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Science News for August 22, 2008


Health journalists face translation challenge, MU researchers find

A national survey found that the majority of health journalists lack specialized training in health reporting and struggle to communicate complex medical science developments. Journalists reported quoting experts, avoiding technical terms, and providing data as key elements to making health information understandable.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·DateAug 22, 2008

When charities ask for time, people give more money

A study published in Journal of Consumer Research found that simply asking people if they're willing to volunteer their time leads to increased donations of both time and money. This effect cannot be explained by guilt or feelings of obligation, suggesting a deeper psychological connection between giving time and experiencing happiness.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateAug 22, 2008

The big gulp: consumers avoid extremes in soda sizes

A new study reveals that consumers tend to avoid the largest and smallest options when it comes to soft drinks. By eliminating small drink sizes and adding larger ones, retailers have seen a 15% increase in high-calorie drink consumption. Reversing this trend could curb soft drink consumption with only a slight reduction in profit.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateAug 22, 2008
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.

Chips are down as Manchester makes protein scanning breakthrough

Scientists at the University of Manchester have created a new method for attaching active proteins to chips, enabling quick testing for serious diseases and rapid discovery of new drugs. This breakthrough could lead to the development of large-scale protein arrays that can analyze thousands of proteins simultaneously.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateAug 22, 2008

Elephant legs are much bendier than Shakespeare thought

Research reveals that elephant legs are much bendier than Shakespeare's depiction, with joints flexing significantly during locomotion. Studies also show that the animals' mobility range is comparable to that of trotting horses.

SourceThe Company of Biologists·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·DateAug 22, 2008

A room with a viewpoint: conservation messages and motivation

Researchers found that hotel bathroom signs focusing on environmental benefits were less effective than those highlighting participation rates, increasing reuse rates from 35.1% to 44.1%. Normative messages about the norm, which was never used by hotel chains, also spurred significant increases in towel re-use.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateAug 22, 2008
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Healthy people and enhancement drugs

A study found that healthy individuals are more willing to take enhancement drugs for traits not fundamental to their identity, such as improving concentration. However, they are less likely to agree to enhance traits considered essential to their self-identity.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateAug 22, 2008

Gene therapy anti-cancer research featured in Scientific American

University of Alabama at Birmingham researchers have developed a gene therapy virus to target ovarian cancer cells. The adenovirus-based approach has shown anti-tumor effects that appear safe for most patients, according to Drs. David T. Curiel and Ronald Alvarez.

SourceUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham·JournalScientific American·DateAug 22, 2008

UC Davis researchers define characteristics, treatment options for XXYY syndrome

The study provides an accurate picture of XXYY syndrome, identifying unique medical and psychological characteristics, including cardiac abnormalities, dental problems, and learning disabilities. Treatment recommendations focus on targeted therapies for behaviors, emotional problems, and community services to support independent living.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalAmerican Journal of Medical Genetics·DateAug 22, 2008

Stellar still births

Researchers at the University of Bonn discover brown dwarfs must be treated as a separate class due to their unique mass distribution and 'mating behaviour'. This reclassification challenges current understanding of stellar formation and population dynamics.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateAug 22, 2008

Action research helps people make positive changes

A new study introduces the participatory action research paradigm, which aims to help people and employ different methodologies from traditional consumer research. The authors examined three categories of participatory action research, revealing important benefits and ideas for improvement.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateAug 22, 2008
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.

Charities take note: Personal relationships increase donations

A study by Deborah A. Small and Uri Simonsohn found that people become more sympathetic towards victims suffering from the same misfortune as a close relationship, leading to increased donations to charities supporting those causes. The researchers recreated this phenomenon in an experiment where participants formed new friendships and...

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateAug 22, 2008

Dense tissue promotes aggressive cancers

Research finds that dense breast tissue promotes aggressive cancer cells, as breast cancer cells in denser surroundings step up their invasive activities. The study suggests a cellular mechanism linking human breast tissue density and tumor aggressiveness.

SourceVanderbilt University Medical Center·JournalCurrent Biology·DateAug 22, 2008

Munich researchers discover key allergy gene

Scientists have pinpointed the FCER1A gene as a major factor in allergic diseases, influencing IgE antibody production and leading to conditions like hay fever and asthma. The discovery has potential for guiding new drug development.

SourceHelmholtz Munich (Helmholtz Zentrum München Deutsches Forschungszentrum für Gesundheit und Umwelt (GmbH))·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateAug 22, 2008

UC San Diego engineers part of nationwide effort to make buildings earthquake safe

Researchers from UC San Diego and the University of Arizona conducted three months of rigorous earthquake simulation tests on a half-scale three-story structure, producing powerful jolts up to magnitude 8.0. The project aims to develop better designs for precast concrete buildings and improve their connections to resist earthquakes.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·DateAug 22, 2008
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.

