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Science News for December 14, 2010


The AVE pollutes 29 percent less than traditional trains

A study by the Spanish Railways Foundation found that high-speed trains, such as the AVE, consume 29% less energy and produce 31kg less CO2 per passenger compared to traditional trains. The main advantage of high-speed lines is not in reducing fossil fuel consumption, but in attracting passengers who would otherwise travel by air or car.

SourceSpanish Foundation for Science and Technology·JournalTransportation Research Record Journal of the Transportation Research Board·DateDec 14, 2010

The effects of Alcoholics Anonymous on women returning from prison

A new study found that attending Alcoholics Anonymous at least once a week increased the chance of a positive outcome for incarcerated women returning to the community. The research also showed a significant decrease in alcohol-related consequences and overall drinking days among those who attended AA regularly.

SourceAlcoholism: Clinical & Experimental Research·DateDec 14, 2010

1 tale told is 2 tails gained

Researchers from Arizona State University are studying Anolis lizards to understand their ability to regenerate tissues, with potential applications in treating human osteoarthritis and spinal cord injuries. The team is using molecular methods and the lizard's genome sequence to identify key genes involved in regeneration.

SourceArizona State University·DateDec 14, 2010

Study finds prayer can help handle harmful emotions

A study by University of Wisconsin-Madison sociologist Shane Sharp found that prayer can help victims of violent relationships cope with their emotions and find comfort through venting and positive self-perceptions. Prayer also serves as a useful distraction, allowing individuals to momentarily escape from anxiety and feelings of anger.

SourceAmerican Sociological Association·JournalSocial Psychology Quarterly·DateDec 14, 2010
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.

Unique case study on Alzheimer's disease

A Swedish case study reveals how Alzheimer's disease progresses, with high amyloid plaque levels at early stages and declining brain energy. The discovery sheds light on the role of nicotinic receptors and neuroinflammation in the disease, offering new insights for diagnosis and treatment.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalBrain·DateDec 14, 2010

Robot arm improves performance of brain-controlled device

A new study improves brain-machine interface control by adding a robotic arm providing kinesthetic information, enhancing the design of 'wearable robots' for paralyzed patients. This approach may help spinal cord injury patients operate computers and robots using only their thoughts.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·DateDec 14, 2010

Environmental pharmaceutical contamination removed by Octolig

Scientists successfully removed amoxicillin, a top five US-prescribed drug, and other substances like nitrates and dyes from water samples using Octolig. The process has implications for reducing environmental contamination and point-source pollution.

SourceUniversity of South Florida (USF Health)·JournalJournal of Technology and Innovation·DateDec 14, 2010

Anatomy of a shopping spree: Pretty things make us buy more

Consumers who purchase luxury items with unique design elements are more likely to experience aesthetic incongruity resolution, where they make additional purchases to match the item. This can lead to a larger financial expenditure than initially anticipated.

SourceBoston College·JournalJournal of Marketing Research·DateDec 14, 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.

Once upon a time in the Intensive Care Unit ...

Research led by McGill University Health Centre found that nearly 70% of parents reported feeling closer to their babies after reading to them in the NICU. The practice also encouraged parents to continue reading at home, with those who read to their child in the NICU three times more likely to do so.

SourceMcGill University Health Centre·JournalJournal of Developmental & Behavioral Pediatrics·DateDec 14, 2010

Fighter pilots' brains are 'more sensitive'

A new study reveals that fighter pilots exhibit superior cognitive control, accuracy, and response to distracting information. Their brains also show distinct structural alterations in white matter connections, which may be linked to expertise in certain aspects of cognition.

SourceUniversity College London·DateDec 14, 2010

New combo lung cancer therapy improves survival over single-line treatment

A combination therapy of entinostat and erlotinib showed improved survival rates in patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and elevated E-cadherin levels. The treatment was more effective than using erlotinib alone, leading to a large improvement in survival for patients with high E-cadherin expression.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·DateDec 14, 2010

Marine biotech industry could grow by 12 percent per year

Marine biotechnology has the potential to address critical future challenges such as sustainable food and energy, new drugs and health treatments, and industrial materials. The European Science Foundation predicts that with the right actions taken now, Europe could become a global leader in marine biotech by 2020.

