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Seeing isn't believing

A study by Yale University cognitive psychologists found that intense focus on objects can distort perception of where things are in relation to one another. Participants in the experiment reported the attended objects as closer together than they really were, while the other objects were seen as farther apart.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateSep 7, 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.

Resident scientists

Seven Northwestern graduate students will be 'resident scientists' at Chicago-area middle and high schools, integrating their research into the science curricula. The program aims to train graduate students in communicating complex research to people of all ages and bring computational thinking into the K-12 classroom.

New solar concentrator design

Researchers at University of California, San Diego developed a new solar concentrator design that minimizes materials, alignment, and assembly costs. The innovative system collects sunlight with thousands of small lenses imprinted on a common sheet, reducing the need for individual photovoltaic cells.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalOptics Express·DateApr 21, 2010

Duke technique is turning proteins into glass

Duke University researchers have devised a method to dry and preserve proteins in a glassified form that retains their properties. The technique uses decanol as a 'drying' agent to remove water from proteins, creating a glass-like substance with potential applications in protein-based drugs.

SourceDuke University·JournalBiophysical Journal·DateMar 17, 2010

Look at Mie!

A Rice University team re-examined Gustav Mie's century-old equations for electromagnetic wave interaction with spherical metal particles. The researchers found that average properties matched the predictions, but individual particles deviated significantly due to shape and orientation variations on the substrate.

SourceRice University·JournalNano Letters·DateMar 12, 2010

Who does what on Wikipedia?

A University of Arizona professor and graduate student found that Wikipedia's quality relies heavily on collaboration between contributors. They identified seven roles that contribute to high-quality entries: all-round contributors, starters, content justifiers, and copy editors.

Gecko's lessons transfer well

A Rice University researcher has found a way to transfer forests of aligned carbon nanotubes from one surface to another in minutes. The technique uses water vapor to weaken chemical bonds between the tubes and the catalyst particles, allowing for precise control over the diameter of the nanotubes

SourceRice University·JournalACS Nano·DateJan 25, 2010