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Science News for September 15, 2013


Scientists discover cosmic factory for making building blocks of life

Researchers at Imperial College London have discovered that icy comets collide with planets to produce amino acids, essential building blocks of life. The discovery provides another piece to the puzzle of how life was kick-started on Earth and suggests that these building blocks can be assembled anywhere in the Solar System.

SourceImperial College London·JournalNature Geoscience·DateSep 15, 2013

Superconductivity to meet humanity's greatest challenges

Researchers explore various applications of superconductivity in water purification, earthquake monitoring, high-speed rail travel, and renewable energy storage. The technology also enables the detection of unexploded ordnances and solar bursts, promoting a more sustainable future.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalSuperconductor Science and Technology·DateSep 15, 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.

Tropical forest carbon absorption may hinge on an odd couple

A Princeton University study found that tropical forests' ability to absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere is crucially linked to tree diversity and the presence of legume trees. Legumes, a diverse group of nitrogen-fixing plants, play a vital role in rapid forest growth and carbon storage.

SourcePrinceton University·JournalNature·DateSep 15, 2013

Report: Climate change to shift Kenya's breadbaskets

A new report by IFPRI and ASARECA suggests that Kenyan farmers may not only survive but thrive in the face of climate change. The study predicts a shift in maize production due to changing weather patterns, offering opportunities for farmers to adapt to new conditions.

SourceBurness·DateSep 15, 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.

White blood cell levels tied to meal time

Researchers at UCSF have discovered a link between meal times and daily changes in the immune system. Eosinophils, previously thought to fight parasitic diseases, may actually help invaders, according to the study. This discovery could lead to new strategies for fighting chronic parasitic infection and allergies.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalNature·DateSep 15, 2013

'Wildly heterogeneous genes'

Researchers propose a new approach called network-based stratification to identify cancer subtypes based on shared genetic networks. This method has immediate clinical value and can help clinicians better match treatment to individual patients, leading to more effective therapies.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNature Methods·DateSep 15, 2013

Quantum entanglement only dependent upon area

Researchers at UCL and University of Gdansk develop a new method to determine the amount of entanglement in one-dimensional quantum systems based solely on the area of the boundary between regions. This finding resolves a long-standing problem, showing that certain systems can be simulated easily using classical computers.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalNature Physics·DateSep 15, 2013

Achilles' heel of ice shelves is beneath the water, scientists reveal

New research reveals that sub-shelf melting is a significant contributor to Antarctic ice loss, accounting for up to 90% of mass loss in some areas. This finding is crucial for understanding how the ice sheet interacts with the climate system and its potential impact on global sea levels.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalNature·DateSep 15, 2013