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Science News for April 14, 2011


Historical context guides language development

Researchers analyzed 301 languages across four families to find recurring patterns in sentence structure. The study reveals that sentence structure is determined by historical context rather than innate rules, contradicting long-held views on language evolution.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature·DateApr 14, 2011

'Jurassic Park' had it right: Some dinosaurs hunted by night

New research reveals that some dinosaurs, such as big plant-eating dinosaurs, were active both day and night due to their need for constant food intake. Velociraptors, on the other hand, hunted at night like modern nocturnal animals, challenging the traditional assumption about dinosaur activity patterns.

SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·JournalScience·DateApr 14, 2011

Tourette Syndrome: non-drug therapy to reduce tics

A new study found that cognitive-behavioral therapy can reduce tics and brain activity in patients with Tourette syndrome, potentially leading to improved treatment options. The therapy was shown to have a measurable impact on brain activity linked to symptom improvement.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalInternational Journal of Cognitive Therapy·DateApr 14, 2011
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.

Scientists finely control methane combustion to get different products

Researchers have developed a method to finely control methane combustion, producing ethylene at room temperature and formaldehyde at lower temperatures. The process uses gold dimer cations as catalysts, enabling the selective generation of different products.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry C·DateApr 14, 2011

Illusion can halve the pain of osteoarthritis, scientists say

Researchers at the University of Nottingham discovered a simple illusion can reduce and even eliminate arthritic pain in the hand, affecting 85% of volunteers. The MIRAGE technology uses computer manipulations to trick the brain into feeling less pain, with some participants experiencing temporary elimination of pain.

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·JournalRheumatology·DateApr 14, 2011
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.

People know when first impressions are accurate

Researchers found that people do reasonably well at judging their own first impressions, with accuracy tied to moderate levels of confidence. The study suggests that most people are like most people, and that recognizing this similarity leads to more accurate perceptions.

SourceSAGE·JournalSocial Psychological and Personality Science·DateApr 14, 2011

The heat is on: NIST zeroes in on energy consumption of ice makers

Researchers found that ice makers in four different refrigerators increased rated energy consumption by 12 to 20 percent, with three-fourths of the extra energy used for heaters. This study aims to improve efficiency and inform federal minimum efficiency standards for refrigerators.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·DateApr 14, 2011

Stroke survival among seniors better in sociable neighborhoods

Research finds that stroke survival improves for seniors living in cohesive neighborhoods, where social support and interactions with neighbors play a crucial role. The study's results suggest that a positive neighborhood environment is essential for senior health.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·DateApr 14, 2011
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.

The eyes have it: Dinosaurs hunted by night

A new study reveals that dinosaurs, like velociraptors, were nocturnal hunters, while plant-eaters were active during the day and night. The research uses eye measurements to separate ecological and phylogenetic signals, providing insight into how environment influences evolution.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalScience·DateApr 14, 2011

Evolution points to genes involved in birth timing

Researchers found that variations in the follicle stimulating hormone receptor (FSHR) gene may increase a woman's risk for delivering her infant prematurely. The study suggests that human gestation has been pushed to shorter times due to evolutionary changes, which could lead to new targets for therapeutic or preventive measures.

SourceVanderbilt University Medical Center·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateApr 14, 2011
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

New global portal for cyber-physical systems research launched

Vanderbilt University's ISIS has built a web-based platform for Cyber-Physical Systems (CPS) researchers to collaborate and share knowledge. The CPS-VO aims to foster progress, develop priorities, and distribute information in the rapidly emerging field of cyber-physical systems.

SourceVanderbilt University·DateApr 14, 2011

Better HIV prevention interventions needed for juvenile offenders

Researchers found that intensive or family-based HIV prevention interventions may be needed to encourage juvenile offenders to use condoms and stop engaging in risky sexual behavior. Despite interventions, one-third of teens continue to have unprotected sex.

SourceLifespan·JournalJournal of Correctional Health Care·DateApr 14, 2011

Nationwide Children's Hospital accepted to Neonatal Research Network

Nationwide Children's Hospital has been accepted into the Neonatal Research Network, a national organization dedicated to improving neonatal care. The center will contribute patient data to a registry of very low birth weight infants, providing valuable insights into premature infant health outcomes.

SourceNationwide Children's Hospital·DateApr 14, 2011

Eyes of rock let chitons see predators

Scientists have discovered that chitons can see objects overhead using eye lenses made of aragonite, a type of rock. This unique feature allows them to detect potential predators and defend against being eaten.

SourceDuke University·JournalCurrent Biology·DateApr 14, 2011
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.

Polluted air leads to disease by promoting widespread inflammation

Research at Ohio State University found that polluted air can activate a protein triggering white blood cell release, leading to widespread inflammation. Chronic exposure to particulate matter increases the risk of cardiovascular problems and diseases like diabetes and obesity.

