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Science News for January 26, 2010


Recognition of facial expressions is not universal

A study by the University of Montreal found that Caucasians and Asians recognize faces in distinct ways, with Caucasians analyzing facial features like eyes and mouth, while Asians consider the entire face. This difference affects their ability to identify emotions, particularly negative ones.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJan 26, 2010

Dartmouth researchers help secure the power grid

Dartmouth researchers have received a five-year $18.8 million grant from the US Department of Energy to develop cyber security tools for the power grid. The 'Smarter Grid' project aims to integrate information technologies with real-time authentication, integrity, and confidentiality.

SourceDartmouth College·DateJan 26, 2010

Babies' brains tuned to sharing attention with others

Researchers found that infants as young as five months old engage in joint attention with adults, activating the left prefrontal cortex, a region involved in complex cognitive and social behaviors. This suggests that the human brain develops this important social skill surprisingly early in infancy.

SourceWellcome Trust·JournalBiology Letters·DateJan 26, 2010

UCF professor's vaccine could be lethal weapon against malaria, cholera

A University of Central Florida researcher has created a low-cost vaccine against two deadly diseases, malaria and cholera, offering long-lasting immunity to mice. The breakthrough uses genetically engineered plants to produce the vaccine, which could be produced in large quantities at a fraction of the cost of traditional methods.

SourceUniversity of Central Florida·JournalPlant Biotechnology·DateJan 26, 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.

Is the Hobbit's brain unfeasibly small?

Researchers reconstruct primate brain evolution to clarify the Hobbit's brain size, suggesting a strong selective advantage for increased brainpower. The study supports the hypothesis that the Hobbit's small brain was adapted to local ecological conditions on Flores.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Biology·DateJan 26, 2010

Transplant tourism poses ethical dilemma for US doctors

A recent study examines the ethics of transplant tourism, where patients travel to countries like China and India for transplantation. US medical societies have crafted guidelines to advise clinicians on caring for transplant tourists, who may face sub-standard care and post-transplant infections.

SourceWiley·JournalLiver Transplantation·DateJan 26, 2010

Blood protein offers help against anemia

A new study shows that transferrin, a blood protein, can alleviate anemia and prevent fatal iron overload in humans. The research, conducted at Albert Einstein College of Medicine, suggests that treatment with transferrin could benefit people with thalassemia and other types of anemia.

SourceAlbert Einstein College of Medicine·JournalNature Medicine·DateJan 26, 2010

Wide variation in calorie content among 'low calorie' pet foods

A study by Tufts University found significant variation in calorie density among 'low-calorie' pet foods, ranging from 217 to 440 kcal/cup. This can lead to confusion among pet owners and may result in pets not losing weight or even gaining weight if owners follow the recommended feeding directions.

SourceTufts University, Health Sciences Campus·JournalJournal of the American Veterinary Medical Association·DateJan 26, 2010

A Venus flytrap for nuclear waste

Researchers at Northwestern University have developed a new material that permanently traps only the desired radioactive ion, cesium, from a sodium-heavy solution. The synthetic material, made from layers of a gallium, sulfur and antimony compound, sequesters 100% of the cesium ions while ignoring all the sodium ions.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNature Chemistry·DateJan 26, 2010
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Antibiotics might team up to fight deadly staph infections

Researchers found that lankacidin and lankamycin, two antibiotics produced by streptomyces, are more effective when used together against MRSA and other pathogens. The combination prevents protein assembly and inhibits bacterial growth, offering a new strategy for fighting antibiotic-resistant infections.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 26, 2010

Music in speech equals empathy in heart?

A new study finds that people who use more empathetic language also have increased activity in brain regions responsible for producing and understanding intonation. This suggests a link between emotional intelligence and the ability to perceive prosody, or the 'music' of speech.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJan 26, 2010

New formula helps gauge the winds of change

Researchers have developed a new formula to analyze changes in complex systems, enabling detailed maps of their evolution. This tool can be applied to various fields, including neuroscience, air traffic control, and public health.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJan 26, 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.

Landmark heart treatment study

A landmark study published in JAMA found that catheter ablation significantly improves quality of life and reduces symptoms of atrial fibrillation compared to drug therapy. The treatment, which destroys abnormal heart tissue, resulted in a 66% success rate for patients with no recurrent irregular heartbeats or symptoms.

SourceLoyola Medicine·JournalJournal of the American Medical Association·DateJan 26, 2010

Grant to study how cells sense electric fields

The National Science Foundation grant will help scientists study the response of amoebae to electric fields, which could reveal genes and molecules responsible for detecting these signals. This knowledge could have implications for wound healing and tissue engineering, as well as basic science research.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·DateJan 26, 2010

Sniffing out lung cancer at early stages

Researchers have discovered that lung cancer tumors alter the odor of bodily fluids, allowing for early detection through trained animal sensors and chemical analysis. The findings hold promise for improving diagnostic and prognostic approaches to lung cancer treatment.

