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Science News for March 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 ...

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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