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Science News for February 11, 2007


Grape expectations for healthier wine

A new technique using ozone preserves grapes while boosting healthy compounds, potentially leading to hypoallergenic wines. The method shows promise for reducing sulphite use in winemaking, which can cause allergic reactions and affect the flavor of wine.

SourceSociety of Chemical Industry·JournalJournal of the Science of Food and Agriculture·DateFeb 11, 2007

Psychologists show that 'money changes everything'

Researchers found that people prefer waiting for monetary rewards over consumable ones due to the constant utility of money. This preference is due to inconstancy of desire for goods like beer, candy, and soda. The study has implications for savings, investments, and decision-making processes.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalPsychological Science·DateFeb 11, 2007

Extra cortisol protects women's mood under stress

Researchers found that cortisol can lessen emotional impact of stress in women, with a high dose providing protective effects. The study suggests potential for cortisol as a clinical tool to treat and prevent anxiety disorders.

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·JournalBehavioral Neuroscience·DateFeb 11, 2007

Manipulating nature: Scientists query wildlife birth-control method

Researchers warn that an immuno-contraception vaccine, which aims to control wildlife populations, is not fully effective and may manipulate natural reproduction in unpredictable ways. The vaccine also raises concerns about the potential for individuals who survive the vaccine to carry infectious diseases affecting other animals.

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalReproduction·DateFeb 11, 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.

It's not easy being green

Researchers found that green consumers face difficulties deciding which product to buy due to conflicting values and lack of information. The study identifies three types of green consumers: selectors, translators, and exceptors, highlighting the need for practical help and incentives to promote sustainable practices.

SourceEconomic & Social Research Council·DateFeb 11, 2007

Cleft palate in fetal mice prevented by treating

Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine have developed a technique to prevent cleft palates in fetal mice by injecting pregnant mothers with a small molecule. This breakthrough raises hopes that similar vaccination-type techniques may one day be used to prevent many types of human birth defects.

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalNature·DateFeb 11, 2007

Technology captures tumors' genetic profile, guides cancer treatment

Researchers at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Broad Institute develop a practical method for screening tumors for cancer-related gene abnormalities, paving the way for personalized medicine. The technique uses high-throughput genotyping to detect important mutations in oncogenes with high accuracy and sensitivity.

SourceDana-Farber Cancer Institute·JournalNature Genetics·DateFeb 11, 2007

New mechanism for nutrient uptake discovered

Biologists at Carnegie Institution discover a new way plant cells regulate nutrient uptake through physical interaction between neighboring molecules, applicable across species. The discovery has potential applications from understanding human diseases like kidney function to engineering better crops.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalNature·DateFeb 11, 2007
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Physicists set 'speed limit' for future superconducting magnet

A research team at Northwestern University has identified Bi-2212 as a suitable material for the new wires needed to build a 30 Tesla magnet, a significant improvement over current materials. The findings set a speed limit for high-temperature superconductivity, which could enable powerful magnets without helium cooling requirements.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNature Physics·DateFeb 11, 2007