SourceMonell Chemical Senses Center·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJan 26, 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.

Beyond sunglasses and baseball caps

A new study found that UV-blocking contact lenses can reduce or eliminate the effects of the sun's harmful UV radiation. The lenses, such as Senofilcon A, provide an additional layer of protection against UV-induced damage to the cornea and lens, including cataracts.

SourceAssociation for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology·JournalInvestigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science·DateJan 26, 2010

Top-rated hospitals don't always have superior outcomes

Researchers found that hospital volume accounts for as much as 79% of observed differences in hospital quality, making high-volume hospitals a better choice for patients. Despite being marketed as superior, top-rated hospitals do not consistently deliver better outcomes than lower-rated but higher-volume facilities.

SourceWeber Shandwick Worldwide·JournalJournal of the American College of Surgeons·DateJan 26, 2010

End-of-life care strategies examined in Pennsylvania prisons

Researchers examine delivery of end-of-life care in Pennsylvania prisons, developing intervention toolkit and educational strategies to address racial/ethnic disparities and optimize patient care. The study aims to provide insights into delivering high-quality healthcare in complex organizations.

SourcePenn State·DateJan 26, 2010

Treating depression by stimulating the pleasure center

A study found that deep brain stimulation (DBS) of the nucleus accumbens improved symptoms of depression and anxiety in patients with severe treatment-resistant depression. The procedure showed promising results with minimal side effects.

SourceElsevier·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateJan 26, 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.

Researchers eyeing new way to measure elusive zinc

A team of Florida State University researchers has developed a way to measure the levels of zinc ions in biological samples using fluorescence microscopy. This technique could lead to better understanding of zinc's role in various physiological processes, including cell division, DNA synthesis, and immune function.

SourceFlorida State University·DateJan 26, 2010

Parents' perceptions of their child's competence linked to physical activity

A new study by Oregon State University researchers found that parents' perceptions of their children's athleticism have a direct impact on the children's activity levels. Parents who think their children have athletic ability are more likely to provide instrumental and emotional support for physical activity.

SourceOregon State University·JournalPreventive Medicine·DateJan 26, 2010

Preoperative CT useful for younger women with suspected appendicitis

A study found that preoperative computed tomography (CT) use among women of reproductive age coincided with a significant decrease in negative appendectomies. The increased utilization of CT and advances in technology led to improved diagnosis and reduced false-positive diagnoses, resulting in lower unnecessary surgeries.

SourceRadiological Society of North America·JournalRadiology·DateJan 26, 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.

Marine lab hunts subtle clues to environmental threats to blue crabs

A research team from the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has developed a new method to detect subtle clues to environmental threats affecting blue crabs. By analyzing metabolite levels in blue crab hemolymph using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, they found biomarkers that can identify specific sourc...

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalMetabolomics·DateJan 26, 2010

Last Neanderthals died out 37,000 years ago

New evidence constrains the age of last Neanderthals in southern and western Iberia to 37,000 years ago. This finding counters previous speculations and has significant implications for understanding archaic features found in fossils.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJan 26, 2010

Green plant transport mystery solved

A new study from UC Davis reveals that Hsp70 proteins indeed chaperone chloroplast proteins across membranes, challenging prevailing wisdom. The research demonstrates the conservation of transport machineries across cellular bodies through evolution.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalThe Plant Cell·DateJan 26, 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.

Study documents reaction rates for three chemicals with high global warming potential

Researchers measured the rate of destruction for sulfuryl fluoride, nitrogen trifluoride, and trifluoromethyl sulfur pentafluoride by reacting them with atomic oxygen. The results suggest that these compounds will remain in the atmosphere for long periods, potentially increasing global warming.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 26, 2010

Childhood obesity alone may increase risk of later cardiovascular disease

A new study found that childhood obesity can increase the risk of future heart disease and stroke as early as age 7, regardless of other health factors. Obese children had abnormal blood markers, including inflammation and clotting, compared to their lean counterparts.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateJan 26, 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.

Lost Roman law code discovered in London

Researchers at University College London have uncovered a previously lost Roman law code, the Codex Gregorianus, which dates back to AD 300. The fragments contain responses by emperors to public questions on legal matters, offering new insights into ancient Roman law and its enduring legacy.

SourceUniversity College London·DateJan 26, 2010

Environmental change impacts Oklahoma rivers

Biodiversity in Oklahoma's rivers is declining due to environmental changes like water pollution, habitat destruction, and climate change. Freshwater mussels play a crucial role in biofiltration and ecosystem services, highlighting the need for sustainable water management.

SourceUniversity of Oklahoma·JournalBioScience·DateJan 26, 2010

Mother's milk: What determines breastfeeding rates in the UK?

