Mark Hoffman : Science World Report

Aug 20, 2013 08:54 PM EDT

Low Self-Esteem Consumers: When Does Standing Out Help You Fit In?

While it might not surprise, there is now science behind it: consumers who buy brands to stand out may actually be trying to fit in, according to a new study in the Journal of Consumer Research.

Aug 20, 2013 04:08 PM EDT

Low-Cost Smartphone-Powered Autonomous Quadcopter Demonstrated

A completely autonomous quadcopter has been designed at the Vienna University of Technology, with a low-cost smartphone providing computing power and functionality like imaging.

Aug 19, 2013 04:23 PM EDT

Nanoparticles Reprogram Immune Cells to Fight Cancer

Researchers at the University of Georgia are developing a new treatment technique that uses nanoparticles to reprogram immune cells so they are able to recognize and attack cancer.

Aug 19, 2013 03:17 PM EDT

Adding Defects to Superconducting Wire Creates Unprecedented Performance

The ability to control nanoscale imperfections in superconducting wires results in materials with unparalleled and customized performance, according to a new study from the Department of Energy’s Oak Ridge National Laboratory.

Aug 16, 2013 06:52 PM EDT

New Method of Molecular Imaging Demonstrated for First Time

A Rice University laboratory has improved upon its ability to determine molecular structures in three dimensions in ways that challenge long-used standards.

Aug 16, 2013 11:40 AM EDT

Now Live: Watch Russian Spacewalkers Preparing ISS for Future Lab

Clad in Russian Orlan spacesuits, Expedition 36 Flight Engineers Fyodor Yurchikhin and Alexander Misurkin opened the hatch to the Pirs docking compartment to begin their spacewalk at 10:39 a.m. EDT. The duo will spend about 6.5 hours rigging cables for the future arrival of a Russian laboratory modu...

Aug 15, 2013 09:45 PM EDT

Zerg in Starcraft? Research Shows How to Win in RTS Computer Games

Computer science researchers have developed a technique to determine which strategies give players an edge at winning in multi-player (action) real-time strategy (ARTS) games, such as Defense of the Ancients (DotA), Warcraft III and Starcraft II.

Aug 15, 2013 06:05 PM EDT

Could Social Networks Enable Stealthy Bacterial Communication?

M. xanthus cells are connected by an arrangement of chain-like membranes, made up of spherical organelles called vesicles. Scientists initially thought vesicles drifted around randomly until they were encountered by another M. xanthus cell.

Aug 15, 2013 03:25 PM EDT

Virus-Derived Particles Target Blood Cancer

Ottawa researchers have developed unique virus-derived particles that can kill human blood cancer cells in the laboratory and eradicate the disease in mice with few side effects.

Aug 15, 2013 02:45 PM EDT

Tesla Revisited: Wireless Devices That Harvest Energy From Thin Air Demonstrated

We might be one step closer to an Internet-of-things reality. University of Washington engineers have created a new wireless communication system that allows devices to interact with each other without relying on batteries or wires for power.

Aug 14, 2013 05:01 PM EDT

Subliminal Manipulation: Our Brains Can (Unconsciously) Act On Temptation

Inhibitory self control -- not picking up a cigarette, not having a second drink, not spending when we should be saving -- can operate without our awareness or intention.

Aug 14, 2013 04:53 PM EDT

Dwarf Galaxy Caught Ramming Into a Large Spiral Galaxy

Observations with NASA's Chandra X-ray Observatory have revealed a massive cloud of multimillion-degree gas in a galaxy about 60 million light years from Earth.