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Science News for March 29, 2005


Carrots of color

Dr. Leonard Pike aims to breed a carrot containing lutein, carotene, anthocyanin, and lycopene, which have been shown to ward off various diseases and improve health. The goal is to create a healthier snack option for Americans who consume over 5 pounds of carrots annually.

'Color-blind' method opens new doors in DNA sequencing

A new DNA sequencing method called pulsed multiline excitation (PME) uses four lasers to eliminate cross-talk between dyes, resulting in more precise sequence information. This technology could lower costs for high-throughput genetic scans and lead to rapid and inexpensive genome sequencing.

SourceRice University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 29, 2005

Challenging the Venus and Mars theory

A study by Fisher and Dubé finds that men exhibit significant emotional responses to ads when alone, contrary to the stereotype of women being more 'emotional'. The research reveals that males are sensitive to specific types of emotions in social environments, leading to profound implications for advertisers approaching male customers.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateMar 29, 2005

Enticing the bilingual consumer

A recent study found that advertisers who switched from a majority to a minority language (typically English to Spanish) elicited more negative thoughts and lower product evaluations than those switching in reverse. This suggests that consumers perceive minority languages as having less prestige, affecting persuasion.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateMar 29, 2005

The power of pride

This study explores how positive emotions, specifically pride, influence consumer behavior and repurchasing decisions. Key findings show that high pride can lead to reduced repurchase intentions due to differing self-regulatory goals. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for predicting consumer behavior in marketing strategies.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateMar 29, 2005

Does wooing work?

Consumers demonstrate general reciprocity by rewarding firms for actions with no personal benefit, based on perceived motives. The study's findings suggest that the true motives of firms do not influence consumer responses to effort.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateMar 29, 2005

Unexpected benefit seen in treating HER-2 breast cancer with new preoperative drug combo

Researchers found that combining chemotherapy with Herceptin before surgery in early-stage breast cancer patients resulted in a 42% higher tumor reduction and 66.7% pathological complete remission rate compared to chemotherapy alone. The combination also showed less risk of heart damage, leading the clinical trial to be halted early.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateMar 29, 2005

The cult of consumerism

Researchers found that brand communities exhibit transformative experiences, magic, religion, and supernatural elements. Consumers take on a cult-like role, modifying products, innovating, and sharing stories to sustain the brand's values and beliefs.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateMar 29, 2005

UW study shows blacks and Latinos are more satisfied with physicians of the same race

A national survey of over 3,800 patients found that nearly 25% of blacks and 33% of Latinos prefer physicians of the same race. This preference is linked to higher patient satisfaction rates. Researchers suggest addressing racial disparities in healthcare by increasing access to minority physicians and improving patient choice options.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateMar 29, 2005

Playing the game

The article explores how social class affects consumer practices through the concept of habitus, which shapes self-concept and everyday spending. Professional consumers exhibit more elaborate budgeting strategies due to their experience of empowerment.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateMar 29, 2005