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Science News for January 27, 2010


Relationship recall: Attachment style may affect memories of relationship events

Research from Psychological Science found that attachment styles can affect how individuals remember relationship events, with anxious and avoidant individuals recalling experiences based on their needs and goals. The study's results suggest that attachment styles influence how we interpret memories of interactions with our partners.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateJan 27, 2010

The hidden cost of schizophrenia

Research found that individuals with schizophrenia are more likely to be victims of crime and have poorer mental health. The study also estimated a significant economic impact of legal involvement on patients, with direct costs ranging from $1429 per patient per year.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Psychiatry·DateJan 27, 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.

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.

Clean and green: Supermarket shelves awash in eco-friendly laundry detergents

The US liquid detergent market reached $3.1 billion in sales in 2009, driven by innovative eco-friendly products containing natural ingredients. Manufacturers are now offering specialty cleaners that reduce energy or water consumption, combining detergents with fabric softener and static reducers into single sheet-like products.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical & Engineering News·DateJan 27, 2010

Microbes produce fuels directly from biomass

Researchers at JBEI developed an Escherichia coli bacteria strain to produce biodiesel fuel and other chemicals directly from plant biomass, overcoming the limitations of traditional biofuel production. The microbes can efficiently convert biomass into fuels with minimal chemical modifications.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature·DateJan 27, 2010

University of Colorado student-built satellite selected for flight by NASA

A University of Colorado at Boulder undergraduate-designed communications satellite, Hermes, has been chosen to launch into orbit in November as part of NASA's Educational Launch of Nanosatellite initiative. The satellite will test a high data-rate communication system, improving capabilities for tiny satellites.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·DateJan 27, 2010

Fat tissue may be a source of valuable blood stem cells, study says

Researchers found evidence that fat tissue contains functional hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells, which can regenerate and develop into various cell types. The study suggests that adipose tissue may be a valuable alternative source of these cells, potentially replacing bone marrow transplantation in the future.

SourceAmerican Society of Hematology·JournalBlood·DateJan 27, 2010
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Condom or no condom? It's not what you say, it's how you say it

A study published in Springer's journal Sex Roles found that how a woman negotiates condom use influences her perception by others. Women who highlight their sexuality through condom use are judged more harshly than those who simply refuse or discuss concerns about sexually transmitted infections.

SourceSpringer·JournalSex Roles·DateJan 27, 2010

Metal hydrides for high temperature superconductivity

A team of scientists has discovered a general trend in the behavior of metal hydrides ScH3, YH3, and LaH3, finding that superconducting states are strongest when materials are weakest. The researchers also found differences between the three metal hydrides, with a secondary superconducting phase present in YH3 but absent in ScH3 and LaH3.

SourceUppsala University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 27, 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.

Barefoot runners ease into low-impact landings

Scientists found that barefoot runners avoid heel-striking by landing on the middle or front of their foot, reducing impact collisions. This approach requires different muscle engagement, which must be transitioned to for those accustomed to wearing shoes.

SourceHarvard University·JournalNature·DateJan 27, 2010

Study confirms accuracy of transient elastography in NAFLD

Researchers confirm accuracy of transient elastography for diagnosing nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and excluding advanced fibrosis. The study found TE to be superior to other non-invasive tests in detecting advanced fibrosis, with the potential to spare two-thirds of NAFLD patients from liver biopsies.

SourceWiley·JournalHepatology·DateJan 27, 2010

Prayer increases forgiveness

A study published in Psychological Science found that directed prayer can spark forgiveness in both the person praying and their wronged partner. Praying for a close friend also increased selfless concern, which boosted forgiveness. The researchers believe prayer shifts attention from the self back to others, allowing resentments to fade.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateJan 27, 2010

Prenatal alcohol exposure can alter the brain's developing pain regulatory system

A study found that prenatal alcohol exposure can alter the brain's developing pain regulatory system, causing a blunted response to painful events in newborns. Infants exposed to heavy prenatal alcohol had decreased physiological responses and lower stress hormone cortisol levels compared to those with little or no exposure.

SourceAlcoholism: Clinical & Experimental Research·DateJan 27, 2010

Teens who drink with parents may still develop alcohol problems

A new study found that parents who allow their teenagers to drink at home may increase the risk of alcohol-related problems, including trouble in school and fights with peers. The researchers suggest that prohibiting drinking altogether is a better approach to reducing the risk of heavy drinking and problem drinking in adolescence.

SourceJournal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs·JournalJournal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs·DateJan 27, 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.

Study examines sexual orientation and bullying among adolescents

A new study by Nationwide Children's Hospital found that sexual minority youth are bullied two to three times more often than heterosexual youth. This increased vulnerability to bullying is associated with a range of physical and mental health issues, including suicidal thoughts and behaviors.

