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Science News for June 26, 2015


The peaks and valleys of silicon

USC Viterbi researchers have developed new layered semiconducting materials that can be adjusted to achieve unique electronic and optical properties. These materials have potential applications in LIDAR systems, infrared thermal imaging technology, and flexible night vision glasses.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateJun 26, 2015

Building a better semiconductor

Researchers at Michigan State University have developed a new method to change the electronic properties of materials, enabling more efficient solid-state electronics. By using ultrafast laser pulses, they can create new electronic phases with desired properties.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalScience Advances·DateJun 26, 2015

Opening a new route to photonics

Researchers at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory have discovered a new route to ultrahigh density, ultracompact integrated photonic circuitry. By applying mathematical concept 'adiabatic elimination' to optical nanowaveguides, they can effectively control pulses of light in closely packed waveguides, eliminating the crosstalk p...

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 26, 2015

High-performance microscope displays pores in the cell nucleus with greater precision

Researchers have developed a new method to display the spatial structure of nuclear pores in high resolution. This has led to a better understanding of how certain molecules are transported into or out of the nucleus. The discovery sheds light on various diseases, including cancer, that involve defective transport through nuclear pores.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 26, 2015

Key protein may affect risk of stroke

A special protein called FoxF2 found in brain's tiny blood vessels affects the development of the blood-brain barrier, a vital protective function that controls substances reaching the brain's nerve cells. Variations in the FoxF2 gene have been linked to an increased risk of stroke in humans.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateJun 26, 2015

Most of amateur athletes undergoing hypoxic training are not advised by specialists

A recent study found that only 25% of amateur athletes undergoing hypoxic training receive specialist monitoring, putting them at risk for health problems such as increased breathlessness, anaemia, and muscle loss. The lack of regulation among amateur athletes leads to ineffective training efforts and increased health risks.

SourceSpanish Foundation for Science and Technology·JournalPhysiology & Behavior·DateJun 26, 2015

UC Davis study guides efforts to find new strategies, solutions to fight pediatric asthma

A recent UC Davis study highlights the need for improved primary care support structures to address high pediatric asthma rates in California. The research found that nearly 10% of state children suffer from asthma, with low flu vaccination rates and limited access to primary care providers contributing to these rates.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalPopulation Health Management·DateJun 26, 2015

Action spectrum of sun skin damage documented

Researchers have documented the full spectrum of UV radiation-induced DNA damage in human skin cells, allowing manufacturers to develop targeted sunscreen products. The study's findings reveal that prolonged sun exposure leads to an accumulation of damaging free radicals, causing skin aging and potentially initiating skin cancers.

SourceNewcastle University·JournalJournal of Investigative Dermatology·DateJun 26, 2015

Rats 'dream' paths to a brighter future

Researchers monitored brain activity in rats and found that during rest, the hippocampus simulates walking to and from food that was previously inaccessible. This suggests that the hippocampus plans routes for the future as well as recording past experiences with motivational cues like food. The study could help explain why people with...