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Science News for December 22, 2009


Could acetaminophen ease psychological pain?

A study found that acetaminophen reduced self-reported social pain and neural responses to social rejection in brain regions associated with physical pain. The findings suggest that acetaminophen may mitigate the distress of social rejection, potentially reducing antisocial behavior.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateDec 22, 2009

Chemistry makes the natural 'wonder fabric' -- wool -- more wonderful

Scientists in China have developed a new coating made from silica nanoparticles that makes wool superhydrophilic, allowing it to absorb moisture and release perspiration. This innovation could improve the natural qualities of wool, such as its lightness, softness, and warmth, while also enhancing its functionality.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalLangmuir·DateDec 22, 2009
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.

Elevated-risk women refuse MRI breast cancer screening

A study found that only 51.6% of eligible women completed a screening MRI, with claustrophobia as the primary reason for nonparticipation. Alternative methods like ultrasound may be considered for high-risk women who cannot undergo MRI screening.

SourceRadiological Society of North America·JournalRadiology·DateDec 22, 2009

An inexpensive 'dipstick' test for pesticides in foods

Scientists developed a rapid, eco-friendly pesticide test using paper-based strips that change color shades depending on pesticide levels. The test accurately identifies minute pesticide amounts in minutes, making it suitable for developing countries or remote areas without access to expensive testing equipment.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalAnalytical Chemistry·DateDec 22, 2009

Novel nanotechnology heals abscesses caused by resistant staph bacteria

Researchers at Albert Einstein College of Medicine developed a new approach to treat and heal skin abscesses caused by antibiotic-resistant staph bacteria using nitric oxide-releasing nanoparticles. The therapy was shown to clear up infections and promote healing in mice, offering a potential breakthrough in treating MRSA infections.

SourceAlbert Einstein College of Medicine·JournalPLOS ONE·DateDec 22, 2009

Conservation areas threatened nationally by housing development

A study by University of Wisconsin-Madison scientists found that housing development around national parks and protected areas poses a significant threat to wildlife habitats. The research used data from the US Census and local sources to track changes in housing units near conserved lands since 1940, projecting growth rates until 2030.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 22, 2009
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.

Anemia drug not helpful for kidney disease patients

Researchers found that darbepoetin alfa had no significant impact on cardiovascular problems or death rates in patients with chronic kidney disease and anemia. However, the study revealed a notable increase in stroke risk among those taking the drug, compared to placebo group members.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateDec 22, 2009

Ultrasound-guided cortisone injections may help treat severe hip pain

A study found that ultrasound-guided cortisone injections showed a clinically significant improvement in pain level for 72% of patients with gluteus medius tendinopathy. Patients were satisfied with the results, making this treatment method a promising option for treating severe hip pain.

SourceAmerican College of Radiology·JournalAmerican Journal of Roentgenology·DateDec 22, 2009
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Examining diabetes through a new lens

Researchers developed non-invasive technology using nanoparticles that react with glucose molecules in tears, changing color to alert users. The innovation has potential applications beyond biomedical devices, including food packaging and biodegradable materials.

SourceUniversity of Western Ontario·DateDec 22, 2009

Got smell?

A recent study published in Nature Neuroscience found that rats use their taste system to smell with, and when the taste cortex is inactivated, their sense of smell alters. The researchers discovered state dependency in neural circuit function, where the sensory systems don't work in isolation from each other.

SourceBrandeis University·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateDec 22, 2009

Study redefines placebo effect as part of effective treatment

Researchers successfully treated psoriasis patients with a reduced dose of steroid medication using the placebo effect, improving treatment for chronic diseases. The new technique could maximize drug benefits, reduce side effects and increase patient adherence.

SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical Center·JournalPsychosomatic Medicine·DateDec 22, 2009
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.

Disproportionate effects of global warming and pollution on disadvantaged communities

A special issue on climate justice explores the global implications of climate change on human health and the environment in disadvantaged communities. The collection of articles examines the disproportionate effects of energy production, environmental consequences, and healthcare utilization in low-income populations.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalEnvironmental Justice·DateDec 22, 2009

Nanoscale changes in collagen are a tipoff to bone health

Researchers have discovered changes in the collagen component of bone that directly relate to bone health. The study uses atomic force microscopy to measure key features of collagen fibrils and found that normal bone contains a distribution of collagen fibril spacings, whereas diseased bone has a different spacing distribution.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalBone·DateDec 22, 2009
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.

Seeing how evolutionary mechanisms yield biological diversity

Research published in PLoS Biology discovered the adaptation of African cichlid fish visual sensitivity to ecological factors such as diet and water clarity. The study showed that both changes in gene expression and sequence contribute to organismal diversity, with complementary effects.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalPLOS Biology·DateDec 22, 2009

How do you improve mammogram accuracy? Add noise

Researchers have developed a method to calculate precisely the correct type and level of noise to add, improving detection of precancerous lesions and reducing false positives by up to 36%.

SourceSyracuse University·JournalIEEE Journal of Selected Topics in Signal Processing·DateDec 22, 2009

New human reproductive hormone could lead to novel contraceptives

Researchers at University of California, Berkeley have discovered a new human reproductive hormone called gonadotropin inhibitory hormone (GnIH), which has the opposite effect from gonadotropin releasing hormone. GnIH may lead to the development of novel contraceptives and treatments for cancer or other diseases.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalPLOS ONE·DateDec 22, 2009

Fungal footage fosters foresight into plant, animal disease

Researchers have discovered a new model of fungal growth, known as the 'apical recycling model', which sheds light on how fungi cells shape and grow. This breakthrough has the potential to inform the development of new strategies for preventing and treating fungal diseases in plants and animals.

SourceTexas A&M AgriLife Communications·DateDec 22, 2009

Volunteer program provides quality low-risk operative care to patients in need

A new study published in the Journal of the American College of Surgeons shows that a volunteer program providing low-risk outpatient surgical procedures can deliver safe and effective health care to patients in need. The program met six quality-of-care guidelines, including safety, efficiency, and patient-centered care.

SourceWeber Shandwick Worldwide·JournalJournal of the American College of Surgeons·DateDec 22, 2009
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.

High risk of colorectal, endometrial and Lynch syndrome cancers for MSH6 mutation carriers

A new study found that MSH6 mutation carriers have a high risk of developing colorectal and endometrial cancers, as well as cancers associated with Lynch syndrome. The estimated cumulative risks to ages 70 and 80 years were 22% and 44% for colorectal cancer in men, and 26% and 44% for women.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateDec 22, 2009

Poor face greater health burden than smokers or the obese

A new study published in the American Journal of Public Health found that poverty and high school dropout rates have a significant impact on health, with poor individuals losing 8.2 years of perfect health. The study suggests that addressing poverty and education is crucial to improving population health.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateDec 22, 2009

Spider web glue spins society toward new biobased adhesives

Researchers have identified two new glycoproteins in spider web glue that can be used to develop a new generation of biobased adhesives. These proteins are produced from opposite strands of the same DNA sequence, making them a promising material for large-scale production and various applications.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalBiomacromolecules·DateDec 22, 2009
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.

Brown dwarf pair mystifies astronomers

Researchers found two brown dwarf-sized masses around an ordinary star, which is extremely rare. The discovery suggests that planets may assemble around stars more quickly and efficiently than thought possible.

SourcePenn State·DateDec 22, 2009