SourceNationwide Children's Hospital·JournalJournal of Adolescent Health·DateJan 27, 2010

Increased co-payments for doctor visits boost health-care costs for seniors

A new study by Brown University researchers suggests that increasing insurance co-payments for routine doctor visits may actually make care more expensive. Patients with higher co-payments cut back on their doctor visits but ultimately require more expensive hospital care due to worsening illnesses.

SourceBrown University·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJan 27, 2010

NOAA and fishermen cooperate on research into monkfish migration

Researchers are working with commercial fishermen to track monkfish migration patterns using electronic tags implanted under the skin. The study aims to improve understanding of the fish's biology and behavior, including its age and growth rate, as well as its interaction with ocean currents and tides.

SourceNOAA Northeast Fisheries Science Center·DateJan 27, 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.

Morgan honored with History of Science Society prize

Greg Morgan, an Associate Professor at Stevens Institute of Technology, received the Derek Price/Rod Webster Prize for his paper on Rosalind Franklin's research on tobacco mosaic virus. The paper offers a new interpretation of scientific cooperation and competition in molecular biology.

SourceStevens Institute of Technology·DateJan 27, 2010

American opinion cools on global warming

A recent survey found a significant decrease in Americans' concerns and trust in climate change. Only 57% believe global warming is happening, and 47% attribute it to human activities. Meanwhile, public trust in institutions and leaders has eroded, with distrust towards scientists, politicians, and the media on the rise

SourceYale University·DateJan 27, 2010

Deadly fish virus now found in all Great Lakes

The viral hemorrhagic septicemia virus (VHSV) has been detected in fish from Lake Superior, Paradise, and Skanee in Michigan, and St. Louis Bay and Superior Bay in Wisconsin. The presence of the virus in all Great Lakes poses a significant threat to New York's $1.4 billion annual sport-fishing industry.

SourceCornell University·DateJan 27, 2010

Research on global 'sun block' needed now

Climate experts propose international research and field-testing on solar-radiation management (SRM) to limit climate change impacts. SRM could offset this century's predicted global average temperature rise more than 100 times cheaper than cutting emissions.

SourceUniversity of Calgary·JournalNature·DateJan 27, 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.

Researchers develop new tool for gene delivery

A new tool called PEG-POD significantly increases gene delivery to retinal cells, outperforming existing carriers and DNA alone. This breakthrough may help develop therapies for conditions like retinitis pigmentosa and age-related macular degeneration.

SourceTufts University, Health Sciences Campus·JournalThe Journal of Gene Medicine·DateJan 27, 2010

Scientists map changes in science and beyond

A team of researchers used new mathematical tools to reveal major shifts in the structure of scientific research, tracking changes in neuroscience from an interdisciplinary specialty to a full-fledged scholarly discipline. The analysis resulted in striking images demonstrating the evolution of the field over time.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJan 27, 2010

GOES-P proceeds toward launch

The GOES-P spacecraft is proceeding through final checks before its launch on March 1. The Imager, Sounder and Solar X-Ray Imager have completed cleaning and inspections, while optical port covers are being installed as the last mechanism to be deployed in orbit.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJan 27, 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.

Alcohol use and cognitive decline among the elderly

A study in Brazil found that heavy alcohol use among the elderly is associated with more memory and cognitive problems than mild-to-moderate drinking, particularly among women. The study also revealed that older adults continue to drink throughout their lives.

SourceAlcoholism: Clinical & Experimental Research·DateJan 27, 2010

Surgery helps chronic sinusitis sufferers get relief

A new study by Oregon Health & Science University found that up to 76% of participants experienced significant improvement in quality of life following endoscopic sinus surgery. The study included 302 adults with chronic rhinosinusitis and was funded by the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders.

SourceOregon Health & Science University·DateJan 27, 2010

Severe complications of diabetes higher in depressed patients

A study published in Diabetes Care found that patients with depression are at a 36% higher risk of developing advanced micro-vascular complications, such as end-stage kidney disease or blindness. Depression is also linked to a 25% higher risk of macrovascular complications, including stroke and heart attack.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalDiabetes Care·DateJan 27, 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.

Energy-harvesting rubber sheets could power pacemakers, mobile phones

Researchers developed energy-harvesting rubber films that generate electricity from flexing and are highly efficient at converting mechanical energy to electrical energy. The material, composed of ceramic nanoribbons embedded onto silicone rubber sheets, could power pacemakers, mobile phones, and other electronic devices using breathin...

