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University of Rochester


Distinguishing single cells with nothing but light

Researchers at the University of Rochester have developed a novel optical technique called IRAM that enables rapid analysis of single human immune cells using only light. This technique allows for clear differences between two types of immune cells to be seen, providing new insights into cell activation and development.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalApplied Optics·DateApr 1, 2009

Action video games improve vision

Research from the University of Rochester found that action video games can improve contrast sensitivity by 58% by training the brain to process visual information more efficiently. This finding suggests that gaming may not be harmful for vision and could potentially complement eye-correction techniques.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateMar 29, 2009

Nanowires may lead to better fuel cells

Researchers at the University of Rochester have developed long, thin platinum nanowires that could improve the performance of fuel cells. The wires are designed to provide a larger surface area for catalysis, reducing the loss of platinum particles during fuel cell operation.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalNano Letters·DateMar 11, 2009

Players love the game not the gore

A new study published in the Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin suggests that violent content does not increase enjoyment in video games. Instead, challenges and a sense of autonomy are key drivers of player engagement. For most players, gore actually detracts from the game's 'fun factor'.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalPersonality and Social Psychology Bulletin·DateJan 16, 2009

Finally, the 'planet' in planetary nebulae?

Researchers at the University of Rochester found that planets or low-mass stars orbiting dying stars create breathtaking objects in the sky. The study explores how these companions shape planetary nebulae through spiral waves and magnetic fields, producing striking shapes like the Dumbbell Nebula.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateMar 10, 2008

'Retrospective rubber' remembers its old identities

Researchers at the University of Rochester developed a new class of transparent, rubbery shape-memory polymers that can be controlled to change shape in response to temperature. This material has potential applications as diverse as biomedical implants, conformal face-masks, self-sealing sutures, and smart labels.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateDec 12, 2007

Supersonic 'rain' falls on newborn star

Astronomers have discovered five Earth-oceans' worth of water falling onto a protoplanetary disk around an extremely young star, IRAS 4B. The 'disk-accretion shock' mechanism is responsible for the formation of planetary systems, and this finding provides valuable insights into the early stages of our solar system's life.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalNature·DateAug 29, 2007

Soft contacts designed for cone-shaped cornea

Researchers at the University of Rochester developed custom-designed soft contact lenses to correct visual acuity in individuals with keratoconic eyes. The lenses feature irregular front surface profiles that address specific aberrations of the cornea and crystalline lens, resulting in improved vision for subjects.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalOptics Letters·DateMay 17, 2007

Laser goes tubing for faster body-fluid tests

Researchers at the University of Rochester have created a laser-based technique that measures multiple chemicals in body fluids in under 60 seconds, offering non-destructive and fast testing capabilities. The technique uses Raman spectroscopy and low-refractive-index tubes to improve signal strength and accuracy.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalApplied Optics·DateApr 2, 2007

Action video games sharpen vision 20 percent

Researchers at the University of Rochester found that playing action video games for 30 hours per week improved spatial resolution and visual acuity. The study showed significant improvements in identifying letters presented in clutter, even beyond the part of the visual field where players typically engage with the game.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalPsychological Science·DateFeb 6, 2007

Blame our evolutionary risk of cancer on body mass

Scientists discovered that higher body mass, not lifespan, increases the risk of cancer due to telomerase expression. Rodents from various species showed a correlation between body size and telomerase activity, while human's don't express it in somatic cells, suggesting evolution prioritized cancer prevention over healing.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalAging Cell·DateDec 6, 2006