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Science News for January 8, 2001


Earlier water on Earth? Oldest rock suggests hospitable young planet

Researchers found evidence of liquid water on Earth 4.4 billion years ago, contradicting previous views on the planet's formation. The discovery suggests an early Earth with conditions that could support life, raising questions about the moon's formation and potential for life.

SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·JournalNature·DateJan 8, 2001
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

The case for and against flu vaccination programs

A Canadian Medical Association Journal article explores the pros and cons of Ontario's no-cost flu vaccine program, which aims to ease pressure on emergency services. Experts argue that while the program may be a step forward in influenza control, its effectiveness and cost-effectiveness are uncertain.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateJan 8, 2001

Children find relief from migraine through biofeedback and relaxation training

A study found that biofeedback-assisted relaxation training techniques significantly reduced headache frequency and severity in children with migraines. The treatment improved school attendance by 85% of parents' reports, demonstrating its potential as a complementary therapy for managing migraines in children.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateJan 8, 2001

Insured homeless people report less difficulty accessing health care, according to UCSF researchers

A study published in JAMA found that insured homeless people are more likely to access outpatient care and adhere to medication regimens than their uninsured counterparts. The researchers identified factors associated with healthcare use, including sociodemographic characteristics, physical health, mental health, and substance abuse.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalJAMA·DateJan 8, 2001
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.

Energy from the sea floor could power oceanographic equipment

Researchers found that sediment on the sea floor has a different electrical potential than surrounding salt water, allowing for sustainable fuel cell power. This innovation could significantly reduce costs of ocean monitoring and enable continuous operation of self-sustaining equipment.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateJan 8, 2001

Mayo Clinic study finds cellular telephones may interfere with medical devices

A study by Mayo Clinic researchers found that cellular telephones can interfere with the operation of external devices monitoring the heart and lungs. Interference occurred in 41% of devices, but was deemed clinically important only in 7.4%. Researchers recommend further testing to inform hospital policies.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalMayo Clinic Proceedings·DateJan 8, 2001

Researchers discover gene responsible for cilia, lungs' natural cleaning system

A team of scientists at UNC-CH has discovered a human gene that produces a protein essential for generating forces powering cilia movement. This discovery could help understand and combat chronic lung diseases such as asthma and primary ciliary dyskinesia, which affect cilia function.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel Hill·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory Cell and Molecular Biology·DateJan 8, 2001

Molecule plays key role in cellular quality control machinery

A newly discovered molecular protein plays a crucial role in determining whether proteins with improperly folded structures are refolded or degraded, according to University of North Carolina researchers. This finding has significant implications for understanding heart attack, heart failure, stroke, and neurodegenerative diseases.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalNature Cell Biology·DateJan 8, 2001
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.

Intergalactic 'pipeline' funnels matter between colliding galaxies

Astronomers have captured the clearest view of a galaxy pipeline, where material flows between two compact galaxies after a collision. The pipeline, stretching 20,000 light-years, is believed to contribute to a lack of star birth in NGC 1409, as gas flows in is too hot to form stars.

SourceSpace Telescope Science Institute·DateJan 8, 2001

Diabetes and high blood pressure can lead to cognitive decline

A study published by the American Academy of Neurology found that diabetes and high blood pressure can lead to cognitive decline in middle-aged people. The research, which examined 10,963 participants aged 47-70, showed a modest but statistically significant association between these conditions and cognitive abilities.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateJan 8, 2001

Two bees or not two bees? Researchers take first look at the genetic differences between queen and worker honeybees

A team of researchers has discovered that queen and worker honeybees exhibit distinct gene expression profiles, with queen bees down-regulating certain genes and switching on others to support their development. This polyphenic study provides insight into the genetic processes that determine caste identity in honeybees.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalGenome Biology·DateJan 8, 2001