieved high coherence in nitrogen-vacancy centers of nanodiamonds, enabling the creation of ultra-precise nanoscale magnetic field and temperature detectors. This breakthrough could enhance our understanding of chemical reactions within single cells and signalling in neural networks.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalNature Materials·DateNov 24, 2013

Your first hug: How the early embryo changes shape

Researchers found a new mechanism regulating the earliest stages of embryo development, where arm-like structures called filopodia control cell shape and compaction. The discovery could help improve IVF treatment outcomes by identifying suitable embryos for implantation.

SourceMonash University·JournalNature Cell Biology·DateNov 24, 2013
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

The physics of beer tapping

Researchers explore beer bottle-fluid interactions using cavitation analysis, explaining the formation of foam due to rapid expansion of smaller bubbles. The study's findings can be applied to other engineering concerns, such as erosion of ship propellers and carbon dioxide release in natural disasters.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·DateNov 24, 2013

NIST demonstrates how losing information can benefit quantum computing

Researchers at NIST and the University of Copenhagen created an experiment where ions were linked to the outside world, resulting in a stable entangled state. This method could lead to new architectures for quantum computing that can tolerate noise and errors.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalNature·DateNov 24, 2013

Great Lakes waterfowl die-offs: Finding the source

Researchers are using experimental hydrodynamics to track the source of lethal outbreaks in Great Lakes waterfowl. They have developed a novel way of tracking waterfowl carcasses and performed towing tank experiments to determine drag coefficients, which will help identify locations where waterbirds are likely exposed to botulinum toxin.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·DateNov 24, 2013

Decay used to construct quantum information

Scientists at the University of Copenhagen's Niels Bohr Institute have developed a method that harnesses decay to create entanglement between electrons in atomic systems. By controlling the interactions with their surroundings, researchers can precisely control the energy states of the electrons, leading to perfect entanglement.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Niels Bohr Institute·JournalNature·DateNov 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.

Scientists prove X-ray laser can solve protein structures from scratch

Researchers at SLAC's Linac Coherent Light Source (LCLS) X-ray laser used the technique to generate an accurate model of lysozyme, a well-studied enzyme found in egg whites. The study opens the door to new discoveries and explores the potential for LCLS to play a leading role in studying important biomolecules of unknown structure.

SourceDOE/SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory·JournalNature·DateNov 24, 2013
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.

X-rays reveal another feature of high-temperature superconductivity

Researchers used X-rays to study atomic vibrations in high-temperature superconductors, finding a giant resonance that contradicts the electron-phonon coupling mechanism. This discovery highlights the need for new scenarios to explain high-temperature superconductivity.

SourceEuropean Synchrotron Radiation Facility·JournalNature Physics·DateNov 24, 2013

The secrets of owls' near noiseless wings

Researchers have discovered how owls achieve acoustic stealth through specialized plumage, including stiff feathers along the wing's leading edge and soft downy material. This technology could inspire novel sound-absorbing liners and reduce noise from aircraft and wind turbines.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·DateNov 24, 2013
GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.

Pill-popping galaxy hooked on gas

A massive gas cloud called the Smith Cloud is hurtling towards our Galaxy, and may be a key source of fuel for star formation. The cloud has been found to have a magnetic field that helps keep it intact, protecting it from disintegrating as it approaches the Galaxy's disk.

SourceCSIRO Australia·DateNov 24, 2013