Imaging technique allows study of cell membrane and its defenses
Daily Mail: A super-resolution microscopy technique developed at Sandia National Laboratories is allowing researchers to study a cell membrane with extraordinary spatial resolution. The technique builds on super-resolution capabilities developed in recent years, but it goes another step by adding dual-color capabilities to the relatively new stochastic optical reconstruction microscopy, or STORM. Sandia researchers Jesse [...]
Too posh to push? The increasing trend for cesarean section
During the last thirty years there has been an increase in the number of babies born by Caesarean section. New research published in BioMed Central’s open access journal BMC Public Health shows that there has also been a change in the social and economic status of the mothers involved and that advantaged mothers are more [...]
First habitable exoplanet? Climate simulation reveals new candidate that could support Earth-like life
The planetary system around the red dwarf Gliese 581, one of the closest stars to the Sun in the galaxy, has been the subject of several studies aiming to detect the first potentially habitable exoplanet. Two candidates have already been discarded, but a third planet, Gliese 581d, can be considered the first confirmed exoplanet that [...]
Scientists track environmental influences on giant kelp with help from satellite data
Scientists have developed new methods for studying how environmental factors and climate affect giant kelp forest ecosystems at unprecedented spatial and temporal scales. ScienceDaily: Space & Time News
Stem cell study could pave the way to treatment for age-related muscle wasting
A team led by developmental biologist Professor Christophe Marcelle has nailed the mechanism that causes stem cells in the embryo to differentiate into specialised cells that form the skeletal muscles of animals’ bodies. The scientists published their results in the British journal Nature on Monday (May 16). PhysOrg.com – latest science and technology news stories
Apple, Google to attend hearing on mobile privacy
US lawmakers have invited Apple, Facebook and Google to attend a hearing on mobile phones and privacy on Thursday — the second Capitol Hill appearance in a week for executives from Apple and Google. PhysOrg.com – latest science and technology news stories
New SETI survey focuses on Kepler’s top Earth-like planets
Astronomers are searching for evidence of intelligent life on planets identified by the Kepler space telescope team as having Earth-like environments. This search for extraterrestrial intelligence (SETI) targets 86 stars with possible planetary systems. ScienceDaily: Space & Time News
Improving the teaching of science
New York Times: According to a new study published in Science, undergraduate students learn better through an interactive approach than through the more traditional lecture style of teaching. A team of researchers at the University of British Columbia in Canada led by Nobel Prize–winning physicist Carl Wieman compared results from an introductory college physics course [...]
Galaxy NGC 4214: A star formation laboratory
Hubble’s newest camera has taken an image of galaxy NGC 4214. This galaxy glows brightly with young stars and gas clouds, and is an ideal laboratory to research star formation and evolution. ScienceDaily: Space & Time News
Station Crew Preps for Return Home, Shuttle Visit
Aboard the orbiting International Space Station, Expedition 27 wrapped up the workweek Friday with a variety of microgravity research experiments and preparations for the return home of three of its crew members while space shuttle Endeavour is docked with the station. Commander Dmitry Kondratyev and Flight Engineers Cady Coleman and Paolo Nespoli, who arrived on [...]