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Science News for November 5, 2000


University of Pittsburgh scientists identify how brain 'gets ready' to perform

Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine have discovered how the brain prepares to solve problems. The dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) becomes active when a person is getting ready to perform a task, and its activation is associated with representing and maintaining attentional demands.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Medical Center·DateNov 5, 2000

Genetically engineered hemoglobin brings artificial blood a step closer

Researchers have created artificial hemoglobin using genetic engineering techniques, showing great potential as an oxygen carrier for synthetic blood. The breakthrough could alleviate perennial blood bank shortages and provide a safe alternative for surgeries, transplants, and treating blood disorders.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalBiochemistry·DateNov 5, 2000
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.

INEEL and UI receive grant to improve jet engines

Researchers at the University of Idaho and INEEL are using a unique laser-based method to study airflow around turbine blades, which can lead to improved performance and reduced maintenance costs. The Matched Index of Refraction Flow System will enable detailed measurements of flow patterns and surface roughness.

SourceDOE/Idaho National Laboratory·DateNov 5, 2000

Nicotine causes selective degeneration in brain, UCLA neuroscientists report

UCLA researchers found that nicotine causes selective degeneration in the fasciculus retroflexus pathway, a region linked to drug addiction and relapse. High doses of nicotine led to almost complete degeneration in this pathway, highlighting its vulnerability to stimulant drugs.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalNeuropharmacology·DateNov 5, 2000
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.

Colorado U. study indicates Denver area drivers unmoved by state air quality advisories

A CU-Boulder study found that Denver-area drivers are largely unaware of the impact of air-quality advisories on their transportation habits, despite being aware of the advisories themselves. The study suggests possible alternatives to mitigate the problem, such as subsidizing public transit passes and improving cycling infrastructure.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalAtmospheric Environment·DateNov 5, 2000

'Exquisite' molecular mechanism found for impetigo infection, spread

A new study found that Staphylococcus aureus produces a toxin that breaks down the protein Desmoglein 1, causing blistering and skin cell adhesion loss. The findings provide insight into the bacterial mechanism of impetigo infection and spread.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases·JournalNature Medicine·DateNov 5, 2000

Hopkins scientists show enzyme is key to hallmark of Alzheimer's

Scientists at Johns Hopkins have identified a specific enzyme, beta-secretase, as crucial for forming the hallmark amyloid plaques of Alzheimer's disease. The study, which used mice models, suggests that targeting this enzyme could offer new therapeutic options for treating the condition.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·DateNov 5, 2000
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Brain imaging technology can reveal what a person is thinking about

Researchers used fMRI scans to identify whether participants were imagining faces or places, achieving an accuracy rate of 85% in some trials. The study has implications for understanding the minds of individuals unable to communicate due to injuries or disorders.

SourceBaycrest Centre for Geriatric Care·JournalJournal of Cognitive Neuroscience·DateNov 5, 2000

NC State physicists get first glimpse of nanoscale molecular behavior

Researchers have discovered a new method for measuring the molecular properties of materials, allowing them to study nanostructures in unprecedented detail. The Gradient-Field-Raman (GFR) spectroscopy technique reveals unique vibration patterns that couldn't be explained by previous methods.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateNov 5, 2000

Study of school 'connectedness' identifies adolescents at risk

A study has identified four factors that contribute to decreased school connectedness, including declining health status, cigarette use, and lack of extracurricular involvement. School nurses may play a key role in identifying disconnected youth, who are at higher risk for adverse outcomes.

SourceCincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateNov 5, 2000

High rate of star births linked to supermassive black holes

New analysis of astronomical data suggests that galaxies with rapid rates of star formation are linked to active supermassive black holes. The study found evidence that starbursts, regions of frequent and rapid star formation, may be obscuring the central black holes' emissions in some Seyfert galaxies.

SourceJohns Hopkins University·DateNov 5, 2000
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.

Studies may shed light on link between lack of neurons and SIDS

Studies at the University of Illinois have identified a brain pathway in which neurons activate during low oxygen, triggering increased breathing. Newborns may not have enough neurons to respond sufficiently, possibly contributing to sudden infant death syndrome.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalJournal of Neurophysiology·DateNov 5, 2000

Scientists discover enzymes capable of duplicating damaged genetic material (DNA) and creating new mutations

A team of scientists has discovered a group of enzymes capable of duplicating damaged genetic material, allowing cells to 'compromise' and replicate with a certain 'sloppiness'. This mechanism increases genetic diversity and enables natural selection, driving the evolutionary process.

SourceAmerican Committee for the Weizmann Institute of Science·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 5, 2000