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Science News Archive September 2014 - Page 26


Page 26 of 34

Graphene gets a 'cousin' in the shape of germanene

A team of European researchers has successfully synthesized germanene, a 2D material with impressive electrical and optical properties. The material was synthesized by depositing individual germanium atoms onto a gold substrate under high temperatures and in an ultra-high vacuum, revealing its characteristic honeycomb structure.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalNew Journal of Physics·DateSep 9, 2014

An evolutionary approach to epidemics

Researchers applied evolutionary game theory to analyze disease outbreaks, identifying four key outcomes influenced by government response and healthcare provision. The approach has been tested with actual data from the 2009 influenza outbreak and may inform quarantine measures for future pandemics.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Innovative Computing and Applications·DateSep 9, 2014

UT Southwestern expert co-chairs national team to develop first comprehensive guidelines for management of sickle cell disease

A nationwide team of experts led by UT Southwestern hematologist Dr. George Buchanan developed the first comprehensive, evidence-based guidelines for managing sickle cell disease from birth to end of life. The guidelines consist of over 500 specific directions for physicians caring for patients with sickle cell disease.

An appetite for life

A study published in Appetite found that elderly people with fair or poor appetites had higher risks of mortality than those with good appetites. Those with poor appetites consumed a less diverse diet, leading to lower energy and nutrient intake.

SourceMonash University·JournalAppetite·DateSep 9, 2014

Rice wireless experts tap unused TV spectrum

Researchers at Rice University have created a multiuser, multiantenna transmission scheme for the UHF band, which can serve multiple users simultaneously over long distances. The new technology combines proven technologies like MIMO to boost data rates without increasing power or channel usage.

Researchers part water

Researchers have developed a method to isolate and separate para and ortho water molecules, which differ in their nuclear spin states. This breakthrough could provide new insights into various phenomena, including the study of interstellar ice and protein structures.

SourceDeutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron DESY·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateSep 8, 2014

Transformative science

A new partnership between NSF, NCI, SU2C, and The V Foundation will explore transformative, theoretical biophysics for cancer research and treatment. This collaboration aims to merge life sciences with physical, computational, and engineering sciences to develop innovative approaches.

SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·JournalCancer Research·DateSep 8, 2014

A single evolutionary road may lead to Rome

Researchers identified a shared gene responsible for flashy markings in two butterfly families, tracing it back to their ancient ancestors. This finding suggests that simple traits may follow a single evolutionary road, potentially revolutionizing our understanding of evolution.

SourceBoston University·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 8, 2014

Sex hormones may play a part in autism

A study found that autistic males have lower levels of estrogen receptors and aromatase, an enzyme converting testosterone to estradiol. This could lead to increased testosterone levels, potentially contributing to the disorder's prevalence in men. The findings suggest a possible reason for the gender bias in autism diagnosis.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalMolecular Autism·DateSep 8, 2014

To admit or not to admit: Variation in hospitalizations from ER costs billions

A new University of Michigan study found significant variation in hospital admissions for ER patients with common non-life-threatening conditions, resulting in estimated annual costs of $5 billion and $266 billion. The study analyzed data from 961 hospitals and 28.5 million emergency visits, revealing that some conditions had high rate...

Light detector to revolutionize night vision technology

A team of researchers at Monash University has developed a light detector based on graphene that can detect light over an unusually broad range of wavelengths, including terahertz waves. This breakthrough could lead to inexpensive infrared cameras or night-vision goggles with unparalleled sensitivity and speed.

SourceMonash University·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateSep 8, 2014