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BrightSurf.com Science News Headlines February 2003
Space Shuttle Columbia STS-107 Special Coverage

February 28, 2003
Remnants of ancient stars in Earth's upper atmosphere: NASA researchers believe they have found bits of ancient stars in small particles gathered in the Earth's upper atmosphere.
NSF Choses Alternative Method to Refuel Its Main Antarctic Research Station: The cumulative effects of at least two years of unusual ice conditions in McMurdo Sound are keeping a fuel tanker from reaching the pier at the National Science Foundation's (NSF) McMurdo Station.
New Spacecraft Tool Reveals Massive Gas Cloud Around Jupiter: Using a sensitive new imaging instrument on NASA's Cassini spacecraft, researchers have discovered a large and surprisingly dense gas cloud sharing an orbit with Jupiter's icy moon Europa.
Scientists isolate microorganisms that break down a toxic pesticide: Scientists report that they have isolated microorganisms capable of degrading endosulfan, a chlorinated insecticide widely used all over the world and which is currently registered to control insects and mites on 60 U.S. crops.
Apes and Monkeys provide needed help in understanding the human genome: Scientists with the U.S. Department of Energy's Joint Genome Institute and the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (Berkeley Lab) have developed a powerful new technique for deciphering biological information encoded in the human genome.
A cocoon found inside the Black Widow's web: NASA's Chandra X-ray Observatory image of the mysterious Black Widow pulsar reveals the first direct evidence of an elongated cocoon of high-energy particles.
Mutant protein linked to heart failure: A rare case of familial heart failure has shown that a loss of calcium regulation in heart cells may directly cause this hereditary form of the disease.
Genes of autumn leaves mapped: It is not known what genes turn leaves yellow in the fall. However, scientists have managed to identify more than 2,400 genes that take part in the process.

February 27, 2003
Galileo Team Disbanding as Long Jupiter Tour Winds Down: The flight team for NASA's Jupiter-orbiting Galileo spacecraft will cease operations on Friday, Feb. 28 after a final playback of scientific data from the robotic explorer's tape recorder.
First reliable diagnostic test for myotonic muscular dystrophy type 2: Researchers at the University of Minnesota Medical School's Muscular Dystrophy Center have developed the first reliable diagnostic test for myotonic muscular dystrophy type 2 (DM2), leading to the accurate determination of the disease's clinical and molecular features.
NASA research aircraft searches Columbia's path for debris: A NASA high-altitude research aircraft flew over portions of the Space Shuttle Columbia's flight path Saturday. NASA's ER-2 used special cameras to search for debris that may have separated from Columbia as it returned to Earth Feb. 1.
Physicist designs perfect automotive engine: Marlan Scully, the Texas A&M University professor who applied quantum physics to the automotive engine and came up with a design that emits laser beams instead of exhaust, has been tinkering under the hood again.
Researchers achieve quantum entanglement of three electrons: The quantum entanglement of three electrons, using an ultrafast optical pulse and a quantum well of a magnetic semiconductor material, has been demonstrated.
Enzyme controls 'good cholesterol': A recently discovered enzyme called endothelial lipase regulates the structure, metabolism and blood concentration of high density lipoprotein (HDL), the so-called 'good cholesterol'.

February 26, 2003
Pioneer 10 spacecraft sends last signal: After more than 30 years, it appears the venerable Pioneer 10 spacecraft has sent its last signal to Earth. Pioneer's last, very weak signal was received on Jan. 22, 2003.
US suffers largest earthquake of 2002: The magnitude 7.9 quake that hit Central Alaska on November 3 was the world's biggest earthquake in 2002, and the largest to hit the United States since 1996 when another 7.9 hit Alaska's Andreanof Islands.
OK, our next caller is... from Mars!: ESA's Mars Express mission will be entering orbit around Mars and releasing its lander Beagle 2 at the end of December 2003. The two NASA Mars Exploration Rovers will be landing about the same time.
Doctors should provide more information about medical errors: Doctors and patients say that patients want to be fully informed when an error happens, and believe such disclosure would increase their trust in their doctor. Yet while doctors want to be truthful, a variety of barriers may prevent physicians from disclosing errors to patients.
Engineers take new look at strength of industrial glass fiber: An Ohio State University engineer and his colleagues have discovered something new about a 50-year-old type of fiberglass: it may be more than one and a half times stronger than previously thought.

