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Let your head do the talking

Researchers from McGill University found that people are highly accurate at judging emotions based on head movements alone, even without sound or facial expressions. This discovery could aid in the development of automated emotion recognition systems or human-interaction robots.

SourceMcGill University·JournalEmotion·DateOct 27, 2015

How to fall gracefully if you're a robot

Researchers at Georgia Tech developed an algorithm to teach robots how to fall safely by determining the optimal sequence of movements to slow their momentum. The planning algorithm was validated through physics simulation and experimental testing on a humanoid robot, enabling potential applications in healthcare and domestic tasks.

Newly discovered 'design rule' brings nature-inspired nanostructures one step closer

Scientists at Berkeley Lab have discovered a 'design rule' that enables the creation of peptoid nanosheets, flat structures composed of synthetic polymers. The rule allows for counter-rotating patterns in polymer adhesion, resulting in linear and untwisted backbones and larger, flatter nanosheet structures than those found in nature.

Scientists decode structure at root of muscular disease

Researchers at Rice University and Baylor College of Medicine have successfully mapped the structural details of leiomodin 2, a protein critical to muscle cell function. The discovery offers a path forward for studying and treating nemaline myopathy, a hereditary disorder that weakens muscles.

SourceRice University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 28, 2015

Unexpected link between choroid plexus and chronic pain

Researchers found a novel connection between the size of the choroid plexus and complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), with nearly one-fifth larger choroid plexus in CRPS patients compared to healthy control subjects. The study suggests that the central nervous system plays an important role in the disease.

SourceAalto University·JournalScientific Reports·DateSep 22, 2015

For 2-D boron, it's all about that base

Researchers found that 2D boron properties vary based on interactions with metal substrates. Copper is identified as a suitable substrate to guide the formation of flat boron sheets. The discovery opens up new avenues for creating highly conductive 2D boron and exploring its potential applications in fuel cells and other fields.

SourceRice University·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateSep 2, 2015

ESA recognizes 2015 Fellows

The Entomological Society of America has elected 10 new Fellows, including Dr. Serap Aksoy and Dr. Deane Bowers, for their research on vector genomics, disease control, and insect-plant interactions. The Fellows will be recognized at the ESA's 63rd Annual Meeting in Minneapolis.

Superfast fluorescence sets new speed record

Researchers at Duke University have developed a superfast fluorescence device that can emit light over 90 billion gigahertz, breaking the current speed record. This breakthrough technology has the potential to revolutionize optical computing and communication.

SourceDuke University·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 27, 2015

Archaeologists use new methods to explore move from hunting, gathering to farming

Researchers used dynamical systems theory to understand the origins of plant and animal domestication. They found that changes in resource density, mobility, and population size brought societies closer to or further away from adopting food production. This insight may help explain why farming emerged in some places at different times.

SourceArizona State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 20, 2015

New risk factor for pregnancies

A new study published in Obstetrics & Gynecology found that women born preterm have a significantly higher risk of giving birth to preterm children. Researchers analyzed data from over 7,400 Quebec women born preterm and compared it to women born at term, revealing a 13% difference in preterm delivery rates.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalObstetrics and Gynecology·DateMay 19, 2015

New insight into how brain makes memories

A team of biologists at Vanderbilt University has identified a specific signaling protein called Asef2 as crucial for forming dendritic spines, the tiny filaments that connect neurons to enable memory formation. This discovery could lead to new treatments for autism and Alzheimer's diseases.

SourceVanderbilt University·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateApr 24, 2015

Studying how species evolve

The documentary follows University of Miami researcher J. Albert C. Uy as he investigates a genetic mutation causing two bird populations to split into separate species. Uy's research aims to unlock secrets of speciation and the planet's animal diversity.

Reliance on smartphones linked to lazy thinking

Research suggests that smartphone users who rely on gut feelings tend to use their device's search engine rather than their own brainpower. Highly analytical thinkers spend less time using smartphones, indicating a possible link between heavy smartphone use and lowered intelligence.

SourceUniversity of Waterloo·JournalComputers in Human Behavior·DateMar 5, 2015

Democratizing synthetic biology

A new protein production method developed by Northwestern University researchers makes cell-free protein synthesis faster and cheaper, addressing a technological gap in the field. The approach uses standard lab equipment and produces crude extract catalysts in less time, enabling more researchers to enter the field.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 2, 2015