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Science News for December 17, 2008


Cry me a river: The psychology of crying

Researchers found that most respondents reported improved mood after a good cry, but some felt worse or no improvement. Criers who received social support experienced the most significant improvements in mood. The study highlights the complexities of crying behavior and its physical and emotional effects.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalCurrent Directions in Psychological Science·DateDec 17, 2008

'Seeing' the quantum world

A four-minute animated movie created by University of Calgary's Barry Sanders explains the nature of quantum computing, its power and underlying science. The animation uses state-of-the-art techniques to convey quantum concepts in an accurate and exciting way.

SourceUniversity of Calgary·JournalNew Journal of Physics·DateDec 17, 2008

Harnessing microbes to boost plant production

Michigan State University has licensed technology that enables plants to use atmospheric nitrogen, resulting in significant growth and yield improvements of up to 90 percent. The microbial fertilizers are cost-effective, environmentally friendly, and have been shown to increase plant resistance to disease.

SourceMichigan State University·DateDec 17, 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.

No quick or easy technological fix for climate change, researchers say

Researchers argue that geoengineering solutions to climate change are unrealistic due to the complexity of the Earth's climate system. The concept of injecting particles into the stratosphere to reduce global warming is highly uncertain and requires massive infrastructure investments.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·DateDec 17, 2008

MIT finds climate change could dramatically affect water supplies

Climate change may lead to a significant impact on water supplies, with changes in groundwater recharge potentially exceeding those in precipitation. The research focused on a semi-arid region near Lubbock, Texas, finding that timing and duration of rainfall events play a crucial role in determining the effects.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·DateDec 17, 2008
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Molecular marker identifies normal stem cells as intestinal tumor source

Scientists at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital have discovered that normal stem cells can give rise to tumors in mature solid tissues, including the intestine. The study identifies Prominin1 as a molecular marker for normal stem cells, which can act as the source of cancerous tumors.

SourceSt. Jude Children's Research Hospital·JournalNature·DateDec 17, 2008

Strange travels

Research focuses on transport phenomena in heterogeneous media, exploring anomalous transport and its role in hydrogeology. The study highlights the importance of concentration tails in assessing radioactive waste disposal reliability.

SourceSoil Science Society of America·JournalVadose Zone Journal·DateDec 17, 2008

Women prefer prestige over dominance in mates

A study published in Personal Relationships reveals that women prioritize men who are recognized by peers for their skills and achievements, rather than those who use coercive tactics to subordinate rivals. In long-term relationships, women's preferences for prestige increase, contradicting common dating advice.

SourceWiley·JournalPersonal Relationships·DateDec 17, 2008

Stevens' professor Lynn receives 2009 Research Publication Award

Professor Gary S. Lynn, a prominent scholar in technology innovation, has received the 2009 Research Publication Award from the International Association for Management of Technology (IAMOT). His work has been recognized for its high-impact and academically rigorous research on technology-based entrepreneurship.

SourceStevens Institute of Technology·DateDec 17, 2008
Creality K1 Max 3D Printer

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.

Most women report satisfaction with egg donation; some claim problems

A study by University of Washington researchers found that two-thirds of women who donated eggs reported satisfaction with the process, but 16% experienced physical symptoms and 20% had lasting psychological effects. Women's motivations for donation varied, with some citing altruism and others financial concerns.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalFertility and Sterility·DateDec 17, 2008

Racial tension in a 'split-second'

Research suggests that brief hesitations in conversation can increase anxiety in interracial interactions. In a study, participants experienced heightened anxiety when having conversations with someone of a different racial background after being delayed by just one second. This delay was undetectable to the participants.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateDec 17, 2008
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.

Are power and compassion mutually exclusive?

A recent study published in Psychological Science found that individuals with a higher sense of power experienced less compassion and distress when confronted with another's suffering. High-power individuals' autonomic emotion regulation increased, buffering against their partner's distress.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateDec 17, 2008

Engineering algae to make fuel instead of sugar

Scientists at the University of California, Berkeley have developed a method to genetically modify microalgae to produce hydrogen and hydrocarbons instead of sugar molecules. This modification allows for more efficient use of sunlight in the photosynthesis process, making it a potential alternative to traditional biofuels.

SourceOptica·JournalOptics Express·DateDec 17, 2008

Male circumcision may decrease risk of HPV infection and cervical cancer

New studies suggest that male circumcision can lower the risk of human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, particularly high-risk subtypes associated with cervical, penile, and other cancers. Circumcised men are about half as likely to have HPV as uncircumcised men, according to research published in The Journal of Infectious Diseases.

