Science & Technology - May 22, 2013 11:38 - 0 Comments

Bendy nano-sensors detect infrared light

U. PENN (US) — Engineers have used a pattern of nanoantennas to develop a new way of turning infrared light into mechanical action, which could improve infrared cameras and chemical-analysis techniques. (more…)

Earth & Environment - May 16, 2013 13:12 - 0 Comments

Massive Cascadia quake on the horizon?

U. PENNSYLVANIA (US) — Tiny fossils offer clues to a 1700 earthquake in the Pacific Northwest that was strong enough to cause a tsunami as far away as Japan. (more…)

Society & Culture - Apr 9, 2013 12:08 - 2 Comments

Kids ‘get’ grammar as young as age 2

U. PENNSYLVANIA (US) — When they first learn to speak, children as young as 2 are doing more than just imitating adults—they actually understand basic grammar rules, new research suggests. (more…)

Society & Culture - Mar 21, 2013 12:40 - 1 Comment

Mystery timing can make waiting seem silly

U. PENNSYLVANIA (US) — With unknown timing, it can be logical to opt for immediate gratification, according to a new study that challenges a classic test of kids’ self-control. (more…)

Science & Technology - Mar 19, 2013 10:13 - 1 Comment

To get creative, shed brain’s thought filter

U. PENNSYLVANIA (US) — Blocking the brain’s prefrontal cortex—the part that works as a kind of filter to keep out irrelevant thoughts—can improve performance when completing creative tasks, new research shows. (more…)

Health & Medicine - Feb 25, 2013 14:13 - 0 Comments

Invaders with ‘passports’ sneak past immune system

U. PENNSYLVANIA (US) — Scientists attached a chemical “passport” to nanoparticles, allowing them to pass through the body without triggering an immune response. (more…)

Science & Technology - Feb 4, 2013 10:30 - 0 Comments

Nanotech wear and tear, atom by atom

U. PENNSYLVANIA (US) — Scientists now have a clearer picture of how materials wear out at the nanoscale, which could help them design better parts for very tiny machines. (more…)

Science & Technology - Jan 23, 2013 12:37 - 0 Comments

Particle size matters when coffee dries up

U. PENNSYLVANIA (US) — The “coffee-ring effect” is why some liquids leave behind a ring-shaped stain when they evaporate. Scientists reveal why the shape of the particles matters. (more…)

Science & Technology - Jan 8, 2013 10:29 - 0 Comments

‘Bed of nails’ shapes defects in liquid crystals

U. PENNSYLVANIA (US) — Researchers have learned to control defects on the surface of liquid crystals by manipulating microscopic posts underneath. (more…)

Science & Technology - Nov 28, 2012 10:25 - 0 Comments

For bendy circuits, ‘print’ on nanocrystals

U. PENNSYLVANIA (US) — Scientists have shown that they can “print” nanocrystals of the semiconductor cadmium selenide onto flexible plastics to form high-performance electronics. (more…)

Science & Technology - Oct 12, 2012 11:20 - 0 Comments

Nano-material copies butterfly colors

U. PENNSYLVANIA (US) — Researchers have figured out how to recreate the bright, beautiful colors of butterfly wings, as well as their ability to strongly repel water. (more…)

Health & Medicine - Oct 5, 2012 13:23 - 0 Comments

Dogs shielded 9/11 rescue workers from PTSD

U. PENNSYLVANIA (US) — First responders who had working dog partners during the 9/11 search-and-rescue efforts have lower rates of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) than other rescue groups, a survey shows. (more…)

Science & Technology - Oct 3, 2012 14:23 - 0 Comments

Friendly baboons often outlive ‘loners’

U. PENN (US) — Like humans, some baboons’ personalities are better suited to making and keeping friends— social skills that play a role in health and longevity, research shows. (more…)

Science & Technology - Sep 11, 2012 11:37 - 1 Comment

In all-optical switch, nanowires manipulate light

U. PENNSYLVANIA (US) — Scientists have developed the first all-optical photonic switch fashioned from nanowires. (more…)

Earth & Environment - Aug 17, 2012 11:53 - 5 Comments

Fossil pollen shows ancient Egypt’s mega-drought

U. PENNSYLVANIA (US) — Ancient pollen and charcoal from Egypt’s Nile Delta reveal that a society busy building pyramids also had to face a changing climate. (more…)

3D printed vascular network made from sugar

U. PENNSYLVANIA (US) — Researchers have shown that 3D printed templates can be used to rapidly create vasculature and improve engineered living tissues. (more…)

Science & Technology - Jul 11, 2012 12:36 - 5 Comments

Cooperation keeps monkey bosses on top

U. PENNSYLVANIA (US) — Alpha male monkeys who are willing at times to concede to subordinates keep the top job longer—and have more offspring as a result. (more…)

Science & Technology - Aug 22, 2011 14:36 - 1 Comment

Physicists undo the ‘coffee ring effect’

U. PENN (US) — By changing the shape of particles, physicists are able to disrupt a common phenomenon known as the “coffee ring effect“— the ring-shaped stain left after coffee drops evaporate. (more…)

Friday, June 7, 2013 12:38 - 1 Comment