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Science News for October 21, 2011


What you want vs. how you get it

A neuroeconomics study from McGill University shows that the brain employs two separate regions and processes in valuing 'stimuli' (goods) versus 'actions'. The findings, published in the Journal of Neuroscience, provide new insights into frontal lobe damage and its effects on decision making.

SourceMcGill University·DateOct 21, 2011

Fluoride shuttle increases storage capacity

Researchers at KIT develop a new concept for rechargeable batteries based on fluoride shuttles, increasing storage capacity by several factors. The fluoride-ion battery offers improved safety properties without lithium, with potential applications in mobile devices.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalJournal of Materials Chemistry·DateOct 21, 2011

Elaborate plumage due to testosterone?

Researchers found a strong relationship between testosterone levels and the size/intensity of the black throat patch in female barred buttonquails. High testosterone levels correlate with more intense plumage coloration and better body condition, suggesting a reversed hormone dependency in sex role behaviors.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalBehavioral Ecology·DateOct 21, 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.

Psychologists defend the importance of general abilities

Researchers found that working memory capacity significantly impacts performance in various tasks, regardless of deliberate practice. Basic capacities and abilities play an important role in skilled performance, challenging the idea that expertise is solely acquired through experience.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalCurrent Directions in Psychological Science·DateOct 21, 2011

Spousal death key link to loss of independent living for seniors

A University of Alberta researcher found that losing a spouse can trigger the need for surviving spouses to leave their homes and lose independence. The study suggests that policymakers should provide services and counseling for recently widowed seniors to help them make informed decisions about their living arrangements.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalResearch on Aging·DateOct 21, 2011

The cost of consumer fibbing: Can it hurt to tell a little white lie?

A new study by Jennifer J. Argo and Baba Shiv found that telling white lies can have negative repercussions for the people who tell them, including increased willingness to spend money on services or tips. Consumers who lie about their wait experiences evaluated these experiences more favorably than those who were honest.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateOct 21, 2011
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.

Elderly long-term care residents suffer cognitively during disasters

Researchers found that elderly residents in long-term care facilities who were evacuated during a severe summer storm experienced delirium, cognitive changes, hospitalizations, and death. The study highlights the need for nurses to be aware of the potential difficulties older adults may experience during disasters.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Nursing·JournalJournal of Gerontological Nursing·DateOct 21, 2011

Housing, health care contribute most to rising costs of living in Washington

A new report from the University of Washington shows that housing and healthcare costs are driving an 8% increase in Washington's cost of living. The Self-Sufficiency Standard for Washington State 2011 reveals that families need significantly higher incomes to meet basic needs, with some areas experiencing massive increases.

SourceUniversity of Washington·DateOct 21, 2011

NIPPV linked to increased hospital mortality rates in small group of patients

A small group of COPD patients who started with noninvasive positive-pressure ventilation (NIPPV) had significantly higher mortality rates when transitioned to invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV). NIPPV use increased nationwide, but this trend was associated with a higher risk of death in patients requiring subsequent IMV treatment.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateOct 21, 2011

Preventing cancer development inside the cell cycle

Researchers at NYU Langone Health have identified the CK1 protein as a key player in cancer cell development. Inhibiting this enzyme may provide a new approach to treating cancer cells, particularly those with malfunctioning mTOR signaling pathways.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalMolecular Cell·DateOct 21, 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.

Plants feel the force

Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis have identified seven genes encoding mechanosensitive channels in Arabidopsis thaliana, a small flowering plant related to mustard and cabbage. These channels are believed to play a crucial role in plant movement and response to physical stimuli.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalStructure·DateOct 21, 2011

A new mechanism inhibiting the spread and growth of cancer found in motile cells

Researchers at VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland discovered a single cell protein that inhibits both cell migration and growth in aggressive breast cancer cells. This finding suggests an interconnected regulation of uncontrollable growth and metastasis, potentially leading to new medicine development.

SourceVTT Technical Research Centre of Finland·JournalJournal of Cell Biology·DateOct 21, 2011

New discoveries on the state of hemoglobin in living red blood cells

Researchers have discovered that hemoglobin interacts with HbA1 within living red blood cells, affecting the condition of patients with thalassemia and other diseases. The study also found a positive correlation between blood sugar levels and multiband re-release of Hbs from RBCs in diabetic individuals.

SourceScience China Press·DateOct 21, 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.

Children with certain dopamine system gene variants respond better to ADHD drug

A study found that children with specific dopamine system gene variants showed improved response to methylphenidate, the most commonly prescribed ADHD medication. The findings suggest a potential way to predict treatment course and tailor approach for each child.

SourceCincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry·DateOct 21, 2011

Researchers generate first complete 3-D structures of bacterial chromosome

Scientists deciphered the 3D structure of Caulobacter crescentus's chromosome using high-throughput chromatin interaction detection and next-generation DNA sequencing. Analysis revealed novel characteristics of the parS site, which helps define the chromosome's shape, and showed that altering its position can lead to a large-scale reor...

SourceUMass Chan Medical School·JournalMolecular Cell·DateOct 21, 2011

European studies on risks of hepatocellular carcinoma

Research from the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC) study found that 47.6% of hepatocellular carcinoma cases were associated with smoking, while chronic hepatitis B and C infection was the strongest risk factor. The study also highlights the importance of quitting smoking to reduce liver cancer risk.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateOct 21, 2011
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Social isolation: Are lonely consumers actually loners or conformers?

A new study in the Journal of Consumer Research found that lonely individuals behave differently in the marketplace than people with strong social networks. Lonely people prefer minority-endorsed products, but only when their preferences are kept private.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateOct 21, 2011

November 2011 Geology highlights: New research posted Oct. 5

Researchers have made significant findings on the San Andreas Fault and Japan's 1944 Tonankai earthquake. The study reveals that seismic slip can propagate to shallow levels along megasplay faults, while another discovery sheds light on osmium behavior in a subduction system using chromian spinel from Bonin Island beach sands.

SourceGeological Society of America·JournalGeology·DateOct 21, 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.

Is it best to withhold favorable information about products?

A recent study published in Journal of Consumer Research found that consumers tend to choose products when marketers withhold some favorable information until late in the choice process. This approach can increase a product's overall probability of being chosen by shifting consumer priorities and creating a preference boost.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateOct 21, 2011

What defines life satisfaction for consumers living in poverty?

A new study found that consumers living in poverty have little hope of achieving life satisfaction due to extreme material conditions. The research, published in the Journal of Consumer Research, highlights the pervasive and hopeless nature of individuals living in absolute poverty.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateOct 21, 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.

Digital worlds can help autistic children to develop social skills

Researchers have developed an interactive environment using multi-touch screen technology to help autistic children develop social skills beyond their anticipated levels. Children interact with virtual characters in real-time, allowing researchers to compare their reactions with those displayed in real-world situations.

SourceEconomic & Social Research Council·DateOct 21, 2011

How do protein binding sites stay dry in water?

Researchers studied model cavity and tunnel structures resembling protein binding sites to understand their ability to stay dry. Geometric shields prevent water molecules from penetrating at the nanoscale.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal E·DateOct 21, 2011

How does hand orientation help consumers imagine using products?

A new study found that orienting products toward a dominant hand in ads increases imagined product use and purchase intentions, especially for positive products. The researchers created advertisements with handles oriented towards the right or left to test this effect.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateOct 21, 2011

Vivid descriptions of faces 'don't have to go into detail'

A study by researchers at the University of Strathclyde found that vividness in face descriptions can be achieved through holistic approaches rather than detailed features. This approach leverages the reader's emotional response to create a more vivid image.

SourceUniversity of Strathclyde·JournalPoetics Today·DateOct 21, 2011
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.

Researchers find coupling of proteins promotes glioblastoma development

A study published in Cancer Cell reveals that the coupling of proteins FoxM1 and beta-catenin promotes glioblastoma development. The researchers found that this protein connection supports the self-renewal and differentiation of glioma-initiating cells, cancer stem cells thought to drive glioblastoma multiforme.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalCancer Cell·DateOct 21, 2011

Blood-pressure-lowering drug after stroke aids recovery, study finds

A commonly prescribed blood pressure-lowering medication appears to kick start recovery in the unaffected brain hemisphere after a stroke by boosting blood vessel growth. The study found that candesartan increased levels of growth factors and a 'pro-survival' protein, suggesting potential healing properties beyond the area of damage.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalPLOS ONE·DateOct 21, 2011

Why does explaining why a cupcake is delicious make us love it less?

A new study in the Journal of Consumer Research reveals that people who share sensory experiences, such as enjoying a cupcake, tend to dampen their emotions and are less likely to spread word-of-mouth opinions about them. In contrast, sharing practical experiences, like using a USB stick, increases understanding and enthusiasm.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateOct 21, 2011

DFG establishes 12 new research units

The Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) has established nine new Research Units and three Clinical Research Units, earmarking over 23 million euros for the first funding period. The units will explore topical research questions using innovative methods and approaches, covering a broad spectrum of research areas.

SourceDeutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft·DateOct 21, 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.

Why do some athletes choke under pressure?

A new study published in Current Directions in Psychological Science suggests that paying too much attention to performance can lead to decreased success. Research has shown that athletes under pressure exhibit changes in movement patterns, such as altered club head angles during golf swings and reduced joint mobility in climbers.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalCurrent Directions in Psychological Science·DateOct 21, 2011