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Science News Archive August 2000


Page 5 of 7

Kids who threaten are likely to be violent, study shows

A study of over 9,000 youngsters found that children and adolescents who threaten violence are significantly more likely to behave violently than those who do not make threats. Students who frequently threaten others are at particularly high risk for violence.

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.

Study finds acupuncture shows promise for treating cocaine addiction

A study published in Archives of Internal Medicine found that participants who received auricular acupuncture had a higher likelihood of being free from cocaine during treatment. Over half of those receiving acupuncture tested negative for the substance at the end of the eight-week trial, compared to 23.5% of control group participants.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Internet strengthens social relations and community involvement

A three-year study found that living in a highly-wired neighborhood with high-speed local network encourages greater community involvement, expands relationships, and maintains ties with friends and relatives. The study also reveals new methods of communication and increases collective action and political involvement.

Dibblee Medal awarded to retired USGS scientist, Thomas A. Steven

Thomas A. Steven, a retired USGS research field geologist, received the 7th Annual Dibblee Medal for his outstanding contributions to field geology and geologic mapping. He was recognized for his work on complex volcanic structures, genesis of ore deposits, and landscape evolution.

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.

Wisconsin lake study shows persistence of acid rain effects

A Wisconsin lake study has found that acid rain effects can last for decades, with the chemistry of the lake correcting itself naturally within two years. However, the biological changes took much longer to recover, with some species thriving while others were decimated.

Running out of reptiles

The article highlights the growing crisis of reptile extinction, citing habitat loss, invasive species, and human activities as major threats. Dr. Whit Gibbons' research suggests that reptiles are in greater danger of extinction than amphibians due to similar but more severe impacts from environmental factors.

Zirconate material will improve plutonium storage safety

A new study reveals that gadolinium zirconate is highly resistant to radiation, outlasting ceramic materials currently considered for plutonium disposal by millions of years. This finding makes it a leading candidate for the immobilization of plutonium, a nuclear contaminant with a long half-life.

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.

You don't have to feel sleepy to have sleep apnea, U-M study finds

A University of Michigan study suggests that patients with undiagnosed sleep apnea may not always describe their symptoms as 'sleepy', but rather experience fatigue, tiredness, or lack of energy. Laboratory sleep tests revealed interrupted breathing patterns in 73% of the study's subjects.

Mutation rate of male sex chromosome lower than expected

Researchers find nearly 99% identity in X and Y chromosome regions, revealing a much smaller difference in mutation rates. This discovery suggests that genetic-disease-producing mutations must be explored for individual underlying causes, potentially changing the understanding of inherited diseases.

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.

Researchers produce the first direct 3-D image of a volcanic system

Researchers at Scripps Institution of Oceanography have produced the first direct three-dimensional image of a volcanic system using sound waves. The team used a two-mile long array of hydrophones to record sound signals reflected from a magma chamber beneath the East Pacific Rise, revealing a large and complex magma chamber system.

Research shows that brain receptor may control obesity

Researchers discovered a new receptor site in the brain that causes mice to become obese by storing fat and expending less energy. The study sheds light on genetic determinants of obesity, metabolism, and regulation of fat mass.

Space experiments are key to better crystal-growth modeling

Researchers at Purdue University are designing software to manufacture superior crystals, enabling better electronic hardware and alloys. Space experiments have uncovered critical information on crystal formation in the absence of gravity, which is incorporated into mathematical models.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Self-adjusting chips to extend limits of computing power

Researchers at the University of Rochester have created a model called Complexity-Adaptive Processing (CAP) that monitors and adapts software's use of microprocessor hardware. Early tests show CAP can halve energy consumption while improving performance, paving the way for more efficient processors.

Scientists discover key ingredient in sexual reproduction

Researchers at Stanford University discovered that nitric oxide gas plays a crucial role in triggering fertilization, which could lead to new treatments for infertility. The study focused on sea urchins, but the findings also have implications for human reproduction and genetic engineering.

Many minority patients pick doctors of their own race

A study by Somnath Saha found that nearly a quarter of minority patients consider race when selecting physicians, with many preferring same-race doctors for language or personal reasons. This could impact medical student recruitment to create a diverse physician workforce.

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.

International laser conference and workshop to convene at Duke

The International Free-Electron Laser Conference and Workshop will bring together specialists from around the world to discuss advancements in free-electron lasers. The conference, hosted by Duke University's DFELL laboratory, will showcase research on applications such as corneal wound healing, nanostructures, and neurosurgery.

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.

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.

