Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Texas A&M University


Self-powered devices possible, says Texas A&M researcher

A Texas A&M researcher has discovered a way to harness energy from sound waves using piezoelectric materials, which could enable the development of self-powered cell phones and other devices. The discovery is significant because it shows that energy can be converted at a 100% increase when materials are manufactured at a very small size.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalPhysical Review B·DateDec 1, 2008

Solar-powered sea-slugs live like plants, prof says

Researchers have discovered that sea slugs can survive and thrive using a process similar to photosynthesis, harnessing solar power from tiny organelles called plastids. The slug's ability to retain these plastids allows it to convert sunlight into food, enabling it to make its own sustenance like plants.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 25, 2008

Unlocking the function of enzymes

Texas A&M researchers Frank Raushel and Ricardo Marti-Arbona use molecular docking to predict enzyme function based on structure alone. The team's method ranks molecules by fit and scores them for physical testing, offering a faster alternative to existing methods.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalNature·DateNov 6, 2007

Transport interrupted -- Texas A&M biologists trace cause of early blindness to tissue defect

Researchers at Texas A&M University have identified a specific protein transport process involved in a rare form of early blindness, known as choroideremia. The study suggests that therapies targeting the neighboring retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) may rescue photoreceptor loss and even reverse the disease.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 7, 2007

Babies use their own names to help learn language

Research by Heather Bortfeld shows that babies can discern the beginnings and endings of words that follow their names, providing a foundation for learning language. By using familiar words like their names, babies can anchor their early learning of other word forms and tap into the process at an earliest stage possible.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalPsychological Science·DateApr 11, 2005

Humor can increase hope, research shows

A study by Texas A&M University psychologist David H. Rosen found that watching a comedy video significantly increased participants' scores for hopefulness. The finding suggests humor can be a legitimate strategy for relieving stress and maintaining well-being while increasing hope.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalHumor - International Journal of Humor Research·DateApr 11, 2005

Harvard, Texas A&M scientists develop new laser

Researchers have created a novel Raman laser that combines the pump source and material into a single device, enhancing efficiency by 30% and reducing size. The 'matryoshka' design enables tuning of the pump laser radiation to strong electronic resonance in the material, boosting gain by five orders of magnitude.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalNature·DateMar 23, 2005

Bulimic teens also likely to suffer from depression

Researchers find that bulimia often co-occurs with dysthymia, a lower-level depression. Chronic low self-esteem and prolonged mood disturbances contribute to the development of bulimia. The study suggests that therapists can assess for dysthymia in bulimic patients and choose targeted treatments to combat both disorders.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalInternational Journal of Eating Disorders·DateDec 7, 2004

Study reveals poor Houston air quality

A study by Texas A&M University reveals Houston's air quality is severely impacted due to industrial emissions and auto exhaust, posing a significant health risk to its 5 million residents. The city must take steps to curb its air pollution problems, including alternative energy sources and more efficient transportation.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 14, 2004