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Science News for December 22, 2010


Measuring fatigue through the voice

Australian researchers found that as fatigue progresses, speech slows and variations in pitch increase, indicating a loss of control over the muscles producing speech. The study provides a novel method for analyzing the effects of fatigue on the central nervous system through acoustic analysis.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalThe Journal of the Acoustical Society of America·DateDec 22, 2010

Shouldering family demands and worries bumps up angina risk

A six-year follow-up study found that shouldering family demands and worries increases the risk of angina in middle-aged Danish women and men. The study tracked over 4,500 participants and found that worrisome/demanding relationships with a partner or child posed the greatest risks, with a nearly four-fold increase in angina symptoms.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalJournal of Epidemiology and Community Health·DateDec 22, 2010
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Picking a poison for brain tumors: Arsenic

Researchers found that arsenic trioxide inhibits the growth of medulloblastoma and Ewing sarcoma cell lines by blocking the Hedgehog/GLI1 signaling pathway. The compound improved survival in a mouse model of medulloblastoma, suggesting its potential as a therapeutic option.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateDec 22, 2010

Milestone: A methane-metal marriage

Researchers have successfully created a metal-methane hybrid molecule by inserting metal atoms into methane gas molecules, potentially advancing industrial hydrocarbon chemistry. This discovery could lead to the creation of more complex and valuable products from simple compounds like methane.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·DateDec 22, 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.

NIH-led study identifies genetic variant that can lead to severe impulsivity

A genetic variant of the HTR2B brain receptor molecule has been found to contribute to violent impulsivity, particularly when combined with alcohol consumption. The study, conducted by NIH researchers and their international collaborators, used human genetic analyses and gene knockout studies in mice to identify the mutation.

SourceNIH/National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism·JournalNature·DateDec 22, 2010

Mortality rates are an unreliable metric for assessing hospital quality, study finds

A study by Harvard Medical School researchers found significant disparities in common measures of hospital-wide mortality rates, highlighting the complexity and variability of diagnoses. The authors propose alternative methods to construct a more limited portfolio of mortality results for individual common conditions.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateDec 22, 2010

Scripps Research scientist uncovers switch controlling protein production

A Scripps Research Institute scientist has discovered a molecular switch controlling protein synthesis in ribosomes, which could lead to potential treatments for cancer and other diseases. The study suggests that regulating this process may help prevent disease states such as Alzheimer's and diabetes.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalJournal of Molecular Biology·DateDec 22, 2010

Placebos work -- even without deception

Researchers have found that placebos work even when administered honestly, leading to improved symptoms for patients with irritable bowel syndrome. The study suggests that the performance of medical ritual may hold significant benefits, independent of patient knowledge.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateDec 22, 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.

Why must we compensate after buying gifts that threaten our identities?

A new study in the Journal of Consumer Research found that gift-givers who choose gifts that contradict their own identity experience discomfort and are more likely to choose alternative products. The researchers investigated how social closeness affects this process, revealing that those with stronger bonds experience greater discomfort.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateDec 22, 2010

Fossil finger bone yields genome of a previously unknown human relative

A 30,000-year-old finger bone found in Siberia yielded a complete Denisovan genome sequence, showing the extinct group was a sister group to Neanderthals and had interbred with ancestors of modern Melanesians. The discovery provides new insights into human evolution and migration out of Africa.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Cruz·JournalNature·DateDec 22, 2010

Getting inside the mind of Islam

A Tel Aviv University psychologist investigates the link between Islamic beliefs and practices and mental well-being among American Muslims. He found that those who created support groups or became more active at their local mosques reported increased religious practices, while those feeling isolated experienced anger and depression.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalPsychology of Religion and Spirituality·DateDec 22, 2010

Mount Sinai researchers make major breakthrough in melanoma research

Researchers at Mount Sinai School of Medicine have discovered a protein that suppresses the progression of malignant melanoma by regulating an oncogene called CDK8. The study found that when macroH2A is present in early-stage melanoma, it slows down the disease's growth and metastasis.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalNature·DateDec 22, 2010
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.

Mammalian aging process linked to overactive cellular pathway

Research reveals that the mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) pathway plays a crucial role in reducing ketone production, a hallmark of aging in mice. The study found that activating mTORC1 decreases ketogenesis, and suppressing it prevents the decline in ketone levels associated with aging.

SourceWhitehead Institute for Biomedical Research·JournalNature·DateDec 22, 2010

Study: Couples who delay having sex get benefits later

A study of 2,035 married individuals found that delaying sex until marriage led to higher relationship stability, satisfaction, and communication. Couples who waited longer reported better sexual quality in their relationships.

