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Science News for January 17, 2012


UC Davis dermatologists find telemedicine effective for patient care

A retrospective analysis of 1,500 patients showed that live interactive teledermatology consultations resulted in diagnostic changes for nearly 70% of patients. Patients also received recommendations to change their skin disease management, leading to improved clinical outcomes.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalArchives of Dermatology·DateJan 17, 2012

Team finds natural reasons behind nitrogen-rich forests

A team of scientists has discovered that high levels of nitrogen in tropical forests are caused by natural interactions between the forest and nutrient cycles. The study found evidence of large losses of bioavailable nitrogen from plant-soil interactions, not directly from atmospheric deposition.

SourceMontana State University·JournalNature Geoscience·DateJan 17, 2012
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Rhode Island Hospital studies uncover keys in sudden cardiac death

Studies using a genetic animal model reveal conditions triggering arrhythmia in Long QT Syndrome patients and the protective effect of progesterone on SCD incidence. Researchers also find a direct link between estrogen and pro-arrhythmic effects, with progesterone reducing triggers for polymorphic ventricular tachycardia.

SourceLifespan·JournalThe Journal of Physiology·DateJan 17, 2012

Study finds that tumor cells can prevent cancer spread

A new study finds that pericytes, a group of cells in the tumor microenvironment, play a crucial role in preventing cancer progression and metastasis. Researchers discovered that inhibiting these cells can inadvertently make tumors more aggressive and likely to spread.

SourceBeth Israel Deaconess Medical Center·JournalCancer Cell·DateJan 17, 2012

Power generation is blowing in the wind

Researchers found that power generated at a set wind speed is higher under stable conditions and lower under strongly unsteady conditions. Wind shear plays an important role in assessing turbine efficiency. The team's study provides valuable insights for better estimating power generation, especially when including atmospheric stabilit...

SourceDOE/Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateJan 17, 2012
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.

If doughnuts could talk they'd tell you to take the elevator instead of the stairs

A new study by Pankaj Aggarwal and Ann L. McGill found that humanizing brands can influence consumer behavior, with participants more likely to take the stairs if they imagined a healthy brand like Kellogg's and more likely to take the elevator if they thought of an unhealthy brand like Krispy Kreme. In contrast, participants who thoug...

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateJan 17, 2012

'Exergames' may provide cognitive benefit for older adults

A new study found that virtual-reality enhanced interactive exercise, such as exergames, yields greater cognitive benefits than traditional exercise for older adults, with a 23% reduction in progression to mild cognitive impairment. Interactive features like competition and 3D scenery may contribute to these benefits.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateJan 17, 2012

Pro athletes bolster star status through team selection, teammates and career evolution: Study

A study published in the International Journal of Research in Marketing found that a combination of personal performance, team records, market demand, and teammate quality contribute to an athlete's star status. The research also highlights the importance of playing for a winning team and leveraging popular teammates.

SourceUniversity of Toronto, Rotman School of Management·JournalInternational Journal of Research in Marketing·DateJan 17, 2012

Knee replacement surgery incidence soars in those over age 50

A recent study published in Arthritis & Rheumatism found a rapid increase in knee replacement surgeries among women aged 50-59, with incidences higher in younger age groups. The study's findings suggest that more data is needed on the long-term effects of knee replacement surgeries in younger patients.

SourceWiley·JournalArthritis & Rheumatism·DateJan 17, 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.

From field to biorefinery: Computer model optimizes biofuel operations

A new computer model developed at the University of Illinois can simplify the transition from field to biorefinery by optimizing operations to reduce costs and greenhouse gas emissions. The model takes into account regional attributes such as weather, crop yield, farm size and transport distances, and can run millions of simulations.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·DateJan 17, 2012

How does 365 days (instead of 1 year) affect consumer decision making?

A study found that consumers generally prefer more precise or granular information when making decisions. In product descriptions, choosing fine-grained units like '28 minutes' instead of coarse terms like 'half an hour' influences consumer perceptions.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateJan 17, 2012

Scripps research scientists create novel RNA repair technology

Researchers at Scripps Research have identified a compound that can repair specific defects in RNA, a key step in developing treatments for incurable diseases like Huntington's. The new technology targets toxic RNA defects associated with Spinocerebellar ataxia and Kennedy disease.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalACS Chemical Biology·DateJan 17, 2012

UF researchers discover 'green' pesticide effective against citrus pests

Researchers at the University of Florida have discovered a key amino acid, methionine, that is effective in killing caterpillars threatening the US citrus industry. The discovery uses a genetically related surrogate and has potential applications for organic poultry production.

