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Science News Archive September 2009 - Page 13


Page 13 of 24

Teacher support is key to self-esteem for Chinese and US youth

A cross-cultural study finds that teacher support is essential to students' self-esteem in both China and the US. Students who feel supported by their teachers tend to have higher self-esteem, while those who don't face increased depression risk.

SourceSociety for Research in Child Development·JournalChild Development·DateSep 15, 2009

Rome was built in a day, with hundreds of thousands of digital photos

A new computer algorithm at the University of Washington reconstructs an entire city, including landmarks like the Colosseum and St. Peter's Basilica, from 150,000 tourist photos in about a day. The tool uses a faster code that works over 100 times faster than previous versions, making it possible to tackle more ambitious projects.

SourceUniversity of Washington·DateSep 15, 2009
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Brain's response to seeing food may be linked to weight loss maintenance

Researchers found that successful weight losers respond differently to food cues in the brain, with stronger signals in areas associated with behavioral control and visual attention. This response may lead to preventive or corrective behaviors promoting long-term weight control.

SourceLifespan·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateSep 15, 2009

In study of low-income toddlers, spanking found to have negative effects

A longitudinal study of low-income parents and their 1-year-old children found that spanking leads to more aggressive behaviors and less sophisticated cognitive development. Verbal punishment, however, is not associated with such negative effects when accompanied by emotional support from mothers.

SourceSociety for Research in Child Development·JournalChild Development·DateSep 15, 2009

UT scientists discover link between protein and lung disease

Researchers at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston have linked osteopontin to COPD, a potentially novel approach to treatment. Elevated levels of osteopontin were found in people with COPD, suggesting it could serve as both an indicator and therapeutic target.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at Houston·JournalThe FASEB Journal·DateSep 15, 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.

Sheep that shed light on personality differences

A recent study published in Journal of Evolutionary Biology found that male bighorn sheep have distinct personalities, influencing their survival and reproductive success. Younger, more aggressive rams often reproduce but die younger, while older, more docile peers survive longer.

SourceUniversité du Québec à Montréal·JournalJournal of Evolutionary Biology·DateSep 15, 2009

Acute kidney injury patients more likely to need dialysis within 5 years

A new study from St. Michael's Hospital reveals that patients with acute kidney injury requiring in-hospital dialysis are three times more likely to need long-term dialysis later in life. Early medical surveillance and intervention may prevent progression to irreversible end-stage kidney disease.

SourceSt. Michael's Hospital·JournalJAMA·DateSep 15, 2009

Scary music is scarier with your eyes shut

Researchers found that closing eyes during emotional stimulation increases brain activity in the amygdala, a region responsible for emotions. This could lead to new therapies for Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and other neurological diseases.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateSep 15, 2009

Reading Kafka improves learning, suggests UCSB psychology study

Research suggests that reading surreal literature like Kafka's 'The Country Doctor' can enhance implicit pattern learning and accuracy. Participants who read the nonsensical story performed better on an artificial-grammar task than those who read a rewritten version with a logical plot.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateSep 15, 2009
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.

Egg-shaped legacy of Britain's mobile ice-sheet

A new model of Britain's Ice Sheet reveals it reversed its flow back up valleys, creating unique 'drumlins' along the A66 road through Eden Valley and Lake District lowlands. The ice sheet flowed downhill initially but complex flow directions switched significantly over short timescales.

SourceDurham University·JournalQuaternary Science Reviews·DateSep 15, 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.

Dartmouth researchers get personal with genetics

Two studies by Dartmouth researchers analyzed how personal genetic testing companies use genome data to judge customer health, finding the knowledge base is still in its infancy. The authors also used genetic data to reveal ancestry information, discovering six subgroups of people with distinct genetic backgrounds.

SourceDartmouth College·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·DateSep 15, 2009

Northwestern United States could face more tamarisk invasion by century's end

A new study predicts that tamarisk's range will expand in the Northwest US by century's end due to climate change. The invasive plant can displace native species and increase wildfire risk, with suitable habitat covering 20% of the region east of the Cascade Mountains.