SourceEuropean Science Foundation·DateDec 14, 2010
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Making wafers faster by making features smaller

Researchers developed a new intense 13.5-nm light source using tin and lithium plasmas, which can reduce feature size by an order of magnitude, resolving the fundamental limit in semiconductor manufacturing. The technology has shown promising results, with tin plasmas producing twice as much emission as lithium plasmas.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalJournal of Applied Physics·DateDec 14, 2010

Zebrafish provide new hope for cancer treatment

Researchers used zebrafish to track the behavior of cancer cells and immune cells, discovering that cancer cells produce hydrogen peroxide to attract immune cells. This co-option of the immune system allows tumors to grow and spread, but blocking this interaction can prevent tumor formation.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateDec 14, 2010

Handling holiday shipping peaks through robot-human cooperation

Scientists from Technical University of Munich are investigating how robots can help workers pack large TV sets, reducing costs and improving competitiveness. The CustomPacker project aims to create a safer and more efficient packaging station through human-robot cooperation.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·DateDec 14, 2010

Tackling the erosion of a special river island

A team of researchers led by David Furbish from Vanderbilt University is studying the erosion of Locke Island, which has been alarmingly eroding away since the 1970s. The island's difficulties began when the east bank of the river adjacent to it collapsed, causing a landslide that pinched down the channel flowing around the island.

SourceVanderbilt University·DateDec 14, 2010
Creality K1 Max 3D Printer

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.

Researchers discover new signaling pathway linked to inflammatory disease

Researchers have identified a key inhibitory role for the IL-1 signaling pathway in the human innate immune system, revealing its impact on inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and anti-inflammatory cytokine production. The study suggests that certain drugs used to treat conditions like rheumatoid arthritis may be harmful to IBD patients.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateDec 14, 2010

Special section on stigma in Perspectives on Psychological Science: Group differences, not deficits

This special section of Perspectives on Psychological Science explores how psychologists can avoid stigmatizing groups by framing individual and group differences as strengths. Experts discuss the importance of challenging biases and stereotypes in research, teaching, and advocacy to promote a more inclusive field of psychology.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPerspectives on Psychological Science·DateDec 14, 2010

Research leads to fewer yellowjackets on Christmas trees

Researchers found that mechanical shaking was more effective than manual shaking in removing yellowjacket queens from Christmas trees. The study also showed that pre-harvest insecticide sprays can be 100% effective in killing yellowjacket queens, even after heavy rainfall.

SourceUnited States Department of Agriculture - Research, Education and Economics·JournalJournal of Economic Entomology·DateDec 14, 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.

Scripps scientists see the light in bizarre bioluminescent snail

Researchers at Scripps Institution of Oceanography have discovered a unique defense mechanism in the clusterwink snail, which uses its shell to scatter and spread bright green bioluminescent light. The study found that this diffused light may be used to create an illusion of a larger animal, deterring predators.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·DateDec 14, 2010

CSHL scientists identify elusive neuronal targets of deep brain stimulation

A new study found that deep brain stimulation (DBS) targets the same class of neuronal cells known to respond to exercise and Prozac, leading to an increase in new neurons in the hippocampus. The targeted area, anterior thalamic nucleus, may provide a guide for designing better treatments.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalJournal of Comparative Neurology·DateDec 14, 2010

Drug use and discrimination among Phoenix area Mexican heritage youth

A study of 1,106 Mexican heritage youth found that perceived ethnic discrimination and acculturation stress increase with age and lead to higher risks of alcohol, cigarette, and marijuana use. The study suggests that prevention programs should address discrimination and encourage effective coping strategies for young people.

SourceSociety for Prevention Research·JournalPrevention Science·DateDec 14, 2010

New asthma research breaks the mold

Scientists have discovered that many people with asthma actually had the mould growing in their own lungs. A study by University of Leicester researchers found that 6 out of 10 people with asthma who were allergic to a common mould grew the mould from their sputum, leading to fixed narrowing of the airways.

SourceUniversity of Leicester·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateDec 14, 2010
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.

Fast food and sweets advertised when children watch television

A Swedish study reveals that children are exposed to an average of 50 TV adverts for food per week, dominated by fast food and sweets. The research suggests a link between food advertising and unhealthy food choices among children.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateDec 14, 2010

Optical water quality assessment

A USGS study assessed the McKenzie River in Oregon, measuring optical properties to understand dissolved organic carbon and its impact on drinking water quality. The results indicated that sources of dissolved organic carbon originated upstream and were linked to human activity.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalJournal of Environmental Quality·DateDec 14, 2010

UT researcher finds power and corruption may be good for society

Researchers Francisco Úbeda and Edgar Duéñez found that moral corruption and power asymmetries are necessary for overall societal cooperation. Without law enforcers, individuals have less incentive to cooperate, while without power and corruption, law enforcers lose their motivation to do their job.

