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Science News for February 23, 2009


Trust your heart: Emotions may be more reliable when making choices

A recent study suggests that emotions play a crucial role in shaping consumer preferences, leading to greater consistency in choice-making. The researchers found that relying on feelings rather than cognitive thinking results in more consistent and long-term happiness.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateFeb 23, 2009

Anger management: The key to staying heart healthy?

A study published by the American College of Cardiology found that changes brought on by anger can predict future arrhythmias in patients with ICDs. Patients who experienced higher levels of anger-induced TWA were more likely to have arrhythmias requiring ICD termination.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateFeb 23, 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.

Genetic discovery could lead to advances in dental treatment

Researchers at Oregon State University have identified the gene Ctip2 as controlling tooth enamel production, a significant step towards repairing damaged enamel and preventing cavities. This discovery could lead to new approaches in dental health, including using tooth stem cells to stimulate enamel growth.

SourceOregon State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 23, 2009

Vitamin B and folic acid may reduce risk of age-related vision loss

A study found that vitamin B and folic acid supplements decreased the risk of age-related macular degeneration in women, with a 34% lower risk of any AMD and a 41% lower risk of visually significant AMD. The beneficial effect began to emerge after two years of follow-up.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Internal Medicine·DateFeb 23, 2009

It's about time: Consumers may be more likely to enjoy purchase when ads mention time

A new study found that mentioning time makes consumers more likely to purchase and enjoy products. Consumers are more likely to feel personal connections with products when they're primed to think about time. However, there were exceptions to this finding, particularly for status products like designer jeans.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateFeb 23, 2009
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

The honeymoon's over: Consumers overestimate enjoyment of products

A study found that people tend to overestimate their long-term enjoyment of products, leading them to choose cheaper options with fewer features. This is because consumers who think about how long they will use a product and anticipate decreased enjoyment are less likely to buy premium items.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateFeb 23, 2009

2008 was Earth's coolest year since 2000

The NASA Goddard Institute for Space Studies found that 2008 was the coolest year on record since 2000, with most of the world experiencing near-normal or warmer temperatures. A strong La Niña event in the Pacific Ocean contributed to the cooling effect.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateFeb 23, 2009

Chili peppers help to unravel the mechanism of pain

Researchers discovered that capsaicin, found in chili peppers, triggers a desensitization process in pain receptors, allowing them to adapt to painful stimuli. This adaptive response enables the receptor to continuously respond to varying stimuli, leading to a shift in responsiveness threshold.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateFeb 23, 2009
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.

Metastasis-promoting protein identified; could provide a prognostic test or target for breast cancer

A study by Boston Children's Hospital researchers has identified lipocalin 2 as a protein that triggers the epithelial to mesenchymal transition in human breast cancer cells, increasing invasiveness and metastasis. The protein is detectable in urine samples, suggesting it may be used for prognostic testing.

SourceBoston Children's Hospital·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 23, 2009

Lowering your cholesterol may decrease your risk of cancer

Research suggests that lowering cholesterol levels can block the growth of prostate tumors and reduce cancer incidence. Ezetimibe, a cholesterol-lowering drug, has been shown to inhibit tumor angiogenesis, promoting less aggressive tumors.

SourceAmerican Journal of Pathology·JournalAmerican Journal Of Pathology·DateFeb 23, 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.

Shredding corn silage could produce more ethanol at less cost

A Purdue University researcher has discovered a way to increase access to cellulose in plant cell walls by shredding corn stover instead of chopping. This results in better access to the main component needed for making ethanol. Shredding corn stalks also increases the surface area of the material and reduces energy consumption.

SourcePurdue University·DateFeb 23, 2009

Social patents

Experts explore using social networking tools to identify prior art in patent applications, streamlining the process for the US Patent and Trademark Office. The Peer-to-Patent pilot project demonstrates a promising approach to reducing backlog, with similar initiatives being investigated by UK and European offices.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Technology Transfer and Commercialisation·DateFeb 23, 2009

Immune system 'atlas' will speed detection of kidney transplant

A new immune-system 'atlas' will improve doctors' ability to monitor transplanted organs and shed light on the mechanisms of gradual, cumulative kidney malfunction after transplant. The atlas allows for inexpensive, noninvasive blood tests that show whether a donated kidney is infected or accruing chronic injuries.

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 23, 2009

In U of I study, kids learn to handle emotional responses to siblings

A University of Illinois researcher has developed a program that helps children manage their emotions and interact positively with their siblings. The study found that the program improved sibling relationship quality, reduced parental involvement, and increased children's ability to regulate their emotions.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalFamily Relations·DateFeb 23, 2009
Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.