SourcePrinceton University, Engineering School·JournalNano Letters·DateJan 27, 2010

Scripps research scientists find potential new way to enhance vaccines

Researchers at Scripps Research Institute have discovered a potential new way to stimulate the immune system to prevent or clear a viral infection by blocking a key protein in mouse immune systems. This approach may enhance the effectiveness of human vaccines designed to prevent viral infections.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 27, 2010

Does evolution always lead to bigger brains?

A team of scientists found that brain size evolved differently in various primate lineages, with some species experiencing decreases in brain mass despite larger body sizes. This challenges the long-held assumption that evolution always results in bigger brains.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalBMC Biology·DateJan 27, 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.

Losing sleep, losing brain?

A study published in Biological Psychiatry found that chronic insomnia is associated with smaller volumes in brain regions involved in memory formation and pleasantness evaluation. Insomnia patients have lower grey matter density in these regions, which may impact their ability to recognize optimal comfort for falling asleep.

SourceElsevier·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateJan 27, 2010

Disarming specialized stem cells might combat deadly ovarian cancer

Researchers at Yale University have discovered that stopping the expression of two genes Lin28 and Oct4 can reduce ovarian cancer cell growth and survival. This could lead to more effective treatments for this deadly form of cancer, which has a high recurrence rate and resistance to treatment.

SourceYale University·JournalOncogene·DateJan 27, 2010

$3.75 million grant advances tissue engineering partnership

Researchers at the University of Cincinnati are receiving a $3.75 million grant to study tendon development and create better repairs after injury using adult stem cells. The goal is to introduce signals that mimic normal tendon development during repair, leading to more effective soft tissue repairs.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·DateJan 27, 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.

Anti-spasticity medications need further research

A new review of scientific literature found that only a few anti-spasticity medications used for children with cerebral palsy have sufficient research backing their use. The American Academy of Neurology has released a new practice guideline on effective treatments, highlighting the need for more research on commonly used drugs.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalNeurology·DateJan 27, 2010

Helpful yeast battles food-contaminating aflatoxin

Researchers have found a yeast called Pichia anomala that can compete with unwanted mold Aspergillus flavus for nutrients and space, reducing aflatoxin contamination in tree nuts by up to 97%. The versatile yeast may also protect other crops from various microorganisms.

SourceUnited States Department of Agriculture - Research, Education and Economics·DateJan 27, 2010

ASTRO's IHE-RO program receives 2-year grant

The American Society for Radiation Oncology's IHE-RO program has been awarded a grant to develop interoperability standards and build test tools software. The goal is to create universal health records for cancer patients and improve communication between radiation oncology equipment.

SourceAmerican Society for Radiation Oncology·DateJan 27, 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.

Olga restrengthens into a tropical storm

Tropical Storm Olga has maximum sustained winds near 39 mph and is moving northwest near 4 mph. It is expected to turn north and enter the Gulf of Carpentaria, where it will strengthen before making another landfall near the Queensland border.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJan 27, 2010

Magnesium supplement helps boost brainpower

A new magnesium compound, MgT, has been shown to boost learning abilities, working memory, and short- and long-term memory in rats. The study suggests that maintaining normal or higher levels of magnesium may help slow age-related loss of cognitive function and prevent diseases affecting cognitive function.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNeuron·DateJan 27, 2010

Green energy management

Researchers identified a phosphatase enzyme that removes phosphate from LHCII proteins, allowing for the balance of light energy between two photosystems. This discovery has practical implications for improving plant growth and potentially reducing energy bills.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalPLOS Biology·DateJan 27, 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.

Researchers find leukemia cells metabolize fat to avoid cell death

Researchers discovered leukemia cells rely on fatty acid metabolism to grow and survive. Inhibiting this process makes them vulnerable to drugs that induce cell death, providing a potential new approach to treating leukemia and other cancers.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJan 27, 2010

Brain scientists extend map of fear memory formation

Researchers have extended the fear map to include the prelimbic cortex, revealing its importance in emotional regulation. The study found that mice lacking a critical growth factor in the prelimbic cortex struggle to remember to fear electric shocks, suggesting a potential link to anxiety disorders.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 27, 2010

Even mild kidney disease harms a child's quality of life

Researchers found that even mild to moderate kidney disease can lead to physical, emotional, intellectual, and social challenges in children. Children with chronic diseases currently do not qualify for special education until their scores decline dramatically. Early attention to quality-of-life issues is crucial.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateJan 27, 2010

Antibiotic found to protect hearing in mice

Researchers discovered that a commonly used antibiotic, kanamycin, protects mouse ears from noise-induced hearing loss when given in low doses. The finding has significant implications for the development of new treatments and could benefit groups such as premature babies, soldiers, and airline workers.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalJournal of the Association for Research in Otolaryngology·DateJan 27, 2010

News brief: Childhood survivors of CNS cancers and leukemia have lowered educational attainment

A recent study found that childhood cancer survivors who had brain or central nervous system cancers, or leukemia, achieved lower-than-expected educational success. The study, which analyzed data from over 10,000 survivors, revealed significant differences in educational attainment between these groups and the general population.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateJan 27, 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.

