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Science News for February 28, 2012


Study shows how the brain responds to deceptive advertising

Research reveals how brain processes deceptive ads, finding increased activity in areas associated with attention and theory-of-mind reasoning. Moderately deceptive ads stimulate more brain activity, potentially making consumers more susceptible.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalJournal of Marketing Research·DateFeb 28, 2012

SFU researchers test sugary solution to Alzheimer's

Scientists at Simon Fraser University have discovered a new approach to treating Alzheimer's disease by targeting a specific enzyme. By maintaining the correct balance of sugars in brain proteins, they hope to slow or prevent the development of the fatal condition.

SourceSimon Fraser University·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateFeb 28, 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.

The laws of attraction: Making magnetic yeast

Researchers at Harvard Medical School have successfully induced magnetization in yeast cells by manipulating their iron transport system. This breakthrough provides new insights into the mechanisms of magnetization and its potential applications, including bioprocessing, tissue engineering, and therapeutic cell tracking. The study's fi...

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateFeb 28, 2012

Optogenetic tool elucidated

Biophysicists have elucidated the switching mechanism of channelrhodopsin, a protein crucial for optogenetics. The research sheds light on how water molecules penetrate the cell membrane, enabling the protein to conduct ions. This breakthrough paves the way for more precise neurobiological applications.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateFeb 28, 2012

Nurses key in helping new cancer patients overcome fears

New research highlights the importance of nurses in alleviating concerns and existential issues in newly diagnosed lung cancer patients. Nurses can provide supportive care, address death-related concerns, and help patients locate resources to manage end-of-life affairs.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalClinical Journal of Oncology Nursing·DateFeb 28, 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.

Making the most of what you have

Scientists at EMBL discovered that bacteria like Mycoplasma pneumoniae tune proteins to perform multiple tasks, leveraging post-translational modifications. This strategy may be an ancient evolutionary tactic shared with complex cells.

SourceEuropean Molecular Biology Laboratory·JournalMolecular Systems Biology·DateFeb 28, 2012

First and only study on harmful effects of infants prenatally exposed to ecstasy

A new study published in Neurotoxicology and Teratology found that prenatal exposure to ecstasy can lead to developmental delays, poorer motor skills, and increased social problems in infants. The study compared infants exposed to ecstasy with those not exposed and found significant differences in their growth and cognitive development.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalNeurotoxicology and Teratology·DateFeb 28, 2012

Causes of death in older people in Latin America, India and China

Chronic diseases, particularly stroke, are the leading causes of death among older adults in Latin America, India, and China. Education has been shown to have a significant impact on mortality rates, suggesting that efforts to ensure universal access to education could lead to substantial health benefits for generations to come.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateFeb 28, 2012

The end of the 'Lily of the Valley phenomenon' in sperm research?

Researchers from the Caesar Research Centre in Bonn have discovered that sperm do not function like olfactory cells and cannot detect smells. The 'Lily of the Valley phenomenon', which suggested a role for scents in fertilization, is now considered a laboratory artefact.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalThe EMBO Journal·DateFeb 28, 2012
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Do parasites evolve to exploit gender differences in hosts?

Research proposes that parasite evolution plays a key role in host sex-biased parasitism and disease expression. Characteristics like morphology and behavior differ between sexes, posing unique challenges for parasites, which may adapt more to one sex than the other.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateFeb 28, 2012

Mysterious electron acceleration explained

A new computer simulation has identified the source of high-speed electrons responsible for auroras, solving a long-standing astrophysical puzzle. The simulation reveals that an active region in Earth's magnetotail can accelerate many electrons, explaining observed features detected by spacecraft missions.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Physics·DateFeb 28, 2012

Researchers find potential solution to melanoma's resistance to vemurafenib

A new study by researchers at H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center has found that the XL888 inhibitor can prevent resistance to chemotherapy drug vemurafenib in melanoma patients, leading to induced apoptosis response and tumor regression. The study suggests a novel approach to managing drug resistance using broadly targeted strategies.

