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Science News Archive July 2001


Page 3 of 6

Teachers influence students' formation of prejudiced beliefs

A study found that teachers who used color-coded labels to organize students were more likely to create stereotypes among students. However, when teachers ignored these labels, children developed fewer intergroup biases, suggesting that social environment plays a crucial role in shaping prejudice.

Fly fishermen suffer same maladies as other weekend warriors

A study by Dr. Keith Berend found that fly fishermen experience lower back pain, hand and wrist pain, shoulder and knee pain, and elbow pain due to repetitive arm motions and standing for long periods. Improper casting techniques and carrying heavy gear can exacerbate these issues.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

This summer, Camp Calcium is where the boys are

Campers receive controlled dietary intake of calcium, allowing researchers to track bone density changes and determine optimal levels. The goal is to establish guidelines that will help slow bone density decline after middle age.

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.

Scientists identify methane-consuming microbes from ocean depths

Researchers have discovered a way to link specific microbes to the oxidation of methane in anoxic marine sediments using molecular and stable isotope techniques. This partnership between archaea and sulfate-reducing bacteria extracts energy from methane, removing nearly 80% of the methane in marine sediments.

New mapping technique for earlier detection of Alzheimer’s disease

Researchers used voxel-compression mapping to identify early structural brain changes in individuals with preclinical Alzheimer's disease. The study found that progressive atrophy began 3 years or more before symptom onset, suggesting a presymptomatic phase of increased tissue loss.

Early case of resistance to new antibiotic

A new case of resistance to the antibiotic linezolid has been reported in a patient with MRSA infection, highlighting the need for clinical laboratories to perform susceptibility tests. The finding is rare and has occurred after limited use of the drug, emphasizing the importance of monitoring its effectiveness.

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 sensitive assessment method for the detection of vCJD

Researchers developed a highly sensitive immunoblot method to detect PrPSc in vCJD tissues, revealing its presence in lymphoid tissues and high concentrations in tonsil. The findings suggest new models for risk-management and highlight the need for further investigation into peripheral tissue transmission.

Earth likely to warm 4-7 degrees by 2100

New estimates suggest that Earth's temperature could rise between 1.7 and 4.9 degrees Celsius over the next 100 years, with a 90% likelihood of warming within this range. The likelihood of more extreme warming scenarios is low, but still poses significant risks to society if not addressed through climate control measures.

Branding pays in the charity sector

Research by Mrs Philippa Hankinson of the University of Surrey Roehampton finds that charity branding is crucial for attracting voluntary donations. High brand-orientated fundraisers generate more income than their low-brand peers, while medium and high-branded fundraisers exert more influence in their organisations.

Pneumococcus genome sequence completed

The complete genome of pneumococcus has been sequenced, revealing its genetic makeup and potential applications in treating the bacterium. The newly released genome contains 2,326 sequenced genes, providing a comprehensive model for researchers to study its virulence and develop new therapies.

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.

American Thoracic Society Journal news tips for July (1st Issue)

A study found that miniature chest radiography is the most effective way to detect active tuberculosis in jails due to its efficiency and low radiation dose. This method can identify 200 cases per 100,000 inmates or higher, significantly higher than the general U.S. population rate of 6.8 cases per 100,000 persons.

Marine methane consumed by consortia of bacteria

A research team at Penn State discovered that consortia of bacteria and archaeobacteria consume up to 80% of marine methane, a potent greenhouse gas. The findings indicate that these microorganisms play a crucial role in regulating the Earth's climate.

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.

Minor mutations in HIV virus have major impact

Researchers found that minor mutations can significantly impair the immune system's ability to recognize and attack the virus. This means that vaccines targeting these regions may be less effective due to evolving strains of the virus.

Banking on the right decision

A three-year comparative case study found that UK banks stayed away from the market, while others like Citibank entered with enthusiasm. The British absence can be attributed to a lack of cultural ties with CEE and insufficient capital strength.

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.

Digital organisms used to confirm evolutionary process

Digital organisms created using Avida software are used to study the effect of high mutation rates on evolution. The researchers found that a trade-off exists between producing offspring quickly and making them more robust to mutations, suggesting that slower reproduction may be beneficial for survival in highly turbulent environments.

Public schools may face shortage of speech-language pathologists

A recent court decision requiring all North Carolina speech-language pathologists to hold a master's degree may lead to a 13% workforce loss in the state's public school system. The shortage could exacerbate caseloads, particularly for students with autism and growing demands for early intervention services.

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.

Naples Yellow: An old pigment adds a new shade to authenticating art

Researchers studied Naples Yellow samples from historical paintings and identified differences in physical structures using X-ray and synchrotron diffraction studies. This technique can help narrow down the origins of unidentified artworks and potentially verify their pedigrees.