Are women more generous? New study sheds light on donation behavior

A new study in the Journal of Consumer Research found that donations are driven by overlap between donors and recipients, rather than cause-worthiness. Women tend to donate more to victims of natural disasters like Hurricane Katrina, while men donate more to victims of terrorist attacks.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateFeb 23, 2009

No longer a gray area: Our hair bleaches itself as we grow older

A team of European scientists discovered that going gray is caused by a massive build-up of hydrogen peroxide, which blocks the normal synthesis of melanin, our hair's natural pigment. This research provides an important first step in understanding the root cause of gray hair.

SourceFederation of American Societies for Experimental Biology·JournalThe FASEB Journal·DateFeb 23, 2009

MIT rocket aims for cheaper nudges in space

MIT scientists have developed a new rocket called the Mini-Helicon Plasma Thruster, which runs on inexpensive gases and could slash fuel consumption by 10 times that of conventional systems. The propulsion system uses electrical energy to accelerate propellant, providing thrust for spacecraft maneuvers.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·DateFeb 23, 2009

Patients are untapped resource for improving care, study finds

A 15-month study found that patients who received mailed reminders for colorectal cancer screenings were more likely to schedule screenings than those without reminders. This approach increased screening rates by 16% compared to the control group.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalArchives of Internal Medicine·DateFeb 23, 2009

Suppressing cancer with a master control gene

Researchers discover gene ATOH1 regulates cell specialization, preventing cancer formation in organisms. Reactivating the gene in human colon cancer cells halts tumor growth and induces cell death.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateFeb 23, 2009
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.

Previous work experience not always a positive for a new job

A study found that prior work experience can lead to lower performance at a new job, as workers bring old habits and skills that don't adapt to the new role. Employees who score high on adaptability and fit in with their company's culture tend to perform better.

SourceOhio State University·JournalOrganization Science·DateFeb 23, 2009

How can bias be prevented in the medical literature?

Bias in medical literature can be prevented through recognition and declaration of competing interests, detailed authorship policies, and mechanisms to control outcome reporting bias. The PLoS Medicine editors propose these measures to reestablish the integrity of the scientific record.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateFeb 23, 2009

Technique tricks bacteria into generating their own vaccine

Researchers at Ohio State University have discovered a way to modify bacterial sugar molecules, which could be used to create potent vaccines. This technique allows for the easy production of vaccine components through simple fermentation.

SourceOhio State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 23, 2009
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

Do experiences or material goods make us happier?

A study published in the Journal of Consumer Research found that highly materialistic individuals were equally happy with positive purchases of either experiential or material goods. However, emotional intensity decreases more quickly after material purchases than experiential ones.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateFeb 23, 2009

Learning from our mistakes: Consumers won't be deceived twice

Researchers found that consumers' quality expectations were initially misled by biasing cues, but they learned from these mistakes and made more accurate judgments in subsequent purchases. The study suggests marketers should rethink their strategies for misleading consumers with false attributes, as it may backfire on repeat purchases.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateFeb 23, 2009
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.

Mail and electronic reminders may increase colon cancer screening

A study published in Archives of Internal Medicine found that mail reminders increased colon cancer screening rates by 44% compared to non-reminded patients. Electronic physician reminders also showed promise, especially among patients with three or more primary care visits, resulting in a 59.5% screening rate.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Internal Medicine·DateFeb 23, 2009

Women less likely to have a stroke after mini-stroke

Research reveals women are 30 percent less likely to experience a stroke within 30 days of a mini-stroke, with significant reductions in cardiac events and mortality rates over the course of one year.

SourceUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham·JournalStroke·DateFeb 23, 2009

Shape-shifting coral evade identification

Researchers used genetic markers to study coral groupings and found that skeletal shape is not a reliable way to differentiate species. This discovery highlights the need for accurate understanding of coral biodiversity to conserve coral reefs.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Evolutionary Biology·DateFeb 23, 2009

Tips from the American Journal of Pathology

Researchers found that HAART contributes to pulmonary hypertension in HIV-infected patients by impairing blood vessel-lining endothelial cell function. A novel treatment for chronic hypoxic pulmonary hypertension (PHTN) involves neprilysin, which protects against PHTN by regulating neural signaling molecules.

SourceAmerican Journal of Pathology·JournalAmerican Journal Of Pathology·DateFeb 23, 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.

Relationships in rank and file

Researchers Johannes Soeding and Andreas Biegert have developed a new method called CS-BLAST that takes into account the sequence context to improve similarity searches. This approach can identify twice as many distant relatives of proteins compared to traditional BLAST, leading to better insights into gene and protein functions.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 23, 2009

Canadian scientist mines drugs database for new diabetes treatment

Researchers develop cheap and efficient method to identify small molecules for diabetes treatment, finding NAADP plays a crucial role in insulin secretion. This discovery could lead to a new class of drugs to treat type 2 diabetes.

SourceBiotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateFeb 23, 2009

Vitamin D deficiency may increase risk of colds, flu

A large-scale study suggests that vitamin D deficiency may increase the risk of respiratory infections, such as colds and flu. Individuals with chronic respiratory disorders, like asthma and emphysema, are particularly susceptible to these infections.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalArchives of Internal Medicine·DateFeb 23, 2009
GoPro HERO13 Black

GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.

Lower increases in global temps could lead to greater impacts than previously thought, study finds

A new study by Stanford University scientists updates IPCC findings, suggesting even smaller temperature increases could cause significant problems in unique ecosystems, extreme weather events, distribution of impacts, aggregate damages, and risks of large-scale discontinuities. The research highlights increased evidence of climate cha...

SourceStanford University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 23, 2009

Patient knowledge of health information influences cancer treatment

A study published by the American Cancer Society found that patients seeking health information online are more likely to be aware of and receive the latest cancer treatments. Patients who search for information on targeted therapies like Avastin and Erbitux are up to 3.22 times more likely to receive these treatments.

SourceAmerican Cancer Society·JournalCancer·DateFeb 23, 2009

Building a better protein

Researchers at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute have developed a targeted strategy to substantially increase the thermodynamic stability of nearly any protein while preserving its unique function. The design technique creates proteins that remain stable at temperatures 10 degrees Celsius higher than normal.

SourceRensselaer Polytechnic Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 23, 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.

Using wireless sensors to monitor bridge safety

A network of low-power wireless sensors will be used to capture and transmit data on bridge conditions, reducing inspection costs. The technology aims to identify signs of corrosion and wear in aging bridges before they fail, ensuring public safety.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin, Electrical & Computer Engineering·DateFeb 23, 2009

Fate and 'face': Cultural differences lead to different consumer approaches

A new study published in the Journal of Consumer Research found that Asian consumers are more tolerant of nonsocial failures due to their strong belief in fate, while Western consumers are more demanding. The researchers also discovered that brands emphasizing fate can increase Asian consumers' tolerance for social failures.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateFeb 23, 2009

Kids who watch R-rated movies are more likely to smoke

A new study found that parental permission to watch R-rated movies increases the likelihood that children believe it's easy to obtain cigarettes. This perception is associated with a higher risk of smoking among kids, suggesting parental smoking and home environment can contribute to youth smoking.

SourceBurness·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateFeb 23, 2009

Does sex sell? New study shows how to make women respond to sexy ads

A new study suggests that women's attitudes toward sexually oriented advertising can improve if ads depict sex in a manner consistent with women's intrinsic values, such as devotion and commitment. Experiment 1 found that commitment-related cues in the ad boosted women's attitudes towards the product.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateFeb 23, 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.

AGI reports on the state of geoscience employment

The AGI Workforce Program releases its third chapter, Geoscience Employment Sectors, which examines the demographics and dynamics of the geoscience workforce. The report provides insights into salaries, experience, and job transitions for geosciences graduates, as well as employment projections for 2016.

SourceAmerican Geosciences Institute·DateFeb 23, 2009

Human stem cells provide a new model for Lou Gehrig's disease

Researchers have developed a human cell-derived model of ALS, allowing for the study of the disease's progression and potential therapeutics. The model, derived from motor neurons generated from human embryonic stem cells, exhibits characteristics typical of the disease.

SourceThe Company of Biologists·JournalDisease Models & Mechanisms·DateFeb 23, 2009

Revolutionary method generates new template for microelectronics

Researchers at UMass Amherst and Berkeley developed a new method for producing defect-free, thin polymer films using layered block copolymers. The technique achieved densities over 15 times higher than previous efforts, enabling up to 10 terabits per square inch of storage space.

SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·JournalScience·DateFeb 23, 2009

New twist on 40-year-old discovery

Researchers have discovered a new connection between Carter's constant and Newtonian gravity, shedding light on the behavior of rotating black holes. The findings have significant implications for gravitational-wave astronomy, potentially allowing the detection of small black hole orbits.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateFeb 23, 2009
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.

New technique for cancer screening

Researchers have developed a new technique to determine tumor methylation status in archived tissue samples, providing a potential biomarker for early cancer diagnosis and risk assessment. The technique uses high-resolution melting analysis and has been validated on archival and fresh tissues.

SourceAmerican Journal of Pathology·JournalJournal of Molecular Diagnostics·DateFeb 23, 2009

UAB researchers report breakthrough in HPV research

UAB researchers have developed a new method to produce and study HPV-18, which could lead to a better understanding of how the virus functions and causes diseases. The new approach allows for the reproduction of the entire infection cycle of HPV-18 in primary human skin cells, providing opportunities to understand its molecular mechani...

SourceUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham·JournalGenes & Development·DateFeb 23, 2009

What the heck is it? Consumers can be primed to understand hybrid products

Researchers found that exposing consumers to product features from outside their initial category can increase awareness and improve evaluations. Hybrid products, such as phones with cameras or watch/cameras, often confuse consumers due to the single-category belief problem.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateFeb 23, 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.

Don't flatter yourself: Why survey research can be flawed

A new study reveals that socially desirable responding, where people present a more favorable image of themselves, affects the accuracy of surveys globally. Cognitive busyness and cultural orientation play a significant role in this phenomenon.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateFeb 23, 2009

JCI table of contents: Feb. 23, 2009

Researchers developed small molecules targeting Hsp90 in mitochondria to induce tumor cell death. This combinatorial approach may be more effective than targeting single signaling pathways. Gene therapy also restored muscle strength in a mouse model of muscular dystrophy by anchoring nNOS to the sarcolemma.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateFeb 23, 2009

Male infertility associated with testicular cancer

Men with male factor infertility are 2.8 times more likely to develop testicular cancer than those without this condition. A total of 34 men diagnosed with testicular cancer were found in a study of 22,562 infertile men.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Internal Medicine·DateFeb 23, 2009

Get personal to improve heart health

A new study suggests that doctors and nurses should offer high-risk patients targeted advice to improve heart health. The research found that boosting patients' sense of vulnerability does not help, but rather provides personalized information on specific CHD preventative diets.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalPsychology and Health·DateFeb 23, 2009
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.

Patience pays off with methanol for uranium bioremediation

Researchers find methanol enhances uranium reduction in contaminated ground water and sediment. Methanol use results in almost complete uranium reduction compared to ethanol or glucose, suggesting potential for improved long-term bioremediation stability.

SourceCrop Science Society of America·JournalJournal of Environmental Quality·DateFeb 23, 2009

Study finds brain hub that links music, memory and emotion

A recent study found that a specific region of the brain serves as a hub linking familiar music, memories, and emotions. The medial prefrontal cortex region is crucial for supporting and retrieving memories, and it also tracks tonal progressions in music, strengthening autobiographical memory connections.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalCerebral Cortex·DateFeb 23, 2009

Houseplant pest gives clue to potential new anthrax treatment

Researchers found a citric acid-based Achilles heel in the African Violet houseplant pathogen that could be exploited to treat Anthrax. A common strategy to block both Anthrax and African Violet siderophore synthesis pathways has been identified, offering new possibilities for combating infections.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalChemical Communications·DateFeb 23, 2009

Calcium associated with lower risk of cancer in women

Women with higher calcium intake have a lower risk of cancer overall and specific digestive system cancers like colorectal cancer, according to the study. Calcium consumption was inversely associated with an increased risk of these types of cancers in both men and women.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Internal Medicine·DateFeb 23, 2009
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

Aneurysms don't occur earlier in second generation

A new study suggests that genetic risk factors for brain aneurysms do not accumulate earlier in the second generation, contrary to previous research. The study found that aneurysm ruptures occur slightly later in life in the second generation.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateFeb 23, 2009

Reduction in parasite infections ahead for India

Experts from Queen's University are in India to advise on reducing parasitic infections that destroy plants and animals, costing the world economy $200 billion annually. The delegation will share their expertise on managing drug resistance in livestock and promoting modern agricultural practices.

SourceQueen's University Belfast·DateFeb 23, 2009

Origin of galactic comic rays focus of NASA grant

Astrophysicists at Washington University in St. Louis will design and build Super-TIGER to measure the abundances of ultra-heavy galactic cosmic ray nuclei. The instrument aims to better understand the mechanism by which elements are accelerated in interstellar dust grains.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·DateFeb 23, 2009

Caltech and UCSD researchers shed light on how proteins find their shapes

Researchers combined Caltech's experimental technique with UCSD's protein-folding models to understand cytochrome c's precise folding pattern. The models successfully accounted for charge-charge interactions and hydrophobic interactions, matching experimental data.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 23, 2009
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.

For Iraq veterans, headaches continue after traumatic brain injury

A recent study published by the American Academy of Neurology found that nearly 98% of soldiers who experienced a concussion or head injury while deployed in Iraq had headaches during their last deployment. The headaches often started within one week of the traumatic brain injury, with 60% experiencing migraine-like headaches.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateFeb 23, 2009

Don't write off seniors: Retirees are pursuing their life dreams

Research reveals that retirees are actively engaging in new projects and revisiting old interests, seeking personal growth and fulfillment. The study identifies two types of identity work: self-expression and affiliation, which help seniors create a lasting legacy or connect with others.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateFeb 23, 2009