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Science News for February 8, 2010


Study: Cell-phone bans while driving have more impact in dense, urban areas

A new study analyzing the impact of hand-held cell phone legislation on driving safety concludes that usage-ban laws had more of an impact in densely populated urban areas with a higher number of licensed drivers than in rural areas. The study found lower fatal accident rates and personal injury accidents in counties with high driver d...

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalTransportation Research Record Journal of the Transportation Research Board·DateFeb 8, 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.

Family meals, adequate sleep and limited TV may lower childhood obesity

A new national study suggests that preschool-aged children with household routines of eating dinner as a family, getting adequate sleep, and limiting weekday TV viewing time have an almost 40% lower prevalence of obesity. Adopting these three routines could be an attractive obesity-prevention strategy for families with young children.

SourceOhio State University·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateFeb 8, 2010

Hand-grip strength associated with poor survival

A study published in CMAJ found that low handgrip strength at 85 and 89 years is associated with increased all-cause mortality, highlighting its potential as a tool to assess mortality. The researchers also found that handgrip strength has a greater impact on mortality as people age.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateFeb 8, 2010

Study reveals new details on the dangers of third-hand smoke

A recent study has found that nicotine in third-hand smoke reacts with nitrous acid to produce dangerous carcinogens, posing a significant health risk to infants and toddlers. The researchers also discovered that even opening windows or using fans does not eliminate the hazard of third-hand smoke.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 8, 2010
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Chocoholic mice fear no pain

A study found that stressed mice seek chocolate despite painful consequences, mirroring human compulsive eating behavior. Researchers trained mice with a history of hunger to overcome their fear of certain foods.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Neuroscience·DateFeb 8, 2010

Medicare reimbursement change meant to save money has opposite effect

A new study found that increased Medicare payments for outpatient bladder cancer surgeries led to a significant rise in procedure numbers and overall healthcare costs. The study suggests that some Medicare policies may actually contribute to an increase in healthcare expenditures rather than reducing costs.

SourceAmerican Cancer Society·JournalCancer·DateFeb 8, 2010

Depressed people feel more gray than blue

Researchers developed a color chart called The Manchester Color Wheel to study people's emotions. Depressed individuals tend to prefer gray, while anxious ones choose between positive and negative colors more frequently than healthy participants.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Medical Research Methodology·DateFeb 8, 2010

Mice shed new light on causes of childhood deafness

Researchers have created mice with a mutation that mimics hereditary deafness, shedding light on progressive hearing loss in children. The study provides new insights into the effects of soundwave processing and potential damage caused by inner ear compensation.

SourceThe Company of Biologists·JournalDisease Models & Mechanisms·DateFeb 8, 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.

Scientist explore future of high-energy physics

Researchers are working on improving the efficiency of superconducting radio frequency (SRF) cavities made of niobium to accelerate beams of subatomic particles in next-generation high-energy physics experiments. This could lead to powerful accelerators that open new frontiers in physics without increasing size.

SourceUniversity of Chicago·DateFeb 8, 2010

Drug shows promise for Huntington's disease

A clinical trial of the experimental drug dimebon found it to be safe and improved cognition in patients with Huntington's disease. The study, led by University of Rochester Medical Center neurologist Karl Kieburtz, showed statistically significant benefits for patients taking the drug compared to those receiving a placebo.

SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical Center·JournalArchives of Neurology·DateFeb 8, 2010

Scripps research team reveals how an old drug could have a new use for treating river blindness

Researchers at Scripps Research Institute have discovered that the old drug closantel may be useful in combating river blindness by inhibiting the molting process of the parasite. This finding holds tremendous potential for the treatment of this neglected tropical disease, which affects over 37 million people.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 8, 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.

Incidence of cerebral palsy on rise in US

Researchers from Loyola University Health System found a link between premature births and cerebral palsy, with inflammation of the umbilical cord being a common complication. The study suggests that managing inflammation may reduce the risk of certain complications in these infants.