Integrating private insurance with public health would improve US health care -- study

Researchers propose national health trust to promote optimal mix of personal medical care and population health measures, reducing inefficiencies and administrative waste. The proposed system would target spending to investments with the greatest long-run returns, improving US healthcare outcomes.

SourceAmerican Associates, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateJan 27, 2010

Walkerton Tragedy: 10 years of research leads to breakthrough

Researchers have identified genetic risk markers for post-infectious irritable bowel syndrome (PI-IBS) in victims of the Walkerton tainted drinking water tragedy. The study, led by McGill PhD Alexandra-Chloé Villani, found that genetic factors play a critical role in the development of PI-IBS.

SourceMcGill University·JournalGASTROENTEROLOGY·DateJan 27, 2010

Mismatched alloys are a good match for thermoelectrics

Scientists at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory found that introducing oxygen impurities into highly mismatched alloys can substantially enhance thermoelectric performance. This approach allows for the creation of materials with high thermopower and electric conductivity, promising a breakthrough in green energy production.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJan 27, 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.

Astronomers find rare beast by new means

Scientists have found a supernova explosion that exhibits characteristics of a gamma-ray burst but lacks gamma rays. The discovery using the National Science Foundation's Very Large Array radio telescope promises to aid in locating more examples of these mysterious events.

SourceNational Radio Astronomy Observatory·JournalNature·DateJan 27, 2010

Pomegranate extract stimulates uterine contractions

Researchers discovered that pomegranate seed extract's beta-sitosterol increases calcium levels in uterine muscle cells, stimulating contractions. This finding could lead to new ways of treating dysfunctional labour and improve pregnancy outcomes worldwide.

SourceUniversity of Liverpool·JournalReproductive Sciences·DateJan 27, 2010

The roots of food security

Researchers found that auxin hormones regulate root branching in plants, enabling more efficient nutrient uptake and storage, which can support high-yield crops and enhance food security.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 27, 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.

Brain responses during anesthesia mimic those during natural deep sleep

Scientists at the University of Wisconsin-Madison reported finding brain response patterns similar to those during natural deep sleep under anesthesia. The study suggests that loss of consciousness may be linked to a breakdown in cortical connectivity, lending support to the integrated information theory of consciousness.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 27, 2010

Vitamin D supplements could fight Crohn's disease

A new study published in Journal of Biological Chemistry found that Vitamin D deficiency can contribute to Crohn's disease. The researchers discovered that Vitamin D acts directly on genes involved in fighting intestinal bacteria and immune responses. Siblings of patients with Crohn's disease may benefit from ensuring they are vitamin ...

SourceMcGill University Health Centre·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateJan 27, 2010

Older dental fillings contain form of mercury unlikely to be toxic

A new study reveals that aged dental fillings may contain a non-toxic form of mercury. Researchers found that the surface forms of mercury in dental amalgam change over time, with most mercury lost through evaporation or exposure to hygiene products.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical Research in Toxicology·DateJan 27, 2010

Engineering professor Maura Borrego earns rising star award

Maura Borrego, a Virginia Tech assistant professor of engineering education, has received the Rising Star Award from SCHEV and Dominion. Her research focuses on interdisciplinary approaches to solving complex technological challenges, while her teaching methods emphasize active learning techniques and student-centered discussion.

SourceVirginia Tech·DateJan 27, 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.

'Good' bacteria keep immune system primed to fight future infections

Researchers discover that beneficial gut bacteria play a crucial role in priming the immune system to combat future infections. The study found that these 'good' bacteria influence neutrophils, white blood cells that help fight infection, and suggest that prolonged antibiotic use may compromise immune function.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalNature Medicine·DateJan 27, 2010

Renowned Duke researcher wins Frontiers of Knowledge Award

Robert J. Lefkowitz, a leading expert on G-protein-coupled receptors, has been awarded the BBVA Foundation Frontiers of Knowledge Award for his groundbreaking research. His work has led to the development of millions of drugs used to treat various diseases worldwide.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·DateJan 27, 2010

A mind at rest strengthens memories, NYU researchers find

Researchers at New York University found that memory consolidation strengthens during periods of awake rest, not just sleep. This process boosts brain activity in the hippocampus and cortex, leading to better retention of information and improved cognitive function.

SourceNew York University·JournalNeuron·DateJan 27, 2010