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Monday, May 12, 2014

ScienceDaily: Top Technology News

ScienceDaily: Top Technology News


Flexible supercapacitor raises bar for volumetric energy density; Could be woven into clothes to power devices

Posted: 11 May 2014 01:55 PM PDT

Scientists have taken a large step toward making a fiber-like energy storage device that can be woven into clothing and power wearable medical monitors, communications equipment or other small electronics. Their supercapacitor packs an interconnected network of graphene and carbon nanotubes so tightly that it stores energy comparable to some thin-film lithium batteries.

Burning issue of hydrocarbons, impacts on human health

Posted: 09 May 2014 10:15 AM PDT

Methods to identify metabolites of PAHs and NPAHs, found in hydrocarbons, in urine and blood are being developed by researchers. Researchers are also seeking the most sensitive method for measuring PAHs and NPAHs, showing that motorcycle engines released more particulate matter than automobiles.

Leadless Pacemaker Showing Promising Results After One Year

Posted: 09 May 2014 09:59 AM PDT

12-month follow-up data demonstrates that the world's first leadless pacemaker is having overall device performance comparable to conventional pacemakers. The miniature-sized, leadless cardiac pacemaker is placed directly inside a patient's heart without surgery during a catheter-guided procedure through the groin via the femoral vein. The device, resembling a tiny, metal silver tube and smaller than a triple-A battery, is only a few centimeters in length, making it less than ten percent the size of a traditional pacemaker.

Implantable cuff with electrodes

Posted: 09 May 2014 04:42 AM PDT

High blood pressure is the greatest health risk worldwide behind smoking and alcohol consumption. Microsystems engineers and neurosurgeons have teamed up to develop a new cuff equipped with electrodes that can lower blood pressure without causing side effects. The scientists tested the device on rats and succeeded in lowering their mean blood pressure by 30 percent, without causing side effects such as a reduced heart rate or a drastic decrease in respiratory rate.

Threats seen to 3 billion birds in vast Canadian forest

Posted: 08 May 2014 12:12 PM PDT

Industrial encroachment in North America's 1.5 billion-acre boreal forest could endanger billions of birds and other species. A new report calls for saving half of boreal forest acreage to protect the habitat for more than 300 migratory bird species. The northern landscape is beset with oil, gas, mining and other industrial hazards destined for a vast, pristine woodland.

New automated tool can screen for diabetic retinopathy

Posted: 08 May 2014 10:25 AM PDT

A computer program to screen for diabetic retinopathy, a potentially blinding condition that may affect every person with diabetes, has been developed by scientists. EyeArt is a patent-pending, fully automated set of tools able to quickly offer a refer/no-refer recommendation based on images taken of a patient's retina. Researchers found it to be as accurate as trained specialists in screening for the eye disease.

Listening to bipolar disorder: Smartphone App detects mood swings via voice analysis

Posted: 08 May 2014 05:43 AM PDT

A smartphone app that monitors subtle qualities of a person's voice during everyday phone conversations shows promise for detecting early signs of mood changes in people with bipolar disorder. While the app still needs much testing before widespread use, early results from a small group of patients show its potential to monitor moods while protecting privacy.

Genetic patterns in preeclampsia found in study

Posted: 07 May 2014 06:22 PM PDT

A comprehensive review of preeclampsia genetics found important patterns among more than 500 significant genes. Among the insights is that different manifestations of the disease have distinct genetic underpinnings. The researchers plan to make their data freely searchable later this year. The bioinformatics insights provide a new resource for researchers and physicians who have been trying to produce a useful genetic understanding of preeclampsia.

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