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Science News for April 12, 2012


Being in power does not always magnify personality

A new study suggests that powerful individuals are not immune to environmental influences, which can trigger counter-dispositional behavior. Research found that power-holders' habitual natures can be superseded by other responses, including those they rarely consider.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateApr 12, 2012

Biomarker family found for chemo resistant breast cancers

Researchers from the University of Hull have identified a family of proteins associated with chemotherapy resistance in breast cancer patients. The 14-3-3 protein family was found to be twice as prevalent in resistant patients, suggesting its potential use as a predictive test for clinical decision-making.

SourceUniversity of Hull·JournalJournal of Proteomics·DateApr 12, 2012
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Teamwork: IBEX and TWINS observe a solar storm

The IBEX and TWINS missions observed a solar storm on April 5, 2010, revealing the impact on Earth's magnetosphere. The data provides insights into how solar energy affects the magnetosphere, enabling better protection for satellites against space weather hazards.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateApr 12, 2012

Manatee hearing good enough to sense approaching motorboats

Researchers found that manatees can hear within the frequency range where boats operate, with good hearing between 8-32kHz and even ultrasonic frequencies. However, their ability to focus on these sounds in nature is uncertain due to environmental factors.

SourceThe Company of Biologists·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·DateApr 12, 2012

Volcker awarded 2012 Moynihan Prize

The American Academy of Political and Social Science recognized Paul Volcker's career for its use of social research in shaping public policy. Volcker, a former Chairman of the Federal Reserve, advocated for increased banking regulation, leading to the inclusion of the Volcker Rule in Dodd-Frank legislation.

SourceSAGE·DateApr 12, 2012

Discovery of the Musket Ball Cluster

The Musket Ball Cluster is a newly discovered galaxy cluster where so-called normal matter has been wrenched apart from dark matter through a violent collision. The system, observed 700 million years after the collision, provides valuable insight into the evolution of galaxy clusters and their member galaxies.

SourceChandra X-ray Center·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateApr 12, 2012

Strip-till improves soybean yield

Research found that strip-till farming produces higher yields than no-till systems due to more efficient phosphorus and potassium use. The study also revealed that strip-till helps retain soil water, leading to better plant growth conditions.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalSoil Science Society of America Journal·DateApr 12, 2012
Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.

Probing hydrogen under extreme conditions

Scientists have developed new techniques to contain hydrogen at pressures above 3 million times normal atmospheric pressure, exploring its behavior under extreme conditions. The study confirms the stability of the chemical bond between atoms, disproving previous interpretations of a metallic state.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateApr 12, 2012
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.

Breakthrough discovery unveils 'master switches' in colon cancer

Researchers at Case Western Reserve University identified a set of master switches, called Variant Enhancer Loci (VELs), that regulate key genes in colon cancer. VELs are epigenetic changes that can potentially be reversed and may play a role in determining individual susceptibility to colon cancer.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalScience·DateApr 12, 2012

UCSB researchers detect 'hypervirulent' Salmonella bacteria

A recent discovery by UCSB researchers has identified 'hypervirulent' Salmonella bacteria, which pose a significant risk to human and animal health. The strains were found in livestock isolates and render current vaccines obsolete due to their ability to switch between virulence levels during infection.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateApr 12, 2012

Sex, tools and chromosomes

Researchers at UC Davis have discovered a crucial enzyme system that regulates chromosome pairing during meiosis, ensuring precise genome sorting and development of healthy sperm and eggs. The discovery could lead to insights into fertility, miscarriages, cancer, and developmental disorders.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalCell·DateApr 12, 2012
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.

Rapid climate change threatens Asia's Rice Bowl

Climate change is expected to reduce agriculture productivity by up to 50% in Southeast Asia, posing a significant threat to food security. Climate-smart agriculture has become crucial for the region's adaptation strategy, focusing on innovations to adapt agriculture to wild swings in climate extremes.

