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Cells that show where things are going

Scientists have identified four classes of nerve cell involved in calculating directionally selective signals in fruit flies, unlike previously proposed models. These cells, including T5 cells, perceive the direction of motion and receive input from four upstream cells.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNeuron·DateFeb 5, 2016

Telling the time by color

Research reveals color has a major impact on how our body clock measures time of day, outperforming brightness as a reliable method. The study found that changes in light color between blue and yellow are more sensitive to the body clock than changes in brightness.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalPLOS Biology·DateApr 20, 2015

Switch off the lights for bats

Researchers found that bat activity was lower in street-lit areas than dark locations with similar habitat. Only Leisler's bat showed a positive association with street lighting, highlighting the need to reconsider urban planning strategies.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalPhilosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London (B )·DateMar 15, 2015

Pluto/Charon poses for sharpest ground-based images ever

Astronomers at the Gemini Observatory have produced exceptionally high-resolution images of Pluto and its largest companion Charon using a method called reconstructive speckle imaging. The resulting images hint at the exoplanet verification power of large state-of-the-art telescopes combined with speckle imaging techniques.

SourceGemini Observatory·JournalPublications of the Astronomical Society of the Pacific·DateSep 26, 2012

Making music with real stars

Researchers at Georgia Institute of Technology's Sonification Lab converted numerical data from Kepler telescope star data into sounds to create a musically appealing melody. The team used this sound in a song by Echo Movement, showcasing the potential of sonification as a tool for analyzing large data sets.

Perfect nanotubes shine brightest

Researchers found that longer carbon nanotubes emit more light at near-infrared wavelengths, while shorter tubes are dimmer due to imperfections. The study reveals insights into how growth methods and processing can improve nanotube fluorescence.

SourceRice University·JournalACS Nano·DateJan 31, 2012

Keeping an eye on the Universe

The CalTech-led Catalina Real-Time Transient Survey has released a massive dataset of 200 million celestial objects, including stars, supernovae, and asteroids. This unprecedented data set will enable scientists to study the evolution of stars, massive black holes, and the structure of the Milky Way.

How to learn a star's true age

Researchers have found a method to measure a star's true age using its spin. Astronomer Soren Meibom presented his findings in a press conference, nearly doubling the age covered by previous studies of younger clusters. The technique involves measuring stellar rotation rates for stars in clusters with known ages.

SourceCenter for Astrophysics | Harvard & Smithsonian·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateMay 24, 2011

Taking the pulse of a black hole system

Researchers use NASA X-ray satellites to monitor a binary system with a massive black hole, discovering its rhythmic cycles, which drive the black hole's intake and growth. The study reveals the importance of radiation in preventing the black hole from ingesting too much material.

Melanopsin looks on the bright side of life

Researchers discovered that melanopsin-expressing retinal ganglion cells contribute to conventional image-forming vision, particularly brightness perception. This finding suggests these cells could support vision in people with advanced retinal degeneration.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalPLOS Biology·DateDec 7, 2010

Ultrasensitive imaging method uses gold-silver 'nanocages'

Researchers developed an experimental imaging technique using gold-silver nanocages to detect hollow nanocages and solid nanoparticles in the bloodstream, enabling clear images without background fluorescence. This method shows improved performance with higher contrast and brightness than conventional fluorescent dyes.

SourcePurdue University·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateApr 12, 2010