SourceOhio State University·JournalCirculation Research·DateApr 14, 2011

New DNA nanoforms take shape

Researchers at Arizona State University have developed a method to construct arbitrary, two and three-dimensional shapes using DNA origami. The new technique allows for the creation of complex curvature in 3D nanostructures, enabling potential applications in ultra-tiny computing components and nanomedical devices.

SourceArizona State University·JournalScience·DateApr 14, 2011
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.

Humpback whale songs spread eastward like the latest pop tune

Researchers found that male humpbacks sing the same mating tune, but with changing patterns over time, spreading across the ocean from west to east. The study revealed cultural transmission on a broad scale, similar to humans, as songs spread between populations in the Pacific Ocean.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateApr 14, 2011

New study identifies possible cause of salt-induced hypertension

Researchers found that salt intake raises blood pressure by disrupting temperature regulation in the cardiovascular system, affecting some individuals more than others. This discovery may lead to a comprehensive theory explaining most cases of high blood pressure.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalHypertension Research·DateApr 14, 2011

Dietary yeast extracts tested as alternative to antibiotics in poultry

A US Department of Agriculture study suggests that dietary yeast extract has good potential as a non-antibiotic alternative for decreasing pathogens in organic turkey production. The researchers are looking for a balance between enhancing immune response and maintaining growth.

SourceUnited States Department of Agriculture - Research, Education and Economics·JournalPoultry Science·DateApr 14, 2011
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.

Older workers benefit from high-tech, high-touch health promotion

A randomized trial found that older workers who received personalized coaching alongside a web-based risk assessment reported improved physical activity and reduced dietary fat intake. In contrast, those in a control group experienced a decline in waist circumference at six months that was maintained at 12 months.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateApr 14, 2011

Statins may protect against kidney complications following elective surgery

A population-based retrospective study found that taking statins before major elective surgery reduces potentially serious kidney complications and premature death. Statin use was associated with lower incidence of acute kidney injury, dialysis need, and mortality.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateApr 14, 2011

Teachers-based intervention provides stress resistance in war-exposed children

Researchers found that a teacher-based intervention reduced PTSD symptoms in war-exposed children by 50% compared to a control group. The study suggests that this universal and cost-effective approach can enhance community preparedness for mass trauma and prevent PTSD development.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry·DateApr 14, 2011
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.

Novel therapy improves immune function in teen with rare disease

Researchers used an alternative cell signaling pathway to improve immune function in a 13-year-old boy with mild Wiskott-Aldrich Syndrome, a rare and deadly immunodeficiency disorder. The study achieved clinical laboratory benefits and represents a new treatment option for patients with WAS.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateApr 14, 2011

UCSF team describes neurological basis for embarrassment

A team at UCSF has identified the right hemisphere's pregenual anterior cingulate cortex as crucial for embarrassment. The study found that people with neurological damage in this region responded less emotionally to criticism, suggesting a potential diagnostic tool for neurodegenerative diseases.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·DateApr 14, 2011
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.

A chance discovery may revolutionize hydrogen production

Researchers have discovered a new, room-temperature method to produce hydrogen using molybdenum-based catalysts, which could significantly lower production costs. The new catalysts are stable, efficient, and compatible with acidic, neutral, or basic conditions in water.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalChemical Science·DateApr 14, 2011

Rising star of brain found to regulate circadian rhythms

Researchers at Tufts University discovered that astrocytes play a crucial role in regulating circadian rhythms and sleep patterns. The study found that disrupting astrocyte function in fruit flies led to altered daily rhythms, indicating the importance of these glial cells in controlling circadian behavior.

SourceTufts University, Health Sciences Campus·JournalCurrent Biology·DateApr 14, 2011
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.

Hydrocarbons in the deep earth

Researchers used computational simulations to explore hydrocarbon formation from methane under high pressure and temperature conditions. They found that hydrocarbons with multiple carbon atoms can form from methane at temperatures greater than 1,500 K and pressures 50,000 times those at the Earth's surface.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 14, 2011

Genes that control 'aging' steroid identified

Researchers have uncovered 8 genes that control the main steroid produced by the adrenal gland, which is believed to play a role in aging and longevity. The study found that these genetic regions are also associated with common age-related diseases, providing the first genetic evidence for the ageing role of the steroid.

SourceKing's College London·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateApr 14, 2011

University of Toronto researchers 'brighten' the future of OLED technology

Researchers at the University of Toronto have developed a new method to improve OLED efficiency by using a one-atom thick layer of chlorine. This innovation enables record efficiencies of up to 50% at high brightness levels, making it a promising technology for future flat-panel displays and lighting applications.

SourceUniversity of Toronto Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering·JournalScience·DateApr 14, 2011

Serotonin: A critical chemical for human intimacy and romance

A new study published in Biological Psychiatry suggests that serotonin activity affects how people perceive intimate relationships. Healthy adults with lower serotonin levels rated couples as less intimate and romantic than those with normal serotonin activity.

SourceElsevier·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateApr 14, 2011
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.

