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Georgia Institute of Technology


Study challenges long-held assumption about competition in disturbed ecosystems

A laboratory study of microscopic organisms subjected to varying degrees of acoustic disturbance shows that competition can be a factor in regulating ecological communities regardless of the intensity or frequency of disturbance. The findings contradict the intermediate disturbance hypothesis, suggesting that there is a strong trade-of...

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 28, 2010

New study documents use of hormone progesterone in simple microscopic aquatic animals

A new study reveals that the chemical mediator for sexual reproduction in rotifers is progesterone, a molecule also found in humans and plays a vital role in regulating reproduction. The research has significant evolutionary implications and sheds light on how environment, metabolism, hormones, and behaviors interact.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 14, 2010

Researchers identify a gene that may play a key role in atherosclerosis and other diseases

A study identifies HuR as a critical regulator of an inflammatory response in cells experiencing mechanical and chemical stresses, promoting the expression of genes that support atherosclerosis. Reducing HuR levels inhibits the inflammatory response and may lead to new treatments for metabolic diseases associated with inflammation.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 15, 2010

Lithium-ion anode uses self-assembled nanocomposite materials to increase capacity

A new high-performance anode structure based on silicon-carbon nanocomposite materials has been developed, significantly improving the performance of lithium-ion batteries. The self-assembly technique creates rigid spheres with open internal channels that allow for rapid entry of lithium ions and accommodate expansion without cracking.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalNature Materials·DateMar 14, 2010