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University of Illinois researchers create 1-step graphene patterning method

University of Illinois researchers have created a simple and scalable graphene patterning technique using stencil masks fabricated via a laser cutter. This approach enables rapid design iterations and pattern replications, promoting cleaner quality graphene patterns without polymeric transfer layers or organic solvents.

Fights are won and lost in the brain

A deep-brain structure called the habenula contains two neural circuits that influence whether a fight will be won or lost in zebrafish. The circuits regulate surrender or continuing aggression based on activity levels in different sub-regions, suggesting a dynamic mechanism for determining fight outcomes.

SourceRIKEN·JournalScience·DateMar 31, 2016

New insights into the functional organization of the somatosensory cortex

Researchers at Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience used electrophysiological and optical approaches to visualize and manipulate neuronal activity in individual neurons of the somatosensory cortex. They found that the formation of functional microcircuits was determined by specific settings and the number of neurons stimulated...

SourceMax Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 8, 2016

Deciphering the role of brain layers

A recent study published in Neuron shows that brain layers facilitate the rapid development of neuronal circuits, but are not essential for establishing cell-type specific connections. The researchers used zebrafish as a model system to demonstrate this and found that layer formation is necessary for speeding up circuit assembly.

SourceKing's College London·JournalNeuron·DateNov 19, 2015

Blueprints for limbs encoded in the snake genome

Researchers at the University of Georgia found that the same genetic tools responsible for limb development in animals also control the formation of external genitalia in snakes. The study suggests that snakes retained DNA associated with limb development through millions of generations, as it may have been important for their reproduc...

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateOct 1, 2015

Realizing carbon nanotube integrated circuits

Researchers at Northwestern University have developed a solution to create stable carbon nanotube-based integrated circuits using newly designed encapsulation layers. These layers protect the sensitive devices from environmental degradation, enabling reliable operation for years or even decades.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateSep 8, 2015

Strength in numbers

Quantum physicists at the University of California - Santa Barbara have developed a quantum circuitry system that self-checks for errors and suppresses them, preserving qubits' state(s) and imbuing the system with reliability. The system uses the surface code scheme to detect errors based on parity information.

Copper on the brain at rest

Researchers at Berkeley Lab found that proper copper levels modulate spontaneous neural activity in developing circuits, which is critical for brain health and development. The study highlights the importance of managing copper levels to prevent misregulation of signaling in cell-to-cell communications.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 26, 2014

Smoking is a pain in the back

A Northwestern University study found that smokers are three times more likely to develop chronic back pain and that quitting the habit may reduce vulnerability to this condition. The research also identified a key brain region involved in addictive behavior and motivated learning.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalHuman Brain Mapping·DateNov 3, 2014

Precise and programmable biological circuits

Bio-engineers at ETH Zurich have created a biological circuit that controls sensor components using internal timers, enabling precise signal transmission. This breakthrough could lead to reprogramming cancer cells and creating complex bio-computers to detect and kill cancer cells.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateOct 23, 2014

Sleep twitches light up the brain

A University of Iowa study found that sleep twitches activate the brains of mammals differently than movements made while awake. Twitches during rapid eye movement (REM) sleep comprise a different class of movement and provide evidence that sleep twitches teach newborns about their limbs.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalCurrent Biology·DateSep 29, 2014

Progress made in developing nanoscale electronics

Scientists have successfully directed charges through single molecules using a bi-layer arrangement of organic molecules, enabling precise control over electronic properties. This breakthrough brings us closer to nanoscale circuitry, which could be used in various applications such as OLEDs and biomedical devices.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalAdvanced Materials Interfaces·DateApr 21, 2014

Connecting sleep deficits among young fruit flies to disruption in mating later in life

Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine found a critical link between sleep disruption in early life and adult courtship behavior in fruit flies. The team discovered that sleep deprivation affects dopamine production, leading to impaired development of courtship circuits and altered mating behavior.