SourceBurness·DateApr 12, 2012

Researchers call for a new direction in oil spill research

Researchers call for a new approach to studying deepwater oil spills, emphasizing the need for understanding oil movement at depth, microbial action, and deep sea ecology. This new direction is crucial for responding to future spills and restoring damaged ecosystems.

SourceAmerican Institute of Biological Sciences·JournalBioScience·DateApr 12, 2012

Determining total fertility in strip-tilled fields

Fertilizer placement in strip-tilled fields causes non-uniform distribution of potassium and phosphorus, affecting whole-field fertility. To address this issue, researchers recommend taking multiple samples outside the fertilizer band for more accurate assessments.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalSoil Science Society of America Journal·DateApr 12, 2012

Migrant women adapt in economic crises

In a recent study, migrant women in Central Illinois were found to be more resilient in controlling their environment through work and self-employment. They took on jobs such as childcare, cleaning, and cooking, which allowed them to adapt to economic crises.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalJournal of Human Development and Capabilities·DateApr 12, 2012
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Parolees behaving badly

Researchers found that drug use and sex with multiple partners were common behaviors among men who had been reincarcerated due to parole violations. The study highlights the need for prevention programs targeting substance abuse and sexual risk behavior among parolees.

SourceSAGE·JournalJournal of Correctional Health Care·DateApr 12, 2012

U of I study: Lose body weight before gaining baby weight

A University of Illinois study found that obese mothers' placentas have an unhealthy nutrient supply, placing babies at risk for future health problems. Experts advise pregnant women to lose weight before conception to minimize the obesogenic environment.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalBiology of Reproduction·DateApr 12, 2012
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

UCLA-engineered stem cells seek out and kill HIV in living organisms

A team of UCLA researchers demonstrates that genetically engineered human blood stem cells can form mature, multi-functional T cells that specifically target HIV-infected cells. This approach shows promise for suppressing the virus in living tissues in animal models.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateApr 12, 2012

Multitasking – not so bad for you after all?

A study by Kelvin Lui and Alan Wong found that frequent media multitaskers outperformed light multitaskers in integrating visual and auditory information. This improvement was attributed to their ability to routinely take in information from multiple sources.

SourceSpringer·JournalPsychonomic Bulletin & Review·DateApr 12, 2012

Determining a stem cell's fate

A team of researchers at Caltech has traced the developmental process that ensures certain stem cells become T cells. They identified key genes and regulatory proteins involved in this process, shedding light on how stem cells are committed to a specific cell fate.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalCell·DateApr 12, 2012

Drastic changes needed to curb most potent greenhouse gas

A new study suggests that reducing nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions from the industrial and agricultural sectors by 50% is crucial to meet the IPCC's most aggressive strategy for climate change mitigation. The study found that a 50% reduction in meat consumption per person is necessary to stabilize atmospheric N2O concentrations.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateApr 12, 2012
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.

Excessive worrying may have co-evolved with intelligence

High intelligence and worry both correlate with brain activity measured by choline depletion in subcortical white matter, suggesting co-evolution between the two traits. Worry may aid survival by causing individuals to avoid dangerous situations, leading to higher survival rates.

SourceSUNY Downstate Health Science University·JournalFrontiers in Evolutionary Neuroscience·DateApr 12, 2012

NASA Goddard engineers testing Webb Telescope's OSIM and BIA instruments

Several critical NASA components are being tested to ensure the success of the James Webb Space Telescope. The OSIM and BIA instruments will simulate the telescope's science cameras and spectrographs, while also verifying their functionality in cryogenic temperatures. This testing program is essential for the mission's success.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateApr 12, 2012

New advances in the understanding of cancer progression

Researchers at IMIM discover LOXL2 protein plays a crucial role in gene silencing, leading to tumor growth. The study opens new avenues for developing treatments that block LOXL2's activity.

SourceIMIM (Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute)·JournalMolecular Cell·DateApr 12, 2012
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.

Wayne State receives grant to assess road bridge conditions in Michigan

Researchers from Wayne State University will analyze the condition of several bridges in Michigan with a focus on diagonal cracks and potential design flaws. The study aims to identify the causes of these cracks and provide recommendations for repairs and design procedure revisions.