A UK study found that ethnicity and previous births significantly impact breastfeeding duration. The research identified that White mothers were more likely to stop breastfeeding compared to non-White mothers, highlighting the need for tailored support programs.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Pediatrics·DateJan 26, 2010

Human growth hormone: Not a life extender after all?

A new study with Brazilian dwarves suggests human growth hormone deficiency has no effect on normal lifespan. Contrary to previous claims, HGH levels do not seem to positively or negatively impact lifespan.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateJan 26, 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.

E-only Springer journal will meet the needs of today's transportation specialists

The International Journal of Intelligent Transportation Systems Research aims to foster wide-ranging discussion across disciplines to find solutions to future transportation systems and their impact on society. The journal will publish original research and survey papers, aiming to meet the needs of today's world.

SourceSpringer·JournalInternational Journal of Intelligent Transportation Systems Research·DateJan 26, 2010

Possible new heritable marker for retinoblastoma

Researchers found reduced p16INK4a RNA expression and demethylation of the gene in 55% of patients, suggesting a novel susceptibility marker. Low to moderate 16INK4A protein expression was also detected in 45% of retinoblastoma tumor specimens.

SourceSbarro Health Research Organization·JournalJournal of Cellular Physiology·DateJan 26, 2010

Common antidepressant drugs linked to lactation difficulties in moms

A new study links commonly used antidepressants to delayed lactation in postpartum women. The medication's impact on serotonin regulation in the breast may contribute to this issue. Researchers call for more human research before making specific recommendations regarding SSRI use during breastfeeding.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateJan 26, 2010

To restore vision, implant preps and seeds a damaged eye

Researchers have developed a micro-implant that clears scar tissue and delivers progenitor cells to the eye, increasing cell survival by 9-fold. The implant's scaffolding uses electrospinning to produce biodegradable fibers with pockets containing enzymes that degrade local scar tissue.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalBiomaterials·DateJan 26, 2010

Overcoming taxane resistance in cancer

A proteomics study reveals prohibitin1 as a protein involved in taxane resistance, which could be targeted with drugs to make cancers more susceptible to chemotherapy. Suppressing prohibitin1 may also serve as a biomarker for predicting patient response to chemotherapy.

SourceBoston Children's Hospital·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 26, 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.

Scientists return to Haiti to assess possibility of another major quake

A team funded by the National Science Foundation is returning to Haiti to investigate the cause of a January magnitude 7 earthquake. The geologists will collect crucial data to assess whether the quake could trigger another major event, and provide important insights into the cause of the disaster.

SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·DateJan 26, 2010

UF researchers continue 'extraordinary measures' to tackle Pompe disease

University of Florida researchers are developing a gene therapy to treat Pompe disease, which causes severe muscle weakness and breathing difficulties. The treatment involves delivering a corrective gene directly to the diaphragm using an adeno-associated virus, with clinical trials expected to begin soon.

SourceUniversity of Florida·JournalMolecular Therapy·DateJan 26, 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.

How to shoot the messenger

Researchers from EMBL have discovered the molecular structure of a key protein involved in cellular communication systems that are affected in neurodegeneration, cancer and cardiovascular disease. The study provides insights into how this protein functions and how it can be targeted with drugs to develop new treatments.

SourceEuropean Molecular Biology Laboratory·JournalScience Signaling·DateJan 26, 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.

Engineered metamaterials enable remarkably small antennas

Researchers have designed and tested experimental antennas that are highly efficient and remarkably small, potentially useful for emergency communications devices, micro-sensors, and portable ground-penetrating radars. The novel antennas radiate up to 95% of an input radio signal while defying normal design parameters.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalIEEE Transactions on Antennas and Propagation·DateJan 26, 2010

Proper vaccine refrigeration vital to putting disease on ice

Researchers at NIST found that standard-sized refrigerators without freezers outperform smaller, dormitory-style refrigerators in storing vaccines. The study identified several best practices for vaccine storage, including keeping vaccines away from the door shelves and walls to prevent temperature drifts.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·DateJan 26, 2010

Rejuvenating the old immune system

Aged mice treated with a macrophage-specific growth factor exhibit enhanced resistance to bacterial infection, indicating potential therapeutic strategies for healthy aging. The study's findings provide insight into the underlying immune dysfunction contributing to age-related increased susceptibility to infections.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalThe Journal of Pathology·DateJan 26, 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 links reduced fertility to flame retardant exposure

A new study by University of California, Berkeley researchers found that women with higher blood levels of PBDEs took longer to become pregnant compared to those with lower levels. The study linked each 10-fold increase in PBDE concentration to a 30% decrease in the odds of becoming pregnant.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalEnvironmental Health Perspectives·DateJan 26, 2010

Study prompts calls for Europe-wide salt legislation

A new study published in the New England Journal of Medicine suggests that reducing daily salt intake can prevent up to 120,000 fewer cases of heart disease, strokes, and heart attacks. The European Society of Cardiology calls for EU-wide legislation to restrict salt content in processed foods.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJan 26, 2010