February 25, 2003
NASA's Newest Seawinds Instrument Breezes into Operation: One of NASA's newest Earth-observing instruments, the SeaWinds scatterometer aboard Japan's Advanced Earth Observing Satellite 2 (Adeos 2) -- now renamed Midori 2 -- has successfully transmitted its first radar data to our home planet, generating its first high-quality images.
X-Rays yield mechanism of Alzheimer's drug: A team of Weizmann scientists has gained new insight into the effects of a newly approved drug, rivastigmine, in treating Alzheimer’s disease, a debilitating brain disease causing memory loss in around 10% of the elderly.
Forensics ċ bringing bacteria into the courtroom: If bioterrorists are ever brought to trial, the evidence against them will depend on the painstaking work of a detective in a lab coat.
Tiny computing machine fueled by DNA: Fifty years after the discovery of the structure of DNA, a new use has been found for this celebrated molecule - fuel for molecular computation systems.

February 24, 2003
Study of variations in snow stability over geography and time are key in predicting avalanche events: The recent deaths of 14 Canadian skiers in two separate snow avalanches in British Columbia have increased attention on safety issues, but some U.S. scientists are turning their focus elsewhere.
Columbia Accident Investigation Board Advanced Sightings Team Status: The Columbia Accident Investigation Board (CAIB) Advanced Sightings Team is working to pinpoint the location of hardware that may have separated from the Space Shuttle Columbia early in its final path over the western United States.
'Nano-lamp' discovered by coincidence: University of Twente’s Phuong Le Minh developed a nanoscale integrated lightsourse. The principle of this tiny light source was discoverd by coincidence, performing semiconductor breakdown experiments.
Beautiful diatoms - Pattern for stable construction: Since their discovery around 170 years ago diatoms have been admired for their beauty and diversity. It has now been shown that their fantastical shapes have an ecological purpose.
Alcohol researchers identify a genetic basis of pain: A common genetic variant influences individual responses and adaptation to pain and other stressful stimuli and may underlie vulnerability to many psychiatric and other complex diseases.
Teasing apart the molecules of life: Researchers devise new technique and measure the forces required to unzip the DNA double helix.

February 21, 2003
NASA Solves Half-Century Old Moon Mystery: In the early morning hours of Nov. 15, 1953, an amateur astronomer in Oklahoma photographed what he believed to be a massive, white-hot fireball of vaporized rock rising from the center of the Moon's face.
Short and long gamma-ray bursts different to the core: While the origin of gamma-ray bursts -- the most powerful explosions known in the universe -- remains a mystery, scientists say that the two major varieties, long and short bursts, arise from different types of events.
Fly mutation suggests link to human brain disease: The finding of a new genetic mutation that prompts adult fruit flies to develop symptoms similar to Alzheimer's disease may have human implications. Humans have the same gene.
New age for Mungo Man, new human history: A University of Melbourne-led study has finally got scientists to agree on the age of Mungo Man, Australia’s oldest human remains, and the consensus is he is 22,000 years younger.
Researchers discover possible new mechanism for high blood pressure: Genetic differences that prevent tiny blood vessels from relaxing may be one reason why some people have high blood pressure, or hypertension.
Scientists find the gene that determines major sensitivity to bitter taste: How individuals are genetically predisposed to respond or not respond to the bitter taste of substances like nicotine and certain foods may have broad implications for nutritional status and tobacco use.

February 20, 2003
Mars Odyssey Points to Melting Snow as Cause of Gullies: Images from the visible light camera on NASA's Mars Odyssey spacecraft, combined with images from NASA's Mars Global Surveyor, suggest melting snow is the likely cause of the numerous eroded gullies first documented on Mars in 2000 by Global Surveyor.
Space Shuttle Columbia search and recovery enters into new phase: The search for materials from the Space Shuttle Columbia accident is entering a new phase. NASA is consolidating two of the primary search coordination field offices and establishing four incident command posts and base camps.
Bright comet is really NEAT: Comet C/2002 V1 (NEAT) is putting on a fine show for ESA/NASA's Solar and Heliospheric Observatory (SOHO) space probe. As the comet swings closer to the Sun, it has gotten brighter.
Methane Eruptions On The Sea Floor: Methane is a highly potent greenhouse gas. In its solid, ice form, called methane hydrate, it is stored in large amounts below the sea floor.
Population study of genetically modified (GM) mosquitoes highlights difficulties facing malaria control: The first laboratory population study of genetically modified mosquitoes identifies issues that need to be faced in the task of turning mosquitoes from disease carriers into disease fighters.
Electronic Circuit Rides a Chemical Film: Chains of molecules known as conducting polymers are versatile materials that can work like electronic circuits. Potential uses include flat panel displays, solar panels, sensing devices and transistors.
Mechanism controls movement of cell structures: Organelles are compartments and structures inside cells that perform varied and vital functions, including energy production, storage and transportation of important substances and removal of waste products.