SourceUniversity of Florida·JournalJournal of Economic Entomology·DateJan 17, 2012
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.

Breeding better grasses for food and fuel

Scientists have identified a gene family that can help breed grasses with improved properties for diet and bioenergy. The research, published in PNAS, could lead to the production of multi-use crops where grain is used for food and feed while straw is used to produce energy efficiently.

SourceBiotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 17, 2012

JCI online early table of contents: Jan. 17, 2012

Researchers discovered that topical application of imiquimod recruits plasmacytoid DCs to the tumor site, converting them into tumor-killing effector cells. A new mechanism for IFN-alpha suppression was also identified, targeting epigenetic regulation of nuclear cccDNA minichromosome.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJan 17, 2012

New research to enhance speech recognition technology

New research aims to create algorithms mimicking human brain sound processing to enhance speech intelligibility in noisy situations. The goal is to develop a brain-inspired speech enhancer that can identify sound sources and reduce the stigma associated with hearing aids.

SourceUniversity of Southampton·DateJan 17, 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.

New vaccine against group B meningococcal disease to target this largest remaining source of such disease in Europe, North America, and some developing regions

A new vaccine has been developed to protect against group B meningococcal disease, a major cause of meningitis in high-income countries and some developing regions. The vaccine was found to be highly effective in adolescents aged 11-17 years, with 99-100% protection after two or three doses.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateJan 17, 2012

Gossip can have social and psychological benefits

UC Berkeley researchers found that gossip can have positive outcomes, such as helping people police bad behavior and prevent exploitation. Gossiping also made volunteers feel better when they were able to pass on information to alert others.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalJournal of Personality and Social Psychology·DateJan 17, 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.

City to lead on £2.4 million transport innovation project

The University of Leicester and Leicester City Council are leading a £2.4 million project to develop green traffic management systems in European cities and towns. The three-year project aims to improve road congestion and urban environments using space and information technologies.

SourceUniversity of Leicester·DateJan 17, 2012

Focus on glaucoma origins continues path toward potential cure

Researchers have discovered that myocilin deposits can lead to vision loss in glaucoma patients. The study, published in the Journal of Molecular Biology, explores one of the molecular origins of glaucoma and potentially leads to new treatments.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalJournal of Molecular Biology·DateJan 17, 2012

Continuing uncertainties surround anti-influenza drug

A Cochrane Review found inconsistencies with published reports of oseltamivir's efficacy and safety profile, raising questions about its use. The analysis showed that the drug did not reduce hospital treatment needs despite reducing symptom alleviation time.

SourceWiley·JournalCochrane Database of Systematic Reviews·DateJan 17, 2012

Powering electric vehicles with sunlight

The University of California, Riverside has received a $2 million award to build solar arrays and advanced battery storage systems for electric vehicles. The project will also install an electric trolley and grid management system to provide clean energy to clean vehicles efficiently.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·DateJan 17, 2012
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.

Fruit flies watch the sky to stay on course

Researchers at the University of Washington discovered that fruit flies use polarization patterns of natural skylight to maintain their heading while traveling. This finding suggests that many insects possess a navigational system, which could be studied using genetics research.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJan 17, 2012

Markerless motion capture offers a new angle on tennis injuries

Researchers developed a new approach to motion capture technology, identifying the 'kick' serve as a high-risk tennis serve for shoulder injury. By analyzing player movement without markers, they found that this serve generates larger forces on muscles crossing the shoulder joint, promoting injury.

SourceOhio State University·JournalAnnals of Biomedical Engineering·DateJan 17, 2012

The perfect liquid -- now even more perfect

Physicists at Vienna University of Technology have found a way to break the limits on viscosity, with implications for understanding superfluid helium and quantum theory. The results, published in Physical Review Letters, suggest quark-gluon-plasma can exhibit extremely low viscosity, even below previously established bounds.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJan 17, 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.

