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Science News for August 30, 2010


Over 50? You probably prefer negative stories about young people

A study of 276 Germans found that older readers preferred to read negative stories about younger individuals, while younger people showed low interest in articles about older individuals. The results suggest that people use the media to enhance their social identity and may prefer messages that portray others as having a higher status.

SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of Communication·DateAug 30, 2010
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.

First clear evidence of feasting in early humans

Archaeologists discovered remains of tortoises and cattle cooked for human consumption at a burial site dating back to around 12,000 years ago. The findings suggest that early humans practiced communal feasting as a social behavior unique to the species.

SourceUniversity of Connecticut·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 30, 2010

Climate change implicated in decline of horseshoe crabs

A study using genomics found a clear decline in horseshoe crab populations that parallels climate change, affecting reproduction and distribution. Climate change projections predict further declines, impacting species like Atlantic loggerhead sea turtles and millions of migrating shorebirds.

SourceU.S. Geological Survey·JournalMolecular Ecology·DateAug 30, 2010

ISU researchers develop hybrid protein tools for gene cutting and editing

Researchers at Iowa State University have developed a new type of hybrid protein that can make precise double-strand DNA breaks in living cells. This breakthrough could lead to more efficient gene replacement and editing therapies, enabling modifications to plant, animal, and human genomes.

SourceIowa State University·JournalNucleic Acids Research·DateAug 30, 2010

'Stocky dragon' dinosaur terrorized Late Cretaceous Europe

The discovery of Balaur bondoc, a large theropod dinosaur from Late Cretaceous Europe, reveals an animal with advanced adaptations and fused bones. Its presence indicates that the region had intermittent faunal connections with the mainland up to the end of the Cretaceous period.

SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 30, 2010

Dramatic climate change is unpredictable

New research suggests that dramatic climate changes during the ice age were caused by chaos-dynamical fluctuations, making them challenging to predict. The study analyzed ice cores and found that temperature suddenly rose 10-15 degrees in less than 10 years, only to fall drastically and change again.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateAug 30, 2010
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

UNH researchers develop improved tool for cycling fitness

Researchers at the University of New Hampshire have created a novel method using power meters and stationary bicycles to determine cycling fitness. The technique allows athletes to establish personalized training zones with high accuracy, enabling coaches to prescribe targeted workouts.

SourceUniversity of New Hampshire·JournalMedicine & Science in Sports & Exercise·DateAug 30, 2010

Eye movements reveal readers' wandering minds

A new study published in Psychological Science reveals that eyes move differently when minds are wandering versus paying attention. When readers zone out, their eyes fixate on individual words for longer periods, suggesting a strong link between eye movements and language processing in the brain.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateAug 30, 2010

Parenting study: Italians strict, French moderate, Canadians lenient

A new study published in the Journal of Adolescence found that Canadian teenagers have more freedom than their French and Italian peers. The investigation examined how parents fashion emotional bonds and exert behavioural control with adolescents, revealing that Canadian parents value a democratic conception of education that promotes ...

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalJournal of Adolescence·DateAug 30, 2010

Vancouver's supervised injection facility challenges Canada's drug laws

Insite, Vancouver's sanctioned supervised safe injection site, has been at odds with Canada's anti-drug policy since its opening in 2003. The facility's fate is uncertain, with the federal government appealing decisions to keep it open despite opposition from Conservative politicians.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateAug 30, 2010
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.

Microfluidic device allows collection, analysis of hard-to-handle immune cells

A team of scientists developed a new microfluidic tool to quickly and accurately isolate neutrophils from small blood samples, enabling researchers to study the immune system's response to traumatic injury. The device revealed complex gene expression patterns that shifted during the recovery process.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalNature Medicine·DateAug 30, 2010

U of Alberta researchers discover important mechanism in fighting infection

Researchers at the University of Alberta have discovered a crucial mechanism for fighting infections, revealing that an amino acid called arginine is essential for immune function. The study's findings could have significant implications for people in third world countries with limited access to nutrition.

SourceUniversity of Alberta Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry·JournalScience Signaling·DateAug 30, 2010

Networks -- not size -- give cities competitive advantage

A study by Michigan State University sociologist Zachary Neal found that city size is no longer the key factor in building a thriving economy. Instead, connections to other cities through technology and air travel are crucial.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalCity and Community·DateAug 30, 2010

Multiple sclerosis activity changes with the seasons

A study found that multiple sclerosis lesions appeared two to three times higher in spring and summer months compared to other seasons. Warmer temperatures and solar radiation were linked to increased disease activity.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateAug 30, 2010
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.

Concussions in young athletes on the rise

A new study from Hasbro Children's Hospital reports a significant increase in sports-related concussions among young athletes, particularly in high school-aged athletes and those under 13 years old. The study highlights the need for further research and injury prevention strategies to address the rising trend.

SourceLifespan·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateAug 30, 2010

Strange predatory dinosaur from Europe's Late Cretaceous

A new species of predatory dinosaur, Balaur bondoc, has been discovered in Romania with unusual features such as a re-evolved functional big toe with a large claw. Its unique anatomy suggests it was adapted for strength over speed and likely hunted in a different way than its relatives.

SourceAmerican Museum of Natural History·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 30, 2010

Researchers to activate anti-cancer gene

CDX2 is an identity gene that tells a cell it is in the epithelial tissue of the intestine, enabling it to perform its job correctly. Cancer cells deactivate this gene, leading researchers to identify five anti-cancer genes and discover CDX2's role in suppressing colon cancer.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateAug 30, 2010

Structural defects precede functional decline in heart muscle

A study by University of Iowa researchers found that structural defects in heart muscle cells occur before functional decline, suggesting a potential window for intervention. The team used imaging techniques to visualize changes in T-tubule networks, which were accompanied by reduced junctophilin-2 levels and compromised integrity.

