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Science News Archive April 1997


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Chimpanzees Protected From HIV-1 Infection By New DNA Vaccine

A new DNA vaccine has shown promising results in protecting chimpanzees from HIV-1 infection, with two immunized animals demonstrating a strong immune response and one controlled animal showing signs of infection before recovery. The vaccine's genetic approach may lead to breakthroughs in human disease treatment.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Laser Offers Hope For Heart Patients With No Alternatives

Duke University Medical Center is testing a new laser system to pierce blood-carrying channels in ailing heart muscle, showing promising results for eight treated patients. The procedure, known as transmyocardial revascularization (TMR), creates new passageways that increase oxygenation and functional heart muscle.

UNC-CH Study Shows State Protects HMO Clients Poorly

A new UNC-CH study reveals North Carolina's Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) consumer protection is lacking, with the state receiving only 'C-minuses' for its report card. The study highlights the need for enhanced accessibility, understandable written materials, and improved due process requirements.

Altered Gene Increases Men's Risk For Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

A study from Rockefeller University found that a specific altered gene, COMT, may increase the risk of OCD in men. The researchers discovered that this gene affects the production of dopamine and norepinephrine, leading to a biochemical imbalance that contributes to the development of OCD.

Kids Near Airports Don't Read As Well

Research at Cornell University found that children in noisy schools near airports perform worse in reading skills compared to those in quiet areas. The study suggests that kids tune out speech amidst constant background noise, making it difficult for them to acquire speech recognition skills.

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.

ORNL Is Developing Medical Telesensors For The Military

Researchers at ORNL are developing medical telesensors to measure vital signs such as body temperature, blood pressure, and pulse rate in combat zones. The sensors will transmit data wirelessly to remote receivers, enabling medics to quickly identify wounded soldiers and prioritize treatment.

Tracking The Red River Flood Northward

The USGS is tracking the northward movement of the Red River floodwaters, taking measurements to improve forecasts for evacuations upstream. Crucial to understanding the impact on upstream communities will be how much water is contributed by the Pembina River.

New Strategy For Fighting Infection Proves Successful In Mice

A new vaccine targeting the E. coli adhesin protein has shown promise in preventing urinary tract infections and bladder infections in mice. The vaccine works by blocking attachment of bacteria to bladder cells, preventing infection and reducing bacterial load.

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.

MOHS Surgery At Emory University Helps Prevent Melanoma Recurrence

Mohs surgery has shown promise in preventing melanoma recurrence, particularly in patients with lentigo-maligna tumors. The technique's precision and ability to check surgical margins may provide a better chance of getting rid of tumors and preventing recurrences while conserving tissue.

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.

Scooter Runs Into A Wall

Researchers from Northwestern University demonstrate a robot called Scooter that is programmed to refuse to go past a virtual surface. This innovation is part of a new class of collaborative robots called cobots, which are designed to work with humans safely and efficiently.

Genes Discovered Enabling Tomatoes To Resist Wilt Disease

A group of genes has been discovered that makes wild tomatoes resistant to wilt disease, allowing breeders to speed up the development of new disease-resistant varieties. The findings also enable the design of genetically engineered crops with optimal resistance properties.

New Drug Therapies Delay Effects Of Alzheimer's Disease

Researchers found a significant delay in disease progression with selegiline and Vitamin E treatment, particularly among those with moderately severe disease. The drugs showed promise in reducing symptoms, but further studies are needed to confirm their effectiveness.

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.

Smart Start Evaluation Reveals Improvements, Researchers Say

The Smart Start program has seen significant improvements in child care quality, with a 7% increase in evaluation scores and 11% more centers meeting good standards. The study found that child care quality is related to Smart Start efforts and that the level of quality is improving over time.

Astronomers, Using New Method, Find Evidence For Missing Matter

Researchers have found evidence of a 'missing' form of ordinary matter, known as baryonic matter, that was thought to be needed to form the cosmos billions of years ago. The findings suggest that this matter was spread throughout intergalactic space in a diffuse gas of hydrogen and helium atoms.

New Gamma-rays Count Challenges Astronomical Theories

A team of astrophysicists discovered fewer low-energy photons in the universe than previously thought, suggesting that high-energy gamma rays may not be interacting with as many low-energy photons as expected. This observation could alter current theories of the history of the universe and galaxy formation.

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.

'Quantum Dots:' The Finish Line In High-Speed Computing?