SourceUniversity of Tennessee at Knoxville·JournalEvolution·DateDec 14, 2010

Champion hydrogen-producing microbe

The cyanobacteria Cyanothece 51142 produces hydrogen gas at a rate roughly 10 times higher than its nearest competitors due to its unique genetic makeup and metabolic processes. This ability allows the microbes to survive on air, water, and sunlight alone.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 14, 2010
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Tiny channels carry big information

Researchers have fabricated 2-nm nanochannels that significantly enhance ion transport, improving power density and practical energy density of fuel cells and batteries. The smaller geometry and stronger hydration force are expected to further enhance ion transport in even smaller hydrophilic nanotubes.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateDec 14, 2010

The effects of spirituality in Alcoholics Anonymous on alcohol dependence

A new study shows that attending Alcoholics Anonymous meetings increases spirituality, leading to better alcohol outcomes and improved recovery rates. The research suggests that spirituality is an important factor in the multi-faceted recovery from alcohol-use disorder, but it's not the only method used.

SourceAlcoholism: Clinical & Experimental Research·DateDec 14, 2010

Scientists identify how virus triggers cervical and mouth cancer

Scientists have discovered how the human papilloma virus (HPV) triggers cancer in the cervix and mouth, potentially leading to new treatments. The study found that HPV activates a protein called Cdc42, which is already implicated in various cancers, including tumour spread.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalBritish Journal of Cancer·DateDec 14, 2010

HEA funding for student study

Medical students and doctors face challenges accessing and incorporating evidence into their practice as the available evidence base grows. A new HEA-funded mini-project will explore decision-making processes about where to obtain information, aiming to improve clinical time management and patient care.

SourceThe Peninsula College of Medicine and Dentistry·DateDec 14, 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.

Rationalization measures are the main cause of poor work environment

A study published in Applied Ergonomics reveals that rationalization measures often harm physical and psychosocial work environments. However, research suggests that dialogue-based leadership with employee involvement can mitigate these effects. By prioritizing active involvement, employee well-being, and fair treatment, management can...

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalApplied Ergonomics·DateDec 14, 2010

Iridium memories

Researchers incorporated nanocrystals of iridium into flash memory designs, demonstrating excellent memory properties and thermal stability. Iridium's high work function and melting point make it an attractive option for improving nonvolatile memory with enhanced trapping ability.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateDec 14, 2010

A positive step in the face of uncertainty

ASU professors Patricia Gober and Craig Kirkwood assess the impact of climate change on water shortages in Phoenix. Their study provides options for solutions, including changing landscape type, limiting pools, and investing in leak fixes. By embracing uncertainty, residents can reduce risk and protect themselves from water scarcity.

SourceArizona State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 14, 2010
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.

UCI researchers find novel memory-enhancing mechanism in brain

UCI researchers identified a novel mechanism in the brain that boosts memory by strengthening and prolonging memories of negative events to simple objects. Neuropeptide S activation prepares the brain for learning, leading to remarkable memory improvement with long-lasting effects.

SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·JournalNeuropsychopharmacology·DateDec 14, 2010

What 'pine' cones reveal about the evolution of flowers

Genetic analysis suggests a single common ancestor triggered the emergence of flowers from pine cone-like structures, with water lilies as potential 'genetic fossils'. This discovery challenges expectations of distinct genetic instructions for each floral organ in early angiosperms.

SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 14, 2010

Fighting flu in newborns begins in pregnancy

Researchers found that vaccinating pregnant women against influenza prevents hospitalization in infants by 91.5%. This effective strategy protects young infants without a vaccine, and is cost-effective as it protects two individuals.

SourceYale University·JournalClinical Infectious Diseases·DateDec 14, 2010

Study finds prayer can help handle harmful emotions

A University of Wisconsin-Madison sociologist found that prayer can help victims of violent relationships cope with their emotions by finding comfort in God's perspective. Prayer serves as a distraction and reprieve from anxiety, while also raising self-worth counteracting the abuser's hurtful words.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalSocial Psychology Quarterly·DateDec 14, 2010

High activity staves off pounds, especially for women

A new study by Northwestern Medicine found that highly active women gain significantly less weight over 20 years compared to their low-activity peers. On average, highly active women gained about 13 pounds less than those with low activity levels.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalJAMA·DateDec 14, 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.

Vaccine boosts your immune system

Researchers have discovered a protein that can prevent chronic tissue inflammation and boost the immune system. The therapeutic vaccine has been shown to effectively treat conditions like multiple sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateDec 14, 2010

Qatar-led international team finds its first alien world

Astronomers have discovered a new alien world, Qatar-1b, a hot Jupiter located 550 light-years from Earth. The planet orbits extremely close to its star, resulting in scorching temperatures and a unique rotational period.

