MI weekly selection #61

Graphene nanoribbon

Highly conductive graphene nanoribbons

Graphene nanoribbons can conduct electricity much better than was expected. The new graphene nanoribbons differ from other forms by having no rough edges allowing electrons to move ten times more swiftly than theory says they should. The results could have implications in the development of high-end electronics.

Nature News



Advanced bionic hand restores sensation of touch


Popular Mechanics



First coral reef found off southern coast of Greenland

A cold-water coral reef has been discovered off the southwestern coast of Greenland, the first ever found in the region, though cold-water corals have been found before. In another surprise to scientists, the reef is made up of Lophelia pertusa.

Live Science



Giant Ice Age creatures died off as Arctic wildflowers declined

The disappearance of wildflowers in the ancient Arctic may have led to the extinction of such creatures as the woolly mammoth and woolly rhinoceros. The animals started dying out when the flowers gave way to less nutritional grasses and shrubs during the Ice Age, according to scientists who studied DNA found in Arctic permafrost sediments and remains of the creatures. The findings goes against the popular theory that human migration into the Arctic caused the extinction of the big animals due to hunting.




In vino veritas, redux: wine consumption and academic success

A Cambridge college’s total wine consumption is correlated to its students’ top grades. If you discount the tempting hypothesis that more boozing leads to more braininess, what may be some of the factors at play?

The Economist

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