SourceH. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute·JournalClinical Cancer Research·DateFeb 28, 2012

Cell study may aid bid for motor neurone therapies

Scientists have discovered a way to increase motor neurone production in adult zebrafish using a drug that inhibits the notch-signalling pathway. This breakthrough could potentially help research find ways to turn progenitor cells into motor neurons following damage caused by these diseases.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·DateFeb 28, 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.

New 'magnetic yeast' marks step toward harnessing Nature's magnetic capabilities

Scientists have developed a method to imbue yeast with magnetic properties, enabling potential applications in medical, industrial, and research settings. The technology could be used to target and isolate specific cells, guiding them toward certain manufacturing processes or interacting with non-living machinery.

SourceWyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard·JournalPLOS Biology·DateFeb 28, 2012

Combination therapy may enhance gemcitabine activity

Researchers have found that combining gemcitabine with nab-paclitaxel increases intratumoral gemcitabine levels by reducing the primary metabolizing enzyme, cytidine deaminase. This combination may lead to improved patient outcomes and better administration of therapeutic treatments.

SourceAmerican Association for Cancer Research·JournalCancer Discovery·DateFeb 28, 2012

T. Rex's killer smile revealed

A University of Alberta paleontologist has discovered that Tyrannosaurus rex had the greatest variation in tooth morphology or structure among all tyrannosaurids. The varying edges enabled strong teeth to cut through flesh and bone, while the placement and angle directed food into its mouth.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalCanadian Journal of Earth Sciences·DateFeb 28, 2012
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.

Direct measurement of the formation length of photons

Researchers from Aarhus University and CERN's NA63 collaboration successfully measured the time it takes for an electron to form a photon. By guiding the electron through two flat gold foils, they created a measurable distance between them, which corresponds to the length of the photon formation process.

SourceAarhus University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateFeb 28, 2012

Predicting children's language development

A Concordia researcher shows that a parent questionnaire can accurately forecast linguistic ability in toddlers. The study analyzed data from over 300 children and found that those with low scores on the Language Use Inventory were more likely to have language issues later in childhood.

SourceConcordia University·DateFeb 28, 2012

Gestational weight gain generally does not influence child cognitive development

A study from Nationwide Children's Hospital found that excessive or insufficient weight gain during pregnancy does not affect a child's cognitive development. The research controlled for various confounding factors, including genetic and environmental influences, to separate the effect of gestational weight gain on cognition.

SourceNationwide Children's Hospital·JournalInternational Journal of Epidemiology·DateFeb 28, 2012
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.

Middle class benefits the most from post-1992 university expansion

A study of over 34,000 adults found that middle-class children have benefited the most from increased access to higher education. The expansion of universities between 2001 and 2016 saw a significant increase in degrees among those born into managerial or intermediate occupations.

SourceEconomic & Social Research Council·DateFeb 28, 2012

SFU researchers help discover new HIV vaccine-related tool

Researchers at SFU have discovered a benign bacterium, Rhizobium radiobacter, with sugar molecules resembling those on the surface of HIV. This resemblance could trigger an immediate immune response against the virus, potentially leading to the development of a preventative vaccine.

SourceSimon Fraser University·JournalChemistry & Biology·DateFeb 28, 2012

Teenagers are more vulnerable to sport concussions

Research by Université de Montrêl neuropsychologist Dave Ellemberg shows that adolescents are more sensitive to the effects of a sport-related concussion than adults or children. The study found that a first concussion can result in six months to a year of neurophysiological side effects for adolescents, adults, and children alike.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalBrain Injury·DateFeb 28, 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.

Social responsibility of businesses questioned

The Icelandic banking system's brief expansion raised concerns about the balance between corporate social responsibility and responsible operations. Analysis by David Sigurthorsson suggests that CSR can be divided into positive and negative obligations, with the former often taking precedence.

SourceLinköping University·JournalJournal of Business Ethics·DateFeb 28, 2012

Improving the experience of dying

Researchers found that palliative care staff use multifaceted approaches to provide physical, psychological, social, spiritual, and existential care. These caregiving activities can improve the quality of death for both patients and their families.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateFeb 28, 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.