PQRI workshop to address blend uniformity

The PQRI Workshop on Blend Uniformity brings together industry, academia, and government to discuss batch homogeneity issues and identify scientific and regulatory gaps. The workshop aims to provide preliminary recommendations for science-based changes to guidelines and regulations.

Adverse drug events in nursing homes: common and preventable

A study found that over half of medication-related injuries in US nursing homes are preventable, with psychoactive drugs and anticoagulants being the most common culprits. The study recommends enhanced surveillance, educational efforts, and systems-based prevention strategies to improve medication safety.

Hummingbird studies raise questions about birdsong evolution

A study published in Nature found that hummingbirds, parrots, and songbirds have evolved similar brain structures to learn and mimic songs. The discovery sheds light on the evolution of language in humans and raises questions about whether birds developed this ability independently or from a common ancestor.

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.

Giant jellies invade Gulf of Mexico threatening shrimp fishery

The Spotted Jellyfish, native to Australian coastal waters, have invaded the northern Gulf of Mexico causing concern over their potential threat to the region's ecosystems and commercial fisheries. The jellies' feeding habits and survival capabilities in the Gulf waters are being investigated by researchers.

Strange quasicrystal metal alloys spring an electronic surprise

Researchers have found that electrons in quasicrystals travel in bands with distinct momentum and energy, correlated with the structure of the alloy. This discovery challenges theoretical expectations and opens new avenues for inquiry into the material's properties.

Development of cancer in older adults

A new study finds that the 'cell crisis' theory explains why certain cancers become more common with age. Genetic mutations cause cells to divide uncontrollably after telomeres shorten, leading to cancer development.

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.

Virginia Tech teams with US Army on exercise research

Researchers at Virginia Tech are studying the effects of specialized exercise on bones in young women to prevent stress fractures. The study will involve 160 women between 18-26 years old and investigate the impact of isokinetic resistance exercises on bone stiffness.

Microscopic bone evidence supports dinosaur-bird evolution link

Researchers found similarities in bone structure among coelurosaurs, suggesting birds evolved from a group of dinosaurs. The study also sheds light on the debate over dinosaur metabolic rates, finding irregular collagen fiber bundles similar to those in modern birds.

UF engineer: new method predicts severity of hurricane-driven waves

A new method developed by UF engineer Michel Ochi accurately estimates the severity of waves near shore during hurricanes, helping engineers design more hurricane-ready buildings. The study also highlights the importance of tide levels at hurricane landing, making generalizations problematic.

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.

Making an artificial eye move

Researchers at the University of Alberta created an artificial eye that can rotate in synchronicity with its 'good partner', using a tiny electrical motor and infrared detectors. The implant aims to alleviate psychological and physical symptoms associated with missing eyes, giving patients more confidence after radical facial surgery.

A simple model for the formation of ice clouds

Scientists develop a simple thermodynamic model to describe ice particle formation in atmosphere, independent of solute nature. The model requires only temperature and relative humidity as parameters.

Arctic temperatures warmest in past four centuries, study says

A new review paper by University of Colorado at Boulder researcher Mark Serreze and nine co-authors confirms that Arctic temperatures have warmed to the highest levels in four centuries, largely due to human activity. The study also highlights the degradation of climate data from the region, threatening long-term monitoring efforts.

Vibrations may deliver crucial information to pilots

Researchers at Ohio State University found that pilots can detect changes in automation status more effectively when receiving vibrations than visual cues. The study suggests that tactile feedback could be a powerful tool for human-machine communication in various domains, including aviation, healthcare, and space exploration.

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.

Rare hallucinations make music in the mind

Researchers have connected lesions on the dorsal pons with multiple cases of musical hallucinations, a rare disorder where patients hear music in their mind. The study describes a quick onset of hallucinations without long-term hearing loss and sheds light on the condition's causes.

Florida campaign shows progress in reducing youth smoking

A comprehensive youth-led prevention program in Florida has helped reduce cigarette smoking among middle and high school students. The program, implemented in 1998, resulted in a 40% decline in current cigarette use among middle school students and an 18% decrease among high school students over the two-year period.

Cigar smoking is a serious risk to public health

Research finds that cigar smoking causes cancers of the lung and upper aerodigestive tract, with risks approaching those of cigarette smoking. Environmental cigar smoke contributes significantly to indoor air pollution, posing health hazards.

Texts on computer screens harder to understand, less persuasive

A new study by Ohio State University researchers found that students who read essays on a computer screen struggled to comprehend the text and rated it as less interesting and less persuasive. Despite the same content, computerized texts were harder for students to understand, which may be due to different processing abilities.