SourceCenter for Astrophysics | Harvard & Smithsonian·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateDec 14, 2010

Researchers open the door to biological computers

Researchers at the University of Gothenburg have successfully created synthetic circuits in yeast cells using gene-regulated communication. This breakthrough could lead to the development of complex biological systems for detecting diseases and monitoring environmental pollutants.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalNature·DateDec 14, 2010
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.

New vaccine to assist worldwide eradication of polio

A new type of vaccine is being developed that can trick the body into developing immunity against polio, with no risk of causing or spreading the disease. The replica virus particle will be designed to look and behave like the real virus but contain no genetic material.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·DateDec 14, 2010

Walkable neighborhoods richer in social capital, UNH study finds

Research from the University of New Hampshire found that walkable neighborhoods have higher levels of social capital, including trust among neighbors and participation in community events. This study suggests that designing neighborhoods with accessibility can lead to increased social benefits and improved quality of life.

SourceUniversity of New Hampshire·JournalApplied Research in Quality of Life·DateDec 14, 2010

2 people receive kidney transplants in pilot program using CMU software

A new national program using Carnegie Mellon University's computer algorithm successfully matched transplant candidates with living donors, enabling the first kidney transplants. The program aims to increase the number of kidney paired-donation transplants by creating a national pool of mismatched donor-recipient pairs.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·DateDec 14, 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.

Neonatal intensive care in Mexico is cost effective

A study published in PLOS Medicine found that neonatal intensive care provides substantial population health benefits in Mexico relative to its costs, even for very premature babies. The study suggests that including neonatal intensive care in Mexico's Seguro Popular program is highly efficient in terms of overall benefits provided com...

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateDec 14, 2010

Momentum for minority participation and retention in science and engineering

The Louis Stokes Alliances for Minority Participation (LSAMP) program at IUPUI is successfully encouraging minority students to select STEM majors and pursue careers. Students like Kathryn DelaCruz and Tomás Meijome are thriving in research projects, internships, and graduate programs.

SourceIndiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis School of Science·DateDec 14, 2010

Violent games not to blame for youth aggression

A new study published in Journal of Youth and Adolescence found no link between violent video games and serious acts of youth aggression or violence. Instead, depression was identified as a strong predictor of youth violence and aggression.

SourceSpringer·JournalJournal of Youth and Adolescence·DateDec 14, 2010
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.

Mothers' diets have biggest influence on children eating healthy

A Michigan State University study found that mothers' own eating habits and perceptions of their child as a 'picky eater' significantly impact whether their toddler consumes enough fruits and vegetables. Health professionals must consider these factors when developing strategies to promote healthy eating in children.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalPublic Health Nursing·DateDec 14, 2010

Biracial and passing -- as black

A majority of survey respondents identify as biracial but pass as black in certain situations. The phenomenon suggests a changing culture around race relations in the US, with blackness becoming less stigmatized.

SourceAmerican Sociological Association·JournalSocial Psychology Quarterly·DateDec 14, 2010

Alcohol consumption may increase amphetamine abuse

A recent study found that moderate alcohol drinkers were more likely to engage in computer tasks to receive high doses of amphetamines, indicating increased vulnerability to stimulant effects. The researchers suggest that moderate drinking may sensitize individuals to the reinforcing effects of amphetamines.

SourceAlcoholism: Clinical & Experimental Research·DateDec 14, 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.

Go ahead, drink your milk

A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found no link between dairy consumption and increased risk of heart disease, stroke, or total mortality. The research also revealed that drinking three glasses of milk per day may lead to a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease.

SourceGlobal Dairy Platform·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateDec 14, 2010

Cell of origin for brain tumors may predict response to therapy

Researchers at UCSF have identified that oligodendroglioma brain tumors arise from progenitor cells rather than neural stem cells. This distinction explains why these tumors are more responsive to therapy, unlike other brain tumors such as glioblastoma multiforme.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalCancer Cell·DateDec 14, 2010
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.

Human umbilical cord blood cells found to enhance survival and maturation of key brain cells

USF researchers discovered that human umbilical cord blood cells (HUCB) promote the growth and differentiation of hippocampal neurons in both young and old laboratory animals. HUCBs have been found to enhance survival, maturation, and arborization of key brain cells, potentially benefiting treating brain injury and degenerative disease...

SourceUniversity of South Florida (USF Health)·JournalAging and Disease·DateDec 14, 2010

Geologist's discoveries resolve debate about oxygen in Earth's mantle

Recent studies by University of Rhode Island scientist Katherine Kelley reveal that the Earth's mantle is highly oxidized due to exposure to oxygen during its formation. The findings suggest that oxygen from subduction zones controls mineral composition and gas behavior in the mantle, influencing volcanic eruptions.

SourceUniversity of Rhode Island·DateDec 14, 2010