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Science News for January 12, 2010


You say offset, I say tax? Study suggests labels and political affiliation may affect preferences

A study published in Psychological Science found that labels can influence people's attitudes towards certain policies. In a study, participants were offered the choice between two identical items with different prices, one labeled as a carbon offset and the other as a carbon tax. The results showed that Democrats supported the offset ...

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateJan 12, 2010

Researchers identify protein needed to develop auditory neurons

The discovery of Sox2, a protein that regulates stem cell formation, is crucial for spiral ganglion neuron development. The study's findings may lead to the regeneration of these nerve cells, potentially revolutionizing cochlear implant technology and biological treatments for hearing loss.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·DateJan 12, 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.

Mosquito hunters invent better, cheaper, DIY disease weapon

Researchers at Emory University have developed the Prokopack mosquito aspirator, a low-cost, efficient tool for monitoring adult mosquitoes and the diseases they carry. The device outperforms current gold standards in field and lab tests, providing insights into mosquito ecology and behavior.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalJournal of Medical Entomology·DateJan 12, 2010

Solar scientists use 'magnetic mirror effect' to reproduce IBEX observation

A team of solar physicists has developed a revised model explaining the unexpected 'ribbon' of bright emission observed by NASA's IBEX mission. The new effect, known as the magnetic mirror effect, suggests that charged particles orbiting magnetic field lines can be recycled and detected by IBEX.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateJan 12, 2010

Blood fats reduced in HIV patients who switch from lopinavir-ritonavir to raltegravir, but viral supression rate lower in raltegravir patients (SWITCHMRK trials)

A recent study found that HIV patients who switch from lopinavir-ritonavir to raltegravir experience a reduction in blood fat levels, but the rate of viral suppression is lower in the raltegravir group. The results suggest that clinicians need to consider individual patient factors when making treatment decisions.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateJan 12, 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.

As in humans, sleep solidifies a bird's memories

Researchers found that sleep consolidates learning in starlings, a bird known for its vocal production and listening skills, mirroring human findings. The study replicates the sleep-dependent enhancement pattern observed in human studies, while also exploring the role of interference on learning.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·DateJan 12, 2010

'Weekend effect' makes people happier regardless of their job, study says

A study published in the Journal of Social and Clinical Psychology found that people experience better moods, greater vitality, and fewer aches and pains on Fridays to Sundays. The 'weekend effect' is largely associated with freedom to choose activities and time spent with loved ones.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalJournal of Social and Clinical Psychology·DateJan 12, 2010

News brief: A paracrine pathway regulates pancreatic cancer cell invasion

A paracrine pathway involving glial cell-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) regulates the migration of pancreatic cancer cells along nerves. The pathway plays a crucial role in preventing nerve invasion and has potential as an adjuvant therapy for pancreatic cancer.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateJan 12, 2010

Melanoma stem cells' evasive talents

Researchers at Children's Hospital Boston discovered that melanoma stem cells produce molecules inhibiting the immune system, triggering regulatory T-cells to dampen anti-tumor responses. These cells also stimulate surrounding cells' production of IL-10, suppressing the immune system.

SourceBoston Children's Hospital·JournalCancer Research·DateJan 12, 2010

Rate of funding for biomedical research slowing, decreasing in recent years

The rate of increase for biomedical research funding in the US has slowed since 2005, with a decrease in National Institutes of Health and industry funding. Industry remained the largest contributor to biomedical research, accounting for 58% of expenditures, while NIH contributions decreased by 8.6% from 2003 to 2007.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateJan 12, 2010
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Hypertension linked to dementia in older women

Research from the Women's Health Initiative Memory Study finds elevated blood pressure increases white matter lesions, a known risk factor for dementia. Maintaining normal blood pressure may help prevent brain damage and associated cognitive decline.

SourceAlbert Einstein College of Medicine·JournalJournal of Clinical Hypertension·DateJan 12, 2010

Study: Era of rapid growth in biomedical research over

A study found that biomedical research funding in the US has decelerated and may have even fallen when adjusted for inflation. Funding growth was not accompanied by an increase in new drug and device approvals.

SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical Center·JournalJAMA·DateJan 12, 2010

Online poker study: The more hands you win, the more money you lose

A Cornell study analyzing 27 million online poker hands found that novice players tend to lose money despite winning more hands, as they struggle with occasional large losses versus frequent small gains. Small pairs are more valuable for small-stakes players than medium pairs due to their less ambiguous value.

SourceCornell University·JournalJournal of Gambling Studies·DateJan 12, 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.

Northern forests do not benefit from lengthening growing season

A study by the University of Helsinki found that northern forests are unable to adapt to changing environmental conditions, with established trees' mortality promoting evolutionary adaptation. This means older trees will survive in a warmer climate but prevent genetically better adapted individuals from thriving.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalForest Ecology and Management·DateJan 12, 2010

Study sees little dust risk for subway workers

A pilot study using miniaturized air samplers found no strong evidence of health risks for subway workers exposed to steel dust, with levels below OSHA standards. The study also showed that airborne metal concentrations were much higher in stations and trains than above ground.

SourceColumbia Climate School·JournalEnvironmental Research·DateJan 12, 2010

Independent public health evaluations could save lives

A retrospective evaluation led by researchers at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health recommends improvements for scaling up child survival programs. The study found that coverage for effective treatment interventions and addressing causes of neonatal deaths and undernutrition are crucial for accelerating child survival.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalThe Lancet·DateJan 12, 2010

NASA satellite sees rainfall in ebbing Edzani

The TRMM satellite captured a clear picture of Tropical Storm Edzani's current state, revealing heavy rainfall on the eastern side and minimal convection on the western side. The storm is weakening and transitioning into an extra-tropical storm, but forecasters are monitoring its movement back over warmer waters for possible regeneration.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJan 12, 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.

Erlotinib dosing in lung cancer depends on smoking status

A study found that erlotinib dosing in lung cancer patients depends on their smoking status, with smokers requiring lower doses than non-smokers. Non-smokers were able to tolerate higher doses without developing grade 2 or 3 toxicity, while smokers reached a maximum tolerated dose of 300mg daily.

SourceAmerican Association for Cancer Research·DateJan 12, 2010

Monitoring of high-risk medications unchanged despite FDA warnings

A new study analyzed 109,000 Medicaid patients taking second-generation antipsychotic drugs, which can raise the risk of diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Despite an FDA warning in 2003, most doctors did not change their baseline screening for blood sugar and cholesterol.

SourceOregon State University·JournalArchives of General Psychiatry·DateJan 12, 2010

Study quantifies minority enrollment losses if affirmative action is eliminated

A nationwide ban on affirmative action in college admissions would cause a 10% drop in black and Hispanic enrollment at the nation's most selective colleges and universities. Overall black and Hispanic representation in four-year institutions would decline by two percent, according to the study.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Labor Economics·DateJan 12, 2010

Scripps Research team wins global race to achieve landmark synthesis of perplexing natural product

After years of effort, a team from The Scripps Research Institute has finally achieved the synthesis of Palau'amine, a naturally occurring compound with pharmaceutical promise. The breakthrough involves 25 steps and utilizes an oxidation reaction that simplifies the process, paving the way for further research and potential commercial ...

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateJan 12, 2010

Carnegie Mellon's Philip LeDuc discovers new protein function

Researchers have discovered a new function of the protein Syndecan-4, which plays an essential role in various diseases like cancer. The discovery sheds light on how proteins' shapes and forms affect cell behavior and mechanics.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 12, 2010
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

How galaxies came to be: Astronomers explain Hubble sequence

Dr Andrew Benson and Dr Nick Devereux's research reveals the evolutionary history of the universe, explaining galaxy shapes and numbers. Their 'Lambda Cold Dark Matter' model suggests that dark matter haloes drive galaxy evolution, with elliptical galaxies resulting from multiple mergers.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateJan 12, 2010

Stable climate and plant domestication linked

A new study argues that a stable climate, rather than climate change, played a crucial role in the emergence of agriculture in the Near East. The research suggests that farming communities chose crops that functioned within the normal east Mediterranean rainfall pattern, allowing for sustainable farming practices during drought years.

