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Science News Archive October 2000


Page 5 of 6

Putting muscle in the nucleus

A team of scientists from the University of Illinois at Chicago has discovered a molecular motor called myosin-1 in the nucleus, where it powers the assembly line that forges RNA messages off DNA templates. This finding offers insight into the DNA transcription process and may lead to new ways to treat cancers and other diseases.

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.

Spacecraft readies for record low pass over asteroid

The Near Earth Asteroid Rendezvous (NEAR) mission has successfully executed the first of three orbital correction maneuvers to bring its spacecraft closer to asteroid Eros. The spacecraft will make a gradual pass within 4 miles of the asteroid's surface, gathering high-resolution images and data on the asteroid's structure.

Alarming rise in CO2 concentrations presents continuing global challenge

Scientists at Rutgers University have found that humans have significantly altered the global carbon cycle over the past 200 years, leading to a rapid increase in atmospheric CO2 levels. The study's authors caution that governments must adopt new technologies to mitigate this trend and prevent unforeseen consequences for the Earth system.

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.

Cancer patients face treatment barriers previously overlooked

A study by Texas A&M University researcher Dr. Jeff Guidry reveals that non-treatment problems hinder successful cancer treatment and cure for patients in rural areas. The study shows that barriers to overcoming cancer include lack of transportation, proper information, access to treatment, and a support system.

Hopkins scientists shed light on how the brain 'thinks'

Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions have identified key shapes and sizes used by the brain to build internal models of reality, enabling humans to learn and control movements. The study reveals fundamental limitations to what is learnable by the human brain, shedding light on how our brains 'think'.

Unsafe sex among gay men linked to depression

Researchers found that gay men with dysthymia reported having unprotected sex at a higher rate than those without the condition. This is linked to low self-esteem associated with depression, which may lead to a lack of concern for one's safety.

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

UMR professor to discuss new view of solar system in KC

Dr. Oliver Manuel proposes that the sun and planets formed from debris of a massive supernova explosion, contradicting conventional astrophysics theories. Recent data from NASA's Galileo probe supports his claims by detecting traces of strange xenon gases in Jupiter's atmosphere.

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.

The human side of restoring nature

A new book examines the human aspects of environmental restoration, exploring moral and ethical questions, conflicts over nature definition, and the role of stakeholders. The study suggests ways to resolve restoration conflicts and highlights the importance of stakeholder involvement in sustaining projects.

Estrogen therapy may help prevent memory decline in elderly women

Dr. Sherwin's research suggests that estrogen replacement therapy prevents some of the decline in verbal memory and ability to learn new material in postmenopausal women. This effect has been observed even in women who underwent surgical removal of their ovaries, which led to a sudden drop in estrogen levels.

Golgi lipids regulate protein trafficking

Golgi lipids play a crucial role in regulating protein trafficking, disrupting the organization of the Golgi apparatus and blocking certain proteins from being trafficked. The study found that PLA2 overexpression causes the fragmentation of the Golgi apparatus, similar to changes during mitosis.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Ballet dancer injuries as common, severe as athletic injuries

A new study found that professional ballet dancers experience injury rates comparable to those of athletes in collision sports, with an average time lost due to injury of 10.5 days. Anxiety and stress management programs can help identify at-risk dancers and reduce injuries.

Inhaled steroids safe and effective for children with asthma

A six-year study found inhaled steroids to be safe and effective for children with mild-to-moderate asthma, reducing hospitalizations and emergency room visits by up to 43%. The treatment also improved lung growth and reduced symptoms, contradicting previous concerns about long-term risks.

Students demonstrate water quality tests

Students from Granby's Sacré-Coeur high school will demonstrate simple water quality tests using lettuce seeds, onion bulbs, and other methods. The demonstration is part of AQUAtox 2000, a global network of students conducting experimental research on water toxicity.

Hopkins researchers uncover sinus infection-CF gene link

Scientists at Johns Hopkins find that people with repeated sinus infections may carry a mutated CFTR gene, which could increase their risk of chronic sinusitis. The study suggests that patients carrying this mutation may benefit from targeted treatments for sinus infections.

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.

Global capital mobility stifles union organizing

A study by Cornell labor experts found that global capital mobility and ineffective labor laws create a climate where employers threaten to close plants or move investments to avoid unionization. This leads to increased job insecurity and no real wage gains for workers, despite the longest economic boom in US history.

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.

How streptococci go for the throat

Streptococcal bacteria use the bacterial capsule containing hyaluronic acid to bind to epithelial cells of the pharynx and cause sore throats. Suppression of CD44 levels or use of antibodies/ exogenous hyaluronic acid can block this interaction.