SourceInfectious Diseases Society of America·JournalThe Journal of Infectious Diseases·DateDec 17, 2008

Researchers use satellites to measure inland floods

Satellites like TOPEX/Poseidon can supplement USGS ground measurements with little to no cost, offering detailed flood data. The Ohio State software uses an algorithm to differentiate between water and snow cover, enabling precise measurements of flooded regions.

SourceOhio State University·DateDec 17, 2008
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.

Stem cells drug testing predicted to boom under Obama

A leading British researcher predicts a boom in stem cell drug testing under Obama's administration, offering a viable alternative to animal-based heart cell tests. The UK has already established a special public-private research program to harness the potential of human embryonic stem cells for safer medicine.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·DateDec 17, 2008

Study: Did early climate impact divert a new glacial age?

Researchers found evidence of increased greenhouse gases in ancient ice core records, suggesting that human influence on climate started with large-scale agriculture and deforestation. The study challenges the traditional view that the Industrial Revolution marked the beginning of human-induced climate change.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·DateDec 17, 2008

Lean muscle mass helps even obese patients battle cancer

A recent study by the University of Alberta found that individuals with sarcopenic obesity, a condition characterized by low lean muscle mass, had significantly reduced survival rates and poorer physical function compared to those with only obesity. This suggests that body composition may play a crucial role in cancer treatment outcomes.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalThe Lancet Oncology·DateDec 17, 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.

Growing income gap among US families suggests increasing economic insecurity

Research published in American Sociological Review reveals a significant increase in income inequality among US families with children since 1975. The study found that family type and education level played key roles in shaping income disparities, with single-parent families without working mothers exhibiting the greatest inequality.

SourceAmerican Sociological Association·JournalAmerican Sociological Review·DateDec 17, 2008

Kidnapped senior needed IU-patented home security system

A device patented by an Indiana University researcher would have alerted a kidnapped senior's closest friends and family to the crime within moments. The Portal Monitor connects home doorbell sensors to porch cameras, forwarding headshot images to pre-selected contacts via cell phones.

SourceIndiana University·DateDec 17, 2008

Women double fruit, veggie intake with switch to Mediterranean diet plan

In a six-month study, women doubled their fruit and vegetable intakes by following a Mediterranean diet plan with an exchange list. The plan maintained caloric and total fat intakes, leading to significant changes in their eating habits.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJournal of the American Dietetic Association·DateDec 17, 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.

The Green (and blue, red and white) lights of the future

A new paper in Optics Express envisions a future with widespread use of LED lights, offering significant energy savings and environmental benefits. LEDs are predicted to save more than $1 trillion in energy costs over 10 years and lead to substantial reductions in carbon dioxide emissions.

SourceOptica·JournalOptics Express·DateDec 17, 2008

Earth's original ancestor was LUCA, not Adam nor Eve

A recent study published in Nature reveals that the common ancestor of all life on earth, LUCA, was not a heat-loving organism as previously thought. Instead, it thrived in a cooler microclimate, resolving a paradox about the origins of life on Earth.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalNature·DateDec 17, 2008

Modified gene targets cancer cells a thousand times more often than healthy cells

Researchers at the University of Rochester have designed a gene that produces a thousand times more protein in cancer cells than in healthy cells. This new approach allows for the insertion of 'self-destruct' codes, forcing cancer cells to kill themselves while healthy cells remain unaffected.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 17, 2008
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

Doctors question standardized training requirements

A recent survey of doctors has found that most feel only confident in performing five out of seventeen procedures required by the NHS. The study suggests that guidance on acceptable standards is limited, and some procedures may be unachievable for all trainees.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Medical Education·DateDec 17, 2008

Fears of promiscuity pose barrier to cervical cancer vaccinations

Public concerns about costs and promiscuity pose a barrier to cervical cancer vaccinations, according to a Yale University study. The vast majority of surveyed adults believe the risk of cervical cancer is low with the HPV vaccine, but think adolescent promiscuity will increase among vaccinated teens.

SourceYale University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 17, 2008

'Smart' surveillance system may tag suspicious or lost people

Researchers at Ohio State University are developing a computerized surveillance system that can recognize suspicious behavior, track people's movements and help find lost individuals. The system uses intelligent video cameras, geo-referencing software and algorithms to analyze and model human behavior patterns.