SourceSpringer·JournalVegetation History and Archaeobotany·DateJan 12, 2010

Study casts doubt on caffeine link to tinnitus

A recent study challenges the claim that caffeine aggravates tinnitus, finding no significant improvement in symptoms from caffeine abstinence. Instead, participants experienced increased symptoms during acute withdrawal phases.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalInternational Journal of Audiology·DateJan 12, 2010

2 nurses emerge as leaders in informatics

Two nurses, Ellen Makar and Sandra Ng, have been selected as emerging leaders in nursing informatics through the Alliance for Nursing Informatics (ANI) program. They will participate in a mentorship opportunity and complete various projects to develop their skills.

SourceAmerican Medical Informatics Association·DateJan 12, 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.

Significant urban-rural disparities in injury mortality seen in China

A new study found that rural males are 47% more likely to die from injuries than their urban counterparts, while rural females face a 33% higher risk of injury-related mortality. The disparity is attributed to various factors such as unintentional suffocation in infants and suicide among older adults.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalThe Journal of Rural Health·DateJan 12, 2010

New stroke therapy successful in rats

Scientists have discovered a protein that can restore motor function in rats with impaired mobility after a stroke, with administered directly to the brain showing 99% regain. The intranasal method also demonstrates significant behavioral improvements and regenerative anatomical process.

SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·JournalJournal of Stroke and Cerebrovascular Diseases·DateJan 12, 2010

Newer treatment for Achilles tendon disorder does not appear to be effective

A new study published in JAMA found that a platelet-rich plasma injection did not significantly improve pain or activity levels in patients with chronic Achilles tendinopathy. The study included 54 patients who received either a PRP injection or a saline placebo, and found no significant difference between the two groups after 24 weeks.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateJan 12, 2010

UW-Madison scientists create super-strong collagen

Researchers created super-strong collagen with improved stability, which could treat conditions like arthritis by mimicking natural collagen. The new collagen holds together at high temperatures and has a similar three-dimensional structure to natural collagen.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 12, 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.

News brief: Having a family member under 50 diagnosed with pancreatic cancer increases risk

A new study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute found that having multiple family members with pancreatic cancer significantly increases an individual's risk of developing the disease. Relatives with a relative diagnosed under 50 years old are at a ninefold higher risk than the general population.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateJan 12, 2010

Second round of gefitinib may be promising lung cancer therapy

A recent study suggests that retreating patients with non-small cell lung cancer who initially responded to gefitinib treatment could lead to additional partial responses and stable disease. The overall disease control rate was 66.7 percent in the retreatment group, offering hope for patients who have failed initial chemotherapy.

SourceAmerican Association for Cancer Research·DateJan 12, 2010

EGFR gene signature predicts non-small cell lung cancer prognosis

A 93-gene signature associated with EGFR mutations in tumors from lung cancer patients was found to be a favorable prognostic marker for early stage lung cancer. The signature is also linked to drug sensitivity to erlotinib and gefitinib in non-small cell lung cancer cell lines.

SourceAmerican Association for Cancer Research·DateJan 12, 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.

When work interferes with life

Researchers found that educated individuals and professionals report more work interference with personal life, highlighting the 'stress of higher status'. Long hours also contribute to work-life imbalance, but only among those with control over their schedules.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalAmerican Sociological Review·DateJan 12, 2010

Drug with unique disruption of tumor blood flow shows promise

Phase II study results of ASA404 showed improved overall survival in patients with squamous and non-squamous NSCLC compared to chemotherapy alone. The drug's unique mechanism of action inhibits tumor blood flow, providing a potential new treatment option for limited options.

SourceAmerican Association for Cancer Research·DateJan 12, 2010

Dementia linked to high blood pressure years earlier

Research from the University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health found that high blood pressure is associated with white matter abnormalities in the brain, which can lead to dementia. Women who had hypertension at age 65 were more likely to develop dementia eight years later.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences·JournalJournal of Clinical Hypertension·DateJan 12, 2010

Scientists find amazing new pondlife on nature reserve

Researchers have discovered over 30 species of invertebrates and 100 single-celled organisms at the East Stoke Fen nature reserve. The findings highlight the importance of protecting 'cryptic biodiversity', which helps natural ecosystems recover from environmental change.

SourceQueen Mary University of London·DateJan 12, 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.

New research findings can improve avian flu surveillance programs

USGS scientists identify Northern Pintail birds with genetic variations closely related to Eurasian influenza viruses, highlighting the need for targeted surveillance efforts. The study proposes refining priority species lists based on genetic analysis to reduce time and effort in surveillance sampling.

