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Science News for November 20, 2008


Race guides neighborhood evaluation, study says

Researchers found that white participants rated neighborhoods with black residents more negatively than those with white residents or a mix of both. The study's findings demonstrate the ongoing impact of racial stereotypes on social perceptions and neighborhood evaluations.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·DateNov 20, 2008

Sea level rise alters bay's salinity

Researchers from Penn State and University of Maryland studied Chesapeake Bay's salinity changes due to sea-level rise. They found an increasing trend in salinity, supporting the hypothesis that climate change is impacting the Bay's ecosystem.

SourcePenn State·DateNov 20, 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.

Where there's wildfire smoke, there's toxicity

A new study analyzing particulate matter from Southern California wildfires confirms that the composition of smoke posed more serious potential threats to health than is generally realized. The study found that fire emissions produce a significantly larger aerosol in size, making it easier for particles to penetrate indoor structures.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateNov 20, 2008

Certain skills are predictors of reading ability in young children

Researchers found that differences between pre-K reading-disabled children and their peers diminished by pre-first grade, except for phonological awareness. Phonological awareness skills distinguished the groups at Pre-K and Pre-1, suggesting this skill is a strong predictor of reading disability.

SourceWiley·JournalLearning Disabilities Research and Practice·DateNov 20, 2008
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Lactic acid found to fuel tumors

Researchers found lactic acid is an important energy source for tumor cells and discovered a way to destroy hard-to-kill cells by preventing lactate delivery. Blocking lactate transport kills oxygenated cells that starve hypoxic cells, offering a novel approach to treating tumors.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateNov 20, 2008

Oh, what a feeling!

Researchers found that training individuals to read body language, facial expressions, and voice tone in others resulted in significant gains in emotional perception. This skill is crucial for successful social communication and helps overcome chronic social difficulties or isolation. The training regime, known as self-instruction trai...

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalJournal of Head Trauma Rehabilitation·DateNov 20, 2008

Brain reorganizes to adjust for loss of vision

A new study shows that brain activity increases in the visual cortex when patients with macular degeneration focus on using other parts of their retina to compensate for their loss of central vision. The brain reorganizes its neural connections to process information from other parts of the eye.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalRestorative Neurology and Neuroscience·DateNov 20, 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.

Employee engagement dependent upon conditions created by employer

The study examines the meaning of employee engagement, which involves positive feelings about the job and motivation. The authors conclude that employers must create conditions that respect employees' energy and facilitate engagement through fair treatment, creating a feeling of trust and safety.

SourceWiley·JournalIndustrial and Organizational Psychology·DateNov 20, 2008

NISS-USDA Cross-Sector Initiative creates Research in Residence Program

The program aims to develop advanced statistical methodologies for implementing USDA surveys and analyzing survey results. Four focus areas have been identified: multivariate imputation, new design and estimation methodologies, automated editing and imputation methods, and statistical multi-source predictive models.

SourceNational Institute of Statistical Sciences·DateNov 20, 2008

Pregnant women who do aquarobics have easier deliveries

A recent study published in Reproductive Health found that pregnant women who attended water aerobics classes had shorter labor durations and lower rates of analgesia requests compared to those who did not participate. The research suggests that moderate water aerobics during pregnancy may improve maternal and fetal health outcomes.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalReproductive Health·DateNov 20, 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.

JCI table of contents: Nov. 20, 2008

Researchers identified a potential new target for anticancer therapeutics by showing that well-oxygenated tumor cells use lactate as a fuel source, which is released by hypoxic tumor cells. Inhibiting this protein MCT1 disrupts the symbiotic relationship between tumor cell types and leads to decreased tumor growth in mice models.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateNov 20, 2008

Queen's secures £25M for UK's cyber safety

Queen's University Belfast is set to become the UK's lead center for developing technology to counter malicious cyber-attacks. The £25M investment will fund a new Innovation and Knowledge Centre, the Center for Secure Information Technologies (CSIT), which will create secure infrastructure to safeguard electronic information.

SourceQueen's University Belfast·DateNov 20, 2008

2-part gift expands clinical nurse leader program and creates endowment

The Medical College of Georgia has received a $1.27 million two-part gift from the Helene Fuld Health Trust to expand its clinical nurse leader program and create an endowment for nursing scholarships. The gift will partner with Macon State University and Georgia Southwestern University to offer advanced degrees in nursing.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·DateNov 20, 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.

