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Solving a supernova mystery

A team of scientists has observed the early stages of a Type Ia supernova, refining our understanding of these explosive events. The discovery suggests that the primary star was a carbon-oxygen white dwarf, and analysis of matter ejected by the explosion points to a possible subgiant or main-sequence star as the secondary companion.

Artificially enhanced athletes

A study from Northwestern University found that banned technical swimsuits played a significant role in the unprecedented number of world records set in swimming during the 2009 world championships. The suits were suspected of reducing drag, improving buoyancy, and compressing muscles, leading to enhanced performance.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalThe Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research·DateDec 12, 2011

Researchers' new recipe cooks up better tissue 'phantoms'

Scientists have created a novel combination of additives that enable gelatin to mimic the acoustical and optical properties of soft tissue in humans. The resulting tissue 'phantoms' can be used to test photoacoustic and ultrasonic imaging technologies, which are increasingly being used in clinical applications.

SourceOptica·JournalBiomedical Optics Express·DateNov 30, 2011

Put yourself in someone else’s shoes: What type of perspective makes consumers self-conscious?

Researchers found that people who use an actor's perspective experience stronger joy and excitement but greater pride and guilt when recalling past events. In contrast, observers experience heightened sadness and embarrassment. The study highlights the importance of perspective in shaping emotional experiences.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateNov 15, 2011

Rice's Barron wins World Technology Award for Materials

Andrew Barron, Rice University's Charles W. Duncan, Jr. -- Welch Chair of Chemistry, is honored with the prestigious World Technology Award for Materials for his groundbreaking nanotechnology research in energy and health. His work has led to projects involving down-hole sensors, carbon dioxide mitigation, and cancer treatment.

Thomas Jefferson is the first high school to subscribe to the Journal of Visualized Experiments

Thomas Jefferson High School has become the first high school to subscribe to JoVE, a video-based research journal. The school's advanced equipment and digital resources will help students learn complex experimental techniques more effectively. This partnership aims to inspire future scientists by exposing them to cutting-edge research...

SourceThe Journal of Visualized Experiments·JournalJournal of Visualized Experiments·DateOct 24, 2011

Hold the phone for vital signs

Researchers at Worcester Polytechnic Institute have developed an iPhone app that measures vital signs such as heart rate and blood oxygen saturation using a built-in video camera. The technology is comparable in accuracy to traditional medical monitoring devices, allowing patients to carry an accurate physiological monitor anywhere.

SourceWorcester Polytechnic Institute·JournalIEEE Transactions on Biomedical Engineering·DateOct 6, 2011

Quantum behavior with a flash

Researchers develop a method using flashes of light to observe quantum features of large objects with unprecedented resolution. By analyzing the dynamics of such behavior, pulsed quantum optomechanics provides a path for investigating whether macroscopic mechanical objects can be used in future quantum technologies.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 16, 2011