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Brainiacs win big

The UCSB Brain Initiative, a cross-disciplinary program tackling the mind and brain, has received a significant boost from the Hearst Foundation. The award will support the initiative's efforts to transform our understanding of the human brain and provide new tools for neuroengineering.

Fungal spores harness physics to launch themselves

Researchers at Duke University discovered how fungal spores use the power of merging water droplets to launch themselves. The team used high-speed cameras and an inkjet printer to study the mechanism, which involves the release of energy from the merged drop causing the spore to break away.

SourceDuke University·JournalJournal of The Royal Society Interface·DateJul 25, 2017

2-D material's traits could send electronics R&D spinning in new directions

Researchers have discovered a new 2D material with unique spin properties, making it a promising candidate for spintronics applications. The material's electronic structure was characterized using X-ray and scanning tunneling microscopy techniques, revealing its potential to carry data more efficiently and with lesser power demands.

Seismic CT scan points to rapid uplift of Southern Tibet

Research finds that the southern half of the Tibetan Plateau formed in less than one-quarter of the time since India-Eurasia continental collision, with most of the uplift occurring when a denser lithospheric root broke away. The study's findings support a different scenario to the traditional theory on Tibet's formation.

SourceRice University·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 7, 2017

Serendipity uncovers borophene's potential

Researchers at Northwestern University successfully integrated borophene with an organic material, forming a self-assembled monolayer next to the borophene sheet. This breakthrough enables the formation of well-controlled interfaces between distinct materials, which is crucial for creating diodes and photovoltaics.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalScience Advances·DateFeb 22, 2017

A better way to swallow

A Pittsburgh engineer has received a $549,139 NSF CAREER Award to create a new screening method for swallowing disorders. The technology uses high-resolution vibration and sound recordings to diagnose dysphagia, allowing doctors to identify silent aspirators more accurately.

These dinosaurs lost their teeth as they grew up

Researchers have found that ceratosaurian theropod dinosaurs had teeth as young juveniles that were gradually lost as they grew up. The discovery reveals a unique developmental process where the toothed jaws of juvenile individuals transition to a completely toothless beaked jaw in more mature individuals.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateDec 22, 2016

US record high temps could outpace record lows 15 to 1 before

New research indicates that the US will see a ratio of 15:1 record highs to lows by 2065 due to increased greenhouse gas emissions. The study suggests that temperatures are expected to rise by around 3 degrees C over the continental US, leading to more frequent record-breaking heatwaves.

SourceNational Center for Atmospheric Research/University Corporation for Atmospheric Research·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 21, 2016

Climate change already accelerating sea level rise, study finds

A new study reveals that greenhouse gases are already accelerating sea level rise, but the impact was initially masked by the massive 1991 Mount Pinatubo eruption. The study finds that removing the eruption's cooling effect from satellite records shows a clear acceleration in sea level rise over time.

Come on baby, (re)light my fire

Researchers found that couples who perceive their partner as responsive experience higher levels of desire, feeling special, and valuing their partner. Responsive partners convey the impression that they are worth pursuing, promoting an already valuable relationship.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalJournal of Personality and Social Psychology·DateJul 20, 2016