SourceLoyola Medicine·DateFeb 8, 2010

Millimeter-scale, energy-harvesting sensor system developed

Researchers at the University of Michigan have developed a millimeter-scale, energy-harvesting sensor system that can run for nearly perpetual periods using solar power. The system's low-power processor and innovative voltage conversion method enable it to consume less than 1 nanowatt of power on average.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·DateFeb 8, 2010

TV drama can be more persuasive than news program, study finds

A study by Ohio State University found that college-age women who watched a televised drama about teen pregnancy were more likely to use birth control, compared to those who watched a news program. The drama's narrative effect was linked to feelings of vulnerability and emotional connection with the characters.

SourceOhio State University·JournalHuman Communication Research·DateFeb 8, 2010

Neighborhood socioeconomic status and diabetes

African American women living in neighborhoods with lower socioeconomic status are more likely to develop type 2 diabetes. The study found a direct link between neighborhood environment and risk for the disease, with even well-educated women affected.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal of Epidemiology·DateFeb 8, 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.

Gadgets not related to teenagers' brain pain

A study published in BMC Neurology found no association between teenagers' use of computer games, mobile phones, or television and headaches. However, daily music consumption was significantly associated with suffering from any type of headache. The researchers suggested that music might be a self-therapy by relaxation.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Neurology·DateFeb 8, 2010

Flower power can still calm the masses

A recent study published in the Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology found that chamomile extract therapy significantly reduced the severity of GAD in patients with mild-moderate symptoms. The study's findings suggest that chamomile may be a potential treatment option for those who are averse to traditional pharmacotherapy.

SourceFaculty of 1000·JournalJournal of Clinical Psychopharmacology·DateFeb 8, 2010

New study examines the impact on children of food product placements in the movies

A new study from Dartmouth Medical School examines the impact of food product placements in movies on children's dietary choices. The research found that sugar-sweetened beverages account for the largest proportion of movie-based brand placements, targeting older children and teenagers who are gaining independence in their food choices.

SourceDartmouth Health·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateFeb 8, 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.

URI researcher calls for global effort to monitor marine pollutants

A University of Rhode Island researcher is proposing a global monitoring network to track banned chemicals in oceans. The initiative uses inexpensive polyethylene passive samplers, which can be easily deployed by non-scientists worldwide.

SourceUniversity of Rhode Island·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateFeb 8, 2010

Babies wise to what we really mean: York University study

Babies as young as six months old can comprehend adults' intentions, according to a York University study. Infants detected and accepted when an experimenter was unable to share for reasons beyond her control, but became agitated when it was clear she simply wouldn't share.

SourceYork University·JournalInfancy·DateFeb 8, 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.

New CATCH rule to determine need for CT scans in children with minor head injury

A new study introduces the CATCH rule to guide physicians in determining whether a child with minor head trauma should receive a CT scan. The 7-simple findings from history and physical exam have the potential to standardize CT scans and reduce unnecessary radiation exposure, while also minimizing healthcare costs.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateFeb 8, 2010

Financial hardship contributes to diagnosis anxiety

A new study found that women with medium or low income levels are more susceptible to anxiety and depression after being diagnosed with ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS). Women with financial hardship may benefit from psychosocial interventions designed to accommodate their unique needs.

SourceAmerican Cancer Society·JournalCancer·DateFeb 8, 2010

Patients 'unafraid' to gamble highlight role of amygdala in decision-making

Researchers studied patients with amygdala lesions to understand how decisions are made and what influences risk-taking behavior. The results show that a fully functioning amygdala makes people more cautious, while impaired amygdala activity leads to reduced loss aversion and increased willingness to gamble.

SourceWellcome Trust·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 8, 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.

Underdogs have more motivation? Not so fast, study says

A new study by Ohio State University researchers found that people work about 30 percent harder when their group is competing against a lower-status group. The motivation gains were observed when students felt their group's superior status was threatened, and not when competing against similarly ranked teams or higher-ranked colleges.

SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of Experimental Social Psychology·DateFeb 8, 2010

UC Davis study confirms link between advanced maternal age and autism

The study found that advanced maternal age is associated with a significantly elevated risk of having a child with autism, increasing by 18% for every five-year increase in the mother's age. In contrast, advanced paternal age is only linked to an increased risk when the father is older and the mother is under 30.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalAutism Research·DateFeb 8, 2010

Racial disparities persist in the diagnosis of advanced breast cancer and colon cancer in the U.S.

Advanced breast cancer diagnosis among black women is 30-90% higher than among white women between 1992 and 2004. The disparity in advanced colorectal cancer also widens over time. Black women are more likely to be diagnosed with aggressive, hormone-receptor-negative breast cancers that are difficult to detect and treat.

SourceFred Hutchinson Cancer Center·JournalHormones and Cancer·DateFeb 8, 2010

Animals cope with climate change at the dinner table

Research by Tel Aviv University's Prof. Yoram Yom-Tov reveals that animals at higher latitudes are adapting to rising temperatures by altering their diets and body sizes. This adaptation is seen in birds getting smaller and mammals getting bigger, allowing them to cope with warmer temperatures.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalGlobal Change Biology·DateFeb 8, 2010

Extra large carbon

Carbon-22 has a nucleus comprised of 16 neutrons and 6 protons, exhibiting an unexpected stability due to its halo structure. The discovery sets a new milestone in nuclear physics, with implications for the investigation of heavier and more exotic nuclei.

SourceAmerican Physical Society·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateFeb 8, 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.

Method of the future uses single-cell imaging to identify gene interactions

Researchers developed a novel computational model to identify genetic interactions using high-dimensional morphological data from single-cell images. The method was demonstrated in fruit flies, where it accurately inferred Rho-signaling network interactions more precisely than previous approaches.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalGenome Research·DateFeb 8, 2010

A study reveals how respiratory tubes and capillaries form

Researchers studied cell-to-tube transformation in Drosophila, revealing the formation of small-diameter respiratory tubes and their link to capillary development. The study identified key genetic machinery and molecular mechanisms involved, providing insights into the development of fine blood vessels.

SourceInstitute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona)·JournalCurrent Biology·DateFeb 8, 2010

Caltech neuroscientists discover brain area responsible for fear of losing money

Researchers found that the amygdala structure in the brain is critical for triggering caution when making gambles with potential losses. This study provides new evidence for the role of the amygdala in fear and anxiety, shedding light on economic behavior and emotional decision-making.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 8, 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.

A potent suppressor of endometrial cancer is revealed

Researchers have found a genetic tool that specifically alters gene expression in the endometrium, leading to rapidly progressing cancer in mice. The Lkb1 gene is mutated in many other types of human cancers and regulates pathways contributing to aggressive cancer cell formation.

SourceThe Company of Biologists·JournalDisease Models & Mechanisms·DateFeb 8, 2010

The private sale of drugs in public hospitals

The private sale of expensive drugs in Canadian public hospitals is being debated due to concerns about unequal treatment and negative impacts on the public system. The potential for a Charter challenge raises questions about safety, access, and liberty, with advocates arguing that governments should not allow access to uninsured drugs.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateFeb 8, 2010

Research identifies gene with likely role in premenstrual disorder

Researchers identified a gene variant that affects mice's response to natural hormone fluctuations, leading to increased anxiety and impaired memory. The study suggests the gene may play a role in premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) and other menstrual cycle-related disorders.

SourceRockefeller University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 8, 2010

Metabolite common among cancers

A study found that mutations in IDH1 enzyme result in excess production of 2-HG, a metabolite common among cancers including leukemia and brain tumors. Elevated serum levels of 2-HG were detected in approximately 8% of AML patients with these mutations.

