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Science News for February 6, 2009


Young teens really are shortsighted, but don't blame impulsivity

A new study confirms that young teenagers think less about the future than adults, but it's not because they're impulsive. Research suggests that immaturity in brain systems governing sensation seeking, rather than self-control, contributes to this phenomenon.

SourceSociety for Research in Child Development·JournalChild Development·DateFeb 6, 2009

Effects of smoking linked to accelerated aging protein

A University of Iowa study found that smoking decreases a key protein in lung cells, leading to cell aging and damage. The team suggests targeting Werner's syndrome protein for developing treatments for smoking-related diseases like emphysema.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateFeb 6, 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.

Host shift triggers cascading effect on ecosystem, research finds

A study published in Science shows that when the apple maggot shifted hosts from hawthorn to European apples, it triggered a cascade of evolutionary changes in a parasitic wasp. The research reveals the process of speciation in action and sheds light on biodiversity's role in creating new species.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalScience·DateFeb 6, 2009

NOAA-N Prime environmental satellite successfully launched

The NOAA-N Prime spacecraft has been launched into space, improving weather forecasting and monitoring environmental events around the world. The satellite will collect vital data on the Earth's surface and atmosphere, supporting NOAA's weather forecasts and providing critical inputs for search and rescue operations.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateFeb 6, 2009

NSF-funded workshops help young researchers teach science

Michigan State University's NSF-funded Faculty Institutes for Reforming Science Teaching will train 200 postdoctoral researchers to teach scientifically. The program aims to equip future college professors with skills for teaching science effectively, using inquiry-based learning and promoting scientific literacy.

SourceMichigan State University·DateFeb 6, 2009
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.

Long-sought protein structure may help reveal how 'gene switch' works

Researchers at NIST and Brookhaven National Laboratory have defined the structure of a metabolic switch found inside most types of bacteria, revealing how a key protein regulates genes involved in bacterial survival. The discovery could lead to new methods for preventing tuberculosis and other pathogenic diseases.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateFeb 6, 2009

First North American antenna enables next phase in ALMA Observatory

The ALMA Observatory has accepted its first North American antenna, marking a significant milestone in the project. The 12-meter-diameter antenna was delivered by General Dynamics SATCOM Technologies and will enable astronomers to probe phenomena beyond the reach of visible-light telescopes with unprecedented sharpness.

SourceNational Radio Astronomy Observatory·DateFeb 6, 2009

It's the hard work that fosters responsibility in teen programs

A new study by Wake Forest University researchers found that teen programs most effectively promote responsibility when they assign difficult tasks, provide ownership, and hold teens accountable for their work. The study surveyed over 100 high schoolers participating in various summer and after-school programs.

SourceSociety for Research in Child Development·JournalChild Development·DateFeb 6, 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.

Do children understand how feelings affect school performance?

A new study found that children comprehend the link between feelings and performance, but only for negative emotions. Children of all ages understood how emotional states impact school performance, while younger children struggled to grasp the connection between positive emotions and improved performance.

SourceSociety for Research in Child Development·JournalChild Development·DateFeb 6, 2009

Cracking a controversial solid state mystery

Scientists at the University of Nottingham and the University of California, Berkeley have provided evidence for a new kind of sudden transition between liquid and solid glass. This transformation occurs when molecules are viewed in both space and time, guiding towards methods for producing stronger and longer-lasting glass.

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·JournalScience·DateFeb 6, 2009

Losing weight can cure obstructive sleep apnea in overweight patients

A new study shows that losing weight is the most effective way to reduce obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) symptoms and associated disorders. The study found that weight loss of more than 20 pounds resulted in markedly lower OSA symptoms and improvements in co-morbidities such as hypertension, high cholesterol, and diabetes.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateFeb 6, 2009
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

OCRF and GCF fund new ovarian cancer symptoms study

The Ovarian Cancer Research Fund (OCRF) and the Gynecologic Cancer Foundation (GCF) have jointly funded a new study on ovarian cancer symptoms, aiming to develop a systematic screening process. Dr. Barbara Goff will lead the three-year study, which seeks to create a symptom index for early detection.

SourceWeber Shandwick Worldwide·DateFeb 6, 2009

Amid rising childhood obesity, preschoolers found to be inactive

A new study published in Child Development finds that preschoolers spend most of their day inactive, with 89% of physical activity characterized as sedentary. When balls and open spaces are made available, children become more likely to be active.

SourceSociety for Research in Child Development·JournalChild Development·DateFeb 6, 2009

New guideline for prescribing opioid pain drugs published

The new guideline provides recommendations for clinicians on how to safely prescribe potent opioid pain medications for patients with chronic non-cancer pain. Key findings include the importance of careful patient selection, monitoring, and ongoing assessment to minimize risks of abuse and addiction.

SourceOregon Health & Science University·JournalJournal of Pain·DateFeb 6, 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.

Routine scans for low-back pain do not improve outcomes

Physicians should avoid routine scans for low-back pain unless a significant underlying condition is identified. Regular use of radiography, MRI or CT scans does not improve patient outcomes and may increase medical costs.

SourceOregon Health & Science University·JournalThe Lancet·DateFeb 6, 2009

Accidental discovery has potential for new applications in packaging

Researchers at Case Western Reserve University discovered a nanotechnology-based technique to block damaging gas transport through polymers, making them stronger and more efficient. This breakthrough has potential applications in food and medicine packaging, as well as electronic equipment protection.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalScience·DateFeb 6, 2009

Wireless drug control

Researchers highlight potential security concerns for remote intelligent drug delivery systems, which could compromise patient safety. The team proposes implementing robust security mechanisms to mitigate hacking risks.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Biomedical Engineering and Technology·DateFeb 6, 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.

Good news: Teenagers found willing to help their parents

A study by researchers at the University of Rochester and others found that teenagers feel relatively obligated to help their parents, even when requests clash with personal desires. Parents tend to think it's more acceptable for teens to say no in such situations, suggesting a balance between family needs and individual preferences.

SourceSociety for Research in Child Development·JournalChild Development·DateFeb 6, 2009