Galileo to image objects in geosynchronous orbit faster

The Galileo program seeks to bridge the precision fiber optic controls and long-baseline astronomical interferometry technical communities to enable faster imaging of objects in geosynchronous orbit. By harnessing the power of flexible fiber optics, researchers aim to create a new means of better, faster imaging of objects in GEO.

SourceDefense Advanced Research Projects Agency·DateJan 17, 2012

Plasmacytoid DCs: Tumor-killing immune cells

Researchers found that imiquimod converts plasmacytoid DCs into tumor-killing effector cells, clearing tumors in a mouse model of melanoma. This discovery has implications for antitumor therapies targeting both skin cancers and other types.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJan 17, 2012

Neutron scattering provides window into surface interactions

Researchers used neutron scattering to study molecular motion in a silica nanopore, gaining insight into how surface interactions affect chemistry. Understanding these interactions can help tailor materials for specific outcomes, such as catalysis and drug delivery.

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry C·DateJan 17, 2012
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.

Adolescents' brains respond differently than adults' when anticipating rewards

Researchers found increased brain cell activity in adolescent rats in an unusual area called the dorsal striatum, associated with habit formation and decision-making. This suggests that adolescents may be more susceptible to developing disorders like addiction and depression due to their unique brain response to reward.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 17, 2012

Stanford computer algorithm used to identify bladder cancer marker

Researchers at Stanford University have used a computer algorithm to find markers that predict how deadly bladder cancer will be, offering faster and more accurate analysis of cancer risk. The test can be performed by someone with little training and may help identify patients with the most aggressive subtype before it becomes invasive.

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 17, 2012

University of Minnesota biologists replicate key evolutionary step

Researchers have successfully replicated the evolution from single-celled organisms to multicellular clusters in a laboratory setting, mirroring the transition that led to life on Earth. The experiment involved natural selection and brewer's yeast, resulting in cooperative cell clusters that exhibit genetic similarity.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 17, 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.

Anti-malaria drug synthesized with the help of oxygen and light

Researchers at Max Planck Institute develop simple process for artemisinin synthesis using waste product from current production as starting substance. The new method uses photochemistry to incorporate an endoperoxide group into the molecule, producing large volumes of artemisinin under controlled conditions. This could cover global de...

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateJan 17, 2012

New microtweezers may build tiny 'MEMS' structures

Researchers have created new microtweezers capable of manipulating objects to build tiny structures, print coatings for advanced sensors, and grab live stem cell spheres. The tool enables the precision printing of chemical or protein dots onto microcantilevers, which can detect chemicals in air and water.

SourcePurdue University·JournalJournal of Microelectromechanical Systems·DateJan 17, 2012

Research reveals power of the subconscious in human fear

New research by the University of Exeter suggests that our subconscious plays a significant role in how we respond to danger. Participants in the study showed a primitive response to fear-inducing stimuli, contradicting their conscious assessments of danger. This finding has implications for anxiety disorders and treatment.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·DateJan 17, 2012

A baby crystal is born

Researchers identified the 32-atom 'baby crystal' through computer simulations and experimentally confirmed its structure using scanning tunneling microscope images. The discovery provides insight into how small crystals form larger units.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalThe Journal of Chemical Physics·DateJan 17, 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.

Sleep preserves and enhances unpleasant emotional memories

A recent study by University of Massachusetts Amherst researchers found that sleep preserves and enhances unpleasant emotional memories. Contrary to previous assumptions, sleep was associated with maintaining the strength of initial negative feelings, rather than softening their effects.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·DateJan 17, 2012

Stomach cells may give rise to esophageal cancer

A new study has found that stomach cells from the cardia region may give rise to esophageal adenocarcinoma, a particularly lethal form of esophageal cancer. The research suggests a link between chronic inflammation and bile acid reflux in the development of this disease.

SourceCell Press·JournalCancer Cell·DateJan 17, 2012

The link between TB and a gene mutation that causes lung cancer

Research finds a significant association between pulmonary TB and EGFR mutations in lung cancer patients. The study reveals that tumors with these mutations respond well to targeted therapies, offering new hope for treatment.

SourceInternational Association for the Study of Lung Cancer·JournalJournal of Thoracic Oncology·DateJan 17, 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.