Engineer Max Lagally and colleagues create tiny pyramids assembled from several thousand germanium atoms, perfectly shaped and uniform across the surface. The pyramid crystals can hold a single charge and represent some of the smallest materials structures ever created.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Unusual Brogue Of Oracoke, N.C. Islanders Threatened With Extinction

Researchers find that the unique island brogue is losing traditional features such as distinct vowel sounds and words like 'pizer' for 'porch.' The dialect's survival largely depends on the island's former isolation from the mainland. Despite its decline, linguists emphasize the importance of preserving languages and cultures.

NIH Team Discovers Endocrine Tumor Gene

The NIH team identified the MEN1 gene, a tumor suppressor gene that inhibits abnormal cell growth. This discovery enables easier screening for families at risk of MEN1 and provides a target for designing drugs to prevent or treat endocrine tumors.

Law Targeting Youth Tobacco Sales Ineffective, Not Enforced, Police Say

A University of North Carolina study found that most NC police officers think the state law restricting tobacco sales to adults only should be changed due to its ineffectiveness in preventing youth access. Only a small percentage of officers try to enforce the law, citing barriers such as lack of manpower and poorly written legislation.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Engineer Explores Pollution-Fighting Ceramic Materials

Researchers have developed microporous ceramic materials that can remove extremely fine particles from indoor air and water. These materials offer a durable, inexpensive, and environmentally friendly alternative to conventional technologies, such as incineration.

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.

Listen To Your Mother: An Apple A Day--Not A Cheeseburger--Keeps The Doctor Away

A recent study published in The New England Journal of Medicine found that a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and low-fat dairy products can significantly lower blood pressure. Among participants with high-normal or stage 1-mild hypertension, the DASH combination diet reduced systolic and diastolic blood pressure by an average of 3.5 m...

Traditional Bedside Rounds May Improve Patient Satisfaction

Patients prefer bedside discussions by physicians and medical students over conference room presentations, finding them more comfortable and attended to. More educated patients were more likely to understand their treatment plans and express satisfaction with care.

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.

Transmission Of Viruses Via Food Not Uncommon

Hepatitis A virus is the most severe foodborne viral disease, causing liver damage and debility. Viruses are transmitted through direct or indirect contamination of foods with human feces, highlighting the importance of good hygiene practices in preventing transmission.

Tiny Coated Beads Could 'Explosively' Release Drugs On Cue Within Tumors

Researchers develop tiny coated beads that can release drugs directly onto tumors in response to chemical signals. The beads are designed to remain intact until exposed to sodium-rich blood plasma, at which point they swell and burst explosively, releasing the entrapped drug. This technology has potential for targeted cancer treatment.

Tornado Sensor May Become Reality

Researchers have developed a two-part seismic device that can detect ground vibrations given off by an approaching tornado, allowing users to seek shelter. The 'sensor' portion of the device is designed to be affordable for everyone and can provide up to five minutes warning before a tornado strikes.

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.

Isle Royale Moose Continue Decline

The Isle Royale moose population has declined significantly, with only about 500 remaining after a devastating winter. This decline is attributed to the island's moose being severely stressed from lack of food and deep snows, with an abundance of balsam fir browse providing limited sustenance.

Molecular Gates Show Promise For Drug Delivery

A graduate student at Purdue University has developed a gel-like material that expands and contracts in response to changes in acidity, mimicking the natural response of the body. The gel could be used as a 'molecular gate' to deliver insulin in real-time, responding to glucose levels.

Licorice Prevents Cholesterol Build-Up

A study by Technion Researchers found that licorice extract delays LDL oxidation, reducing cholesterol build-up in arteries. Glabridin, a compound in the licorice root, traps free radicals causing oxidation and increases blood's resistance to it.

Cockpit Display System Could Reduce Mid-Air Collisions

A new cockpit display system being developed at Michigan Technological University aims to alert pilots of nearby aircraft and reduce mid-air collisions. The system uses passive radar and GPS squitter signals to provide real-time traffic information, greatly improving flight safety.

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.

New Polymer Diode Is The First To Emit Light Of Many Colors

Researchers have developed a new polymer-based LED that can change color with ease, making it suitable for flat-panel computer and television screens. The device outshines traditional materials in terms of brightness and efficiency, offering potential power savings in traffic lights.

Evolution Of Fish Antifreeze Gene Sheds Light On Climate History

Research sheds light on climate change by showing fish in Antarctica and Arctic independently evolved similar antifreeze glycoproteins, linked to environmental adaptation. The genes arose around 5-14 million years ago, providing new evidence for the Southern Ocean's freezing timeline.

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.