SourceU.S. Geological Survey·JournalEvolutionary Applications·DateJan 12, 2010

In early heart development, genes work in tandem

Scientists discovered that Gata5 gene cooperates with Gata4 to direct the heart's normal structure formation during early development. This finding contributes to understanding how heart defects may occur in humans.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateJan 12, 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.

Sudden death in cocaine abusers: Study reveals the role played by the illegal drug

A recent study published in the European Heart Journal found that cocaine use is a growing public health problem in Europe, with 3.1% of sudden deaths related to the drug. The study revealed that even small amounts of cocaine can be toxic due to individual variations in body mass index, age, and other factors.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·JournalEuropean Heart Journal·DateJan 12, 2010

Scientists find 'missing link' between heart failure and environment

A study published in PLoS ONE found a correlation between DNA methylation and heart failure, suggesting that environmental factors may play a key role in the development of the disease. The researchers compared DNA from diseased hearts with healthy hearts and found distinct 'marks' on the genome

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJan 12, 2010

Sunflower genome holds the promise of sustainable agriculture

A new research project will sequence and annotate the sunflower genome to locate genes responsible for agriculturally important traits. The goal is to develop a hybrid variety of sunflower that can thrive in challenging environments, making it suitable for subsistence agriculture in Africa and North America.

SourceGenome BC·DateJan 12, 2010

Chromosomes make a rapid retreat from nuclear territories

Researchers discovered that human chromosomes can reorganize their territories surprisingly quickly, taking up to 15 minutes to complete, when transitioning from proliferation to quiescence. This rapid process is driven by an energy-driven mechanism involving nuclear actin-myosin motor function.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalGenome Biology·DateJan 12, 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.

New ethical guidance from ACP for patient-physician-caregiver relationship

The American College of Physicians has issued a position paper to guide ethical relationships among patients, physicians, and caregivers. The paper outlines four primary principles for physicians to consider when collaborating with patients and caregivers, including respect for patient dignity and effective communication.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateJan 12, 2010

More accurate diagnosis for leading cancer killer in children may be possible

Researchers have discovered genetic differences in pediatric brain tumors that can help explain tumor development and potentially lead to targeted treatments. The study identified a subset of malignant astrocytomas with specific genetic alterations, which may enable more individualized care for children with brain cancer.

SourceUniversity of Utah Health·JournalCancer Research·DateJan 12, 2010

'Longevity gene' helps prevent memory decline and dementia

Researchers found a 'longevity gene' associated with slower cognitive decline and reduced risk of dementia and Alzheimer's disease. The CETP gene variant alters protein function, leading to higher HDL cholesterol levels and increased protection against age-related illnesses.

SourceAlbert Einstein College of Medicine·JournalJournal of the American Medical Association·DateJan 12, 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.

Carnegie Mellon scientists crack brain's codes for noun meanings

Neuroscientists and computer scientists identified how the brain arranges noun representations, using a neural Rosetta Stone. The three basic features of the brain's dictionary concern physical interaction, eating, and shelter or enclosure. This discovery has implications for treating psychiatric and neurological illnesses.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJan 12, 2010

Spinal cement may provide real support for cancer patients

A University of Leeds research project aims to develop new treatments for multiple myeloma patients, using techniques such as injecting cements into the spine. The study seeks to improve quality of life for patients suffering from this incurable bone marrow cancer.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·DateJan 12, 2010

New findings reveal loss of smell function may predict early onset of Alzheimer's disease

A study published in the Journal of Neuroscience found a link between loss of smell function and amyloid protein accumulation in the brain, potentially serving as an early diagnostic tool for Alzheimer's disease. Researchers suggest that olfactory dysfunction may be used to detect the disease prior to substantial brain degeneration.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·DateJan 12, 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.

New hope for therapy in heartburn-related cancer

Researchers have found that an anti-Alzheimer's drug can halt the growth of Barrett's oesophagus and even destroy mutant tissue, providing a potential cure for oesophageal cancer. The study, published in Disease Models & Mechanisms, offers new hope for therapy in heartburn-related cancer.

SourceThe Company of Biologists·JournalDisease Models & Mechanisms·DateJan 12, 2010