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Science News for November 22, 2007


Money motivates -- especially when your colleague gets less

A brain scanning experiment found that when colleagues earn less, participants show stronger activation in the brain's reward centre. Traditional economic theory suggests that only absolute size of rewards matters, but this study reveals relative earnings play a major role in motivation.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalScience·DateNov 22, 2007

Self-sabotage

A study by Dr. Jason Plaks and Kristin Stecher found that individuals with a fixed view of their abilities become anxious and disoriented upon achieving dramatic success, leading to poor performance, whereas those with a malleable view perform better under similar circumstances.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalJournal of Personality and Social Psychology·DateNov 22, 2007

Environmental toxins limit daughters' fertility, study suggests

A study by researchers at the Samuel Lunenfeld Research Institute found that exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) prior to pregnancy can reduce the number of eggs in a woman's ovaries, potentially limiting fertility. The compounds are widespread pollutants found in cigarette smoke, car exhaust, and charred foods.

SourceSamuel Lunenfeld Research Institute·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateNov 22, 2007

Liquid crystal phases of tiny DNA molecules point up new scenario for first life on Earth

Researchers at CU-Boulder and University of Milan found that short segments of DNA can assemble into liquid crystal phases with 'self-orient' properties, paving the way for a new scenario on the origin of life. The discovery was made by observing how short DNA segments could condense into droplets in which conditions are favorable for ...

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalScience·DateNov 22, 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.

Ozone key to link between heat and increased cardiovascular death risk

Research published in Occupational and Environmental Medicine suggests that high temperatures increase the risk of cardiovascular death from heart disease or stroke. Ozone levels are a common link between temperature fluctuations, with higher ozone levels associated with increased cardiovascular mortality.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalOccupational and Environmental Medicine·DateNov 22, 2007

Doctors and patients poorly informed about herpes

A survey found that doctors and patients with herpes have poor understanding of the infection, including its transmission and treatment. Doctors overestimated the emotional impact and underestimated viral shedding risks.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalSexually Transmitted Infections·DateNov 22, 2007

Media diplomacy: What role for transnational news?

Transnational English language TV channels are being used to project nation-states' voices and policies in the global Anglosphere. These channels also aim to reach diasporic audiences and provide tools for development, challenging traditional notions of foreign policy and development goals.

SourceEconomic & Social Research Council·DateNov 22, 2007
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.

'Cooper pairs' can be found in insulators as well superconductors

Researchers at Brown University have made a groundbreaking discovery, finding Cooper pairs in both superconductors and insulators. The team's findings suggest that Cooper pairs behave differently in each material, with some forming solo pairs in insulators that cannot make continuous electric current.

SourceBrown University·JournalScience·DateNov 22, 2007

MIT: Prenatal arsenic exposure detected in newborns

A new study by MIT researchers has found that children of mothers with contaminated water supplies during pregnancy exhibit gene expression changes associated with cancer and other diseases. The team developed a reliable test using 11 genes, offering an alternative to routine blood tests.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateNov 22, 2007
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Australia's health at crossroads

The Australian health system is facing significant challenges, including inadequate funding and poor access to care for Indigenous populations. The Editorial argues that a substantial reform program is needed to achieve better health outcomes for all, building on Labor's vision for New Directions in Australian Health.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateNov 22, 2007

Older filters, fresher water

Researchers found that older sand filters with established biofilms effectively remove geosmin and MIB, reducing the earthy taste in tap water. The study suggests using biologically active sand filters can improve water purification, making water safer for consumption.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Environment and Waste Management·DateNov 22, 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.

Calling for research into deafness

Research funding into deafness in the UK is only a fraction of the estimated £13.5 billion in productivity losses due to hearing impairment. The Lancet Editorial highlights the need for further interventions to prevent or reverse hearing damage and improve quality of life for those affected.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateNov 22, 2007

Repeating genes

Scientists at the Weizmann Institute have proposed a mechanism that explains the precision of trinucleotide repeat diseases like Huntington's. They suggest that the genes carrying the disease code accumulate more DNA repeats over time until a critical threshold is crossed.

SourceWeizmann Institute of Science·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateNov 22, 2007

Internet users give up privacy in exchange for trust

A recent study by the Economic and Social Research Council found that internet users are willing to sacrifice their privacy if they trust the organization requesting personal information. The research revealed that even people who declare themselves unconcerned about privacy will oppose ID cards if the request process feels invasive.

SourceEconomic & Social Research Council·DateNov 22, 2007