SourceWayne State University - Office of the Vice President for Research·DateApr 12, 2012

BUSM researchers identify key regulator of inflammatory response

A study by BUSM researchers has identified a gene called GPS2 that plays a critical role in regulating inflammatory response and homeostasis. Increasing GPS2 levels was found to impair the response to TNF-alpha, resulting in a decreased inflammatory response.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalMolecular Cell·DateApr 12, 2012
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.

Rebuffing racial insults: How culture shapes our behavior

African American women are more likely to directly rebuff racist comments, while Asian American women may use indirect methods like choosing bad-tasting jellybeans as a form of revenge. This difference reflects deeply rooted cultural differences in conflict management and emotional display rules.

SourceSociety for Personality and Social Psychology·JournalPersonality and Social Psychology Bulletin·DateApr 12, 2012

ONR taps research teams to help reduce jet noise

The Office of Naval Research is funding a project to reduce jet noise, which can cause hearing damage to Sailors and Marines. Eight research teams will develop noise-reduction technologies, measurement tools, and prediction models to dampen jet noise, resulting in safer environments for personnel.

SourceOffice of Naval Research·DateApr 12, 2012

ALMA reveals workings of nearby planetary system

The ALMA observatory has discovered a nearby planetary system with sharp-edged dust ring, indicating 'shepherding' planets that keep the disk within their gravitational effect. The planets are smaller than previously thought, about the size of Mars to a few times the Earth, and are among the coldest planets found orbiting a normal star.

SourceNational Radio Astronomy Observatory·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateApr 12, 2012

Pride and prejudice: Pride impacts racism and homophobia

A new University of British Columbia study reveals that pride directly influences racist and homophobic attitudes. Authentic pride boosts empathy, while hubristic pride exacerbates prejudice. The findings offer insights into the attitudes of leaders and shed light on human psychology.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalPersonality and Social Psychology Bulletin·DateApr 12, 2012
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.

Stem cells 'by default'

Researchers suggest that stem cells have intrinsic capacities for self-maintenance and evasion of differentiation. By analyzing current properties and characteristics of stem cells, the 'by default' hypothesis proposes that stem cells exist due to factors that repress cellular signals for specialization.

SourceInstitute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona)·JournalEMBO Reports·DateApr 12, 2012

Targeting glucagon pathway may offer a new approach to treating diabetes

A new study suggests that targeting the glucagon pathway could be an effective way to lower blood sugar levels without disrupting other functions of this hormone. Researchers found that blocking calcium signaling through CaMKII can regulate hepatic glucose production, leading to improved insulin sensitivity and reduced liver fat.

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalCell Metabolism·DateApr 12, 2012
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.

Resurfacing urban areas to offset 150 billion tons of CO2

A study estimates that resurfacing urban areas can provide a CO2 offset between 130 and 150 billion tonnes, equivalent to taking every car off the road for 50 years. This could also generate huge financial savings of $3300-$3800 billion dollars.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateApr 12, 2012

Decoding worm lingo

Researchers found that many nematodes communicate using the same types of small-molecule pheromones, revealing a universal nematode language. This discovery could lead to strategies to prevent unwanted nematode species and improve agricultural and healthcare industries.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalCurrent Biology·DateApr 12, 2012

Majority-biased learning

Researchers found that humans and chimpanzees tend to copy majority behaviour, while children consider both frequency and number of demonstrators. Orangutans, however, showed no such bias, possibly due to their solitary group structure. The study suggests a key difference in social learning mechanisms between humans, chimpanzees, and o...

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalCurrent Biology·DateApr 12, 2012

Nearly 30 percent of all college athlete injuries a result of 'overuse'

A new study published in the Journal of Athletic Training found that overuse injuries account for nearly 30% of all collegiate athlete injuries, with females more affected in low-contact sports. The most common overuse injuries were general stress, inflammation, and tendinitis.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalJournal of Athletic Training·DateApr 12, 2012
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.