Building bulkier smooth muscle cells through endoreduplication

Research demonstrates that increased Akt1 function is sufficient to produce tetraploid smooth muscle cells in hypertensive or aging arteries. Cyclin B degradation is prematurely triggered in these cells, allowing for extra rounds of DNA synthesis and cell growth.

Early oral contraceptive formulations linked to breast cancer risk

Women with a strong family history of breast cancer who have used early oral contraceptives, particularly those introduced before 1975, may be at heightened risk of developing breast cancer. The study found a 3.3-fold increased risk for first-degree relatives, especially sisters and daughters.

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.

First research looks at caregivers' goals for Alzheimer's treatment

A study of caregivers' goals for Alzheimer's treatment reveals that maintaining quality of life is more important than extending lifespan. Most caregivers are willing to accept risks to slow the disease and would prioritize benefits such as preserving memory, communication, and daily function over additional years of life.

Driving differentiation of human embryonic stem cells

Researchers at Howard Hughes Medical Institute successfully directed human embryonic stem cells to differentiate into three germ layers: ectodermal (brain, skin), mesodermal (muscle) and endodermal (liver and pancreas). The study suggests that a combination of growth factors may be needed to achieve specific cell lineages.

Californian wins neuroscience prize endowed by UNC scientist

David Julius, PhD, has made a groundbreaking discovery about the capsaicin receptor, VR1, which mediates responses to painful stimuli. His work builds on the pioneering research of Edward R. Perl, who first identified nociceptors as responsible for pain perception.

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.

One third of epilepsy patients found to have sleep apnea

A new study by the University of Michigan found that a significant proportion of people with epilepsy may also have undiagnosed sleep apnea, which can disrupt brain function and exacerbate symptoms. The study suggests that addressing sleep apnea through lifestyle and medical interventions may help improve seizure control and quality of...

MS patients susceptible to accelerated mental fatigue

A new study published in Neurology reveals that multiple sclerosis (MS) patients lose cognitive ability and report increased mental fatigue after repeated testing. Researchers attribute this decline to fluctuations in glucose supply and metabolism, which affect brain performance.

Problem-solvers may be ideal caregivers for children with asthma

A study found that caregivers' problem-solving skills and positive expectations have a modest but potential clinical importance in reducing asthma symptoms. Caregivers with superior problem-solving skills helped children wheeze for fewer hours, while positive expectations improved functioning ability.

Marijuana use rises and falls with price and perceived harm, study shows

Researchers find that higher prices and perceived risks of harm lead to lower marijuana use among high school seniors, while declining risk leads to increased use. The study utilizes nationally representative data to explore the relationship between price, perceptions, and marijuana use trends.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

UIC to begin prenatal diagnosis study

Researchers at UIC College of Medicine are developing a powerful new prenatal diagnostic technique to detect genetic abnormalities in fetal blood cells. The technique, using fluorescent in-situ hybridization (FISH), will identify defects in individual genes and could potentially be used by all women who wish to undergo screening.

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.

Sensor system sees missile launch

A new airborne infrared search and track system, called Risk Mitigation Sensor (RMS), recently passed a key test detecting the launch of a Black Brant missile. The RMS technology has applications in various military aircraft and systems, potentially entering Fleet use within five years.

Second Annual Digital Reference Conference, Oct. 16-17 in Seattle

More than 400 information professionals gathered for the conference to explore topics such as web contact center software, virtual reference networks, and digital resources for agriculture. Keynote speakers Michael B. Eisenberg and Charles R. McClure presented on the role of digital reference librarians in online environments.

Sverdrup Technology selected for Marshall Center contract

Sverdrup Technology has been awarded a $300 million contract by NASA to provide engineering, scientific and technical services at the Marshall Space Flight Center. The contract covers support for space transportation systems, including the Space Shuttle and International Space Station.

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.

The Knowledge Wall

The Knowledge Wall is an ONR-funded concept using commercial technology to display relevant data on a single wall. It was installed onboard the USS CORONADO, addressing issues faced by naval decision-makers.

Green light special

The US Navy is adopting new green LEDs in traffic lights that can deliver up to 10 times more power at microwave frequencies as traditional silicon semiconductors, promising improved radar systems performance. Gallium nitride-based materials are being used to replace vacuum tubes in high-power military microwave systems.

Cancer cells walk the tightrope

Researchers show that the transcription factor E2F-1 activates both p53 and p73, playing a crucial role in cell death. This finding raises the possibility of using activators of E2F-1 to tip the balance towards apoptosis, potentially leading to new cancer therapies.

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.

UNC-CH to lead $34 million effort to see if girls can become more fit

A new study aims to improve adolescent girls' fitness levels and reduce their risk of obesity. The Trial of Activity in Adolescent Girls (TAAG) project will test whether structured physical activity programs can increase fitness and prevent decline, with a focus on underrepresented groups.