Life isn't 2-D, so why should our encyclopedias be?

A new resource called Proteopedia links written information with interactive 3D images of biomacromolecules, enabling easy creation and editing by users. By integrating 3D structures with descriptive text, Proteopedia aims to make complex structural information comprehensible to all.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalGenome Biology·DateAug 22, 2008

Powerful donor motivators for fundraising

A new study in Journal of Consumer Research found that donors are more likely to respond to appeals involving negative emotions and a sense of obligation, rather than benefits to themselves. The research highlights the importance of empathy and altruism in driving charitable donations.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateAug 22, 2008

Pay attention! Small packages may lead to overeating

Research found that small packages trigger consumers to give in to temptation, while large packages are perceived as innocent pleasures, leading to overindulgence. Consumers believe that small packages help regulate hedonistic consumption, but reality shows the opposite.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateAug 22, 2008

Asthma monitoring on the Web

Researchers at Texas Instruments have developed a low-cost, portable spirometer using microelectromechanical system (MEMS) technology. The device can measure airflow and volume in a patient's lungs and is ideal for remote monitoring by healthcare workers.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Biomedical Engineering and Technology·DateAug 22, 2008

M&Ms as diet food? 100-calorie pack misconceptions

A study in the Journal of Consumer Research found that mini-packs and 100-calorie packages can undermine dieters' calorie control. Researchers discovered that chronic dieters tend to overconsume these small portions due to their perception of them as 'diet food'.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateAug 22, 2008
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

Yale undergrads' Amazon trip yields a treasure trove of diversity

A team of Yale undergraduates collected and analyzed 135 endophytes from plants in the Amazon rainforest, discovering dozens with potential bioactivity. The study's findings highlight the vast scientific potential of tropical areas and the importance of preserving these microorganisms.

SourceYale University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateAug 22, 2008

Going from ulcers to cancer

A new study reveals that H. pylori bacteria can exploit stomach cells to protect themselves from the immune system, increasing the risk of stomach cancer. The bacteria's interaction with gastric cells triggers a receptor called Decay-accelerating factor (DAF), which reduces immune damage and promotes chronic inflammation.

SourceAmerican Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateAug 22, 2008

How much risk can you handle? Making better investment decisions

Researchers developed a tool, Distribution Builder, to help investors understand their risk attitudes and make informed decisions. The tool estimates unacceptable risk levels using probability distributions, enabling users to construct better preferences.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateAug 22, 2008

Part of the in-group? A surprising new strategy helps reduce unhealthy behaviors

Researchers found that associating binge drinking with graduate students reduced junk food consumption by 28%. Linking unhealthy behaviors to an 'outgroup' can be a successful strategy for improving consumer health. By shifting perceptions of identity associated with risky behaviors, better health outcomes can be achieved.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateAug 22, 2008
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.

Western Transportation Institute to study drowsy and distracted teen driving

A new study at Montana State University's Western Transportation Institute will use in-car cameras to monitor the effect of Montana's driver's education modules on teen attitudes and behaviors behind the wheel. Researchers aim to understand how these programs can help teens become better drivers and reduce fatal car accidents.

SourceMontana State University·DateAug 22, 2008

A reason to smile: New immigrants respond best to oral hygiene campaign

A new study found that focusing on the social benefits of having a beautiful smile is effective in improving dental hygiene habits among new immigrants. The research also shows that families from less acculturated backgrounds are more responsive to such messages.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateAug 22, 2008

Seeing through tooth decay

Researchers in India developed an X-ray image analysis technique that detects the early stages of tooth decay by analyzing X-ray wavelengths. This method could help save affected teeth and prevent tooth loss.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Biomedical Engineering and Technology·DateAug 22, 2008

Women exposed to negative life events at greater risk of breast cancer: BGU study

A recent study published in BMC Cancer found that women who experienced multiple negative life events are at a higher risk of developing breast cancer. The research, conducted by Professor Ronit Peled and her team, suggests that a general feeling of happiness and optimism can play a protective role against the disease.

SourceAmerican Associates, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev·JournalBMC Cancer·DateAug 22, 2008
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.

Low-income? No car? Expect to pay more for groceries

A new study by Debabrata Talukdar found that low-income households pay more for groceries without access to a car. This phenomenon, dubbed the 'ghetto tax,' is largely driven by the higher prices charged at corner stores, which lack competition from larger regional or national chains.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateAug 22, 2008