Taking blood from Fukushima radiation workers in order to prepare for future stem cell transplants in case they are accidently exposed to high doses of radiation

Experts recommend collecting peripheral blood stem cells from Fukushima radiation workers to prepare for potential future stem cell transplants. This technique has several advantages over allogeneic transplantation, including reducing the risk of graft-versus-host disease and immunosuppression.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateApr 14, 2011

Inability to detect sarcasm, lies may be early sign of dementia, UCSF study shows

A UCSF study reveals a possible early sign of dementia: the inability to detect sarcasm and lies. Researchers mapped brain activity in older adults with neurodegenerative diseases and found associations between deteriorating brain regions and this ability. This finding could help diagnose dementia earlier, enabling timely intervention.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·DateApr 14, 2011
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.

Targeting top 911 callers can trim cost, improve patient care

A pilot program in Baltimore City identified frequent 911 callers and paired them with case workers, reducing calls by nearly half while improving access to care. The study found significant savings and benefits for participants, highlighting the potential for targeted interventions to improve EMS efficiency.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·DateApr 14, 2011
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.

Drug potency -- what happens in space?

Pharmaceuticals flown on space missions may have shorter shelf-life due to radiation and vibration, according to a NASA study. The researchers found that exposure to chronic low-dose ionizing radiation and repackaging of solid medications can compromise stability.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe AAPS Journal·DateApr 14, 2011

Temporary memory loss strikes hospitalized seniors

A new Northwestern Medicine study found that hospitalization can lead to temporary memory loss and difficulty understanding discharge instructions in seniors. However, the cognitive impairment typically resolves on its own within a month after hospital discharge.

SourceNorthwestern University·DateApr 14, 2011

New spin on graphene

Researchers at the University of Manchester have discovered a new way to interconnect electron spin and charge in graphene, enabling direct manipulation of electric current using microelectronics. This breakthrough has significant implications for spintronics, with potential applications in sensors, memories, and transistors.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalScience·DateApr 14, 2011
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Antiplatelets: 1 person, 1 dose?

A new trial shows that standard-dose clopidogrel is as effective as double the dose for preventing cardiovascular events in patients with high on-treatment platelet reactivity. Researchers argue that a personalized approach to antiplatelet therapy may be more beneficial, warranting further investigation.

SourceMontreal Heart Institute·JournalJAMA·DateApr 14, 2011

Climate change from black carbon depends on altitude

New research from Carnegie Institution scientists found that black carbon aerosols have a greater effect on surface warming when emitted near the land and ocean surface. However, as altitude increases, surface warming decreases, while cooling occurs in the stratosphere.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalClimate Dynamics·DateApr 14, 2011

Hopkins team discovers how DNA changes

Researchers identified a step-by-step process involving TET1 and Apobec1 that converts methylated cytosine into hydroxymethylated cytosine, indicating a potential unified mechanism for DNA methylation status change. The discovery has implications for understanding diseases associated with epigenetic abnormality.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalCell·DateApr 14, 2011

Filtering out pesticides with E. coli

Researchers in China have developed a genetically modified form of E. coli that can extract toxic pesticides like parathion and methyl parathion from the air with high efficiency. The biofilter system has shown average removal efficiencies of up to 95.2% for parathion and 98.6% for methyl parathion.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Environment and Pollution·DateApr 14, 2011
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.

Experimental drug inhibits cell signaling pathway and slows ovarian cancer growth

An experimental drug called NVP-BEZ235 blocks a crucial cancer cell signaling pathway, slowing ovarian cancer growth and increasing survival in an ovarian cancer mouse model. The drug also re-sensitizes resistant cancer cells to platinum chemotherapy, offering new hope for fighting drug resistance.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalClinical Cancer Research·DateApr 14, 2011

Warning to breastfeeding mothers

A recent study found that breastfeeding mothers are perceived as less competent than non-breasting mothers, with biases detected among both men and women. This prejudice may deter some women from breastfeeding, highlighting the need for greater support to overcome negative experiences.

SourceSAGE·JournalPersonality and Social Psychology Bulletin·DateApr 14, 2011

Women more likely to self-medicate

A research study by the Rey Juan Carlos University in Madrid found that women are more likely to self-medicate than men in Spain. The study, published in Pharmacoepidemiology and Drug Safety, revealed that 20.17% of Spaniards use medication without a medical prescription, with women accounting for 16.93% of those cases.

SourceSpanish Foundation for Science and Technology·JournalPharmacoepidemiology and Drug Safety·DateApr 14, 2011
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

Sharpened focus: Improving the numbers, utility of medical imaging

A group of radiologists and biochemists have developed a new approach to improve the accuracy and reliability of medical imaging. By creating standardized benchmarks and calibration objects, they aim to provide hard numbers that can be used to justify treatments and accelerate cancer treatment approvals.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalRadiology·DateApr 14, 2011

People who overuse credit believe products have unrealistic properties

A University of Missouri researcher found that people who overuse credit believe products have unrealistic properties, leading to unfulfilled expectations. The study recommends revising financial literacy programs to help consumers recognize the limitations of material purchases.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalJournal of Public Policy & Marketing·DateApr 14, 2011
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.