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Science News for December 10, 2004


Good (and bad) things come to those consumers who wait

Research reveals that waiting increases consumption enjoyment for indulgent treats like chocolate, but decreases anticipation for non-pleasurable items. Consumers who wait longer tend to experience more satisfaction upon actual consumption.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateDec 10, 2004

Brain can be trained to process sound in alternate way, study shows

A recent study published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences reveals that the brain can be retrained to process sound in an alternative way, allowing for improved hearing sensitivity. This new system enables neurons to selectively fire at specific volume levels, making it more responsive to subtle changes in loudness.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 10, 2004
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

New data sets survival benchmark for Pfizer's ELLENCE®

A large phase III trial showed that sequential treatment with ELLENCE delivered superior disease-free and overall survival compared to FEC 100 alone. The sequential regimen resulted in a 17% reduction in relapse risk and a 23% reduction in mortality risk.

SourceEdelman Public Relations, New York·DateDec 10, 2004
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

New study links lead exposure with increased risk of cataract

A recent study found that individuals exposed to high levels of lead are more likely to develop cataracts, with bone lead levels being the best predictor. The researchers estimate that lead exposure plays a role in approximately 42 percent of all cataracts in the studied population.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences·JournalJAMA·DateDec 10, 2004

New research into how past experience affects consumer choice

A study published in the Journal of Consumer Research found that past experience significantly impacts consumer decision-making, with thoughtful individuals relying on context to inform their choices. Non-thoughtful individuals, however, are aware of trade-off values but fail to utilize this information when making subsequent decisions.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateDec 10, 2004

Celecoxib shows surprising activity against estrogen receptors

Researchers found that celecoxib reduced estrogen receptor expression by an average of 9% after six months of treatment. This finding confirms celecoxib's antiproliferative properties and suggests a new potential therapeutic approach for breast cancer prevention.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·DateDec 10, 2004
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.

Reducing anti-rejection meds after transplant shows less complications

A new immunosuppression protocol has significantly reduced the need for anti-rejection medications in intestinal transplant patients, resulting in a 96% one-year survival rate. The study showed that 69% of patients are taking a single dose of immunosuppression, and none experienced chronic rejection.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Medical Center·DateDec 10, 2004

A deep sea hydrocarbon factory

Researchers recreated extreme conditions to find that rocks rich in chromium minerals accelerate the production of more complex hydrocarbons. This process may help explain the diverse communities thriving around hydrothermal vents.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota·DateDec 10, 2004
Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

Cloned gene from sea animal may prove key in cancer drug development

Researchers at Scripps Institution of Oceanography have cloned a gene from the marine invertebrate Bugula neritina, which may prove key in developing new cancer drugs. The cloned gene, bryA, is thought to be involved in the production of bryostatin, a family of chemical compounds with potential as anticancer pharmaceuticals.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalChemistry & Biology·DateDec 10, 2004