SourceBrigham Young University·JournalJournal of Family Psychology·DateDec 22, 2010

Tau disrupts neural communication prior to neurodegeneration

A new study reveals how tau protein disrupts neuronal communication at synapses before obvious neuron damage, leading to early memory deficits and impaired synaptic function. The research identifies aberrant mislocalization of tau proteins in dendritic spines as a key mechanism driving disease progression.

SourceCell Press·JournalNeuron·DateDec 22, 2010

Snow fails to stop delivery of 1800c furnace to University of Warwick

The University of Warwick has successfully delivered a new furnace capable of reaching temperatures of up to 1800 degrees centigrade, marking a significant advancement in the study of Silicon Carbide. This breakthrough is expected to lead to more efficient energy management and potentially new applications for this material.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·DateDec 22, 2010

Penn researchers identify potential target for breast cancer therapy

Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine have identified P-Rex1 as a crucial protein in signal transmission from ErbB receptors, driving breast cancer growth and metastasis. The study suggests that targeting this pathway could improve responses to existing therapies.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalMolecular Cell·DateDec 22, 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.

Why does dialysis fail?

A study finds that MCP-1 protein contributes to dialysis AV fistula failure. Researchers suggest using MCP-1 blockers as a possible therapeutic approach to promote AV fistula maturation and function.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateDec 22, 2010

Photons vs. protons for treatment of spinal cord gliomas

A study comparing photon-based and proton-beam radiation therapies found that photon-based therapy resulted in better long-term survival rates, particularly among younger patients and those with ependymomas. The research suggests a potential shift in treatment guidelines for spinal cord glioma patients.

SourceOhio State University Wexner Medical Center·DateDec 22, 2010

Ever-sharp urchin teeth may yield tools that never need honing

Researchers have discovered the secret behind sea urchin teeth's ever-sharp quality, which could be mimicked to create self-sharpening tools. The unique biomineral mosaic structure of the teeth allows them to maintain sharpness despite constant grinding and scraping.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateDec 22, 2010

Imagine your future self: Will it help you save money?

A new study by Daniel M. Bartels and Oleg Urminsky found that consumers struggle to connect with their future selves, leading to impatient consumption habits. When people feel a strong sense of identity with their future self, they are more patient and willing to save for long-term benefits.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateDec 22, 2010

Why do risks with human characteristics make powerful consumers feel lucky?

A new study by Sara Kim and Ann L. McGill found that people who feel powerful are more likely to believe they can beat cancer if it's described in human terms, leading to lower perceived risks. In contrast, those who feel powerless perceive greater risk when faced with humanized products.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateDec 22, 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.

Grants fund projects that will tackle 'Grand Challenges'

Seven ASU engineering faculty members receive $100,000 seed funding grants to tackle Grand Challenges in areas like wireless biosensors, brain-machine interfaces and environmental sensors. The goal is to establish major research centers to drive technological progress.

SourceArizona State University·DateDec 22, 2010

Climbing Mount Everest: Noble adventure or selfish pursuit?

A new study on commercialized climbing expeditions on Everest found that paying climbers tend to prioritize individual accomplishments over communal experiences. The research suggests that transformative experiences can reinforce an individualistic and competitive ethos, undermining feelings of camaraderie.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateDec 22, 2010
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.

Study shows drifting fish larvae allow marine reserves to rebuild fisheries

Marine ecologists at Oregon State University have shown that tiny fish larvae can drift with ocean currents and replenish fished areas long distances. This discovery adds credibility to the effectiveness of marine reserves in rebuilding fishery stocks, providing a significant demonstration of their ability to sustain fisheries beyond t...

SourceOregon State University·DateDec 22, 2010

Eindhoven University builds affordable alternative to mega-laser X-FEL

Researchers at Eindhoven University of Technology have developed an affordable alternative to the expensive X-FEL, which can perform similar molecular process research on a tabletop. The 'poor man's X-FEL' uses electrons instead of X-rays and requires less energy, making it a more feasible option for researchers.

SourceEindhoven University of Technology·DateDec 22, 2010

Emerging drug class may enhance red blood cell production in anemic patients

Researchers have identified a new drug class that can enhance red blood cell production in anemic patients, potentially treating Diamond-Blackfan anemia and other conditions. The discovery was made by determining how corticosteroids act to increase the production of red blood cell progenitors.

SourceWhitehead Institute for Biomedical Research·JournalBlood·DateDec 22, 2010

Record time limit

A study analyzing data from 61 running and swimming events suggests that improvements in performance will eventually slow down and reach a maximum within the next decade. The 'time to limit' is estimated to be between 7.5 and 10.5 years, which could impact policy implications for sports associations and federations.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Applied Management Science·DateDec 22, 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.

NSF/NASA scientific balloon launches from Antarctica

The NSF/NASA scientific balloon campaign launched a Cosmic Ray Energetics And Mass (CREAM VI) experiment to investigate high-energy cosmic-ray particles reaching Earth. The experiment will provide insights into the interaction of Earth's Van Allen radiation belts with its upper atmosphere.

SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·DateDec 22, 2010

Placebos work -- even without deception

A new study found that placebos are effective in treating irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) symptoms even when patients are informed they are taking a placebo. The study involved 80 patients who received either a real treatment or a placebo, with nearly twice as many experiencing symptom relief with the placebo.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalPLOS ONE·DateDec 22, 2010

High red blood cell folate levels linked to silenced tumor-suppressors

Researchers found that people with higher levels of folate in their red blood cells were more likely to have two tumor-suppressing genes shut down by methylation. Folate supplementation may lead to increased DNA methylation, potentially increasing the risk of diseases including cancer and other aging-related conditions.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalCancer Prevention Research·DateDec 22, 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.

Vertical search across the educational horizon

Researchers have developed a new approach to searching online educational resources, enabling users to access specific prospectuses, curricula and tests easily. The approach uses focused crawling, web content classification and information extraction to pull out relevant information from the web.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Computational Science and Engineering·DateDec 22, 2010

How past experiences inform future choices

Researchers at MIT's Picower Institute for Learning and Memory found that some neural sequences in mice' brains that fired during a novel experience had already occurred before the animal rested. This phenomenon, called preplay, helps encode related experiences occurring in the future.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature·DateDec 22, 2010

Some firms benefit from increased spending despite recession

Researchers found that business-to-business products firms and consumer services firms benefit from increased R&D spending during recessions. Consumer goods firms do not obtain positive stock returns from R&D spending, while those with high market share and low financial leverage decrease their profits with increased advertising spending.

SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of Marketing·DateDec 22, 2010

Genome of extinct Siberian cave-dweller linked to modern-day humans

A recent study has discovered evidence of a distinct group of 'archaic' humans existing outside Africa over 30,000 years ago. The Denisovans, as they are known, interbred with the ancestors of some modern humans and contributed 4-6% of their genetic material to present-day New Guineans.

SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·JournalNature·DateDec 22, 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.

Researchers train software to help monitor climate change

A computer program trained on probability analysis can extract environmental information from satellite images and sensor data about ocean structures. The technology has been tested with high accuracy, offering clues on subtle changes in ocean temperature and global climate conditions.

SourcePenn State·JournalIEEE Transactions on Geoscience and Remote Sensing·DateDec 22, 2010

Brain gene makes a female develop as a male

Australian scientists discovered that changes to the SOX3 gene can lead to testis formation and male genitalia in an otherwise female embryo. This breakthrough will improve diagnosis and treatment for patients with disorders of sex development, which occur when the testes or ovaries do not develop properly.

SourceUniversity of Melbourne·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateDec 22, 2010

Teen girls in most deprived areas 5 times as likely to be assaulted

Research reveals that teen girls living in the most deprived areas are five times as likely to be assaulted compared to their affluent peers. The disparity is particularly pronounced for girls living in city areas, who are almost three times more likely to experience assault.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalEmergency Medicine Journal·DateDec 22, 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.

Many cancer cells found to have an 'eat me' signal in Stanford study

Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine discovered that many cancer cells carry a protein called calreticulin (CRT), which signals circulating immune cells to engulf and digest them. This 'eat me' signal counteracts a separate 'don't eat me' signal, CD47, previously found in earlier studies.

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateDec 22, 2010

Which comes first: Exercise-induced asthma or obesity?

A new Concordia University study published in The Physician and Sportsmedicine found that obese people are more likely to report exercise-induced asthma. This link may be an important factor in the management of asthma sufferers, particularly those with severe or persistent conditions.

SourceConcordia University·JournalThe Physician and Sportsmedicine·DateDec 22, 2010

Eating healthier means living longer

A recent study found that diets rich in healthy foods, such as fruits, whole grains, and low-fat dairy products, may reduce mortality risk in older adults. The 'Healthy foods' cluster had a significantly lower risk of mortality compared to clusters with high consumption of unhealthy foods.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalJournal of the American Dietetic Association·DateDec 22, 2010

Eating less healthy fish may contribute to America's stroke belt

A study found that people in 'stroke belt' states, particularly African-Americans, eat more fried fish than others, contributing to a higher risk of death from stroke. The American Academy of Neurology attributes this to the loss of natural fatty acids when frying fish.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateDec 22, 2010
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.

Scientists reveal how biological activity is regulated in fruit fly and roundworm genomes

Researchers have discovered hundreds of new protein-coding genes and thousands of new non-protein coding RNAs in the fruit fly and roundworm genomes. The studies also identified specific chromatin signatures associated with the regulation of protein-coding genes, revealing how genes work in concert to produce complex biological processes.

