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Science News Archive 2007


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.

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.

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.

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.

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.

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.

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.

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 ...

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

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.

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.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

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.

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.

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.

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.

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.

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.

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.

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.

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.

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

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.

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.

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.

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.