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Science News Archive 2009 - Page 259


Page 259 of 277

The paradox of temptation

Researchers found that increased temptation, such as sweets in a gym setting, can actually decrease desire for them. This counteractive self-control theory suggests the mind dampens desire to protect greater goals like good health. The study also applied this concept to other temptations like work and play.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateJan 30, 2009

European fusion computer comes to Julich

The new supercomputer will help researchers better understand complex plasma effects in the ITER fusion reactor through advanced computer simulations. The HPC-FF system will be optimized for European fusion scientists' simulation programs and will provide 101 teraflop/s computing power.

Mesh-like network of arteries adjusts to restore blood flow to stroke-injured brain

Researchers discovered that small arteries at the brain's surface redirect and widen to maintain a constant blood supply after a stroke. The mesh-like vascular network enables the arteries to compensate for reduced blood cell velocity by increasing diameter, ensuring steady delivery of oxygen and nutrients.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalJournal of Cerebral Blood Flow & Metabolism·DateJan 30, 2009

UC San Diego engineers develop novel method for accelerated bone growth

Researchers at UC San Diego have developed a novel method to accelerate bone growth using nanotubes and stem cells, which could lead to quicker recovery times for patients undergoing orthopedic surgery. The new method uses mesenchymal stem cells placed on top of titanium oxide nanotubes to control cell differentiation into osteoblasts.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 30, 2009

Enzyme with a sugar antenna

Researchers achieve semisynthesis of homogeneous glycoproteins, a complex task in biomedical studies. They used a novel strategy to synthesize ribonuclease C, a glycosylated bovine pancreatic enzyme with a unique sugar component.

SourceWiley·DateJan 30, 2009

Intervention method reduces binge drinking

A new intervention method has been shown to significantly reduce binge drinking among college students. The MIF (motivational interviewing with feedback) intervention includes a personalized feedback profile and a 45-minute counseling session, resulting in a 5.26 drink reduction per week among participants. The study found that this ap...

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at Houston·JournalJournal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology·DateJan 30, 2009

Observers of first dates can predict outcome, study shows

In a speed-dating study, researchers found that men and women were equally skilled at gauging romantic interest, but women's deceptive behavior made it harder for observers to judge their interest accurately. The study suggests that evolutionary theory predicts women to be more coy or deceptive in dating environments.

SourceIndiana University·JournalPsychological Science·DateJan 30, 2009

Sports technology for para-athletes: Closing the gap

Recent sports technology advancements aim to bridge the gap between able-bodied athletes and para-athletes. Prosthetic innovations like carbon blades have shown significant advantages in sprinting mechanics data, allowing double transtibial amputees to deliver comparable performance levels with lower metabolic costs.

SourceWiley·JournalSports Technology·DateJan 30, 2009

Tobacco companies target girls

Research reveals that tobacco companies in South Korea have been deliberately targeting girls and young women with marketing campaigns, using tactics such as associating smoking with body image and female emancipation. The study calls for stricter regulations and public education to combat the rise in female smoking rates.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalGlobalization and Health·DateJan 29, 2009

What we don’t know still hurts us, environmental researchers warn

A recent study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences highlights the need for improved understanding of ecosystem interactions and long-term data collection. The authors warn that current approaches are limited by discipline-bound thinking and lack a full description of the complex biophysical and social systems.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 29, 2009

No such thing as a 'born leader,' study in fish finds

A new study on stickleback fish found that followers play a crucial role in good leadership and that individuals adopt roles based on social feedback. The researchers showed that each member of a pair influences the other's behavior, leading to dynamic leadership emergence.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJan 29, 2009