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Bioinspired fibers change color when stretched

Researchers at Harvard University have developed color-changing photonic fibers inspired by nature, which can pass through a full rainbow of colors as they're stretched. The fibers' superior mechanical properties make them versatile for various applications, including smart sports textiles and sensors.

SourceHarvard University·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateJan 28, 2013

A material that most liquids won't wet

Researchers at University of Michigan developed a nanoscale coating that repels over 95% of liquids, including oils, alcohols, and toxic acids. The coating uses air pockets to reduce intermolecular forces, causing liquids to bounce off the surface.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateJan 16, 2013

Counting the twists in a helical light beam

Researchers at Harvard University have created a new device that can detect and distinguish between different types of twisted light waves, which can add an extra level of multiplexing to communication systems. This could potentially increase the rate of data transmission over limited bandwidth.

SourceHarvard University·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 8, 2013

A nanoscale window to the biological world

Researchers at Virginia Tech Carilion Research Institute invent a way to directly image biological structures at their most fundamental level, providing a gateway to understanding dynamic systems in structural biology. The technique has successfully imaged viruses and other biological structures in their natural environments.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalLab on a Chip·DateDec 20, 2012

Ancient red dye powers new 'green' battery

Researchers from City College of New York have developed a non-toxic and sustainable lithium-ion battery powered by purpurin, a natural plant dye extracted from the madder plant. The battery's production process is simpler and less expensive than traditional Li-ion batteries, with fewer environmental risks.

SourceCity College of New York·JournalScientific Reports·DateDec 11, 2012

New device hides, on cue, from infrared cameras

Researchers at Harvard University have developed a new device that can absorb 99.75% of infrared light on demand, using a tunable material with exceptional optical properties. The device has wide-ranging applications in thermal imaging, spectroscopy, and energy harvesting.

SourceHarvard University·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateNov 26, 2012

Family commitment blended with strong religion dampens civic participation, Baylor researcher finds

A Baylor University sociologist found that blending family commitment with strong religion can dampen civic participation. The study, published in Social Science Research, analyzed data from the National Survey of Families and Households, suggesting that familistic individuals may have limited time and energy for secular organizations.

SourceBaylor University·JournalSocial Science Research·DateNov 15, 2012

The aftermath of calculator use in college classrooms

A study by Pitt researcher Samuel King found that students relying on calculators to solve mathematical problems often lack a deeper understanding of the underlying concepts. The research suggests that using calculators as a substitute for mathematical thinking can lead to surface-level learning, rather than true comprehension.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalBritish Educational Research Journal·DateNov 12, 2012

Abstract thinking can make you more politically moderate

Studies by University of Illinois researchers Jesse Preston and Daniel Yang found that asking people to think broadly about a subject can lead to increased moderation in political beliefs. The research used techniques known to induce an abstract mindset, such as viewing images or reading ambiguous articles in different formats.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalSocial Psychological and Personality Science·DateNov 2, 2012

Nearby super-Earth likely a diamond planet

Astronomers have identified a super-Earth called 55 Cancri e as a likely diamond planet, composed primarily of carbon in the form of graphite and diamond. The planet's mass is eight times greater than Earth's, and it orbits its star at hyper speed, with a surface temperature of about 3,900 degrees Fahrenheit.

SourceYale University·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateOct 11, 2012