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Science News for November 21, 2008


Old-fashioned friendliness trumps incentives among supply chain partners

A recent study published in Management Science found that social preferences, such as status and reciprocity, play a significant role in shaping the behavior of supply chain partners. When these preferences are taken into account, partnerships can become more collaborative and mutually beneficial, leading to improved overall performance.

SourceInstitute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences·JournalManagement Science·DateNov 21, 2008

Scientists honored for contributions to cancer fight

Four Americans, including US Senators Edward Kennedy and Mina Bissell, are being honored with the American Cancer Society's Medal of Honor for their outstanding contributions to cancer research and control. The recipients have made significant impact in funding, legislation, and awareness campaigns.

SourceAlbert Einstein College of Medicine·DateNov 21, 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.

Los Alamos scientists see new mechanism for superconductivity

Researchers at Los Alamos National Laboratory have proposed a new explanation for superconductivity that doesn't rely on phonons. By introducing quantum fluctuations and pressure changes, they observed a quantum critical point where electrons pair up in a previously undescribed state of matter.

SourceDOE/Los Alamos National Laboratory·JournalNature·DateNov 21, 2008

The 2009 AAAS/Science dance contest winners are announced

The 2009 AAAS/Science dance contest selected four winners, each expressing their Ph.D. thesis in a unique dance form. The winning scientists are Sue Lynn Lau, Miriam Sach, Vince LiCata, and Markita Landry, whose research spans from vitamin D to single molecule measurements.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·DateNov 21, 2008

Med school discovery could lead to better cancer diagnosis, drugs

A Florida State University research team has discovered a crucial new layer of regulation in the cell division cycle, which could lead to better cancer diagnosis and treatment. The findings highlight the importance of Cdc14 protein enzyme in ensuring correct timing and order of cell-cycle events.

SourceFlorida State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 21, 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.

Hairspray is linked to common genital birth defect, says study

Women exposed to hairspray at work during pregnancy have more than double the risk of having a son with hypospadias, according to a new Imperial College London study. Taking folic acid supplements in the first three months of pregnancy may reduce this risk by 36%.

SourceImperial College London·JournalEnvironmental Health Perspectives·DateNov 21, 2008

Understanding Europe's topography

The EUROCORES programme TOPO-EUROPE explores Europe's changing topography, combining solid Earth and climate scientists to understand past, present, and future changes. The project aims to refine sea level estimations and inform geological surveys on geothermal energy, seismic hazards, and slope instabilities.

SourceEuropean Science Foundation·DateNov 21, 2008

Study of ancient and modern plagues finds common features

A study by NIAID authors identifies common determinants of disease emergence across time and place, including international trade, poverty, and climate change. The research highlights the need for a better understanding of these factors to prepare for future emerging diseases.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalThe Lancet Infectious Diseases·DateNov 21, 2008

UBC researchers develop breakthrough technique to unlock the secret of plasmas

UBC researchers have developed a new class of ultracold plasma made from molecules, which promises to revolutionize our understanding of plasmas and their properties. The technique creates plasmas three orders of magnitude denser than those made with trapped atoms, allowing for higher levels of correlation and potentially leading to ne...

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateNov 21, 2008

Scripps research scientists identify blood component that turns bacteria virulent

Researchers have identified a key chemical, bicarbonate, that signals Bacillus anthracis to become lethal, offering a potential target for new antibacterial treatments. The study builds on earlier observations of the bacterium's response to host conditions, confirming bicarbonate as the essential component for virulence gene expression.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateNov 21, 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.

Molecular memory a game-changer

Researchers at Rice University have developed a graphene-based memory device that can store large amounts of data in a two-dimensional array. This technology increases storage capacity by a factor of five and consumes virtually no power.

SourceRice University·JournalNature Materials·DateNov 21, 2008

UC Davis scientists receive $4 milllion biodiversity grant

The five-year, $4 million grant will support biodiversity field surveys, screen microbes and plants for applications to human health and energy needs. The research aims to conserve endangered species and develop local conservation efforts in Indonesia's tropical forests.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·DateNov 21, 2008

Fall babies: Born to wheeze?

Children born four months before the height of cold and flu season have a greater risk of developing childhood asthma than children born at any other time of year. The study found that birth timing is independently linked to asthma development, with autumn babies facing the highest risk.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateNov 21, 2008

Long-term antibiotics reduce COPD exacerbations, raise questions

A year-long study found that long-term use of a macrolide antibiotic reduced COPD exacerbations by 35% in patients with moderate to severe disease. The treatment also decreased the severity and duration of exacerbations, but its benefits are offset by concerns about growing antibiotic resistance.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateNov 21, 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.

Household exposure to toxic chemicals lurks unrecognized, researchers find

Researchers found that women were surprised and puzzled by the number of contaminants detected in their homes, despite growing awareness of environmental pollution. The study highlights the need for sociologists to collaborate with life scientists to examine the personal experience of environmental problems.

SourceBrown University·JournalJournal of Health and Social Behavior·DateNov 21, 2008

'Fish technology' draws renewable energy from slow water currents

A University of Michigan engineer has created a machine called VIVACE that converts slow-moving ocean and river currents into clean, renewable power. The device works by creating vortex-induced vibrations in the water, which are then converted into mechanical energy and electricity.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalJournal of Offshore Mechanics and Arctic Engineering·DateNov 21, 2008

New study data: JANUVIA (sitagliptin)

A new study shows JANUVIA (sitagliptin), a diabetes medicine, effectively lowers blood glucose levels in elderly patients with type 2 diabetes and is not associated with hypoglycemia. The study found that advanced age can contribute to the risk of hypoglycemia, which is why this treatment is beneficial for older patients.

SourceGCI Health·DateNov 21, 2008

Putting an end to turbulence

Researchers from Max Planck Institute and Technical University discover that turbulent flows in pipes will inevitably become laminar, with the transition taking many years. This finding could help save energy in applications like oil pipelines.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateNov 21, 2008
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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