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Science News for May 26, 2005


Face value: Hidden smiles influence consumption and judgment

Researchers found that people altered their behavior after exposure to subliminal happy faces, drinking more and paying triple the price for a mystery drink. Thirst proved necessary for influence, and effects were short-lived, lasting only until conscious awareness arrived.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·DateMay 26, 2005

Feelings of threat lead to restricted civil liberties

A study found that feelings of threat lead to increased support for US military intervention, restrictions on foreign visitors, and increased surveillance. The authors also discovered a link between anxiety and opposition to military action, but not to policies targeting Arabs.

SourceBlackwell Publishing Ltd.·JournalAmerican Journal of Political Science·DateMay 26, 2005
GoPro HERO13 Black

GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.

Study: 'homemade' gene expression technology unreliable

A recent study found that homemade gene expression technology is less reliable than commercial microarray platforms. The research, led by OHSU scientist Peter Spencer, used standardized protocols to compare lab-built and commercially produced microarrays, showing improved reproducibility with commercial platforms.

SourceOregon Health & Science University·JournalNature Methods·DateMay 26, 2005

New birth defects study - animal tests accurate half the time

A new study by the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine found that animal tests for birth defects are often inaccurate, with potential teratogens causing effects in animals but not humans. In vitro testing, such as embryonic stem cell tests, is considered a more effective alternative.

SourcePhysicians Committee for Responsible Medicine·JournalBiogenic Amines·DateMay 26, 2005
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

UK receives $6 million for Appalachia Community Cancer Network

The UK Appalachia Community Cancer Network will focus on prevention and early detection of specific cancers with high incidence rates in the region. The network builds on the progress made by a previous program and aims to address the high cancer burden in Appalachian communities.

SourceUniversity of Kentucky·DateMay 26, 2005

Familiar songs act as strong memory cues, K-State researcher finds

A study by K-State researcher Elizabeth Cady found that familiar songs act as strong memory cues, regardless of whether participants heard the song or saw only the lyrics, photo or title. The study used 124 participants who chose a song from lists of popular music from different periods of their lives.

SourceKansas State University·DateMay 26, 2005

New insight into potential cause of sexual dysfunction in women

Researchers investigated the role of genital neurological integrity and found that almost half of women with female sexual dysfunction (FSD) reported symptoms. Decreased sensation in the clitoris was particularly prevalent among those with multiple forms of FSD.

SourceYale University·JournalAmerican Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology·DateMay 26, 2005
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

UK demand for overseas doctors severely affecting sub-Saharan Africa

The UK's chronic need to recruit health professionals from overseas is exacerbating the brain drain in English-speaking sub-Saharan Africa. Experts suggest increasing training of doctors and nurses in the UK and providing practical assistance to African countries affected by loss of health professionals.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateMay 26, 2005

Association between depression severity and poor glycemic control among Hispanics with diabetes

Research found a strong association between depression severity and poor glycemic control among Hispanics with diabetes, particularly those with moderate-severe depression. This underlines the importance of identifying and treating depression to improve diabetic outcomes in this high-risk population.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateMay 26, 2005
Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.

Patients with metabolic syndrome, moderate coronary calcium have greater risk of blocked arteries

Researchers at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center found that patients with metabolic syndrome and moderate coronary calcium have a greater chance of having blockage in their arteries. The study analyzed 1,043 patients without known heart disease and found that those with metabolic syndrome had a significantly higher risk of ischemia during st...

SourceCedars-Sinai Medical Center·JournalDiabetes Care·DateMay 26, 2005

Exposure to gun violence boosts odds of teens acting violently

A new study by University of Michigan researcher Jeffrey B. Bingenheimer found that adolescents exposed to gun violence are nearly four times as likely to perpetrate violence over the next two years. The study used propensity stratification to simulate randomization and controlled for demographic, socioeconomic, and temperamental factors.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalScience·DateMay 26, 2005

Naked carbon/oxygen stars linked to gamma-ray bursts

A team of astronomers suggests that Type Ic supernovae could produce gamma-ray bursts through the collapsar model, which proposes an asymmetric explosion mechanism and a jet of particles and energy. The theory is supported by observations with Keck and Subaru telescopes in Hawaii.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalScience·DateMay 26, 2005
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.

University looks to the past in fight against disease

The University of Manchester's Centre for the History of Science, Technology and Medicine is conducting a three-month study on infectious diseases. The project will examine the evolving risk of diseases, changing detection requirements, and cutting-edge science to inform future research and management policies.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·DateMay 26, 2005

Global analysis of membrane proteins

A team of researchers has created simple structural models for over 600 Escherichia coli membrane proteins using a combination of experimental techniques and theoretical methods. The study reveals which membrane proteins can be produced in large quantities by the bacterium, crucial information for drug development.