NRL scientists study cracks in brittle materials

Researchers used computer modeling and experimentation to investigate how cracks grow at low speeds in silicon, finding rearrangements of atoms associated with ductile materials can occur near the crack tip. This instability can lead to macroscopic changes in the path of the crack, leaving behind ridges on the crack surface.

SourceNaval Research Laboratory·JournalNature·DateNov 20, 2008

Supercontinuum generation and soliton dynamics milestone achieved

A team of researchers has successfully generated two resonant dispersive waves on both sides of the emitting soliton, a major breakthrough in supercontinuum generation. The unique fiber design allows for efficient and compact femtosecond lasers, opening up new applications in frequency combs.

SourceOptica·JournalOptics Letters·DateNov 20, 2008

Research finds way to double rice crops in drought-stricken areas

Scientists have identified a group of genes in rice that enable a yield of up to 100% more in severe drought conditions. This breakthrough has the potential to bring relief to farmers in countries like India and Thailand, where rice crops are regularly affected by drought.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalEuphytica·DateNov 20, 2008

11,000 alien species invade Europe

A comprehensive overview of alien species in Europe reveals over 11,000 documented species, with 15% causing economic damages and 15% harming biological diversity. The DAISIE project provides a valuable tool for managing biological invasions in Europe, enabling early detection, eradication, and control methods.

SourceHelmholtz Association·DateNov 20, 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.

Uncertainty can be more stressful than clear negative feedback

A new study published in Psychological Science found that individuals with high neuroticism levels prefer clear negative information over uncertainty. Researchers measured brain activity and found stronger responses to uncertain feedback in these individuals.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalPsychological Science·DateNov 20, 2008

Stanford: Quantum computing spins closer

Researchers at Stanford University have successfully flipped the spin of an electron and measured its new position, a key step towards faster quantum computing. The experiment achieved this in about 100 times less time than previous techniques, using ultrafast lasers.

SourceStanford University·JournalNature·DateNov 20, 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.

Uncertainty can be more stressful than clear negative feedback

A new study published in Psychological Science found that neurotic individuals react stronger to uncertain feedback than clear negative information. This suggests that some people prefer the devil they know over the unknown, and high levels of Neuroticism contribute to this dislike.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateNov 20, 2008

Pure insulin-producing cells produced in mouse

Researchers successfully produce pure insulin-producing cells from mouse embryonic stem cells, showing efficacy in treating diabetes in lab models. The findings provide proof of principle for applying this strategy to human ESCs and offer avenues for further research.

SourceAgency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore·JournalStem Cell Research·DateNov 20, 2008

New method for tracing metal pollution back to its sources

A new method for tracing zinc pollution in the atmosphere has been developed, which can identify the source of the pollution. This breakthrough could improve pollution monitoring and inform national and international strategies to reduce zinc pollution.

SourceImperial College London·JournalAnalytical Chemistry·DateNov 20, 2008

Scientists discover concealed glaciers on Mars at mid-latitudes

Researchers using ground-penetrating radar on NASA's Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter have discovered vast Martian glaciers of water ice under protective blankets of rocky debris. The concealed glaciers extend for tens of miles and are up to one-half mile thick, making them the largest reservoir of water ice on Mars outside the polar caps.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalScience·DateNov 20, 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.

Common cold virus came from birds

A virus causing human-like symptoms may have emerged from a bird virus 200 years ago, according to scientists studying the common cold. Human metapneumovirus has high evolutionary rates and is closely related to Avian metapneumovirus C, suggesting a potential species barrier crossing event.

SourceMicrobiology Society·JournalJournal of Virology·DateNov 20, 2008

Quantum computers could excel in modeling chemical reactions

Researchers at Harvard University propose that quantum computers could simulate chemical reactions with improved accuracy, reducing computational resources required. This breakthrough has significant potential for applications in drug design, materials science, and other fields.

SourceHarvard University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 20, 2008

From genes to farmers' fields

Several new flood-tolerant rice varieties have passed tests in farmers' fields with flying colors, offering a solution to crop losses due to flooding. The varieties, which can withstand 2 weeks of submergence, are nearly identical to their susceptible counterparts but recover after severe flooding to yield well.

SourceInternational Rice Research Institute·DateNov 20, 2008

Underwater stock options drive top executives turnover

A study published in Personnel Psychology reveals that executives' underwater stock option portfolios are more likely to lead to voluntary turnover. Increasing the value of these portfolios can reduce the odds of turnover by substantially, suggesting that firms may need to consider alternative retention strategies.