In environmental disasters, families respond with conflict, denial, silence

A study by the University at Buffalo found that families dealing with environmental disasters often experience conflict, denial, and silence when discussing serious health issues. This can lead to isolation, decreased seeking of medical or psychological help, and increased psychological distress.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalJournal of Family Issues·DateApr 12, 2012

Policies, learning-by-doing played important role in reducing ethanol costs

A new study from the University of Illinois concludes that learning-by-doing played a significant role in reducing the processing costs of corn ethanol in the US. The study found that biofuel policies, which induced ethanol production beyond free-market levels, contributed to increased industry competitiveness over time.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalEnergy Policy·DateApr 12, 2012

Traffic harms Asturian amphibians

The study reveals that roads cause significant harm to midwife toad and palmate newt populations in Asturia, Spain. The results suggest that traffic alleviation measures can help protect the newts but are insufficient for the midwife toads.

SourceSpanish Foundation for Science and Technology·JournalLandscape and Urban Planning·DateApr 12, 2012

Exercise and attitude may be thermostat for hot flashes

Penn State researchers found that perceived control over hot flashes is a key factor in how exercise affects menopausal women. Women who felt they had more control over their hot flashes experienced fewer symptoms after physical activity. Cognitive behavioral therapy may also help some women feel more in control.

SourcePenn State·JournalMaturitas·DateApr 12, 2012

High levels of phthalates can lead to greater risk for type-2 diabetes

A study published in Diabetes Care found that high levels of phthalate metabolites are associated with an increased risk of developing diabetes. The research, conducted among over 1,000 elderly individuals, suggests a connection between environmental chemicals and the development of type-2 diabetes.

SourceUppsala University·JournalDiabetes Care·DateApr 12, 2012
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Athletic frogs have faster-changing genomes

A new study finds that athletic frogs tend to have faster-changing genomes, with the rate of evolution correlated with physical fitness. The research suggests that free radicals produced during exercise may cause wear and tear on DNA, leading to genetic changes.

SourceNational Evolutionary Synthesis Center (NESCent)·JournalMolecular Biology and Evolution·DateApr 12, 2012

Volcanic plumbing provides clues on eruptions and earthquakes

Researchers have made significant breakthroughs in understanding volcanic plumbing systems, which could lead to improved predictions of eruptions. The team's study reveals that ground uplift occurred four months before an eruption due to increased pressure in one of the underground chambers.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalNature Geoscience·DateApr 12, 2012
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.

Kinase test may yield big gains for drug-resistant cancers

A team from UNC Health Care has developed a broad-based test to measure the activation of protein kinases, enabling the measurement of drug resistance in cancer. The test can identify combinations of drugs that block resistance, offering personalized therapies for breast cancer.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalCell·DateApr 12, 2012

Test links strains of common parasite to severe illness in US newborns

Researchers identified the most strongly associated strains with premature birth and severe birth defects, using a new blood test developed by NIAID. The study suggests that widespread screening and treatment of pregnant women infected with Toxoplasma gondii could prevent infants from suffering eye and brain damage.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalClinical Infectious Diseases·DateApr 12, 2012

Genetic adaptation of fat metabolism key to development of human brain

A study by Uppsala University researchers found that humans have a unique genetic variant allowing for efficient production of Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids from vegetable oils. This adaptation is linked to the development of modern human brain capacity but increases the risk of cardiovascular disease in today's life situation.

SourceUppsala University·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·DateApr 12, 2012

Study resolves debate on human cell shut-down process

Scientists at the University of Liverpool have resolved the debate on the mechanisms involved in human cell shut-down during division, finding that receptors can transport nutrients but are temporarily blocked. This discovery may lead to future studies on manipulating this process to prevent harmful infections.

SourceUniversity of Liverpool·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 12, 2012
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.

Do monkeys know what others need?

Brown capuchin monkeys demonstrate empathetic perspective-taking by withholding food from a fellow monkey who has just eaten, suggesting they understand their physical needs. The study provides first evidence for this behavior in primates.

SourceBrill·JournalBehaviour·DateApr 12, 2012