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Science News Archive 2007 - Page 27


Page 27 of 203

That friendly car is smiling at me: When products are perceived as people

Researchers found that consumers are more likely to anthropomorphize products with features associated with human traits, such as loyalty or helpfulness. This study's findings suggest that marketers' efforts to create personable brands may shift the evaluation process from product to human characteristics.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateNov 12, 2007

Health professionals responding to ethnic diversity

A study of British doctors and health professionals found they struggle with language barriers, cultural understanding, and uncertainty about how to care for patients from ethnic minority backgrounds. This uncertainty can lead to hesitancy and inertia in practice, contributing to inequalities in care.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateNov 12, 2007
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Human ancestors: more gatherers than hunters?

A recent study of chimpanzees in western Tanzania suggests that early humans may have dug potato-like foods with tools, challenging the long-held assumption that meat was more important for brain evolution. The research found that chimps only dig for roots during the rainy season, when other food sources are abundant.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 12, 2007

Burn injuries take devastating toll on nation's children

A new national study finds that burn-related injuries among children and adolescents in the US may be a more significant public health concern than previously estimated. The study found that young children are most at risk of burns, with those under 2 years old accounting for half of all pediatric burn hospitalizations.

SourceNationwide Children's Hospital·JournalJournal of Burn Care & Rehabilitation·DateNov 12, 2007

Social change relies more on the easily influenced than the highly influential

A new study finds that large cascades of influence are driven by a critical mass of easily influenced individuals, rather than highly influential ones. The researchers created an influence network with opinion flows in many directions at once and introduced various factors to evaluate their effects.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateNov 12, 2007
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.

UTSA new center for manufacturing awarded $500,000

The University of Texas at San Antonio College of Engineering has been awarded a grant to build and support new research laboratories in manufacturing engineering. The center aims to attract federal funding and assist local communities in building up their manufacturing businesses.

SourceUniversity of Texas at San Antonio·DateNov 12, 2007

Pursuing parenthood: Discourses of persistence

A new study investigates how culturally engrained systems of ideas influence persistent goal striving for parenthood. The researchers identify three major discourses: scientific rationalism, self-management, and fatalism, which shape people's appraisals of means, planning, and persistence in achieving parenthood. These discourses help ...

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateNov 12, 2007

Higher risk of death for babies born just a few weeks early, study finds

A new study published in the Journal of Pediatrics reveals that babies born just a few weeks premature are at increased risk of death during their first week of life. The study found that late preterm infants face a six-fold higher mortality rate compared to full-term infants.

SourceMarch of Dimes Foundation·JournalThe Journal of Pediatrics·DateNov 12, 2007
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.

Smart dust, gassy antennas, and warp speed calculations

Miniature smart dust probes are being developed to collect data on fluid systems. Researchers have also created stealthy gas-filled antennas that can be reconfigured for improved signal reception, while a new analysis improves calculations for high-energy physics experiments by factors of a million

SourceAmerican Physical Society·DateNov 12, 2007

New study looks at long-term drug costs for treating AIDS in Brazil

Researchers analyzed long-term cost trends of HAART drugs in Brazil, finding that while costs increased due to rising treatment needs, the country saved $1 billion through price negotiations with pharmaceutical companies. The study highlights the need for increased resources to achieve universal access to AIDS treatment.

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateNov 12, 2007
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Using neural signals to predict sensory decisions

A study using high-speed videography and neural recordings reveals that cortical neurons' firing patterns can predict the texture identification decisions of rats. The findings shed light on the neural mechanisms underlying tactile sensory discrimination.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateNov 12, 2007

Tool-wielding chimps provide a glimpse of early human behavior

Researchers have discovered that chimpanzees in a savanna environment use bark and stick tools to exploit underground food resources, challenging the notion that this behavior is uniquely human. This finding supports the idea that chimpanzees can serve as models for understanding early human behaviors and adaptations.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 12, 2007
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.