February 19, 2003
Initial requirements set for Orbital Space Plane System: NASA today released the top level requirements for the Orbital Space Plane (OSP), a next generation system of space vehicles.
Predicting the climate of the 21st century: Warming land and ocean surfaces, melting glaciers, rising sea levels, and other recent evidence strongly suggest that Earth's climate is already changing rapidly because of the buildup of greenhouse gases.
Promising drug for preventing serious complications of diabetes: Researchers have shown in animal studies that a drug long available in Europe can simultaneously block three of the major biochemical pathways responsible for the blood-vessel damage that causes serious diabetic complications.
Bone marrow helps bones to repair themselves: Specially prepared titanium mesh and bone marrow cells have made it possible to allow new bone cells to grow in bone fractures.
Cancer vaccine one step closer: Andreea Ioan-Facsinay from Leiden University Medical Center has attached proteins from tumour cells to antibodies. With these she treated immune cells from a mouse.
Scientists create first 3-D map of the protein universe: This map provides important insight into the evolution and demographics of protein structures and may help scientists identify the functions of newly discovered proteins.
Fragile deep-water coral thrown lifeline: Scientists who discovered an area of deep-water corals off the Scottish coast are welcoming proposals to protect the habitat from deep-water trawling.
Larger nuts end up further from tree: The bigger the nut, the further it is buried from the tree and the more frequently it is forgotten.

February 18, 2003
Genetics may help solve mysteries of human evolution: By 100,000 years ago, Homo sapiens had evolved on the continent of Africa. For 50,000 years, they were confined there, and they behaved just like H. neanderthalensis then inhabiting parts of Europe and H. erectus living in Asia.
Telescope finds star about to explode: Dutch researchers in an international team of astronomers have discovered a star which will explode in the near future, located in the constellation Cassiopeia.
Ginseng may improve memory in stroke dementia patients: A small study showed that a ginseng compound improved memory scores of people suffering from stroke-induced dementia.
Scientists in the snow - Improving water and climate forescasts: Scientists and students from six federal agencies and many universities will study the snow packs of the Colorado Rockies from the ground, air and space this year.
Bacteria for plague control in agriculture: Bacillus thuringiensis, a spore bacteria discovered in 1901 is the micro-organism most used as a bio-insecticide throughout the world.
Greenhouse effects... also on other planets: Our planet is warming up, and experts warn that the consequences will be serious. So are other planets...
International Space Station Status Report: Approaching three months into their stay in space aboard the International Space Station, the Expedition 6 crewmembers continued unpacking newly arrived supplies this week, watched their home’s altitude rise, held a news conference and operated the station’s robotic arm.
Corals defy species classification: Classifying corals in terms of species is a risky business. A biologist has discovered that four species of stone corals differ so little in terms of their genetic material that they can scarcely be termed separate species.

February 14, 2003
Space Shuttle Columbia STS-107 Special Coverage: The search continued for debris from Columbia, though efforts were hampered by rain in parts of East Texas. More rain was forecast for the area. As of early Friday, the westward boundary of the debris field remained just west of the Fort Worth, Texas area. Still, teams continued to investigate reports of debris as far west as California.
Researchers discover how leukaemia virus spreads through the body: Researchers have discovered the mechanism by which human T-lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV-1), the virus which causes adult T-cell leukaemia, spreads through the body.
NASA Scientist Clears The Fog on Gloomy Summers: The word California invokes many images: miles of sunny beaches, streets lined with swaying palm trees, mountains that touch the great blue sky and cold nights filled with thick, dense fog. What was that? Cold? Fog?
Ethics Lag in Nanotechnology: Scientists and activist groups are on a collision course over the rapidly emerging field of nanotechnology, which could derail the first major scientific revolution of the 21st Century.
Cognitive abilities increase significntly with time in most prematurely born children: New research shows that most children born prematurely improve significantly on tests of cognitive function during early childhood and score within the normal range on tests of verbal comprehension and intelligence by age 8.
Researcher quantifies meteor false alarm rate for nuclear test monitoring system: A Los Alamos National Laboratory researcher is helping to provide an extra measure of confidence in an international array of listening posts that keep an ear out for clandestine nuclear weapons tests.
Ancient skeletons can trick researchers: The genetic information obtained from ancient human skeletons may often give very misleading results. Damage to the ancient DNA can confuse studies of geographic origin and relatedness.

