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Science News Archive 2001


Page 28 of 47

Drug may help prevent lung injury in newborns

Researchers have discovered a new antibody treatment that prevents severe lung injury in premature babies without using steroids, which can stunt brain cell growth. The treatment, anti-CINC-1, blocks the action of white blood cells and reduces inflammation, promoting normal lung development and function.

Career counseling for embryonic cells

QSulf1 enables embryonic cells to express muscle-specific proteins by modifying signaling co-factors. This discovery sheds light on the complex process of cell differentiation and has implications for regenerative medicine.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

The torturous road to democracy-domestic crisis in Nepal

Torture is pervasive in Nepal, with severe physical, social, and psychosocial consequences for survivors. The Centre for Victims of Torture, Nepal, implements treatment programmes for victims, but international interest is needed to encourage change.

UCLA/UCSF researchers predict future of drug-resistant HIV epidemic

Researchers predict that 42% of all HIV cases will be drug-resistant by 2005, mainly due to the conversion of drug-sensitive cases during antiretroviral therapy. The study recommends four epidemic-control strategies to minimize prevalence and transmission of drug-resistant HIV.

Corn-based carbon adsorbent tested at Illinois power plant

Researchers successfully tested a corn-based activated carbon for removing mercury emissions from coal-fired power plants, achieving results comparable to commercial products. The technology demonstration marked the first time this approach was applied to high-sulfur Illinois coal flue gas.

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.

Awareness during surgery leaves emotional scars

A study of 16 'awareness' patients found that over half had PTSD, while control subjects showed no memory recall. Patients experienced intense emotions, helplessness, and dissociation after surgery.

Climate plays bigger role than CO2 in make-up of plant communities

Research suggests climate shifts, such as droughts and temperature changes, may be more important than carbon dioxide levels in determining plant community composition. The study analyzed sediment cores from Mexico and Guatemala, finding that trends in C3 versus C4 plants were correlated with shifts in rainfall rather than carbon dioxide.

An excess of healthy cells holds leukemia in check

A study published in JCI Journals reveals that an excess of healthy cells may hold leukemia in check. The researchers found that these healthy cells could be used as a therapeutic target to develop new treatments for the disease.

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.

Earth's light show is a clue to finding habitable neighbors

A study by Princeton University and the Institute for Advanced Study suggests that Earth's varying reflections can provide clues about distant, potentially habitable planets. By analyzing changes in light over time, scientists may gain insights into a planet's weather, oceans, or even plant life.

Researchers improve thermal stability of fuel cell materials

Virginia Tech researchers have developed new proton exchange membrane (PEM) polymer nanocomposites that can withstand higher temperatures, making them suitable for more efficient fuel cells. The new materials use hetropolyacids to retain water molecules at higher temperatures, providing a mechanism for conductivity.

Fight between GMOS and the bugs they repel may not be over

Genetic modified organism (GMO) crops can benefit from a 'refugia strategy' that preserves susceptible insect genes. This approach aims to counteract potential insect resistance by allowing certain pests to survive and breed in GMO-free areas.

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.

New antimalaria drug succeeds in first animal tests

Researchers at Johns Hopkins University have developed a new antimalarial drug that has passed the first stage of preclinical testing in mice and rats. The carboxyphenyl trioxane compound shows good therapeutic index, safety, and efficacy in treating malaria.

Plastic is forever -- or not

Virginia Tech researchers have made a breakthrough in creating polymers that can be reversed using heat, opening up new possibilities for thermoplastic elastomers (TPE) and novel adhesives. The team synthesized nano-phase separated polystyrene and polyisoprene based materials containing reversible linkages.

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.

New technology treats dairy wastes, odors

A new technology, InStreem™, has been successfully demonstrated at the George DeRuyter Dairy in Washington state, reducing odors and solids in waste lagoons. The system converts existing lagoons into extended aeration systems, establishing conditions favorable for both aerobic and anaerobic degradation of wastes.

Chemists use statistics to improve creativity

Chemists are using statistical design of experiments and parallel reactors to improve the creation of polymers. This approach enables the efficient production of novel elastomers by determining the optimal reaction conditions. By doing so, researchers can generate predictive models and discover new materials.

Flaxseed may fight breast cancer in postmenopausal women

A study found that consuming five or ten grams of ground flaxseed daily for seven weeks reduced blood levels of certain estrogens associated with an increased risk of breast cancer. The researchers believe that lignans in flaxseed may lower estrogen levels by inhibiting enzymes involved in estrogen synthesis.

Two Rensselaer scholars receive Fulbright Student Awards

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute graduates Dean Nieusma and Elizabeth Press have been awarded prestigious Fulbright student grants. Nieusma will conduct an ethnographic study on technology design practices in Sri Lanka, while Press will work with at-risk students in the Dominican Republic through her 'Video Connections' project.

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.

Age of menopause dictated largely by genes

Research reveals heritability plays a major role in determining the age of menopause, with significant implications for women delaying childbirth beyond 30. Genetic analysis suggests that a woman's store of eggs declines throughout life, triggering menopause.

New dinosaur expert publishes in Nature

Dr. Peter Makovicky's discovery sheds new light on the feeding behavior of ornithomimid dinosaurs, revealing a possible adaptation to filter-feed tiny invertebrates and particles from water and sediment. The find is significant as it provides evidence for the unique beak structure found in two well-preserved specimens.