Eating your greens could prove life-saving if a heart attack strikes

Researchers found that consuming vegetables rich in nitrite can reduce heart-muscle damage by 48% and provide protection from heart-attacks. Boosting nitrite levels in the diet could help prevent lasting heart damage or death, particularly for those at increased risk.

SourceAlbert Einstein College of Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 12, 2007

Zinc transporters regulate pancreatic cancer

Researchers found that ZIP4, a zinc transporter, is overexpressed in pancreatic cancer tissue and promotes tumor growth. The study provides a potential diagnostic marker and candidate for cancer vaccine development.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 12, 2007

Early academic skills, not behavior, best predict school success

A groundbreaking study finds that children's early math and reading skills are the strongest predictors of later academic success, regardless of social or emotional behaviors. The research analyzed data from six longitudinal studies and found no association between behavior and achievement.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalDevelopmental Psychology·DateNov 12, 2007
Creality K1 Max 3D Printer

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.

Antivirals reduce deaths from flu in hospitalized patients

A study found that antiviral medications significantly reduced the risk of death from flu in hospitalized adults, even when given up to four days after symptom onset. The research supports the use of antivirals for treating hospitalized patients with influenza.

SourceInfectious Diseases Society of America·JournalClinical Infectious Diseases·DateNov 12, 2007

A new view on sensing, movement, and behavioral control in animals

Scientists have quantified and compared the 3D volumes for sensation and movement in electric fish, finding a restricted sensory space due to energetic constraints. This overlap between sensory and movement volumes can provide insight into optimal control strategies for guiding behavior.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateNov 12, 2007

Yellowstone viruses 'jump' between hot pools

Researchers found that Yellowstone viruses migrate from pool to pool through droplets of steam, thriving in acidic environments even when hosts are rare. This discovery sheds light on how these viruses survive and interact with microbes in hostile surroundings.

SourceDOE/Idaho National Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 12, 2007
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.

Genetic technology reveals how poisonous mushrooms cook up toxins

Researchers at Michigan State University used genetic technology to discover a unique pathway in death cap mushrooms that produces the deadly toxin alpha-amanitin. The discovery sheds light on the underlying biochemical machinery and may lead to the development of novel chemicals with therapeutic potential.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 12, 2007

Emergency response

A new analysis highlights the need for federal and state support to enable local governments to work effectively with communities to prepare for and respond to all disasters. Local organizations often lack resources and training, making it essential for local government officials to take a proactive role in disaster preparedness.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Emergency Management·DateNov 12, 2007

Chimps dig up clues to human past?

A team of scientists reports that chimpanzees in Tanzania are using digging tools to gather underground foods, suggesting that this ability may have been present in early human ancestors. The study provides insights into the role of dietary shifts in hominid evolution and challenges current hypotheses.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 12, 2007
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

Early teen sex may not be a path to delinquency, study shows

A new study published in the Journal of Youth and Adolescence found that teens who have sex at an early age are less likely to exhibit delinquent behavior in early adulthood. The researchers analyzed data from 534 same-sex twin pairs and discovered a link between early sex and better relationships later on.

SourceUniversity of Virginia·JournalJournal of Youth and Adolescence·DateNov 12, 2007

Surgical errors rare but serious in ophthalmic procedures

A study found that surgical confusions in eye surgery are rare but can be serious, with the majority of cases involving incorrect lens implants. The Universal Protocol can prevent most confusions, suggesting a rate of 69 errors per 1 million eye operations.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Ophthalmology·DateNov 12, 2007

Clean, carbon-neutral hydrogen on the horizon

Researchers at Penn State have developed a method to convert cellulose and other biodegradable organic materials into hydrogen using microbial fuel cells. This process produces 288% more energy in hydrogen than the electrical energy added to it, making it a promising alternative to traditional methods.

SourcePenn State·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 12, 2007
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.

Researchers identify how to switch off cancer cell genes

A new study led by USC researchers identifies distinct changes in DNA structures that silence cancer cell genes. The findings enable the exploration of new therapies to switch genes back on, potentially leading to novel treatments for human cancers.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalCancer Cell·DateNov 12, 2007

Smac-ing lung cancer to death

Researchers developed a small molecule that turns the survival signal for cancer cells into a death signal, inducing apoptosis. The treatment may be less toxic to healthy cells than current cancer chemotherapy methods.