SourceUSDA Forest Service - Pacific Northwest Research Station·JournalInvasive Plant Science and Management·DateSep 15, 2009

Genes may explain why children who live without dads have earlier sex

A new study suggests that genetic factors, rather than environmental theories, contribute to the association between fathers' absence and early sex. The researchers found that traits such as impulsivity, substance use, and argumentativeness can increase the likelihood of earlier sexual behavior in children.

SourceSociety for Research in Child Development·JournalChild Development·DateSep 15, 2009

Under pressure: The impact of stress on decision making

A new study finds that cognitive stress can significantly impact decision making, leading participants to overlook information predicting negative outcomes. Under pressure, individuals may rely on past rewards rather than rational considerations, resulting in irrational biases.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateSep 15, 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.

Direct evidence of role of sleep in memory formation is uncovered

A Rutgers University research team has identified the mechanism that causes learning and memory formation during sleep. Short transient brain events called sharp wave ripples are responsible for consolidating memory and transferring learned information from the hippocampus to the neocortex, where long-term memories are stored.

SourceRutgers University·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateSep 15, 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.

Zinc deficiences a global concern

Studies found significant DNA damage in humans with minor zinc deficiency, highlighting the health implications of inadequate intake. Experts recommend multivitamins for elderly individuals to ensure adequate levels, as zinc is essential for antioxidant defense and DNA repair.

SourceOregon State University·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateSep 14, 2009

Conflict between plant and animal hormones in the insect gut?

Researchers found that a specific glutathione S-transferase in the insect gut converts plant hormone cis-OPDA into iso-OPDA, which is then used by caterpillars to survive on host plants. This adaptation allows generalist caterpillars to thrive on diverse plant species.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 14, 2009

The future of schizophrenia

Schizophrenia is a heterogeneous syndrome with substantial variation in symptomatology and life history. A paradigm shift in research focuses on identifying critical domains of pathology, such as positive and negative symptoms, cognitive impairment, and impaired cognition. This shift aims to improve treatment efficacy by targeting spec...

SourceEuropean College of Neuropsychopharmacology·DateSep 14, 2009

UCLA School of Dentistry to build new cancer research facility

The UCLA School of Dentistry is building a state-of-the-art cancer research facility to consolidate and expand its oral cancer research. The Yip Center for Oral/Head & Neck Oncology Research will include cutting-edge laboratories for genomics, proteomics, and salivary diagnostics research.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·DateSep 14, 2009
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.

JCI online early table of contents: Sept. 14, 2009

Researchers have found that T cells from individuals with X-linked lymphoproliferative disease (XLP) are resistant to cell death triggered by repeated stimulation of a cell surface protein complex, leading to uncontrolled expansion upon infection. Additionally, a molecular regulatory network controlled by the protein SPDEF governs alle...

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateSep 14, 2009

New 'adjuvant' could hold future of vaccine development

Researchers at Oregon State University have developed a new vaccine adjuvant using lecithin nanoparticles, which showed improved immune response and reduced toxicity compared to existing alum-based adjuvants. The new adjuvant could potentially become a universal carrier for vaccines and help tackle various diseases more effectively.

SourceOregon State University·JournalJournal of Controlled Release·DateSep 14, 2009

Plasma power: Turning fusion into a renewable energy source

A team of researchers from UC San Diego, MIT, and UC Berkeley are working on fundamental multiscale studies of plasma-material interactions to improve the scientific understanding of magnetic confinement fusion. Their goal is to engineer plasma walls that can survive in the environment necessary for fusion power generation.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·DateSep 14, 2009

Communication problems in dementia care cause physical strain

A new study reveals that communication problems and misunderstandings are the primary causes of physical strain in dementia care. Effective communication techniques, such as explaining instructions with different words and using body language, can help reduce this strain.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalScandinavian Journal of Caring Sciences·DateSep 14, 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.

The making of mucus in common lung diseases

Research reveals that SPDEF regulates mucus hyperproduction in common lung diseases through goblet cell differentiation. The study found that this network is active in patients with chronic lung diseases, suggesting new therapeutic targets.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateSep 14, 2009

Widespread occurrence of intersex bass found in US Rivers

Intersex fish were found in about a third of all sites examined from the Apalachicola, Colorado, Columbia, Mobile, Mississippi, Pee Dee, Rio Grande, Savannah, and Yukon River basins. Largemouth bass in southeastern U.S. had the highest prevalence of intersex, with some sites reporting up to 73% incidence.