Cell signaling key to stopping growth and migration of brain cancer cells

Researchers have discovered a key to stopping brain cancer cell growth and migration by inhibiting a specific signaling pathway. The study, published in Nature: Oncogene, shows that targeting the Mer pathway can make brain cancer cells more sensitive to chemotherapy and prevent them from escaping to other areas of the brain.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalOncogene·DateJan 17, 2012

Defective cell 'battery' plays central role in neurodegenerative disease

A devastating neurodegenerative disease called Autosomal Recessive Spastic Ataxia of Charlevoix-Saguenay (ARSACS) has been linked to defective mitochondria in neurons. The research reveals an important common link with other neurodegenerative diseases, offering renewed hope for those affected.

SourceMcGill University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 17, 2012

Genetic code cracked for a devastating blood parasite

Researchers have sequenced the nuclear genome of Schistosoma haematobium, a parasitic worm linked to bladder cancer and HIV/AIDS. The discovery offers insights into how the parasite induces malignant bladder cancer and provides a biological roadmap for developing new disease interventions, including drugs and vaccines.

SourceUniversity of Melbourne·JournalNature Genetics·DateJan 17, 2012

Solutions for a nitrogen-soaked world

The report explores complex consequences of excess nitrogen on ecological communities, human health, and agriculture. Strategies to maximize efficient use of fertilizer and mitigate agricultural sources are also presented.

SourceEcological Society of America·DateJan 17, 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.

Pioneering engineers turn destructive plant into valuable carbon

Pioneering engineers have found a way to produce highly valuable activated carbon from the invasive Marabú shrub, which could help alleviate Cuba's ecological problems and provide clean drinking water for developing countries. The process uses technology developed by researchers at the University of Strathclyde.

SourceUniversity of Strathclyde·DateJan 17, 2012

A first: Brain support cells from umbilical cord stem cells

Researchers successfully converted stem cells from umbilical cords into oligodendrocytes, critical cells that insulate nerves in the brain and spinal cord. The breakthrough offers new hope for treating spinal cord injuries and multiple sclerosis by injecting healthy oligodendrocytes into the body.

SourceUniversity of Central Florida·JournalACS Chemical Neuroscience·DateJan 17, 2012

The illusion of courage: Why people mispredict their behavior in embarrassing situations

A study published in the Journal of Behavioral Decision Making found that people tend to overestimate their willingness to engage in embarrassing public performances. However, inducing immediate emotions can help reduce this illusion of courage. The research has practical implications for understanding human behavior and decision-making.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalJournal of Behavioral Decision Making·DateJan 17, 2012

Retention study identifies key factors affecting 3 generations of nurses

A survey of 900 nurses reveals that a strong attachment to healing and nursing is the only variable identified by all three age groups. The study found six independent variables that influenced nurses' intentions to continue nursing, with work variables being most important for older nurses.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Advanced Nursing·DateJan 17, 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.

Mental illness protects some inmates from returning to jail

A new study reveals that inmates with severe mental illnesses have lower recidivism rates than those with substance abuse issues or no diagnosis. The research, published in the International Journal of Law and Psychiatry, found that those with mental illnesses alone had better outcomes even compared to those with no problems.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalInternational Journal of Law and Psychiatry·DateJan 17, 2012

Better together - The RN and the EHR

A study of over 16,000 nurses found that EHRs lead to more efficient nursing care, better coordination, and patient safety. Nurses in hospitals with fully implemented basic EHRs were less likely to report unfavorable patient safety issues.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Nursing·JournalJONA The Journal of Nursing Administration·DateJan 17, 2012

Blocking metabolic protein improves movement in animals with ALS

A study found that blocking a protein called AMPK helps increase animal mobility and reduce nerve cell death in animal models of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The findings suggest energy deficits may contribute to neurodegenerative disorders like ALS, offering new directions for treatment.

SourceSociety for Neuroscience·DateJan 17, 2012

Neurologically impaired children dependent on children's hospitals

A study by Boston Children's Hospital reveals that neurologically impaired children account for increasing hospital resources in children's hospitals, with 25% of bed days and 29% of hospital charges attributed to them. This highlights the need for improved care coordination and better patient outcomes.

SourceBoston Children's Hospital·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateJan 17, 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.