SourceUniversity of Iowa Health Care·JournalCirculation Research·DateAug 30, 2010
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.

Social isolation worsens cardiac arrest effects on heart regulation

A new study in mice shows that social support can minimize physical damages to the brain caused by a heart attack. Socially isolated mice suffered more cell death, depressive symptoms, and inflammation than those living with a partner.

SourceOhio State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 30, 2010

Going live to the beating heart

Researchers at Max Planck have developed an new MRI method that significantly accelerates image acquisition time, allowing for 'live recordings' of moving joints and organs. This breakthrough enables direct monitoring of heart muscle pumping and blood flow, potentially improving diagnosis of conditions like coronary heart disease.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalJournal of Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance·DateAug 30, 2010

Survey says: Genetics affect whether we're willing to take surveys

A new study from North Carolina State University found that genetics play a key role in whether someone is willing to participate in surveys. The research involved sending surveys to over 1,000 sets of twins and measuring response rates. Interestingly, the behavior of identical twins was a good predictor for each other, but not for fra...

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalJournal of Organizational Behavior·DateAug 30, 2010
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.

AGU Journal highlights -- Aug. 30, 2010

Researchers discovered a relict coral reef in the southern Pacific Ocean that thrived thousands of years ago, providing insight into how reefs adapted to sea level changes. Additionally, heavy snowfall in the US and Europe was caused by the collision of El Niño and negative North Atlantic Oscillation weather patterns.

SourceAmerican Geophysical Union·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateAug 30, 2010

Virus related to smallpox rising sharply in Africa, UCLA researchers find

Researchers at UCLA report a 20-fold increase in human monkeypox cases in the Democratic Republic of Congo since smallpox vaccinations ended in 1980. The virus has become more common due to lack of health infrastructure and no surveillance, posing a risk for wider spread into animal populations.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 30, 2010
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.

Research demonstrates benefits of medical cannabis as a treatment for chronic pain

A new study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal finds that low doses of inhaled cannabis containing THC offer modest pain reduction and improved moods in patients with chronic neuropathic pain. The study suggests that medical cannabis may be a viable alternative for patients who have not responded to standard therapies.

SourceMcGill University Health Centre·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateAug 30, 2010

Feasts at a funeral

A team of scientists found clear evidence of feasting at the ancient Hilazon Tachtit Cave burial site near Karmiel, Israel. The Natufian community members gathered there for special rituals to commemorate the burial of the dead, with feasts being a central element.

SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 30, 2010
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.

Governments should pay for smoking cessation therapies

Quebec's lead on publicly funding smoking cessation pharmacotherapies could benefit all Canadians, with a potential gain of 1.9 million life-years. Full financial reimbursement significantly improves abstinence rates and extends the lifespan of former smokers.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateAug 30, 2010

'Co-conspirator' cells could hold key to melanoma prediction, prevention

Researchers at Oregon State University have identified adjacent skin cells called 'co-conspirators' that play a key role in the development of melanoma. The study found that these cells send signals to pigment-producing cells, which can either prevent or promote melanoma growth.

SourceOregon State University·JournalPigment Cell & Melanoma Research·DateAug 30, 2010

Teaching communication and information literacy skills

A collaboration between Iowa State University's Horticulture, Library, and English departments resulted in improved student outcomes. Students valued the input from faculty and enjoyed interacting with them at poster sessions.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalJournal of Natural Resources and Life Sciences Education·DateAug 30, 2010

Impact hypothesis loses its sparkle

A team of researchers from Washington University in St. Louis has found no evidence of nanodiamonds, a key component of the YD impact hypothesis, in sedimentary deposits dating to the Younger Dryas period. The discovery suggests that the catastrophic event thought to have killed off North American megafauna may not have occurred.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 30, 2010
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.

Hurts so good -- neural clues to the calming effects of self-harm

A study found that individuals with borderline personality disorder experience heightened activation of limbic circuitry in response to emotions, but physical pain stimuli suppress this activation, providing possible relief. This process may help compensate for deficient emotional regulation mechanisms.

SourceElsevier·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateAug 30, 2010

School-based intervention successfully lowers drinking rates in at-risk children

A new study finds that a school-based intervention can significantly reduce drinking rates among adolescents at risk for substance abuse. The program, which targets personality traits associated with substance use, was delivered by teachers and resulted in a 55% decrease in binge-drinking rates compared to control group.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry·DateAug 30, 2010

New cell transplantation journal launched

The new journal aims to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of cell medicine in treating debilitating and fatal disorders. The journal features a diverse global editorial board and publishes papers on cell therapy with direct clinical relevance.

SourceCell Transplantation Center of Excellence for Aging and Brain Repair·JournalCell Medicine·DateAug 30, 2010
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.

Older adults experience 'destination amnesia'

A new study by Baycrest's Rotman Research Institute found that older adults are more prone to destination memory failures, including falsely believing they've shared information. They remain highly confident in these false beliefs, leading to awkward social situations and miscommunication.

SourceBaycrest Centre for Geriatric Care·JournalPsychology and Aging·DateAug 30, 2010

Smoked cannabis reduces chronic pain

A randomized controlled trial found smoked cannabis significantly reduces chronic pain intensity, improving sleep quality and anxiety levels. The study used three different potencies of THC and a placebo, with the highest THC level showing the most significant benefits.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateAug 30, 2010