Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News for August 3, 2007


New study shows that infants have 'mind-reading' capability

Researchers found that 13-month-old infants could attribute mental content and exhibit puzzlement when caterpillars didn't follow expected behavior in animations. This suggests the presence of mental structures for predicting others' behavior from a young age.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateAug 3, 2007

The matrix of autism

A recent study published in Psychological Science found that autistic children excel in fluid intelligence tests, such as the Raven's Progressive Matrices, which assess problem-solving skills and abstract thinking. In contrast, they often struggle with language-based IQ tests like the WISC.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateAug 3, 2007

Animated beer smooth to pour

Researchers have developed a new software that allows for super-realistic animation of beers pouring. The technology uses smoothed particle hydrodynamics to create more efficient and realistic animations, making it accessible to smaller film production houses.

SourceCSIRO Australia·DateAug 3, 2007

How cells change the pace of their steps

Scientists at UC San Diego discovered how cells of higher organisms change their movement speed, a discovery that may help prevent cancer cells from spreading. The study found that the frequency of the cell's motility cycle determines its crawling speed.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 3, 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.

Emergency angioplasty use rises, but some patients still miss out

A study published in The American Journal of Medicine found that emergency angioplasty use has increased, but 10% of eligible patients are still going untreated for life-saving treatment after a heart attack. Patients without typical symptoms or from underrepresented groups are most likely to miss out on this critical care.

SourceYale University·DateAug 3, 2007

Many heart attack patients still not getting emergency clot-busting treatment

A new study found that emergency angioplasty treatment for heart attacks has increased dramatically over the last decade, with a notable decline in patients going without crucial care. However, 10% of eligible patients still do not receive this urgent treatment, highlighting gaps in care for certain subgroups.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·DateAug 3, 2007

Statin drugs may delay progressive artery damage in children

A Dutch study found that starting statin therapy at age 8 safely delays early artery damage caused by FH. The study showed that earlier initiation of statin treatment results in smaller carotid intima-media thickness at a later age, with no serious clinical or laboratory adverse events reported.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·DateAug 3, 2007

NASA researchers find satellite data can warn of famine

A NASA researcher has created a new method to anticipate food shortages brought on by drought using satellite remote sensing of crop growth and food prices. The model can help humanitarian aid organizations and decision makers predict how much food will be available and its cost, taking climate variables into account.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·JournalLand Economics·DateAug 3, 2007
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Nano-layer of ruthenium stabilizes magnetic sensors

A thin layer of ruthenium modulates interactions between ferromagnetic and antiferromagnetic films, stabilizing the magnetization and enhancing device sensitivity. Thicker buffers result in more sensitive devices, while thinner buffers improve resistance to external fields.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalJournal of Applied Physics·DateAug 3, 2007

European heat waves double in length since 1880

Heat waves on the continent have doubled and the frequency of extremely hot days has nearly tripled since 1880, according to a new study. The average length of heat waves is now around 3 days, compared to 1.5 days in 1880.

SourceAmerican Geophysical Union·DateAug 3, 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.

Improved NIST SRM aids lead poisoning detection

The new Standard Reference Material (SRM) 955c provides a more effective tool for detecting lead poisoning, particularly in children. With its improved accuracy and expanded uncertainty, SRM 955c enables the development of next-generation clinical methods to accurately measure blood lead levels.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·DateAug 3, 2007

Radiofrequency ablation highly effective in treating kidney tumors

Researchers found radiofrequency ablation to be 93% effective in eradicating malignant kidney tumors, with minimal discomfort and no serious complications. The study's lead author suggests this treatment is an excellent option for patients who are not good operative candidates or have multiple renal tumors.

SourceAmerican College of Radiology·JournalAmerican Journal of Roentgenology·DateAug 3, 2007

Why women get more migraines than men

Researchers at UCLA found that female mice have a lower threshold for cortical spreading depression (CSD), a key contributor to migraines. Memantine, a medication approved for Alzheimer's disease, shows promise in preventing migraines in patients with high frequency of attacks.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalAnnals of Neurology·DateAug 3, 2007

ASM's new media campaigns take the gold

The American Society for Microbiology's MicrobeWorld Radio podcast and Small Things Considered blog have received a Communication Gold Circle Award for their innovative communication campaigns. The award recognizes the programs' ability to increase public understanding of microbiology and scientific careers.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·DateAug 3, 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.

Changing the rings: a key finding for magnetics design

The study identifies dominant damping mechanisms in iron, cobalt, and nickel, pointing to improved material design techniques. This discovery enhances the prediction of magnetic materials' dynamics, crucial for high-performance electronic devices.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·DateAug 3, 2007

Shorter heart health programs just as effective in saving lives

A systematic review of 46 randomized trials found that shorter, family-based heart health programs are just as effective as longer, specialist-led alternatives. These programs can improve life expectancy and reduce hospitalizations, making them a more efficient option for patients with less complex heart disease.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalEuropean Journal of Cardiovascular Prevention & Rehabilitation·DateAug 3, 2007