Newswise: SciNews

Researchers Develop Method to Examine Batteries--From the Inside

New York University — Sun, 12 Feb 2012 13:00:00 EST

Researchers at Cambridge University, Stony Brook University, and New York University have developed methodology, based on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), to examine batteries without destroying them. Their technique creates the possibility of improving battery performance and safety by serving as a diagnostic of its internal workings.

A Mitosis Mystery Solved: How Chromosomes Align Perfectly in a Dividing Cell

Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research — Sun, 12 Feb 2012 13:00:00 EST

Although the process of mitotic cell division has been studied intensely for more than 50 years, Whitehead Institute researchers have only now solved the mystery of how cells correctly align their chromosomes during symmetric mitosis.

Complex Wiring of the Nervous System May Rely on a Just a Handful of Genes and Proteins

Salk Institute for Biological Studies — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 16:00:00 EST

Researchers at the Salk Institute have discovered a startling feature of early brain development that helps to explain how complex neuron wiring patterns are programmed using just a handful of critical genes. The findings, published February 3 in Cell, may help scientists develop new therapies for neurological disorders, such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and provide insight into certain cancers.

New Study by Biologist Finds Dramatic Improvements and Persistent Challenges for Women in Science

Boston University College of Arts & Sciences — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 15:05:00 EST

The underrepresentation of women in science has received significant attention. However, there have been few studies in which longitudinal data were used to assess changes over time. In a paper recently published in the journal BioScience, Richard B. Primack, professor of biology at Boston University; Krista L. McGuire, assistant professor of biological sciences at Barnard College, Columbia University; and Elizabeth C. Losos, adjunct professor at Duke University and president and CEO of the Organization for Tropical Studies, find that women in the field of ecological studies have experienced dramatic improvements, but persistent challenges remain.

Environment's Effects on Evolution of Survival Traits

University of Massachusetts Amherst — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 14:45:00 EST

Advances in studying genes mean that scientists in evolutionary developmental biology or "evo-devo" can now explain more clearly than ever before how bats got wings, the turtle got its shell and blind cave fish lost their eyes, says evolutionary biologist Craig Albertson, who studies cichlid fishes.

Omega-3 Fatty Acid on Trial: Study to Evaluate Long-Term Effects on Intelligence, Behavior

University of Kansas, Life Span Institute — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 13:00:00 EST

University of Kansas conducts ten-year randomized controlled trial of prenatal supplementation with omega-3 fatty acid to evaluate long-term effects on children's intelligence and school success.

Hovering Not Hard if You're Top-Heavy

New York University — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 11:00:00 EST

Top-heavy structures are more likely to maintain their balance while hovering in the air than are those that bear a lower center of gravity, researchers at NYU's Courant Institute of Mathematical Sciences and Department of Physics have found. Their findings are counter to common perceptions that flight stability can be achieved only through a relatively even distribution of weight--and may offer new design principles for hovering aircraft.

TMS Co-Sponsoring Materials Innovation Informational Event in Washington, D.C.

TMS (The Minerals, Metals Array Materials Society) — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 16:35:00 EST

Improving global competitiveness by preparing current and prospective American innovators and scientific engineers with skills for advanced material acceleration will be the subject of a materials information luncheon co-sponsored by The Minerals, Metals & Materials Society (TMS) February 15 in Washington, D.C.

Anyone Can Learn to Be More Inventive

University of Massachusetts Amherst — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 16:30:00 EST

There will always be a wild, unpredictable quality to creativity and invention, says cognitive psychology researcher Anthony McCaffrey, because reaching an "Aha moment" means leaping tall mental obstacles. But he has developed a tookit for overcoming common roadblocks and improving problem-solving.

UC San Diego Jacobs School of Engineering Faculty Elected to National Academy of Engineering

University of California, San Diego — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 16:10:00 EST

Three faculty members in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at the University of California, San Diego Jacobs School of Engineering have been elected to the National Academy of Engineering.

Electrical Engineers Build "No-Waste" Laser

University of California, San Diego — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 16:00:00 EST

Team makes startling discovery in highly efficient, "thresholdless" laser.

ORNL's Zinkle Elected to National Academy of Engineering

Oak Ridge National Laboratory — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 14:00:00 EST

Steven J. Zinkle, a senior materials researcher at the Department of Energy's Oak Ridge National Laboratory, has been elected to the National Academy of Engineering (NAE).

