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Science News for March 7, 2007


Study finds antibiotic resistance in poultry even when antibiotics were not used

A University of Georgia study reveals high levels of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in chickens raised on antibiotic-free farms and lab conditions. The resistances don't come from antibiotic use, suggesting that banning farm use won't help, but may require new management practices to reduce the risk of human illness.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalApplied and Environmental Microbiology·DateMar 7, 2007

Will baby boomers retire in worse shape than predecessors?

A recent analysis found that Americans in their early to mid-50s report poorer health, more pain, and trouble with everyday physical tasks compared to older peers. This trend raises questions about whether today's pre-retirees could reach retirement age in worse shape than their predecessors.

SourceNIH/National Institute on Aging·DateMar 7, 2007

Carbon dioxide and the ocean

A new scientific paper reviews 60 years of research on the impact of ocean carbon dioxide, warning of widespread species extinction, coral dissolution, and damage to natural food webs. The study suggests that doubling gas mileage in the US could help ameliorate existing damage.

SourceUniversity of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science·JournalChemical Reviews·DateMar 7, 2007

Undergrad: Mothers in African study undereducated on diarrhea

A Johns Hopkins University undergraduate found that Ethiopian mothers' beliefs about diarrhea can lead to inappropriate treatment for their children's life-threatening condition. The study aimed to educate mothers so they can prevent and manage diarrheal diseases in their children.

SourceJohns Hopkins University·DateMar 7, 2007
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Major gene study uncovers secrets of leukemia

Researchers at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital discovered previously unsuspected mutations in genes that control B-cell differentiation, contributing to pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia. The study suggests novel methods for treating pediatric ALL and provides a roadmap for identifying unsuspected mutations in adult cancers.

SourceSt. Jude Children's Research Hospital·JournalNature·DateMar 7, 2007

Do shopping lists promote or prevent healthy choices?

A new study suggests that shopping lists promote impulsive decisions, as recalling available options consumes mental energy. Consumers tend to opt for lower-priced items when memory-based decisions are involved, whereas higher-priced goods with perceived quality are chosen when options are in sight.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateMar 7, 2007

Survey finds emotional reactions to nanotechnology

A new survey found that people's emotional reactions to nanotechnology play a major role in their perception of its risks and benefits, with individuals' values determining their reaction to information about the technology. The study suggests that government, business, and educators must take a proactive approach to public engagement ...

SourceWoodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars/Science and Technology Innovation Program·DateMar 7, 2007

Solar power at play

A team of scientists observed the speeding up of an asteroid's rotation, showing it is due to the heating of its surface by the Sun. The YORP effect, a theoretical prediction, was directly detected in action on a small near-Earth asteroid.

SourceESO·JournalScience·DateMar 7, 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.

New report: Explosive growth changes salmon industry

The World Wildlife Fund report reveals a significant growth in farmed salmon, leading to decreased wild salmon supply and economic impacts on fishermen. The study recommends harmonizing regulatory food safety standards and providing accurate information about salmon issues.

SourceWorld Wildlife Fund·DateMar 7, 2007

Abandoning net neutrality discourages improvements in service

A University of Florida study found that abandoning net neutrality discourages internet service improvements, with broadband providers collecting fees from content providers. The study suggests that consumers who pay for preferential treatment will have faster loading times, while those who don't may experience slower speeds.

SourceUniversity of Florida·DateMar 7, 2007

Nothing to do with it

Research suggests that superfluous choices at early stages of purchase can lead to increased customer satisfaction, as consumers perceive greater deliberation and fluency in decision-making. This results in higher repeat business rates and brand loyalty.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateMar 7, 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.

Transport interrupted -- Texas A&M biologists trace cause of early blindness to tissue defect

Researchers at Texas A&M University have identified a specific protein transport process involved in a rare form of early blindness, known as choroideremia. The study suggests that therapies targeting the neighboring retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) may rescue photoreceptor loss and even reverse the disease.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 7, 2007

Unlocking the secrets of high-temperature superconductors

Brookhaven researchers have learned how to grow better samples of LBCO, allowing for extensive studies on its properties. The study reveals that the high-temperature superconductor has distinct insulating-like properties and a characteristic energy gap.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·DateMar 7, 2007

Bacterium could treat PCBs without the need for dredging

Researchers at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute have identified a bacterium that can dechlorinate polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in situ, eliminating the need for dredging. The Dehalococcoides bacteria thrive on PCBs, replacing chlorines with hydrogen to initiate degradation.

SourceRensselaer Polytechnic Institute·JournalApplied and Environmental Microbiology·DateMar 7, 2007
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.

Not as happy as you thought you’d be?

