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Science News Archive October 2013 - Page 34


Page 34 of 34

Solar power's future brawl

Researchers used computer modeling to predict electronic and optical properties of silicon structures with potential applications for solar energy collection. The study found that amorphous quantum dot chains significantly increase light absorption with increased interactions between individual nanospheres in the chain.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalJournal of Renewable and Sustainable Energy·DateOct 1, 2013

A link between type 2 diabetes and mitochondrial function

A recent study published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation has shed new light on the relationship between type 2 diabetes and mitochondrial function. Researchers found that heat shock protein 60 (HSP60) is crucial for appropriate mitochondrial function and insulin responses, while leptin plays a key role in regulating HSP60.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateOct 1, 2013

JCI early table of contents for Oct. 1, 2013

Researchers at Emory University discovered that hemin injection causes labored breathing and rapid death in sickle mice, but not in control mice. Hemopexin treatment was effective in preventing hemin-induced lung injury. These findings suggest targeting hemin and TLR4 signaling may be a valuable approach for treating acute chest syndrome.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateOct 1, 2013

Putting a face on a robot

A new study from Georgia Institute of Technology found that people's preferences for a robot's appearance change depending on its intended use. Older adults tend to prefer human-like robots for social interactions, while younger participants prefer robotic faces for decision-making tasks. The research suggests that the design of an ass...

Despite menu changes, calorie and sodium levels in chain restaurant entrees remain the same overall

A study published in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics found that chain restaurant menus did not become significantly healthier between 2010 and 2011, despite efforts to increase nutrition. The average calorie and sodium content of main entrées remained largely unchanged, with only slight decreases in some cases.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalJournal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics·DateOct 1, 2013

Researchers honored for bringing science to the people

Researchers from Argentina, Bangladesh, Philippines, South Africa and Egypt have been honored by TWAS for their work in popularizing science. Diego Andres Golombek and Anusuya Chinsamy-Turan are among the winners, who employed various media to engage the public and advocate for science education.

SourceTWAS·DateOct 1, 2013

Parkinson's Surgery Research wins NSF Grant

A University of Houston researcher has won a $330,000 NSF grant to develop signal-processing techniques that interpret electrical activity recorded by deep brain stimulation probes. This technology aims to provide real-time feedback to neurosurgeons, allowing them to guide probe placement and perform surgeries faster and more accurately.