SourceU.S. Geological Survey·JournalAquatic Toxicology·DateSep 14, 2009

Embargoed news from Annals of Internal Medicine

Researchers found that tamoxifen citrate, raloxifene, and tibolone reduce the risk of invasive breast cancer, but increase the risk for adverse events. Particle beam radiation therapy may be more effective in treating cancer while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissue.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateSep 14, 2009

Cutting sodium consumption: A major public health priority

Excessive sodium consumption linked to high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, and various cancers. A population-wide reduction in sodium intake could prevent significant cardiovascular events.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateSep 14, 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.

Lung cancer suppresses miR-200 to invade and spread

Researchers found that primary lung cancer shifts to metastatic disease by suppressing microRNA-200, a family of small molecules that normally locks the tumor in a noninvasive state. Protecting miR-200 from blockade completely prevented metastasis in mice.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalGenes & Development·DateSep 14, 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.

Steroid injections may help restore vision in some patients with blocked eye veins

Researchers found that a 1-milligram dose of triamcinolone significantly improved vision in some patients with retinal vein occlusion. The treatment also showed superior safety compared to existing laser therapies. However, grid photocoagulation remained the preferred option for those with blockages in smaller branches of the vein.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Ophthalmology·DateSep 14, 2009

Fake video dramatically alters eyewitness accounts

Researchers found that nearly 50% of people shown fake footage were prepared to believe the video version rather than what they actually saw. Fake video evidence was used in an experiment to test whether it could induce individuals to accuse another person of doing something they never did.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalApplied Cognitive Psychology·DateSep 14, 2009

Sierra Nevada birds move in response to warmer, wetter climate

A study led by biologists at UC Berkeley found that 48 out of 53 bird species in California's Sierra Nevada mountains have adjusted their ranges in response to climate change, with some moving towards warmer temperatures and others preferring wetter conditions. The researchers used data from a survey of 82 sites and compared past and p...

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 14, 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.

Neurons found to be similar to Electoral College

Researchers have found that neurons integrate synaptic inputs locally before sending signals to the central axon, similar to how electoral votes contribute to a president's election. The study suggests a two-stage model of dendritic integration, which could lead to better understanding of brain processes like learning and memory.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNeuron·DateSep 14, 2009

Asthma: Epidemiology, etiology and risk factors

The article examines asthma risk factors across different age groups, including prenatal, infancy, childhood, and adulthood. Genetic, environmental, and host characteristics are identified as significant contributors to the development of persistent asthma.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateSep 14, 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.

Scientists identify gene for short-circuiting excess mucus in lung disease, common colds

Researchers have identified a genetic switch that causes excessive mucus in the lungs, shedding light on a medical mystery. The study found that a transcription factor called SPDEF regulates a chain of genes involved in mucus production, and blocking its influence may be a potential pathway for new treatments.

SourceCincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateSep 14, 2009

September/October 2009 Annals of Family Medicine tip sheet

Researchers found that universal health insurance reduces income inequities in healthcare access, but education-related disparities persist. Insured children with uninsured parents are more likely to experience unmet healthcare needs and lack preventive services.

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateSep 14, 2009

Barcoding endangered sea turtles

A new DNA barcoding tool has been developed to track endangered sea turtles, distinguishing between species based on short genetic sequences. The research found that all seven sea turtle species can be consistently distinguished from each other by DNA barcodes.

SourceAmerican Museum of Natural History·JournalMolecular Ecology Resources·DateSep 14, 2009

During CPR, more chest compressions mean more saved lives

A recent study published in Circulation: Journal of the American Heart Association found that longer periods of uninterrupted chest compressions during CPR lead to better survival outcomes. The study analyzed data from 506 patients and discovered that a return to spontaneous circulation was achieved in 58% of cases with minimal compres...

SourceAmerican Heart Association·DateSep 14, 2009