A new study from the University of Chicago Press Journals reveals that we tend to pay more attention to disappointment than to positive experiences. The researchers found that when consumers feel better than expected, they take it for granted and don't evaluate their experience as well.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateMar 7, 2007

Researchers learn what sparks plant growth

Plant researchers Sigal Savaldi-Goldstein and Joanne Chory have uncovered the mechanism behind plant growth, showing that the epidermis is the driving force behind cell expansion. The study, published in Nature, reveals a previously unknown mode of communication between shoot tissues.

SourceHoward Hughes Medical Institute·JournalNature·DateMar 7, 2007

US child health system needs total overhaul, UCLA researchers say

The current US child health system is a patchwork of disconnected programs and lacks clear accountability or performance goals. The authors argue that the system fails to produce desired health outcomes due to outdated logic and finance strategies.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalHealth Affairs·DateMar 7, 2007

Double-star systems cycle between big and small blasts

Astronomers have observed Z Cam binary system exhibiting a massive shell of gas and dust surrounding the white dwarf, indicating a classical nova explosion. The discovery supports a 20-year-old theory suggesting double-star systems cycle between blast types.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalNature·DateMar 7, 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.

Researchers identify ovarian cancer biomarkers

A team of researchers has identified more than 70 markers unique to ovarian tumor blood vessels, which could lead to new screening and treatment tools. The finding suggests that these markers may be a sign of an aggressive tumor and could help inform treatment decisions.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateMar 7, 2007

CDX2 -- A protein that promotes leukemia

Most individuals with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) express CDX2, a protein regulating HOX family genes. Reducing CDX2 levels decreases AML cell proliferation, supporting its causal role in leukemogenesis.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMar 7, 2007

On a diet? You'll spend more on impulse purchases

A study published in the Journal of Consumer Research found that individuals who exercise self-control by dieting or resisting thoughts are more prone to making impulse purchases. This is because their self-regulatory resources can be depleted, leading to increased spending on tempting items.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateMar 7, 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.

Scientists find a solar-powered asteroid

A team of international researchers has found an asteroid whose rotation speed increases due to re-radiation of solar energy from its surface. The study confirms that non-gravitational forces play a crucial role in asteroid evolution and could potentially affect asteroid collisions with Earth.

SourceAcademy of Finland·JournalNature·DateMar 7, 2007

To buy or not to buy: What you decide affects how you'll feel next time

A recent study from Journal of Consumer Research found that people who bought unexpected items felt happy and a little guilty, while those who resisted the impulse purchase felt proud. Marketers can use this knowledge to create more effective advertising strategies by understanding consumers' emotions after recent purchases.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateMar 7, 2007

A year of added life more valuable for the young, study suggests

A University of Michigan study suggests that economic methods undervalue childhood interventions, despite evidence showing higher value placed on health gains for children and adolescents. The research recommends adjusting economic formulae to better reflect societal values, prioritizing early childhood intervention.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalHealth Affairs·DateMar 7, 2007

Study takes next step -- Why women suffer more knee injuries

A recent study found female athletes tend to land from a jump with a more flexed ankle and experience greater knee abduction and internal rotation compared to male athletes. This increased risk of non-contact ACL injury during landing may be explained by differences in joint motion and loads between women and men when fatigued.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalMedicine & Science in Sports & Exercise·DateMar 7, 2007

Human pubic lice acquired from gorillas gives evolutionary clues

A University of Florida study reveals that humans acquired pubic lice from gorillas around 3.3 million years ago, providing insights into human evolution and the history of parasites. The research suggests that lice can be transmitted through non-sexual means, such as sleeping in close proximity or feeding on prey.

SourceUniversity of Florida·JournalBMC Biology·DateMar 7, 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.

Female chimps keep the bullies at bay

A study by Akiko Matsumoto-Oda found that female chimpanzees do not synchronize their reproductive activities, reducing opportunities for less-desirable males to coerce them into mating. This strategy allows females to mate with higher-ranking males who possess desirable social and physical characteristics.

SourceSpringer·JournalBehavioral Ecology and Sociobiology·DateMar 7, 2007

Drivers and passengers on the road to cancer

The study reveals that driver mutations are fewer than previously thought, but still outnumber passenger mutations. The researchers identified possible driver mutations in 120 genes, most of which had not been seen before.

SourceWellcome Trust Sanger Institute·JournalNature·DateMar 7, 2007

Scientists find genes involved in the battle between Hessian flies and wheat

Researchers at Purdue University have discovered genes in wheat that neutralize toxic compounds produced by the Hessian fly larvae, making them vulnerable to attack. The study provides insight into the biochemical mechanisms involved in insect-plant interactions and may lead to novel strategies for enhancing wheat resistance.

SourcePurdue University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 7, 2007