Chemists Harvest Light to Create 'Green' Tool for Pharmaceuticals

University of Arkansas, Fayetteville — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 13:00:00 EST

A team of University of Arkansas researchers, including an Honors College student, has created a new, "green" method for developing medicines. The researchers used energy from a light bulb to create an organic molecule that may be useful in the treatment of Alzheimer's and other brain diseases.

Boise State Engineer Receives National Science Foundation Grant for Earthquake Research

Boise State University — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 12:40:00 EST

A new grant awarded by the National Science Foundation to a Boise State University civil engineering researcher aims to minimize soil liquefaction.

Analyzing Records to Investigate the Ecological Impacts of Climate Change: A Template From Thoreau's Concord

Boston University College of Arts & Sciences — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 12:00:00 EST

In a paper recently published in the journal BioScience, Richard B. Primack, professor of biology at Boston University, and Abraham J. Miller-Rushing, science coordinator at the Acadia National Park and the Schoodic Education and Research Center, National Park Service, show how unconventional sources of data, including historical documents, can be used to extend investigations of environmental change back to the 19th century.

Model Analyzes Shape-Memory Alloys for Use in Earthquake-Resistant Structures

Georgia Institute of Technology, Research Communications — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 08:00:00 EST

Recent earthquake damage has exposed the vulnerability of existing structures to strong ground movement. At Georgia Tech, researchers are analyzing shape-memory alloys for their potential use in constructing seismic-resistant structures.

Fruit Fly Turn-On: A Sexy, Youthful Smell May Make Up for Advancing Age

University of Michigan Health System — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 00:15:00 EST

Beauty is more than skin deep, at least for fruit flies studied in new research that demonstrates how age-related changes in pheromone production can reduce sexual attractiveness.

New Integrated Building Model to Improve Success of Fish Farming Operations

University of Massachusetts Amherst — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 16:30:00 EST

Aquaculture researcher Andy Danylchuk and colleagues are melding building design, fish ecology and aquaculture engineering techniques into a first-of-its-kind "building-integrated aquaculture" (BIAq) model to offer an affordable, more holistic and sustainable approach to indoor fish production.

Utilizing Risk-Adjustment Strategies to Navigate an Equitable Road Toward Health Care Reform

Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 16:00:00 EST

Researchers at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health examine why health reform could lead to favorable or adverse risk selection across health plans. The article reviews provisions within the Affordable Care Act legislation and discusses key risk- adjustment implementation issues for states establishing health insurance exchanges. Results from a simulation using data from 5 million insured persons show how risk-adjusted transfer payments will be essential to help minimize selection bias across participating health plans.

Venter to Give Keynote Speech at 2012 ARVO Annual Meeting: Genomics Pioneer to Speak on "Writing the Genetic Code"

Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO) — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 14:20:00 EST

The Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology is pleased to welcome J. Craig Venter as the keynote speaker at the opening session of ARVO 2012 on Sunday, May 6 in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Venter's presentation is entitled "From Reading to Writing the Genetic Code."

NASA's Chandra Finds Milky Way's Black Hole Grazing on Asteroids

Chandra X-ray Observatory — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 13:15:00 EST

The giant black hole at the center of the Milky Way may be vaporizing and devouring asteroids, which could explain the frequent flares observed, according to astronomers using data from NASA's Chandra X-ray Observatory.

Transformational Fruit Fly Genome Catalog Completed

North Carolina State University — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 13:00:00 EST

Scientists searching for the genomics version of the holy grail - more insight into predicting how an animal's genes affect physical or behavioral traits - now have a reference manual that should speed gene discoveries in everything from pest control to personalized medicine.

Soil Resource Inventory of the National Park System

Soil Science Society of America (SSSA) — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 12:55:00 EST

Important program coordinates data from soil surveys of national parks, preserves, seashores, monuments and other designations. New logistical challenges will expand the soil science frontier.

Longtime Soil Science Publication Repositioned and Relaunched

Soil Science Society of America (SSSA) — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 12:15:00 EST

Exciting move to an exclusive online delivery format for relaunched publication is consistent with the Soil Science of America's desire to serve a larger audience of readers.

Bird Populations Near Fukushima Are More Diminished Than Expected

University of South Carolina — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 11:25:00 EST

Low-level radiation in Fukushima Prefecture appears to have had immediate effects on bird populations, and to a greater degree than was expected from a related analysis of Chernobyl.