February 13, 2003
Study finds possible new indicator of heart disease: Levels of a type of adult stem cell in the bloodstream may indicate the risk of developing cardiovascular disease.
NASA study shows how water may have flowed on ancient Mars: NASA scientists have discovered how an intricate martian network of streams, rivers and lakes may have carried water across Mars.
Genetic signature linked to severe Lupus symptoms: A team of scientists have discovered a genetic signature present in some patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) who develop such life-threatening complications as blood disorders, central nervous system damage and kidney failure.
Forests of the continental U.S. continue to fragment: Fragmentation affects habitat quality for the mammal, reptile, bird, and amphibian species found in forests.
ISS Expedition Six Science Operations Report: Science operations continue on the International Space Station. Basic and applied research is being conducted in biology, physics, chemistry, ecology, medicine, materials science, manufacturing and the long-term effects of space flight on humans.
New institute may improve aerospace systems: The institute will conduct research that could lead to devices on the molecular scale, but also will deal with entire aerospace systems.

February 12, 2003
NASA releases stunning images of our infant universe: NASA released the best baby picture of the Universe ever taken; the image contains such stunning detail that it may be one of the most important scientific results of recent years.
Researchers study smallpox vaccination protection: Researchers are studying the effectiveness of the smallpox vaccine in patients who received inoculations decades ago compared with those vaccinated more recently.
Discovery of a new type of star: University of Arizona astronomy undergraduates have serendipitously discovered a new class of star that thrills astronomers who specialize in a relatively new field called astroseismology.
The History and Fate of the Universe chart debuts: What time did the universe begin? When did the first star appear? How long will the universe last?
Gene targeting technique extended to human embryonic stem cells: The technique that helped revolutionize modern biology by making the mouse a crucible of genetic manipulation and a window to human disease has been extended to human embryonic stem (ES) cells.
Violent truth behind SunÁs ÇGentle GiantsÁ uncovered: Solar Physicists have discovered new clues to understanding explosions on the Sun.
Host gene that makes people vulnerable to leprosy discovered: An international research team have identified a gene on human chromosome 6 that makes people vulnerable to leprosy.
Natural bandages that mimic body's healing process: With the same compound the body uses to clot blood, scientists have created a nano-fiber mat that could eventually become a natural bandage.

February 10-11, 2003
Space Sensors Sample Brews From Earth's Volcanic Cauldrons: NASA's atmospheric science and volcanology wizards can now study the evolution and structure of plumes from Mount Etna and Earth's 500 or so other active volcanoes in greater detail than ever before.
New Genetic 'Fishing Net' Harvests Elusive Autism Gene: Researchers have developed a new statistical genetic fishing net that they have cast into a sea of complex genetic data on autistic children to harvest an elusive autism gene.
Spacecraft and Expendable Vehicles Status Report: Spacecraft and Expendable Vehicles Status Report for the Galaxy Evolution Explorer, Propulsive Small Expendable Deployer System, Space Infrared Telescope Facility, and Mars Exploration Rovers.
'Sticky' DNA crystals promise new way to process information: A team has used the selective stickiness of DNA to construct a scaffolding for closely spaced nanoparticles that could exchange information on a scale of only 10 angstroms (an angstrom is one 10-billionth of a meter).
Scientists solve chaotic heartbeat mystery: Fatal, electrical chaos can develop in the hearts of otherwise healthy people who produce a defective accessory protein called ankyrin-B.
International Space Station Status Report: As they complete their eleventh week on orbit, the International Space Station’s Expedition 6 crewmembers are unpacking a new shipment of supplies while helping mission managers plan for the remainder of their time in space.

February 7, 2003
First-ever photo of wild Siberian tiger taken in China A remote camera clicked the first known photograph of a wild Siberian or Amur tiger in northern China last week, providing strong evidence that tigers are crossing from the Russian Far East to repopulate previous tiger strongholds.
AfghanistanÁs wetlands and birdlife bear brunt of war and drought: The internationally significant Sistan wetlands - shared between Afghanistan and Iran - are almost completely dry, according to a new report presented to environmental leaders in Nairobi.
Brain images reveal effects of antidepressants: The experiences of millions of people have proved that antidepressants work, but only with the advent of sophisticated imaging technology have scientists begun to learn exactly how the medications affect brain structures and circuits to bring relief from depression.
New Images from Space Spotlight Pollution: A visualization of satellite data by scientists at the National Center for Atmospheric Research shows heavy pollution from China and Southeast Asia blowing out over the Pacific Ocean.
Synthesized molecule holds promise as antitumor agent: Amphidinolides, a family of natural compounds that have shown promise as powerful antitumor agents, pose problems for cancer researchers because they are found in only minute amounts, and only in microscopic marine flatworms.
Hormone therapy could help prevent pre-term births: Injections of a progesterone-type hormone may be able to prevent more than a third of pre-term births in women with a history of giving birth early.