SourceNIH/National Human Genome Research Institute·JournalScience·DateDec 22, 2010

Love-smitten consumers will do anything for their cars and guns

A new study by John L. Lastovicka and Nancy J. Sirianni reveals that consumers can form strong emotional bonds with their possessions, such as cars and firearms. The researchers found that love-smitten consumers are more likely to invest time and money into improving their prized possessions.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateDec 22, 2010

Arsenic agent shuts down 2 hard-to-treat cancers in animal experiments

Researchers at Georgetown University Medical Center have found an arsenic-based agent already FDA-approved for a type of leukemia may be helpful in treating Ewing's Sarcoma and medulloblastoma. The drug inhibits the hedgehog/GLI1 pathway, which is also common in other cancers.

SourceGeorgetown University Medical Center·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateDec 22, 2010

JCI table of contents: Dec. 22, 2010

The study found that overexpression of the Sox3 gene causes frequent XX male sex reversal, while a new regulatory pathway involving the ventral premammillary nucleus is linked to leptin's effect on puberty onset. Additionally, arsenic trioxide may be beneficial for treating certain brain tumors.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateDec 22, 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.

New research: 'Un-growth hormone' increases longevity

Researchers have discovered a compound that reverses some signs of aging, including oxidative stress and cognitive impairment. The study found that MZ-5-156 had positive effects on life span, telomerase activity, and tumor activity, while decreasing cancer incidence.

SourceSaint Louis University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 22, 2010

Designer probiotics could reduce obesity

Specially designed probiotics can modulate host fat cells, potentially leading to specialized probiotics for obesity prevention or treatment. Ingesting live bacteria influences metabolism at remote sites in the body.

SourceMicrobiology Society·JournalMicrobiology·DateDec 22, 2010

York U study pinpoints part of brain that suppresses instinct

A York University study has pinpointed the part of the brain that suppresses automatic behavior, such as looking away from a facial expression. The research found an increase in signal from the left inferior frontal cortex when participants were confronted with conflicting stimuli.

SourceYork University·JournalFrontiers in Human Neuroscience·DateDec 22, 2010

Drilling in the holy land

Researchers from eight nations are analyzing sedimentary deposits from a 460-meter deep borehole to reconstruct the climate history of the region. The drilling project aims to provide information on past environmental changes in the Bethlehem area, including those related to early human migration.

SourceHelmholtz Association·DateDec 22, 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.

KISSing a theory goodbye in the link between puberty and nutrition status

A team of researchers found that the hormone leptin's effects on puberty onset are not mediated by kisspeptins as previously thought. Instead, leptin's signaling is relayed by a specific brain region, potentially leading to new therapeutic strategies for disorders related to puberty and fertility.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateDec 22, 2010

Brain gene a trigger for determining gender

A study published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation has found that a brain gene called SOX3 can be activated to trigger male development in mice without a Y chromosome. This discovery has implications for understanding disorders of sexual development and may lead to new treatments.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateDec 22, 2010

Does equality increase status spending?

A new study by Nailya Ordabayeva and Pierre Chandon reveals that increasing equality decreases consumer envy, but also boosts status spending among bottom-tier consumers. In experiments, participants were more likely to spend money on purchases that would improve their social standing when the distribution was less equal.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateDec 22, 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.

Complementary medicines can be dangerous for children

A study of CAM treatment in children found that adverse events were common and often related to CAM use; 64% of cases were rated as severe or life-threatening. The authors suggest empowering families with discussions about medication changes, but note that many parents continue to use CAM despite medical advice

SourceBMJ Group·JournalArchives of Disease in Childhood·DateDec 22, 2010

Researchers find gene that protects against dementia in high-risk individuals

Researchers at Mayo Clinic have identified a gene variant that appears to protect against frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD) in high-risk individuals with progranulin mutations. The study found that carrying two copies of the protective TMEM106B allele delays or prevents FTLD onset, suggesting it may increase progranulin levels.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalNeurology·DateDec 22, 2010

America's stroke belt partially fueled by fried fish

A study published in Neurology found that eating fried fish in the stroke belt states of Alabama, Georgia, and others is associated with a higher risk of stroke. The study suggests that omega-3 fatty acids in fish may reduce stroke risk, but frying destroys these nutrients.

SourceUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham·JournalNeurology·DateDec 22, 2010
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.

What sex are you?

A team of researchers has determined that overexpression of the Sox3 gene in mice causes frequent XX male sex reversal. Genomic rearrangements in the human SOX3 gene have been found in three patients with XX male sex reversal, suggesting a significant cause for this condition.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateDec 22, 2010

Learning to read the genome

A comprehensive analysis of the Drosophila genome reveals new genes, alternative splicing forms, and complex chromatin organization. The findings provide a foundation for in-depth functional studies and apply to understanding genomes across all organisms.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalScience·DateDec 22, 2010