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Science News Archive December 2007 - Page 13


Page 13 of 16

Scientists strike blow in superbugs struggle

Researchers at the University of Manchester have pioneered new methods to modify antibiotics' molecular structure, enabling the development of new types of antibiotics capable of combating increasingly resistant bacteria. This innovation provides access to thousands of lipopeptide variants that cannot be produced easily in any other way.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateDec 5, 2007

Dads break bones of children more often than moms

A study by Children's Hospital of The King's Daughters found that dads break or fracture the bones of their children far more often than moms. The abuse can be horrific, with one case involving 31 broken or fractured bones.

SourceChildren's Hospital of The King's Daughters·JournalChild Abuse & Neglect·DateDec 5, 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.

This is your brain on violent media

Studies show that watching violent programs can cause parts of the brain to become less active, leading to reduced ability to control aggressive behavior. This effect is seen after repeated viewings of violence and is not observed with non-violent movies.

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalPLOS ONE·DateDec 5, 2007

Humans appear hardwired to learn by 'over imitation'

A Yale University study found that children follow adults' actions faithfully, even when they are unnecessary, leading to confusion and difficulties in learning. The research suggests that children's ability to imitate can actually hinder their learning process if they observe an adult performing inefficient behavior.

SourceYale University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 5, 2007

Implanting embryonic cardiac cells prevents arrhythmias

Researchers at Cornell University and their colleagues discovered that implanting embryonic cardiac cells into mice with heart attacks prevented arrhythmias. The technique improved electrical connections between cells and activated transplanted cells, restoring heart function and reducing arrhythmia risk.

SourceCornell University·JournalNature·DateDec 5, 2007

UBC study may solve age-old mystery of missing chemicals from Earth's mantle

A UBC study suggests that an ancient magma ocean may have existed beneath the Earth's surface, accounting for the discrepancy between the planet's mantle and core composition. This layer of molten rock would have stored some of the elements found in chondrite, primitive rocks from the earliest time of the solar system.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalNature·DateDec 5, 2007
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Study shows pine bark naturally reduces osteoarthritis knee pain

A double-blind study published in Nutrition Research reveals Pycnogenol improves physical function by 52 percent in patients suffering from OA. The antioxidant plant extract also controls inflammation and complements existing strategies for treating osteoarthritis.

SourceMWW Group·JournalNutrition Research·DateDec 5, 2007

'Flying Fish' unmanned aircraft takes off and lands on water

Researchers developed an unmanned seaplane, dubbed 'Flying Fish,' that can initiate and perform its own takeoffs and landings on water. The autonomous craft features a 7-foot wingspan and is designed for the Department of Defense's persistent ocean surveillance program.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·DateDec 5, 2007

Major physics breakthrough in understanding supersolidity

Physicists at the University of Alberta have made a major advance in understanding supersolidity by manipulating solid helium under extreme pressure and temperature conditions. They found that the material exhibits unusual behavior, becoming stiffer at lower temperatures.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalNature·DateDec 5, 2007
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.

Beating hospital yeast infection

A systematic review of over 5,500 patients found that both single-drug antifungal prophylaxis (SAP) and selective digestive tract decontamination (SDD) reduce yeast-related morbidity and mortality. SDD was more effective in reducing yeast colonization and infection, while SAP responded best to candidemia.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalCritical Care·DateDec 5, 2007

World's most endangered gorilla fights back

Cross River gorillas are restricted to Nigeria and Cameroon, with only around 300 individuals remaining due to habitat loss. The Wildlife Conservation Society announces new field surveys to catalogue potential gorilla habitat and protect this endangered subspecies.

SourceWildlife Conservation Society·JournalJournal of Primatology·DateDec 5, 2007

City dwellers look to backyards when deciding to head to slopes

A new study published in the International Journal of Climatology found that urban snow conditions significantly impact skier activity in New England. Researchers discovered that attendees are more likely to visit ski areas based on Boston weather patterns rather than local conditions.

SourceUniversity of New Hampshire·JournalInternational Journal of Climatology·DateDec 5, 2007
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.

Breast MRI spots other cancers, may alter treatment plan

In a study of 79 women with breast cancer, breast MRI revealed important diagnostic information altering treatment plans in 20 percent of cases. The imaging modality detected additional cancers, discovered cancer in the opposite breast, or determined tumors were larger than expected.

SourceUniversity of Florida·DateDec 5, 2007

Scientists identify gene that influences alcohol consumption

Researchers have identified a gene variant associated with increased alcohol consumption in mice, which may provide new targets for developing treatments for alcohol dependence. The study suggests that glutamate pathways play a critical role in addiction and may be targeted by future drugs.