SourceOhio State University·DateDec 17, 2008

Researchers compile 'molecular manual' for 100s of inherited diseases

Researchers have created a comprehensive catalogue of tissue-specific pathologies underlying hundreds of inherited diseases, including breast cancer, Parkinson's disease, heart disease, and autism. The catalogue, available online, could help physicians and researchers develop new treatments for these conditions.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 17, 2008
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.

Supply of board-certified emergency physicians unlikely to meet projected needs

A Massachusetts General Hospital study suggests that US emergency departments are unlikely to meet projected needs with current board-certified emergency physician workforce. The study found that even with idealized projections, it would take over a decade to staff all emergency departments with certified physicians.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalAcademic Emergency Medicine·DateDec 17, 2008
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.

Weakened RNA interference reduces survival in ovarian cancer

A study by the University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center found that women with high levels of Dicer and Drosha proteins had a median survival of 11 years, while those with low levels had only 2.66 years. Low levels of Dicer are also predictive of poor outcomes in lung and breast cancer patients.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateDec 17, 2008

More can be done to prevent lung disease in Southeast-Asian babies

A major international study highlights the need for improved prenatal care in South-East Asian hospitals to prevent neonatal lung disease. Antenatal corticosteroid treatment before preterm birth has been shown to significantly reduce child death and disease.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalBMC Pregnancy and Childbirth·DateDec 17, 2008
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.

Annals colonoscopy study underscores importance of quality standards

A recent study published in Annals of Internal Medicine concludes that screening colonoscopy is associated with fewer deaths from colorectal cancer, but primarily on the left side. The findings emphasize the need for skilled physicians to perform effective colonoscopies.

SourceAmerican Gastroenterological Association·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateDec 17, 2008

Primary cilium as cellular 'GPS system' crucial to wound repair

The primary cilium is a vital cellular sensor that detects signals to guide cells toward wounds, promoting efficient healing. Defective cilia impede wound closure and lead to uncontrolled cell migration, potentially contributing to invasive cancers and fibrosis.

SourceAmerican Society for Cell Biology·DateDec 17, 2008

Autism and schizophrenia share common origin

Research suggests that autism and schizophrenia may stem from similar physical abnormalities caused by disruptions in early organogenesis, typically between 20-40 days after fertilization. This developmental stage is critical in shaping the body's development, and errors during this period can lead to various mental health disorders.

SourceNetherlands Organization for Scientific Research·DateDec 17, 2008
Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.

Sex difference on spatial skill test linked to brain structure

A University of Iowa study links sex differences in brain structure, particularly in the parietal lobe, to variations in spatial skill test performance. Women's thicker cortexes are associated with poorer mental rotation ability, while men's larger parietal lobe surface area is related to better performance.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalBrain and Cognition·DateDec 17, 2008

The more you take the more you lose

A study by Boaz Keysar and colleagues found that negative reciprocity, or taking, escalates in social exchanges, leading to irrational feuds. In contrast, acts of giving are perceived as more generous, encouraging pro-social exchanges.

SourceUniversity of Chicago·JournalPsychological Science·DateDec 17, 2008

Researchers find nature's shut-off switch for cellulose production

Purdue University researchers identified a role for small-interfering RNAs in regulating and shutting down primary cell wall growth, which may enhance total plant biomass. This discovery could lead to increased cellulose production for plant-based biofuels.

SourcePurdue University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 17, 2008

Study: Prejudice could cost a black worker thousands

A recent study in the Journal of Political Economy found that prejudice accounts for approximately one-quarter of the racial wage gap in the US. The study suggests that levels of prejudice among the least prejudiced have a strong influence on wage gaps, while levels among the most prejudiced have no effect.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Political Economy·DateDec 17, 2008
GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.

Traditional Dutch landscape under threat

Green areas in Randstad region may disappear due to lack of targeted agricultural policy, according to Dutch researcher Evelien van Rij. A distinction must be made between traditional Dutch landscapes used for recreation and other agricultural areas to guarantee their continued existence.

SourceNetherlands Organization for Scientific Research·DateDec 17, 2008

Experts detail the 3 rules for technological fixes

Experts outline three rules for selecting technological fixes, emphasizing the importance of cause-effect relationships, clear benefits, and standardized technical cores. Vaccines serve as a successful example, while literacy education highlights the challenges of finding effective solutions.

SourceArizona State University·JournalNature·DateDec 17, 2008
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.