U-M News: Kidney failure risk higher for liver transplant patients following policy change

Research from Michigan Medicine shows a 15% increase in post-liver transplant kidney failure among recipients since the implementation of Model of End Stage Liver Disease (MELD) allocation. Modifiable risk factors identified include African American race, hepatitis C, and pre-transplant diabetes.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalAmerican Journal of Transplantation·DateJan 17, 2012

An easier way to remove gallstones

A new endoscope has been developed to locate and clear out gallstones and lesions without removing the entire gallbladder. The device uses a tiny ultrasonic probe to detect small stones and a horn-shaped 'absorbing box' to suck out fine, difficult-to-remove sludge-like gallstones.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalReview of Scientific Instruments·DateJan 17, 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.

Monitoring the impact of pneumococcal conjugate vaccination in The Gambia

A population-based surveillance system has been set up to assess the impact of pneumococcal conjugate vaccines (PCVs) on invasive pneumococcal disease and radiological pneumonia in children in The Gambia. Evidence of sustained reduction in these diseases due to PCVs is crucial for vaccine introduction and ongoing use.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateJan 17, 2012

Flaky graphene makes reliable chemical sensors

Researchers from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and Dioxide Materials have developed a chemical sensor using randomly stacked graphene flakes. The thin films of flaky graphene outperformed previous sensors made from carbon nanotubes or graphene crystals, detecting trace amounts of test chemicals with high reliability.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateJan 17, 2012

How far is far enough?

Researchers developed a mathematical model to determine safe distances from residential areas for livestock farms, taking into account factors like odor emissions and wind conditions. The model aims to simplify current guidelines and regulations by providing a single, conservative estimate of separation distances.

SourceUniversity of Veterinary Medicine -- Vienna·JournalAtmospheric Environment·DateJan 17, 2012

Juvenile predation preventing Steller sea lion recovery

A new study reveals that predation on juvenile Steller sea lions is significantly underestimated and may be preventing the population from recovering. The study suggests that predators, such as orcas, are targeting more juveniles as populations decline, leading to a 'productivity pit' where breeding females are reduced.

SourceOregon State University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJan 17, 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.

Arm in plaster changes brain in 16 days

A new study by University of Zurich researchers found that brain areas responsible for the left hand adapt to compensate for an immobile right arm. The study suggests using the undamaged arm to strengthen the affected one through therapy, offering a potential treatment approach for stroke patients.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalNeurology·DateJan 17, 2012

Brisbane climate change study warns of many years of life lost

A world-first study conducted by QUT and CSIRO found that temperature-related deaths in Brisbane account for 6,572 years of life lost annually. Improving housing conditions through better insulation can help mitigate this issue.

SourceQueensland University of Technology·JournalNature Climate Change·DateJan 17, 2012

How does messiness affect consumer preference for simplicity?

A study found that messiness can lead consumers to prefer simpler products and think more clearly, particularly for conservative individuals. This effect is attributed to heuristic information processing, which simplifies product representations.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateJan 17, 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.

Study suggests junk food in schools doesn't cause weight gain among children

A recent study published by the American Sociological Association found that junk food sales in schools did not lead to an increase in weight gain among children between fifth and eighth grades. Despite a significant increase in junk food availability, obesity rates actually decreased during this period.

SourceAmerican Sociological Association·JournalSociology of Education·DateJan 17, 2012

Study reveals origins of esophageal cancer

Researchers at Columbia University Irving Medical Center identified the origin of esophageal adenocarcinoma as the gastric cardia, where bile acid and inflammatory cytokines activate stem cells. The study highlights possible targets for new clinical therapies, including inhibiting notch signaling.

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalCancer Cell·DateJan 17, 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 consumers prefer to pay $29 for 70 items or get 70 items for $29?

A study in the Journal of Consumer Research found that presenting item quantity before price can make a package appear more appealing, while presenting price first can have the opposite effect. This is especially true when packages are large and unit prices are difficult to calculate.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateJan 17, 2012

Using contrasting colors to reduce serving sizes and lose weight

Researchers found that using high-contrast colors on plates reduced serving sizes by 21%, while changing tablecloth color had a smaller impact. The 'Delboeuf illusion' plays a role in this phenomenon, where people perceive larger portions when served on larger plates.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateJan 17, 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.

Increasing care needs for children with neurological impairment

A study analyzing hospitalization data in the United States found that children with neurological impairment (NI) account for a significant proportion of inpatient resources. The impact of these children is growing within children's hospitals, necessitating a coordinated approach to ensure their needs are met.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateJan 17, 2012