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Science News for November 14, 2008


Cascading effect of even minor early problems may explain serious teen violence

Children with social and academic problems in elementary school are more likely to engage in serious violent behavior later, due to parents withdrawing supervision and friends with deviant behavior. Successful early intervention can redirect paths of antisocial development to prevent violent behavior.

SourceSociety for Research in Child Development·JournalChild Development·DateNov 14, 2008

Researchers identify toehold for HIV's assault on brain

Scientists discovered a key step in HIV's attack on brain cells and were able to reverse its effects by blocking the receptor. The discovery opens up a new avenue for researchers to explore in preventing or treating HIV's neurological effects, which have no currently approved treatment.

SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical Center·JournalPLOS ONE·DateNov 14, 2008

Gruber prize celebrates 'place cell' pioneer

John O'Keefe received the Gruber Foundation Neuroscience Prize for his groundbreaking 'place cell' research, which enabled animals to map and remember locations. His work has influenced recent studies on memory loss and Alzheimer's disease.

SourceRobin Leedy & Associates, Inc.·DateNov 14, 2008

Discovery questions intelligence of human ancestor

A recent discovery in Ethiopia's Gona region has challenged previous estimates of Homo erectus infant head size, indicating a possible increase in brain capacity. The findings, published in Science, suggest that the ancient human ancestor may have been born with brains comparable to those of modern humans.

SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·JournalScience·DateNov 14, 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.

Lessons from the past can clarify banking crisis

Researchers point to historical events like the collapse of the City of Glasgow Bank in 1878 as a guide for addressing current banking crises. The UK's Financial Services Authority is recruiting more staff and considering stricter regulation, with experts emphasizing the need for effective policing of new regulations.

SourceEconomic & Social Research Council·DateNov 14, 2008

LSUHSC research identifies key contributor to Alzheimer's disease process

Researchers at LSU Health Sciences Center have identified microRNA-146a as a crucial regulator of inflammation and disease-related neuropathology in Alzheimer's disease. The study found that miRNA-146a targets the messenger RNA of an anti-inflammatory regulator, promoting brain cell inflammation.

SourceLouisiana State University Health Sciences Center·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateNov 14, 2008

Families, friends, schools and neighborhoods contribute to adolescent alcohol misuse

A longitudinal study found that characteristics in four social environments—families, peers, schools, and neighborhoods—contribute to adolescent alcohol misuse. The study highlights the importance of examining connections between all social environments and suggests a more inclusive view of adolescent social worlds.

SourceSociety for Research in Child Development·JournalChild Development·DateNov 14, 2008
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

UI researchers help to improve carbon measurements in global climate studies

Researchers at the University of Iowa have developed a method to estimate photosynthetic uptake by plants over large regions, improving accuracy of global warming and land cover change estimates. By analyzing carbonyl sulfide levels, scientists can quantify human-generated CO2 emissions and develop better management strategies.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalScience·DateNov 14, 2008

Sonography in space

Astronauts on the International Space Station successfully performed remotely-guided sonograms using a ground-to-space communication system. The study's findings demonstrate the feasibility of sonography in microgravity environments and could lead to new applications in space medicine.

SourceSAGE·JournalJournal of Diagnostic Medical Sonography·DateNov 14, 2008

Children distressed by family fighting have higher stress hormones

A new study found that children distressed by family fighting have higher cortisol levels, a stress hormone. This increase in cortisol may explain why children experiencing high levels of distress during parental conflicts are more likely to develop psychological problems.

SourceSociety for Research in Child Development·JournalChild Development·DateNov 14, 2008

In child care, relationships with caregivers key to children's stress levels

A new study found that children's stress hormone cortisol levels increase from morning to afternoon in full-day child care, depending on the quality of their relationship with caregivers. Children with more clingy or conflicted relationships with teachers showed greater rises in cortisol.

SourceSociety for Research in Child Development·JournalChild Development·DateNov 14, 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.

2008 Berrie Awards go to expert on metabolic pathways of obesity and a CUMC research scientist

Columbia University Irving Medical Center honors Dr. Bruce Spiegelman with the Naomi Berrie Award for his groundbreaking work on metabolic pathways of obesity and diabetes research. Dr. Spiegelman's discoveries have identified key molecules critical in fat cell differentiation, insulin resistance, and energy expenditure. Meanwhile, jun...

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·DateNov 14, 2008

Putting a new spin on current research

Physicists at UCL and the London Centre for Nanotechnology have made a significant discovery in quantum computing, extending the quantum lifetime of electrons by over 5,000%. This achievement brings researchers closer to building a usable quantum computer. The study used a powerful magnetic field to align electron spins, providing a cr...

SourceUniversity College London·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateNov 14, 2008

Arbor Vita presents new data on cancer diagnostic at EUrogin

Arbor Vita Corporation presented new data on its rapid, point-of-care prototype HPV test with a high positive predictive value for cervical cancer and pre-cancer detection. The test detects the E6 oncoprotein produced by human papillomavirus (HPV), which is a diagnostic marker of high positive predictive value.

SourceArbor Vita Corporation·DateNov 14, 2008
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.

Unhappy people watch TV, happy people read/socialize, says study

A new study by University of Maryland sociologists finds that unhappy people watch significantly more TV than very happy individuals, who prefer reading and socializing. The study analyzed 30 years of national data and found that TV viewing can provide short-term pleasure but has less positive effects in the long run.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalSocial Indicators Research·DateNov 14, 2008

New program teaches preschoolers reading skills, getting along with others

A new program, REDI Head Start, combines pre-reading skills with social-emotional learning to foster preschoolers' academic and social success. Children in the REDI program outperformed those in traditional programs on tests of emotional development, impulsivity, aggression, and reading skills.

SourceNIH/Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development·JournalChild Development·DateNov 14, 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.

Supportive teachers, peers can ease negative effects of frequent moves in elementary school

A longitudinal study found that frequent moves during 2nd to 5th grade can lead to declines in academic performance and classroom participation. However, having a supportive teacher who encourages peer acceptance can help children make a smooth transition. The study suggests that teachers play a critical role in mitigating the negative...

SourceSociety for Research in Child Development·JournalChild Development·DateNov 14, 2008

Genetics of aging and cancer resistance

Researchers identified two genes that sensitize lymphoid progenitor cells to the effects of aging and confer resistance to leukemogenesis. These genes regulate cell cycle progression and mediate senescence and tumor suppression in aged cells.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalGenes & Development·DateNov 14, 2008
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.

Research-based program found to enhance impact of Head Start on school readiness

A research-based program, REDI, was found to improve both academic and social-emotional areas in children participating in Head Start. The study, published in Child Development, showed that REDI's dual-focus approach effectively promoted gains in vocabulary, pre-reading skills, emotional understanding, and social competence.

SourceSociety for Research in Child Development·JournalChild Development·DateNov 14, 2008