Science News

In nanorod crystal growth, nanoparticles seen as artificial atoms

admin — Thu, 24 May 2012 19:00:16 +0000

In the growth of crystals, do nanoparticles act as "artificial atoms" forming molecular-type building blocks that can assemble into complex structures? This is the contention of a major but controversial theory to explain nanocrystal growth. A study by researchers at the DOE's Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (Berkeley Lab) may resolve the controversy and point the way to energy devices of the future.

First direct observation of oriented attachment in nanocrystal growth

admin — Thu, 24 May 2012 19:00:14 +0000

Berkeley Lab researchers have reported the first direct observation of nanoparticles undergoing oriented attachment, the critical step in biomineralization and the growth of nanocrystals. A better understanding of oriented attachment in nanoparticles is a key to synthesizing new materials with remarkable structural properties.

Discarded data may hold the key to a sharper view of molecules

admin — Thu, 24 May 2012 19:00:10 +0000

There's nothing like a new pair of eyeglasses to bring fine details into sharp relief. For scientists who study the large molecules of life from proteins to DNA, the equivalent of new lenses have come in the form of an advanced method for analyzing data from X-ray crystallography experiments.

Pivotal role for proteins — from helping turn carbs into energy to causing devastating disease

admin — Thu, 24 May 2012 19:00:01 +0000

Research into how carbohydrates are converted into energy has led to a surprising discovery with implications for the treatment of a perplexing and potentially fatal neuromuscular disorder and possibly even cancer and heart disease.

Climate Warming Helps British Butterfly Spread

admin — Thu, 24 May 2012 18:10:40 +0000

The brown argus butterfly has expanded its range rapidly in recent years.

Can magma crystals predict eruptions?

admin — Thu, 24 May 2012 18:04:17 +0000

Researchers home in on a chemical fingerprint for volcanic eruptions but can currently only examine it after the eruption

Brightly colored bird bills indicate good health

admin — Thu, 24 May 2012 17:47:47 +0000

Female bill color reflects the health of the bird, a new study shows. Females with more colorful bills have higher antibody levels, indicating greater strength and the ability to fight off invaders.

Physicists set new record for graphene solar cell efficiency

admin — Thu, 24 May 2012 17:46:46 +0000

Doping may be a no-no for athletes, but researchers say it was key in getting unprecedented power conversion efficiency from a new graphene solar cell created in their lab.

Caveman Flutists? First Instruments Date Back 40,000 Years

admin — Thu, 24 May 2012 17:42:08 +0000

Bone flutes would have brought music to ancient humans.

SpaceX Commercial Spacecraft Makes History With 1st Space Station Flyby

admin — Thu, 24 May 2012 17:19:39 +0000

SpaceX's Dragon space capsule approached within 1.5 miles of the International Space Station early Thursday.

Newly modified nanoparticle opens window on future gene editing technologies

admin — Thu, 24 May 2012 17:14:52 +0000

The scientific and technological literature is abuzz with nanotechnology and its manufacturing and medical applications. But it is in an area with a less glitzy aura—plant sciences—where nanotechnology advancements are contributing dramatically to agriculture.

‘Normal’ 2012 Hurricane Season Predicted

admin — Thu, 24 May 2012 17:10:22 +0000

But nobody is off the hook and officials urge preparedness.

Excitons: Exotic particles, chilled and trapped, form giant matter wave

admin — Thu, 24 May 2012 17:07:27 +0000

Physicists have trapped and cooled exotic particles called excitons so effectively that they condensed and cohered to form a giant matter wave.

Private Spaceship to Make 1st Space Station Flyby Thursday

admin — Thu, 24 May 2012 17:06:52 +0000

The SpaceX Dragon capsule will fly within 1.5 miles (2.5 kilometers) of the space station early Thursday.

Nuisance seaweed found to produce compounds with biomedical potential

admin — Thu, 24 May 2012 17:00:20 +0000

A seaweed considered a threat to the healthy growth of coral reefs in Hawaii may possess the ability to produce substances that could one day treat human diseases, a new study led by scientists at Scripps Institution of Oceanography at UC San Diego has revealed.

Possible Newfound Alien Planet is Falling to Pieces

admin — Thu, 24 May 2012 16:48:53 +0000

The planetary candidate could be evaporating from the intense heat of its parent star.

Taking Away Recess Bad for ADHD Kids, Experts Say

admin — Thu, 24 May 2012 16:43:36 +0000

Children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) may behave better if they exercise.

Daily Rhythm Disruptions Linked to Fertility Problems

admin — Thu, 24 May 2012 16:35:30 +0000

Mice were less likely to have offspring when researchers disrupted their usual sleep and wake cycle, a new study says.

Nuisance seaweed found to produce compounds with biomedical potential

admin — Thu, 24 May 2012 16:32:32 +0000

A seaweed considered a threat to the healthy growth of coral reefs in Hawaii may possess the ability to produce substances that could one day treat human diseases, a new study has revealed.

Relationship between social status and wound-healing in wild baboons

admin — Thu, 24 May 2012 16:32:32 +0000

Biologists have found that male baboons that have a high rank within their society recover more quickly from injuries, and are less likely to become ill than other males.