Clean delivery kits combined with clean delivery practices save neonates' lives

A study published in PLOS Medicine found that using clean delivery kits and practicing clean delivery techniques significantly reduces neonatal mortality rates. The use of these kits alone did not guarantee the adoption of life-saving practices, emphasizing the need for further research on locally appropriate promotion strategies.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateFeb 28, 2012

New discoveries on depression

Researchers at Karolinska Institutet discovered that D-serine improves memory in 'depressed' rats by increasing brain plasticity. This finding suggests a potential treatment approach for depression, targeting the support cells' functionality.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateFeb 28, 2012

Society of Interventional Radiology explores 'IR evidence' in patient care

The Society of Interventional Radiology will showcase new scientific advances and discoveries in its 37th Annual Scientific Meeting, featuring minimally invasive treatments for dozens of diseases. The meeting will include scientific presentations, posters, and technical exhibits highlighting research on interventional radiology.

SourceSociety of Interventional Radiology·DateFeb 28, 2012

Sea level rise to alter economics of California beaches

A study by Duke University researchers predicts that sea level rise will change the economic landscape of Southern California beaches, with smaller beaches facing significant losses while larger ones may benefit. The study suggests that nourishment projects could help offset these losses, but at great cost.

SourceDuke University·JournalClimatic Change·DateFeb 28, 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.

NIH-supported scientists investigate a newly emerging staph strain

Scientists have identified a highly transmissible variant of the LA-ST398 strain that can efficiently spread among humans, leading to community-associated infections. The new strain, ST398-NM, contains human-specific immune evasion genes and adheres well to skin, increasing its ability to colonize and infect people.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalmBio·DateFeb 28, 2012

Cold air chills heart's oxygen supply

Research by Penn State found that breathing cold air during exercise causes uneven oxygen distribution throughout the heart, particularly in those with coronary artery disease. Healthy individuals can redistribute blood flow, but those with heart problems may not be able to compensate, making activities like shoveling snow dangerous.

SourcePenn State·DateFeb 28, 2012

Rest versus exercise: Equally effective on lower back pain

A recent trial published in BMC Medicine suggests that rest and exercise are equally effective in alleviating lower back pain due to Modic changes. The study found no significant difference in pain reduction between the two groups after a 10-week trial and one-year follow-up.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Medicine·DateFeb 28, 2012

US income distribution winners and losers

A recent study found that in the US, economic prosperity primarily benefits richer households, while those in lower and middle-income groups struggle to improve their financial situation. The study analyzed data from over 60,000 US households between 1996 and 2003, revealing a widening income gap.

SourceSAGE·JournalReview of Radical Political Economics·DateFeb 28, 2012
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.

Developing sustainable power

The need for stable sources of power in rural areas of developing countries is pressing, with four-fifths of those without domestic electricity living in urban margins. Researchers suggest that renewable energy, such as solar and wind power, could be a viable option to address this issue.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalAfrican Journal of Economics and Sustainable Development·DateFeb 28, 2012

Iowa State, Ames Lab chemists aid study of mutated plants that may be better for biofuels

A research team including Iowa State University chemists has found that genetic mutations to cellulose in plants can improve the conversion of cellulosic biomass into biofuels. The team discovered that mutated plant cell walls produce less crystalline cellulose, making it easier to break down into fermentable sugars.

SourceIowa State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 28, 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.

Washington University gets grant to study the human virome in kids

Researchers at Washington University School of Medicine are studying children with weakened immune systems to identify the viruses that make them sick. They will collect samples from 400 children and analyze them using advanced technologies to draw conclusions about which viruses cause illness.