SourceNIH/National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism·JournalGenomics·DateDec 5, 2007

Rutgers professor Jay Rosenblatt receives international award

Jay Rosenblatt, a renowned researcher at Rutgers University, has been awarded the Senior Investigator Award from the International Society for Developmental Psychobiology. His work on maternal behavior and learning early in life has had a lasting impact on the field of developmental psychobiology.

SourceRutgers University·DateDec 5, 2007

YouTube breeding ground for anti-vaccination views

Researchers found that over half of vaccination-related videos on YouTube portray childhood, HPV, flu vaccinations negatively or ambiguously. A staggering 45% of these videos contradict the Canadian Immunization Guide.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalJournal of the American Medical Association·DateDec 5, 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.

Did early Southwestern Indians ferment corn and make beer?

Ancient and modern pot sherds found in New Mexico indicate possible fermentation of corn, potentially predating Spanish arrival. Gas chromatography analysis suggests similarities between ancient and Tarahumara Indian brews, but definitive proof elusive.

SourceDOE/Sandia National Laboratories·DateDec 5, 2007

Smell experience during critical period alters brain

Researchers at Rockefeller University found that elevated CO2 levels within the first five days of birth can alter a fly's carbon dioxide detection circuit. The circuit's genetic plan adjusts to real-world conditions, suggesting a general feature of the olfactory system.

SourceRockefeller University·JournalNeuron·DateDec 5, 2007

Linking players in blood pressure control to metabolic syndrome

Researchers found that mice lacking the renin enzyme are lean and resistant to diet-induced obesity, even without exercise. The study suggests that renin-blocking drugs could improve obesity and insulin sensitivity, providing new insights into the metabolic syndrome.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Metabolism·DateDec 4, 2007
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.

Mitochondria defects linked to social behavior and spatial memory

Research by Atsuko Kasahara and colleagues found that mitochondrial respiration deficiencies are associated with changed social behavior and elevated spatial memory in laboratory mice. The study suggests a potential link between mitochondrial breakdowns and mental illness in humans.

SourceAmerican Society for Cell Biology·DateDec 4, 2007

Survey confirms Americans prefer root canal treatment by endodontists

A recent survey found that nearly half of respondents would choose an endodontist for their root canal procedure. The American Association of Endodontists reports that endodontists perform an average of 25 root canals per week, significantly more than general dentists who perform about two a week.

SourceEdelman Public Relations, New York·DateDec 4, 2007

Study explores distinction between 'different' and 'uncool'

Researchers Katherine White and Darren W. Dahl found that consumers actively avoid products associated with groups they want to distance themselves from, but not those of outgroups they don't belong to or aren't motivated to avoid. The study highlights the role of social pressure in shaping consumer choices.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateDec 4, 2007
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.

Bone marrow cell transplants help nerve regeneration

Researchers at Kyoto University School of Medicine successfully regenerated damaged nerves using bone marrow cells containing adult stem cells. The transplanted cells differentiated into Schwann cells, promoting axon regeneration and healthier vascularity.

SourceCell Transplantation Center of Excellence for Aging and Brain Repair·JournalCell Transplantation·DateDec 4, 2007

Protein found that may provide relief from neuropathic pain

Researchers from the University of California, San Diego, have identified a protein called LRP1 that may help ease neuropathic pain by blocking the response of glial cells. The study found that administering LRP1 into injured peripheral nerves decreased the level and activity of proinflammatory cytokines, leading to reduced pain.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateDec 4, 2007

Different anti-coagulant regimens yield equal results

A study of over 13,000 patients found that bivalirudin alone and other regimens have comparable mortality and ischemic outcomes at 1 year. Bivalirudin monotherapy reduces bleeding complications and hospital costs, making it a favored treatment option

SourceCardiovascular Research Foundation·JournalJAMA·DateDec 4, 2007

Cosmopolitan microbes -- hitchhikers on Darwin's dust

Scientists have confirmed that microbes can travel across continents on dust particles, surviving for centuries and defying intercontinental transport. Geo-chemical analyses of Charles Darwin's samples revealed diverse microbes, including ascomycetes and eubacteria, with wind-fractionated dust from West Africa reaching the Caribbean.

SourceWiley·JournalEnvironmental Microbiology·DateDec 4, 2007
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.

Why do high school seniors drink?

A new study identifies four major motivators for high school senior drinking: experimentation, thrill-seeking, relaxation, and coping with life issues. Students who drink for these reasons show the heaviest and most problematic drinking behaviors, according to the study published in Prevention Science.