SourceHoward Hughes Medical Institute·JournalCancer Cell·DateNov 12, 2007

An Alzheimer's vaccine?

A new research study from Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation demonstrates that immunization could blunt or prevent Alzheimer's disease by targeting the build-up of protein plaques. The vaccinated mice showed a significant reduction in plaque accumulation and improved cognitive performance compared to control mice.

SourceOklahoma Medical Research Foundation·JournalThe FASEB Journal·DateNov 11, 2007
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.

Factor key to severity of community-associated methicillin-resistant staph infections identified

Scientists at NIAID identified a key factor contributing to the severity of community-associated methicillin-resistant staph infections. Novel proteins in drug-resistant strains of S. aureus attract and destroy protective white blood cells, ensuring the bacterium survives and causes severe disease.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalNature Medicine·DateNov 11, 2007

The risk of major stroke within a week of a minor stoke is substantial

A systematic review found that the risk of major stroke within a week after a minor stroke is substantial at 5.2%. Studies with emergency treatment in specialist stroke units showed the lowest risks, while population-based studies without urgent treatment had the highest risks.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet Neurology·DateNov 11, 2007

Thinking makes it so: Science extends reach of prosthetic arms

Researchers have developed a new neural-machine interface that enables prosthetic arms to respond directly to the brain's signals, allowing for greater control and movement. This technology has the potential to provide an even greater number of arm and hand movements beyond the four already achieved.

SourceAmerican Physiological Society·JournalJournal of Neurophysiology·DateNov 11, 2007

Life-threatening gene defect located by UT-Houston researchers

UT-Houston researchers have identified a defective gene mutation in smooth muscle alpha-actin (ACTA2) that affects vascular smooth-muscle cells, leading to thoracic aortic aneurysms and dissections. The study suggests that contraction of the smooth muscle cells in the aorta is crucial in maintaining its health.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at Houston·JournalNature Genetics·DateNov 11, 2007

Research suggests targeted treatment strategies for lupus

Researchers have identified histone deacetylase HDAC9 as a potential target for treating premature atherosclerosis in lupus patients. They also found that elevated microRNA-16 levels contribute to abnormal cell death in lupus patients, and reducing these levels may lead to targeted treatments.

SourceAtrium Health Wake Forest Baptist·DateNov 11, 2007
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.

Researchers successfully simulate photosynthesis and design a better leaf

University of Illinois researchers successfully simulated every step of the photosynthetic process using a computer model that mimics evolution. The new findings suggest that by rearranging the investment of nitrogen, they can almost double efficiency in plants. This could lead to increased crop yields and improved plant productivity.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalPLANT PHYSIOLOGY·DateNov 9, 2007

How global is the Global Biodiversity Information Facility?

A study found large gaps in GBIF's biodiversity data, with over 70% of Legume species lacking formal records or poor-quality location information. The research highlights the need for governments to invest in digitizing and publishing more biodiversity data from museums.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateNov 9, 2007

Tailored for optical applications

Researchers at Simon Fraser University created a material with extremely high birefringence, surpassing that of calcite. This achievement is made possible by the design flexibility of coordination polymers, which can be tailored to exhibit specific optical properties.

SourceWiley·DateNov 9, 2007
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.

High-energy particles from violent black holes travel to Earth

A team of scientists has identified astrophysical objects with charged particles reaching Earth at high energies. The Pierre Auger Observatory in Argentina recorded the particles, which carry as much energy as a bullet or a tennis ball off Roger Federer's racket.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalScience·DateNov 9, 2007

MIT's 'electronic nose' could detect hazards

Researchers at MIT have developed an electronic nose that can detect hazardous gases like carbon monoxide and explosives using a novel inkjet printing method. The sensor, which consists of thin layers of hollow spheres made of barium carbonate, has the potential to be mass-produced for widespread use.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·DateNov 9, 2007