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Science News for January 22, 2010


Driven to distraction: New study shows driving hinders talking

A new study from the University of Illinois found that driving impairs language skills, including comprehension and speech production. Participants who drove while being told stories remembered only 20% of what was said to them.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalPsychonomic Bulletin & Review·DateJan 22, 2010

Biofuel crop diversity adds value, Michigan State researchers say

Michigan State University scientists found that diverse biofuel plantings attract more beneficial insects than single crops like corn. The research suggests that biofuel policies should consider the added benefits of insect attraction to inform policy decisions.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalBioEnergy Research·DateJan 22, 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.

Double trouble: Bacterial super-infection after the flu

A new study suggests that flu can increase susceptibility to secondary bacterial super-infections, which can lead to high mortality rates. The research found a lethal synergy between the influenza virus and Haemophilus influenzae, mediated by innate immunity, and highlights the need for early antiviral and antibiotic treatment.

SourceAmerican Journal of Pathology·JournalAmerican Journal Of Pathology·DateJan 22, 2010

RIT captures Haiti disaster with high-tech imaging system

The Rochester Institute of Technology is using a high-tech imaging system to map the damage in Haiti and provide critical insight for recovery efforts. The system, which combines thermal imaging and LIDAR technology, is being used to detect fires, chemical spills, and surface contamination.

SourceRochester Institute of Technology·DateJan 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.

Don't forget to eat your greens

A recent study found that chlorophyll and chlorophyllin can reverse the effects of aflatoxin poisoning by limiting its bioavailability. The research, led by DOE/Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory scientists, suggests that consuming greens may be a way to prevent long-term exposure to carcinogenic mycotoxins.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory·JournalCancer Prevention Research·DateJan 22, 2010

CSHL study identifies potential way to reverse cancer cell metabolism and tumor growth

A study at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory has identified three molecular factors that contribute to high levels of PK-M2 in cancer cells, which promotes rapid cell proliferation and tumor growth. The researchers found that forcing a reduction in the levels of these factors could reverse the Warburg effect and restore normal metabolism.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 22, 2010

Scientists shed new light on walking

Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have created a genetically modified mouse that can walk when exposed to blue light. The study provides insight into the neural control of locomotion and has potential implications for treating spinal cord injuries.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateJan 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.

Using supercomputers to explore nuclear energy

A new computer algorithm developed by researchers at Argonne National Laboratory allows scientists to view nuclear fission in much finer detail than ever before. The code has already produced new scientific results through highly detailed simulations of the Zero Power Reactor experiments on powerful supercomputers.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·DateJan 22, 2010

Study shows genital herpes virus reactivates widely throughout genital tract

A new study reveals that genital herpes virus type 2 (HSV-2) frequently reactsivate in the entire genital tract, rather than just one specific area. This finding has important implications for treatment and prevention strategies, suggesting a need for comprehensive approaches to suppress and limit transmission.

SourceInfectious Diseases Society of America·JournalThe Journal of Infectious Diseases·DateJan 22, 2010

Tips from the American Journal of Pathology

Researchers have discovered that environmental cues can lead to breast cancer, while Wnt signaling plays a key role in a rare skin disease. Additionally, chronic morphine use has been found to delay wound healing due to immunosuppression and impaired immune cell recruitment.

SourceAmerican Journal of Pathology·JournalAmerican Journal Of Pathology·DateJan 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.

Neuron connections seen in 3-D

Scientists have successfully imaged vesicles and filaments involved in neuronal communication, revealing crucial role of filamentous structures in regulating neurotransmitter release. The 3D images were obtained using electron cryotomography, a novel method that rapidly freezes cells while preserving biological structures.

SourceSpanish Foundation for Science and Technology·JournalJournal of Cell Biology·DateJan 22, 2010

Global tobacco report outlines 21 challenges for 21st century

The report highlights the need to increase support for Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, raise tobacco taxes, and provide comprehensive treatment for tobacco dependence. Decreasing tobacco advertising, promoting health warnings, and regulating products are also key recommendations to reduce tobacco use.

SourceAmerican Cancer Society·DateJan 22, 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.

For most outfielders, luck has nothing to do with catching flies

A study published in the Journal of Vision found that outfielders catch fly balls by tracking optical acceleration, rather than predicting the ball's trajectory. The research used a virtual environment to test three major theories of fly catching, and confirmed that baseball players continuously track the ball and run forward or backwa...

SourceBrown University·JournalJournal of Vision·DateJan 22, 2010