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Science News for January 3, 2014


Novel exfoliation method developed by NUS chemists paves the way for 2-dimensional materials to be used in printable photonics and electronics

A team of NUS scientists developed a new method to exfoliate molybdenum disulfide crystals into high-quality monolayer flakes with higher yield and larger flake size than current methods. The breakthrough method can be made into a printable solution, which can be applied in printable photonics and electronics.

SourceNational University of Singapore·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 3, 2014

How 'slippers' can end mascara irritation

Scientists at the University of Liverpool have developed a cheaper and more reliable alternative to animal testing, involving miniscule protozoa. The test showed significant variations in population growth according to mascara brand, with some killing the protozoa and others not harming them at all.

SourceUniversity of Liverpool·JournalInternational Journal of Cosmetic Science·DateJan 3, 2014

Parkinson's patients utilization of deep brain stimulation treatment reduced in demographic groups

A study published in Neurology found disparities in the utilization of deep brain stimulation (DBS) treatment among Parkinson's patients, with those from lower socioeconomic backgrounds and minority-serving physicians facing significant barriers. DBS out-of-pocket costs are a contributing factor to these disparities.

Reconstructing the New World monkey family tree

After landing in South America, monkeys forged their own niches, evolved new forms, and spread to Caribbean and Patagonia. The study reveals how primate migration and evolution in the Americas were influenced by ancient climates, geology, and geography.

SourceDuke University·JournalMolecular Phylogenetics and Evolution·DateJan 3, 2014

The entropy of nations

The study reveals a decrease in global energy inequality, with the distribution of per-capita energy consumption approaching an exponential law. As nations like China move up the curve, energy consumption becomes increasingly concentrated among high-consuming nations.

SourceJoint Quantum Institute·JournalEntropy·DateJan 3, 2014

Sex matters for microbes

African sleeping sickness is caused by single-celled parasites that mate and swap genes through a process known as sexual reproduction. This study reveals sex to be a regular part of the trypanosome life cycle, enabling new combinations of genes that could lead to disease-causing strains.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJan 3, 2014

Supercomputers join search for 'cheapium'

Duke University researchers used computational methods to identify dozens of new platinum-group alloys that could prove beneficial in applications such as catalytic conversion, corrosion-resistance, and fuel cells. The study provides detailed structural data on known materials and identifies potential targets for further research.

SourceDuke University·JournalPhysics·DateJan 3, 2014