SourceSociety for Prevention Research·JournalPrevention Science·DateDec 4, 2007

Technique controls nanoparticle size, makes large numbers

Researchers have developed a method to control the size of nanoparticles, allowing for mass production and diverse applications. This breakthrough has significant implications for fields like medicine, renewable energy, and cosmetics, where nanoparticles can be tailored to perform specific tasks.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalNanotechnology·DateDec 4, 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.

Smaller babies more prone to depression, anxiety later on

A landmark public health study has found that people who had a low birth weight are more likely to experience depression and anxiety later in life. The study, which analyzed data from over 4,600 people born in Great Britain in 1946, suggests a dose-response relationship between birth weight and mental health outcomes.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateDec 4, 2007

Stowers Institute's Hawley Lab identifies factors responsible for restart of meiotic cycle

The Hawley Lab has identified two molecular mechanisms that restart the meiotic cycle in oocytes, including the controlled expression of Polo kinase and the inactivation of inhibitory protein Matrimony. This discovery has significant implications for understanding egg maturation and releasing, as well as treating infertility and cancer.

SourceStowers Institute for Medical Research·JournalPLOS Biology·DateDec 4, 2007

Did life begin between the sheets -- the mica sheets?

The 'mica hypothesis' proposes that the narrow spaces between nonliving mica layers provided conditions for the rise of the first biomolecules. Mica's structure offers support, shelter, and an energy source for precellular life.

SourceAmerican Society for Cell Biology·DateDec 4, 2007

Patients wonder, 'Could this be something serious?'

A study led by Ronald Epstein found that doctors voiced empathy in only 15% of office visits, despite repeated prompting from patients. Patients reported high satisfaction when doctors empathized with them, especially in challenging situations.

SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical Center·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateDec 4, 2007
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.

It's not just a kid thing: Fluoridated tap water benefits older adults even more

A recent study by Indiana University researchers found that fluoridated tap water reduces dental fillings and costs for all age groups, with older adults benefiting the most due to limited access to dental insurance. The study breaks new ground on adult dentistry, highlighting the importance of community water fluoridation for people o...

SourceIndiana University·JournalJournal of Public Health Dentistry·DateDec 4, 2007

A company's good reputation can be a bad thing

A study by Michelle L. Roehm and Michael K. Brady found that high-equity brands initially face a disadvantage after failure, but may fare better when the issue is severe. This phenomenon can be attributed to a reduction in cognitive resources, allowing customers to focus on resolving the problem rather than re-evaluating the brand.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateDec 4, 2007

World's most powerful MRI ready to scan human brain

The University of Illinois Chicago's 9.4 Tesla MRI successfully completed safety trials, allowing for the visualization of biological processes in the human brain. This technology has the potential to tailor radiation therapy based on a brain tumor's real-time response to treatment.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalJournal of Magnetic Resonance Imaging·DateDec 4, 2007

Labeling keeps our knowledge organized, study shows

Researchers found that learning different names for things makes it easier to place them into the correct categories. In a series of experiments, participants learned labels for aliens on a computer screen and categorized them into two types, demonstrating that redundant labels facilitate learning of novel categories.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateDec 4, 2007
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.

NCI renewal grant to develop new cancer therapies

A Virginia Commonwealth University research team has received a $1.3 million NCI grant to improve histone deacetylase inhibitors in treating leukemia. The goal is to develop novel combination regimens incorporating these agents with NF-kappa B antagonists.

SourceVirginia Commonwealth University·DateDec 4, 2007
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.

Protein controls blood vessel formation, offers new drug target

Researchers have discovered a protein called CIB1 that plays a major role in controlling new blood vessel growth, providing a potential target for drug therapies. The findings may help control unwanted blood vessel growth in diseases such as diabetic retinopathy and wound healing.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel Hill·JournalCirculation Research·DateDec 4, 2007

Featured articles in December issue of BSSA

New research at Yucca Mountain, Nevada, limits potential ground movement to 3.6 meters per second, reducing earthquake risk. Small earthquakes may serve as predictors for large ones, contradicting conventional seismology theories.

SourceSeismological Society of America·JournalBulletin of the Seismological Society of America·DateDec 4, 2007

Test-drive: Using a product before buying it changes what you want

A study by Rebecca W. Hamilton and Debora Viana Thompson found that consumers who try products before buying them prefer simpler products that are easier to use, rather than those with more features. After direct experience, consumers focus on product feasibility over desirability.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateDec 4, 2007