SourceWashU Medicine·DateFeb 28, 2012

New model provides different take on planetary accretion

A new model, published by Anne Hofmeister and Robert Criss, presents a three-dimensional gas cloud scenario for planetary accretion. The model explains planetary orbits and spins without relying on heat production, conserving angular momentum in a cold environment.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalPlanetary and Space Science·DateFeb 28, 2012

New method to separate much-needed medical isotopes

The new method uses optical pumping and magnetic barriers to extract desired atoms from a stream of elements, allowing for the isolation of crucial isotopes like lithium-7. This approach promises to be a more efficient and safer means of obtaining these vital elements for medical applications.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalNew Journal of Physics·DateFeb 28, 2012

Cryptographic attack highlights the importance of bug-free software

A new attack was discovered that can bypass security provided by OpenSSL, a widely used cryptography toolkit. The attack targets a specific version of the software and requires a specific set of options to work, but highlights the need for formal verification and correctness in open source software.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·DateFeb 28, 2012
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.

Training grant targets behavioral and social factors linked to health

A new NIH grant will help Missouri University School of Medicine students learn how to address public health issues, become lifelong learners, and deliver effective patient-centered care. The program will also enhance training in behavioral and social sciences with a focus on cultural competency and narrative-based learning.

SourceUniversity of Missouri School of Medicine·DateFeb 28, 2012

Stress changes how people make decisions

Research shows that stress changes how people weigh risk and reward, leading to a greater emphasis on the upside of possible outcomes. This can impact decision-making in various areas, including job choices and addiction. Additionally, stress affects how men and women perceive risk differently.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalCurrent Directions in Psychological Science·DateFeb 28, 2012

Selenium supplements could be harmful to people who already have enough selenium in their diet including a large proportion of US population

A new review suggests that taking selenium supplements can increase the risk of developing type-2 diabetes in people who already have enough selenium in their diet. The study found that a large proportion of the US population has adequate selenium levels, making supplementation potentially harmful.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateFeb 28, 2012

Scientists discover new 'off switch' in immune response

Researchers at Trinity College Dublin have discovered a protein, TMED7, that can shut down part of the immune system after an infection has been cleared. This finding could lead to new ways to prevent over-activation of the immune system in diseases.

SourceTrinity College Dublin·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 28, 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.

UBC researcher invents 'lab on a chip' device to study malaria

A UBC researcher has developed a 'lab on a chip' device to measure red blood cell deformability caused by Plasmodium falciparum, a key step in treating malaria. The device enables precise measurement of stiffening red cells at various stages of infection.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalLab on a Chip·DateFeb 28, 2012

Eye movement not engaged in arms race, NYU researchers find

Researchers have found a brain mechanism that coordinates eye and arm movements, which may have implications for rehabilitation and prosthetics. The study used macaque monkeys to examine the neurological activity of the posterior parietal cortex, finding coherent patterns of firing in regions specialized for moving eyes or arms.

SourceNew York University·JournalNeuron·DateFeb 28, 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.

Stopping hormones might help breast cancer to regress

A recent study published in Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers, & Prevention suggests that stopping hormone therapy can lead to tumor regression and decline new breast cancer rates. Researchers analyzed data from over 741,000 woman-years, finding no correlation between screening mammography use and former hormone users

SourceGroup Health Research Institute·DateFeb 28, 2012

Excess fat may be 'protective' in seniors over 85

Tel Aviv University research found obesity can decrease risk of death after 85 years old, with excess fat providing protection against osteoporosis and energy storage during trauma or stress. However, quality of life may still be affected by obesity-related illnesses.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalJournal of Aging Research·DateFeb 28, 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.

Schizophrenia patients' ability to monitor reality may be helped by computerized training

A study published in Neuron found that intensive computerized cognitive training exercises can improve complex cognitive functions and social cognition in people with schizophrenia. The training improved the ability to distinguish internal thoughts from reality, coinciding with increased activation in the medial prefrontal cortex.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalNeuron·DateFeb 28, 2012

New laser can point the way to new energy harvesting

Researchers at University of East Anglia will use a new ultrafast laser to study molecular energy transfer and design nanomachines and solar collectors. The equipment supports 2D electronic spectroscopy experiments to investigate the link between light-driven processes and molecular architecture.

SourceEngineering and Physical Sciences Research Council·DateFeb 28, 2012