February 6, 2003
Smallpox protection project launched to counter bioterrorism: Oxford University, with the generous support of IBM and other partners, has launched a project to develop new drugs that for the first time would combat the smallpox virus after infection.
Volcanic seamounts siphon ocean water through the seafloor: Researchers have discovered a pair of seamounts on the ocean floor that serve as inflow and outflow points for a vast plumbing system that circulates water through the seafloor.
Bone marrow cells take on new role in the brain: Researchers have published new evidence showing that cells from the bone marrow might help repair or maintain cells in other tissues.
Astronomers get ultrasharp images with large telescope: Astronomers have successfully tested a new method to remove atmospheric blurring from large ground based telescopes.
Satellite Helps Scientists see Quake Effects in Remote Areas: The unique capabilities of a NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory-built and managed instrument aboard an Earth-observing satellite have allowed researchers to view effects of a major earthquake that occurred in 2001 in Northern India near the border of Pakistan.
Genetically Modified Cotton - Much Higher Yields: Genetically modified (GM) pest-resistant cotton may provide yields up to 80 per cent higher than traditional types.
World shark attacks sink for second year in row: A weak economy and excessive fishing may have taken a bite out of shark attacks, which declined in 2002 for the second straight year.

February 5, 2003
Live cells have been found in frozen mammoth: Last summer Russian scientists found a frozen mammoth in Yakutia. In the subcutaneous cellular tissue of the animal they discovered living cells with intact nuclei. Possibly, these cells are good enough for cloning the extinct mammal.
Nanocluster catalysts aim to clean up fossil fuels: Scientists from the University of Aarhus, Denmark, have developed a technique that could improve the commercial processes used to remove environmentally harmful sulphur from fossil fuels.
Power stations threaten people and wildlife with mercury poisoning: Mercury poisoning of the planet could be significantly reduced by curbing pollution from power stations, a new report released by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) suggests.
Strange properties of the tequila plant studied by Mexican student: Tequila is the national drink of Mexico and is also hugely popular worldwide. Now a Mexican student has come to England to study the unusual properties of tequila plants.
Cooling system under the sea floor: The scientific, technical and logistic support of geo scientists was instrumental in the discovery of a 50 km long cooling system by US-scientists under the sea floor off the north-west American coast.
International Space Station Status Report: A Russian Progress 10 resupply craft successfully docked to the International Space Station today, two days after it was launched from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan.

February 4, 2003
New research integrates microfluidics with nanotechnology: Cutting edge research is setting the stage for the practical deployment of carbon nanotubes as flow sensors.
Oxygen key switch in transforming adult stem cells from fat into cartilage: In their ongoing research on turning adult stem cells isolated from fat into cartilage, Duke University Medical Center researchers have demonstrated that the level of oxygen present during the transformation process is a key switch in stimulating the stem cells to change.
Researchers connect life's blueprints with its energy source: The Purdue University research team that recently created a tiny motor out of synthetic biological molecules has found further evidence that RNA molecules can perform physical work.
Expressing anger may protect against stroke and heart disease: A new study suggests that occasional anger expression is associated with decreased risk of stroke and coronary heart disease.
Using sewage sludge as fertilizer: Sewage sludge has the potential to boost production for certain crops while addressing the increase in the amount of waste and the growing scarcity of landfills.

February 3, 2003
A 70,000-Carat U.S. Space 'Gem', Explorer 1 Marks its Sapphire Anniversary: We remember Explorer 1 for both its pioneering place in U.S. space history and its immediate contributions to science as the initial discoverer of the Van Allen Radiation Belts around Earth.
The William Herschel Telescope finds the best candidate for a supernova explosion: An international team of astronomers using the Utrecht Echelle Spectrograph on the William Herschel Telescope has identified the bright star Rho Cassiopeiae as the best candidate to undergo a supernova explosion in the near future.
A brighter, more colorful future for LEDs?: Scientists have engineered a simple, electroluminescent LED device that can produce either red or green light, depending on the voltage applied to it.
Photoelectric cells classified: Photoelectric cells are classified according to the power they produce, given that total power production of any panel can be limited by just one photoelectric cell of lower power production.
Artemis finally reaches operational orbit: Now, eighteen months further on, the most advanced ESA telecommunications satellite ever commissioned, is on station, ready to play its part in the development of new telecommunications services.
Study sheds light on how the sun causes skin cancer: Researchers at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute have made a discovery that could help solve a mystery in cancer biology: how a sunburn acquired during a childhood day at the beach can develop into a deadly tumor decades later.

[ January 2003 News Archive ]
 
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