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Radically simple technique developed to grow conducting polymer thin films

A team of UCLA chemists and engineers has developed a new method for coating large surfaces with nanofiber thin films that are both transparent and electrically conductive. The technique, published in the Proceedings of National Academy of Sciences, uses a solution-based approach and can be applied to virtually any surface.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 1, 2010

No sponge left behind

A UNC study found that radio frequency tags on surgical sponges can aid in preventing sponges from being left behind in patients following surgery. The researchers used a radio-frequency detection device in 1,600 operations and detected one sponge in an operation where manual counting was correct.

Health diagnosis made simpler

Researchers at Arizona State University have created a new device that simplifies health diagnosis by detecting diseases quickly and at lower costs. The Integrascope uses superhydrophobic surfaces and LEDs to focus light on tiny particles, allowing for rapid detection of infectious agents or proteins in patient samples.

SourceArizona State University·JournalNature Precedings·DateAug 23, 2010

September 2010 Geology and GSA Today highlights

This article highlights various scientific discoveries in September 2010 Geology, including a study on Neoproterozoic ice ages and their impact on the environment. Researchers also investigate stress-driven failure during fracture array growth and explore the relationship between Antarctic glaciation and tropical rain belt migration.

SourceGeological Society of America·JournalGeology·DateAug 20, 2010

Single cell injections

Researchers at Duke University have developed a method for injecting substances into single cells using sharp fluid jets, which may revolutionize stem cell research and cellular-level studies. The technique allows for the introduction of live cells to nontoxic substances without significantly damaging them.

SourceAmerican Physical Society·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateAug 9, 2010

Study shows splitting bowel preparation dosage is most effective cleansing method before colonoscopy

A new study has found that a split-dosage schedule of bowel preparation is the most effective method for bowel cleansing before colonoscopy. The study found that procedures performed within six to eight hours of the end of preparation had significantly better cleansing than those performed more than eight hours after.

SourceAmerican Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy·JournalGastrointestinal Endoscopy·DateAug 5, 2010

Answer to saliva mystery has practical impact

A breakthrough discovery has explained why some fluids containing polymers form beads when stretched, providing a key for improving diverse industries such as ink-jet printing and drug dispensing. The study's findings highlight the importance of fluid inertia and relaxation time in bead formation.

SourceRice University·JournalNature Physics·DateJun 11, 2010

For osteoporosis patients, exercise pill one step closer to reality

Researchers identified signaling mechanisms used by primary cilia to regulate bone cells' capacity to sense fluid flow. The discovery opens the door to developing drugs that mimic exercise benefits for osteoporosis patients. Primary cilia play a crucial role in detecting mechanical loads, such as exercise, and triggering new bone growth.

April 2010 Geology and GSA Today highlights

Recent studies have shed new light on explosive volcanic eruptions in the ocean, a 300-million-year-old forest from the Andes, and innovative methods for dating sedimentary rocks. Researchers have discovered a unique eruption style dubbed 'Poseidic,' characterized by uninterrupted magma ascent, while fossil evidence supports an ecologi...

SourceGeological Society of America·JournalGeology·DateMar 25, 2010

A primer on aspirating breast lumps

Aspiration is a fast and first approach for evaluating breast lumps without cancerous features. The procedure determines the type of lesion by removing fluid with a needle, which can be done in a doctor's office on women who do not have breast implants or are not on anticoagulants.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateMar 1, 2010

Where does the fluid go?

Scientists have developed a revised model to better understand the transport of fluid constituents, which has important roles in biology, physics, and chemistry. The new model contradicts widely accepted models and provides an improved analysis of combined advection and diffusion.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalVadose Zone Journal·DateFeb 24, 2010

R.I.P., 3-1-1

The Los Alamos National Laboratory's Magnetic Vision Innovative Prototype (MagViz) uses ultralow magnetic fields to detect liquid bombs and other hazardous materials. With an accuracy rate of over 99%, MagViz could significantly enhance airport security, allowing passengers to pass through with ease while keeping liquids at bay.

Eating and drinking during labor: Let women decide

A systematic review found no evidence of risks or benefits associated with eating and drinking during low-risk labor. Researchers conclude that women should be able to make their own decisions about food and fluids during labor.

SourceWiley·JournalCochrane Database of Systematic Reviews·DateJan 19, 2010

Generating electricity from air flow

A group of researchers at City College of New York is developing a new way to generate power for planes and automobiles based on piezoelectrics, which convert kinetic energy into electricity. The devices might be mounted on cars or airplanes and would produce an output voltage that could run small electronic devices.

Robotic clam digs in mudflats

Researchers at MIT have created a simple robot that can dig into mudflats at a rate of 1 cm per second, inspired by the burrowing mechanisms of Atlantic razor clams. The robotic clam is small, lightweight, and energy-efficient, making it suitable for underwater applications.

Slipper-shaped blood cells

Red blood cells can deform into an asymmetrical slipper shape when flowing through arteries, a phenomenon that affects blood flow. Simulations suggest this deformation helps the cells catch up with fluid, leading to more efficient blood flow.

SourceAmerican Physical Society·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateOct 26, 2009

New technique can help diagnose mesothelioma

A new technique measuring pleural fluid mesothelin levels shows great promise in diagnosing mesothelioma. The study found that patients with mesothelioma had significantly higher levels of mesothelin than those with other conditions, allowing for a more accurate diagnosis.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateAug 24, 2009

Quick test for prostate cancer

Researchers have developed a new 3-minute test that measures the level of citrate in fluid samples from the prostate gland to detect prostate cancer. The technique uses light energy and can provide an accurate way to screen and diagnose the disease, particularly in its early stages.

SourceDurham University·JournalOrganic & Biomolecular Chemistry·DateMay 18, 2009