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Science News for March 9, 2014


Atomically thin solar cells

Researchers at Vienna University of Technology have created the world's thinnest solar cells using tungsten diselenide, a material that can absorb light and convert it into electrical power. The ultrathin layers exhibit high transparency and efficiency, making them suitable for flexible displays and glass facades.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateMar 9, 2014

New bioinformatics tool to visualize transcriptomes

ZENBU integrates genome browsers with data analysis and linked expression views to facilitate interactive visualization of next-generation sequencing results. The tool allows for dynamic combination of thousands of experimental datasets, enabling scientists to discover new biological mechanisms.

SourceRIKEN·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateMar 9, 2014

Scents and sustainability

Researchers at the University of California - Davis have engineered bacteria to produce esters, a key component in scents, flavors, and chemical processes. This breakthrough could lead to a $20 billion industry shift towards renewable sources.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateMar 9, 2014