T cell responses in aplastic anemia

Research in aplastic anemia reveals crucial insights into immune system dysfunction and potential therapeutic targets. Patients with aplastic anemia display impaired T cell responses, indicating a critical link between immunodeficiency and disease progression.

Dentists abuzz over cavity-prevention potential of honeybee product

Researchers have discovered a potent anti-cavity agent in Brazilian honeybees' propolis, which cut the cavity rate in rats by about 60 percent. The team is now testing the substance on human volunteers to determine its efficacy as a potential preventative measure for cavities.

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.

New epilepsy gene identified in mice

A team of researchers led by Louis J. Ptacek identified a novel gene, mass1, responsible for audiogenic reflex epilepsy in the Frings mouse strain. The gene was found to be mutated in mice with spontaneous seizures triggered by loud noises.

Laser technique examines movement in nucleus of living cell

Scientists at the University of Illinois have developed a novel laser technique to study chromatin movement in living cells. By measuring the movement of DNA, they found evidence of subdiffusion within the cell nucleus, suggesting that molecular crowding is crucial for life.

Chemists increase conductivity of fuel cell materials

Scientists have developed a new block copolymer structure that increases the conductive monomer without weakening the polymer strength. This breakthrough enables better proton conductivity and lower water uptake compared to random copolymers of similar composition.

DNA vaccination places tumors in double jeopardy

A new DNA-based cancer treatment has shown promise by targeting and eliminating tumor cells. Researchers have discovered that DNA vaccination can place tumors in a state of immune activation, making them more susceptible to attack.

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.

'Imprinted' gels hold promise for future medical devices

Researchers develop biomimetic gel that binds to glucose molecules, potentially triggering insulin release in diabetics. The gel's sensing mechanism could be incorporated into implantable devices, providing therapy for type one diabetes.

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.

Whale of a Puget Sound problem lures UW researchers

Researchers are collecting data on the behavior of Puget Sound's orca whales using novel tools such as a small radio-controlled catamaran and a fish finder. The study suggests that the whales are declining due to a drop in salmon runs and increasing contamination from PCBs.

Enzyme mimetic compound could reduce complications of diabetes

Researchers have found that an enzyme mimetic compound significantly improves the functioning of blood vessels and nerves in diabetic animal studies, reducing vascular abnormalities and nerve damage. The study suggests a potentially significant new approach for treating and preventing complications associated with diabetes.

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.

Plastic tube may help treat paralysis

A team of researchers has developed a novel treatment for spinal cord injuries using a plastic tube filled with chemicals that promote nerve growth. The tube, designed to mimic the flexibility of the spinal cord, provides a pathway for neurons to grow and potentially reconnect severed nerves.

Researchers explore wood smoke's threat to Great Lakes environment

A new study found that wood smoke is toxic to certain aquatic organisms in the Great Lakes region. The researchers collected particulate matter samples from different areas along the shores of southern Lake Michigan and found concentrations as low as 10-15 milligrams per liter killed 50% of water fleas within a 24-hour exposure.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

From silkworm silk, hybrid materials that surpass original

Researchers at Cornell University have created hybrid materials that mimic and improve on the properties of natural silkworm silk. The new materials, which include extreme flexibility, considerable tensile strength, and water solubility, are poised to be used in a variety of applications including textiles and biomedical fields.

Radio waves stop marine pests dead in their tracks

Researchers found that low-energy radio waves can kill zebra mussels by depleting calcium levels in the water, which are essential for their survival. This method is considered an eco-friendly alternative to traditional chemical treatments or molluscicides, and may be effective in preventing pipe clogging.

Too much soy could lead to kidney stones

Researchers found that store-bought tofu, soy cheese, and soy drinks contain significant levels of oxalate, which can bind with calcium in the kidneys to form kidney stones. The American Dietetic Association recommends limiting oxalate intake to 10 milligrams per serving for patients with a history of kidney stones.

Counting single electrons in a carbon nanotube

Paul McEuen's research group has developed a method to count individual electrons in carbon nanotubes using an atomic force microscope. This breakthrough enables scientists to study the basic physics of electron behavior and advance the field of nanoelectronics.

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.

Chemical found in herbal medicine might complicate pregnancy

Researchers have discovered colchicine, a toxic substance, in the blood of human placentas, raising concerns about its potential impact on pregnancy. Expectant mothers should avoid taking Gingko biloba supplements due to the risk of complications.

Implanted defibrillators: How well do they work?

A new study found that implanted cardioverter defibrillators save the most lives among patients with severe heart disease who suffer from abrupt heart rhythm malfunctions. The device monitors electrical signals and acts within seconds to restore a normal heartbeat, providing life-saving benefits for high-risk patients.

New bar coding system helps decode drug discovery

A new bar coding system developed by Purdue University chemists can quickly identify the most biologically active compounds among thousands of candidates. The method uses standard spectrometers and reduces the laborious process to a few hours, cutting down time needed to identify active compounds to zero.

Penn State researchers investigate alternative diesel fuel

Researchers at Penn State investigated alternative diesel fuel DME, which burns smokeless and produces fewer particulates. The team found that DME can mix completely with diesel fuel but its viscosity may be a key property in developing these fuels.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

INEEL develops safe, efficient process for making cleaner-burning fuels

Researchers at INEEL have developed an energy-efficient process to produce alkylate, a high-octane gasoline blend with low environmental pollutants. The new method uses a solid acid catalyst and supercritical fluid solvent to regenerate the deactivated catalyst, increasing its lifespan by 20 times.