SourceWiley·JournalPersonnel Psychology·DateNov 20, 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.

MU study reveals effective anti-tobacco ads should either scare or disgust viewers

Researchers at the University of Missouri-Columbia found that ads focusing on fear or disgust increase attention and memory in viewers, while combining both decreased impact. The study suggests that using either scare or disgust content alone is more effective in anti-tobacco campaigns than their combined approach.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalHealth Communication·DateNov 20, 2008

Stopping germs from ganging up on humans

A new strategy targets the cooperation among pathogens, which is more effective than killing individual cells with traditional drugs. By disrupting the teamwork, the immune system can combat any remaining infection.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalEvolution·DateNov 20, 2008

Coming soon: Improved lithium ion batteries?

A team of scientists has developed a new material for anodes that can store more lithium ions than graphite, leading to improved battery performance. The highly porous silicon structure allows for rapid charging and discharging, enabling devices like mobile phones and laptops to run for longer periods.

SourceWiley·DateNov 20, 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.

Texas invests record $3.5 million in startup cofounded by UT's Mauro Ferrari

The Texas Emerging Technology Fund has awarded a record $3.5 million to NanoMedical Systems Inc., a startup founded by Mauro Ferrari, to develop a Personalized Molecular Drug-Delivery System for controlled medicine release. The system aims to provide a safer and more reliable alternative to traditional injection methods.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at Houston·DateNov 20, 2008

Researcher tricks immune system in diabetic mice

Researchers at Northwestern University found a way to trick the immune system of mice into believing transplanted islets are their own cells. This technique eliminated the need for immunosuppressive drugs in mice with chemically-induced diabetes after islet transplantation, showing high success rates.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 20, 2008

Caltech 4-D microscope revolutionizes the way we look at the nano world

Researchers at Caltech have developed a new technique called four-dimensional electron microscopy, which allows for the real-time visualization of atomic changes in materials. The technique uses ultrafast single-electron imaging to capture snapshots of molecules in motion, revealing the dynamics of structure and shape at the atomic scale.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalScience·DateNov 20, 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.

Fountain of Youth to be found in the anthill?

Scientists are studying gene regulation in ants to model human aging and behavior. Epigenetic changes, not DNA sequence alterations, may underlie differences in longevity and behavior among ant castes. The study aims to identify the molecular basis for these changes.

SourceArizona State University·DateNov 20, 2008

Red, red wine: How it fights Alzheimer's

Researchers at UCLA discover that polyphenols in red wine can block the formation of toxic brain plaques and reduce their toxicity, potentially preventing cognitive deterioration. Human clinical trials are next to test this approach.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateNov 20, 2008

Scientists discover new species of Ebola virus

The discovery of Bundibugyo ebolavirus represents a significant addition to the puzzle of the Ebola virus genus. The new virus is genetically distinct from all other known Ebola virus species, differing by more than 30% at the genetic level. This finding has implications for the development of diagnostics, antivirals, and vaccines.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateNov 20, 2008

Soybean grant gives researchers tools to unravel better bean

A team of researchers led by University of Georgia's Wayne Parrott is using a jumping gene in rice and radiation to identify key genes in soybeans that can be used to produce a better bean. This project aims to improve soybean yield, disease resistance and nutritional content.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·DateNov 20, 2008

December 2008 highlights from Biology of Reproduction

A recent study published in Biology of Reproduction found that SOHLH2 plays a critical role in the formation and survival of oocytes and primordial follicles in mouse ovaries. The study, led by Youngsok Choi et al., discovered that SOHLH2 is essential for both oogenic and folliculogenic processes.

SourceSociety for the Study of Reproduction·JournalBiology of Reproduction·DateNov 20, 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.

Preventing tumor cells from refueling: A new anti-cancer approach?

Researchers have identified a potential new target for anticancer therapeutics by showing that well-oxygenated tumor cells use lactate as a fuel, while hypoxic cells use glucose. Inhibiting this protein MCT1 disrupts the symbiotic relationship between the two cell types, leading to decreased tumor growth in mouse models.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateNov 20, 2008

Misreading of damaged DNA may spur tumor formation

Researchers have discovered that cells can turn on tumor-promoting growth circuits as a result of misreading damaged DNA without copying it. The results suggest that DNA damage, if it hits certain critical genes in a cell, could lead to transcriptional mutagenesis that spurs the cell to divide.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 20, 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.