SourceSwedish Research Council·JournalScience·DateMay 26, 2005

NCAR researcher sheds light on solar storms

A NCAR researcher used white-light images of the Sun's corona to study magnetic flux ropes, which store massive amounts of energy. The study found that these structures can form prior to a coronal mass ejection (CME), suggesting a new approach for understanding and forecasting CMEs.

SourceNational Center for Atmospheric Research/University Corporation for Atmospheric Research·DateMay 26, 2005

Resistance training benefits older Hispanic adults with type 2 diabetes

A study found that resistance training significantly improved blood sugar levels in older Hispanic adults with type 2 diabetes. The participants who underwent 16 weeks of resistance training showed a substantial reduction in body fat and increase in muscle mass, similar to the effects seen when weight loss is achieved through other means.

SourceTufts University·DateMay 26, 2005
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.

U-M study shows devotion to Islam is not linked to terror

A new study by the University of Michigan found that personal devotion to Islam is not linked to support for suicide bombings, but attending mosques more frequently is. The study analyzed data from over 1,150 Palestinian Muslim adults and found that communal religious practice was a predictor of support for suicide terrorism.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·DateMay 26, 2005

Rice unveils 'green' microcapsule production method

The new process, developed by Michael Wong and his team, involves mixing polymer, salt, and tiny silica particles to create hollow spheres that can encapsulate drugs, flavor compounds, and other molecular cargo. The microcapsules have potential applications in drug delivery, medical imaging, and enzyme protection.

SourceRice University·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateMay 26, 2005
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.

Live vaccines more effective against horse herpes virus

A limited study of 15 horses found that MLV vaccines consistently had lower fevers, no neurological disorders and less virus in nasal fluids. The horses were then exposed to the herpes virus after vaccination with either an MLV or inactivated vaccine.

SourceCornell University·DateMay 26, 2005

Duke engineers develop new 3-D cardiac imaging probe

Researchers at Duke University have developed a new 3-D cardiac imaging probe that offers sharper, high-contrast images and real-time guidance for therapeutic treatment devices. The probe's ability to generate three-dimensional images may shorten patient time in clinics and reduce radiation exposure.

SourceDuke University·JournalUltrasonic Imaging·DateMay 26, 2005

Easy access to nicotine patches could help more smokers to quit

A large-scale distribution programme of free NRT in New York found that 33% of recipients successfully quit smoking, compared to 6% in the comparison group. The programme accounted for at least 6,000 successful quits, with a cost of US$464 or less per quit.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateMay 26, 2005
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Natural relaxant protects against asthma, may yield new therapy

Researchers at Duke University Medical Center have discovered a natural compound, nitrosoglutathione (GSNO), that helps keep airways open and may offer a new approach to treating asthma. Mice with elevated levels of GSNO were less susceptible to asthma, while those deficient in GSNO developed the disease.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalScience·DateMay 26, 2005

New underwater volcano found near Samoa

Scientists have discovered a new underwater volcano near Samoa, dubbed Nafanua, which has rapidly formed since its last expedition in May 2001. The volcano's growth rate averages eight inches per day, and researchers found an unusual biological community of eels inhabiting the area.

SourceWoods Hole Oceanographic Institution·DateMay 26, 2005

ESRC - Building a strong and sustainable future for UK social science

The ESRC Delivery Plan aims to increase responsive funding, address staff recruitment and retention issues, and enable major partnerships through collaborative funding. The plan also focuses on addressing key research challenges and demonstrating high ethical standards in social science research.

SourceEconomic & Social Research Council·DateMay 26, 2005
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.

Ontario's mental health care evaluated

A University of Toronto report assesses the overall performance of 11 psychiatric hospitals and 45 acute-care facilities in Ontario, highlighting strengths and weaknesses. The study identifies key areas for improvement, including patient participation, continuity of care, regional variation, and evidence-based care.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·DateMay 26, 2005

New opportunities from old chemistry in surface science, say Purdue chemists

A team of Purdue chemists has found that amines can form stable bonds with gold surfaces, making them suitable for coating sensors and other devices. This discovery could expand the range of molecules used in biotech applications, particularly in biosensors that detect proteins in the blood to indicate disease.

SourcePurdue University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateMay 26, 2005

Solid-state lighting sources getting more energy efficient and smart

Researchers at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute are developing smart lighting sources with improved spectral power distribution, polarization, and color temperature to enable new functions in various fields. These innovations have the potential to reduce energy consumption, dependency on oil, and greenhouse gas emissions.

SourceRensselaer Polytechnic Institute·JournalScience·DateMay 26, 2005
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.

Hydrogen sensors are faster, more sensitive

Researchers at Argonne National Laboratory have developed a new type of hydrogen sensor that shows rapid and reversible responses to hydrogen gas. The sensors use a discontinuous palladium thin film on a glass slide coated with a self-assembled monolayer, resulting in faster response times and increased sensitivity.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateMay 26, 2005