ScienceDaily: Strange Science News

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• Shark tooth weapons reveal missing shark species in Central Pacific islands
• Exhaled breath carries a molecular 'breathprint' unique to each individual
• A giant step toward miniaturization: Nanotechnology transforms molecular beams into functional nano-devices
• 'Dancing' silicon atoms discovered in graphene
• Shape from sound: New methods to probe the universe
• Laser light zaps away cocaine addiction
• Invasive crabs help Cape Cod marshes
• Ionic thrusters generate efficient propulsion in air
• Scientists build material that mimics squid beak: Promising step toward safer, more comfortable implants
• Tiny octopus-like microorganisms named after science fiction monsters
• Quantum cryptography: On wings of light

Shark tooth weapons reveal missing shark species in Central Pacific islands Posted: 03 Apr 2013 05:02 PM PDT The Gilbert Island reefs in the Central Pacific were once home to two species of sharks not previously reported in historic records or contemporary studies. The species were discovered in a new analysis of weapons made from shark teeth and used by 19th century islanders.

Exhaled breath carries a molecular 'breathprint' unique to each individual Posted: 03 Apr 2013 05:02 PM PDT Researchers have shown that exhaled human breath contains a characteristic molecular "fingerprint". Stable, specific 'breathprints' unique to an individual exist and may have applications as diagnostic tools in personalized medicine. The scientists want to use this finding to diagnose diseases based on the chemical analysis of patient's exhaled breath, using highly sensitive and precise instrumental methods.

A giant step toward miniaturization: Nanotechnology transforms molecular beams into functional nano-devices Posted: 03 Apr 2013 12:44 PM PDT Semiconductor nanowires are quasi-one-dimensional nanomaterials that have sparked a surge of interest as one of the most powerful and versatile nanotechnological building blocks with actual or potential impact on nanoelectronics, photonics, electromechanics, environmentally friendly energy conversion, biosensing, and neuro-engineering technologies.

'Dancing' silicon atoms discovered in graphene Posted: 03 Apr 2013 11:14 AM PDT Jumping silicon atoms are the stars of a newly discovered atomic scale ballet. The "dancing" movement of the silicon atoms was caused by the energy transferred to the material from the electron beam of the team's microscope.

Shape from sound: New methods to probe the universe Posted: 03 Apr 2013 10:13 AM PDT A new mathematical tool should allow scientists to use "sound" to help reveal the shape of the universe.

Laser light zaps away cocaine addiction Posted: 03 Apr 2013 10:13 AM PDT By stimulating one part of the brain with laser light, researchers have shown that they can wipe away addictive behavior in rats -- or conversely turn non-addicted rats into compulsive cocaine seekers.

Invasive crabs help Cape Cod marshes Posted: 03 Apr 2013 09:20 AM PDT Ecologists are wary of non-native species, but along the shores of Cape Cod where grass-eating crabs have been running amok and destroying the marsh, an invasion of predatory green crabs has helped turn back the tide in favor of the grass.

Ionic thrusters generate efficient propulsion in air Posted: 03 Apr 2013 09:20 AM PDT Thrusters powered by ionic wind may be an efficient alternative to conventional atmospheric propulsion technologies. When a current passes between two electrodes -- one thinner than the other -- it creates a wind in the air between. If enough voltage is applied, the resulting wind can produce a thrust without the help of motors or fuel. Researchers have now found that ionic thrusters may be a far more efficient source of propulsion than conventional jet engines.

Scientists build material that mimics squid beak: Promising step toward safer, more comfortable implants Posted: 03 Apr 2013 07:42 AM PDT Researchers have turned to an unlikely model to make medical devices safer and more comfortable -- a squid's beak. Many medical implants require hard materials that have to connect to or pass through soft body tissue. This mechanical mismatch leads to problems. But the beak, which boasts a mechanical gradient that can act as a shock absorber, may provide a solution.

Tiny octopus-like microorganisms named after science fiction monsters Posted: 03 Apr 2013 06:27 AM PDT Researchers have discovered two new symbionts living in the gut of termites, and taken the unusual step of naming them after fictional monsters created by American horror author HP Lovecraft. The single-cell protists, Cthulhu macrofasciculumque and Cthylla microfasciculumque, help termites digest wood.

Quantum cryptography: On wings of light Posted: 03 Apr 2013 04:19 AM PDT Physicists have, for the first time, successfully transmitted a secure quantum code through the atmosphere from an aircraft to a ground station.

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