SourceRockefeller University Press·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateFeb 8, 2010

JCI online early table of contents: Feb. 8, 2010

Researchers have identified CD99 as a potential new drug target for Ewing sarcoma. A novel type of cellular senescence has also been found to suppress prostate tumorigenesis. Additionally, the protein USAG-1 has been linked to the development of Alport syndrome, suggesting a promising therapeutic approach.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateFeb 8, 2010
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.

Research reveals link between beer and bone health

A study published in the Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture reveals that beer is a significant source of dietary silicon, a key ingredient for increasing bone mineral density. The researchers found that beers containing high levels of malted barley and hops are richest in silicon.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of the Science of Food and Agriculture·DateFeb 8, 2010

Herbal medicines can be lethal, pathologist warns

A University of Adelaide pathologist has sounded a warning about the dangers of herbal medicines, which can cause serious illnesses, exacerbate pre-existing health problems, or result in death if taken in excess or combined with prescription drugs. The study analyzed 251 Asian herbal products and found high levels of toxic substances.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalJournal of Forensic Sciences·DateFeb 8, 2010

Marker of Ewing sarcoma: Potential new drug target?

Scientists have identified CD99 as a crucial marker in Ewing sarcoma development and suggest targeting it to develop new therapies. The protein's role is tied to preventing neural differentiation, a process that contributes to oncogenesis.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateFeb 8, 2010
Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

Study examines course and treatment of unexplained chest pain

Fewer than half of individuals with non-specific chest pain experience relief from symptoms after standard medical care, and one-tenth undergo unnecessary diagnostic testing. Persistent chest pain affects over half of patients, yet knowledge about its course and outcome is sparse.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Internal Medicine·DateFeb 8, 2010

'Revolutionary' water treatment units on their way to Afghanistan

The US Army has taken delivery of the first two units of a revolutionary waste-water treatment system developed by Sam Houston State University. The system uses proprietary bacteria to clean polluted water with high efficiency and can be deployed in remote areas with minimal infrastructure.

SourceSam Houston State University·DateFeb 8, 2010

Nonhospitalized patients with active inflammatory bowel disease are 16 times more likely to suffer a blood clot than the general population

Patients with active inflammatory bowel disease are at a significantly increased risk of developing venous thromboembolism, especially when ambulatory. The study found that non-hospitalized patients with active IBD have a relative risk of 16 times higher than the general population, highlighting the need for prophylaxis strategies.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateFeb 8, 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.

Pay-for-performance in healthcare

A new study analyzing performance reports from medical groups found that pay-for-performance (P4P) initiatives had limited impact on overall care quality. Despite incentivizing providers to focus on preventative medicine, researchers discovered a lack of positive spillovers to other areas of care.

SourceWiley·JournalThe RAND Journal of Economics·DateFeb 8, 2010

Anorexics found to have excess fat-- in their bone marrow

Researchers at Boston Children's Hospital discovered that people with anorexia nervosa have high levels of fat within their bone marrow. This unexpected finding may help track the effectiveness of hormonal therapies aimed at improving bone mass in individuals with this condition, who often experience bone loss and osteoporosis.

SourceBoston Children's Hospital·JournalJournal of Bone and Mineral Research·DateFeb 8, 2010

Will earlier springs throw nature out of step?

A study published in Global Change Biology found that the seasonal timing of biological events has become earlier by more than 11 days in the UK since 1976. This acceleration is most rapid for organisms at the bottom of food chains, such as plants and insects.

SourceUK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology·JournalGlobal Change Biology·DateFeb 8, 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.

Brown biologist solves mystery of tropical grasses' origin

Researchers compiled database of 1.1 million grass species and found 18 out of 21 transition nodes between C3 and C4 grasses were linked to changes in precipitation. This discovery challenges previous understanding that warmer temperatures were the primary driver of C4 grasses' evolution.

SourceBrown University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 8, 2010