Exploding eggs and rare human disorder help explain water regulation

Researchers have identified a rare human disorder linked to aquaporin-1 protein deficiency, which affects the ability to concentrate urine and maintain healthy water levels. The finding may help doctors develop new treatments for diseases like diabetes insipidus, which causes frequent urination and emaciation.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

First evidence of gene therapy for abnormal blood vessel growth in newborns

Researchers tested four viruses to transport genetic material into defective eyes of 18-day-old rats. Adenovirus proved the most effective vector, targeting specific tissues and preventing disordered blood vessel growth. Early-stage research suggests a potential breakthrough in treating retinopathy of prematurity with gene therapy.

Presentation of Dr. Ingo Potrykus July 21 in Providence

Dr. Ingo Potrykus is being recognized for his research on genetic engineering technology and its applications to crop plants like rice, wheat, sorghum, and cassava. His work has the potential to address Vitamin A deficiencies in developing nations and improve food security.

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.

Lincoln's little blue pills

A study reformulates a common anti-depressive medication of the nineteenth century, revealing that it would have delivered a daily dose of mercury exceeding current safety standards. Mercury poisoning may have explained Lincoln's neurological symptoms, including insomnia and rage attacks, but also contributed to his famous composure.

Rutgers to start up National Program of Excellence in Biomedical Computing

Rutgers is launching a National Program of Excellence in Biomedical Computing to study the biology of transcription and gene expression. The program aims to understand the molecular mechanisms that govern gene expression, which is crucial for solving pressing human health problems such as cancer and infectious diseases.

Hendra virus has a growing family tree

CSIRO scientists have discovered a long line of viruses emerging from the Hendra virus family, including 15 new paramyxoviruses in animal hosts worldwide. The Australian Animal Health Laboratory holds a collection of all major newly discovered paramyxoviruses.

Public-private partnership launches osteoarthritis initiative

A public-private partnership has been launched to combat osteoarthritis, a chronic disease affecting millions of Americans. The Osteoarthritis Initiative will provide critical funding and resources for clinical research centers to establish natural history databases and biospecimen repositories.

International award for concrete from waste

Dr Vute Sirivivatnanon has won the Mohan Malhotra Award for his work in turning industrial waste into a useful component of concrete. His research resulted in the development of High Slag cement concrete, High Volume Fly Ash concrete and Silica Fume concrete being used in high-profile construction projects.

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.

Texas lends high-tech helping hand to Ehime Maru salvage effort

The Texas General Land Office and Texas A extM University are loaning the Navy two state-of-the-art buoys to monitor ocean currents and temperatures during the Ehime Maru salvage effort in the Pacific Ocean. The buoys will provide real-time data to support decision-making on how work should progress.

Air pollution helps fight global warming

Researchers at Texas A&M University are developing instruments to measure aerosol pollution's impact on climate. The devices will study aerosols' interaction with light, absorption of sunlight, and their effect on cloud formation.

Researchers find large discrepancies in spouses' reports on birth control

A recent study found significant discrepancies between spouses' reports on birth control methods. The research analyzed data from 23 countries and revealed that couples who had discussed family planning or where the wife had higher education levels were more likely to concur on the contraceptive method. However, concurrence was lower a...

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.

Annals of Internal Medicine, Tip Sheet, July 17, 2001

Researchers found that ACE inhibitors slowed kidney disease progression, especially for patients with proteinuria. The medications were beneficial for kidney patients and should be given to most patients with kidney disease.

Gladstone researchers find clue to Alzheimer's disease risk factor

Researchers have identified a potential link between the apoE4 protein and the formation of neurofibrillary tangles, a hallmark of Alzheimer's disease. The study suggests that apoE4 may disrupt brain cell interactions and lead to the degeneration of neurons in this disease.

Quantum dot DNA test

A new DNA test developed by researchers at Indiana University uses quantum dots to quickly and accurately analyze large numbers of genes. The test can identify up to 40,000 different genetic codes in just 10 minutes, making it a game-changer for medical diagnosis and research.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Parenting style linked to teenage delinquency rates

Research suggests that parents who are both firm and allow for some autonomy have a lower degree of conflict and avoid problem teenagers. Delinquency at age 12 or 13 is widespread, with smoking and drinking linked to increased delinquent acts.

Watch global warming happen in real time – on Mars

Scientists have observed a sudden shift in Mars' atmosphere, with temperatures increasing by about 30 degrees Centigrade, due to a massive dust storm. This phenomenon is similar to Earth's global warming, but much more extreme and potentially leading to a significant cooling of the planet.

Both smells and pheromones may arouse instinctive behaviors in mammals

Researchers have found that both smells and pheromones can arouse instinctive behaviors in mammals, including humans. This is achieved through the detection of odorants by the vomeronasal organ (VNO) and the olfactory epithelium (OE), with pheromone signals directly influencing mid-brain areas controlling behavior and hormonal responses.

New study tightens the link between smoking and early menopause

Scientists at Massachusetts General Hospital discovered how smoking leads to premature ovarian failure by identifying a mechanism triggered by polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in tobacco smoke. The findings support the hypothesis that PAH-induced egg cell death contributes to early menopause in women smokers.

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.

When alcohol and nicotine interact

Research confirms that nicotine reduces peak blood alcohol concentrations, leading to increased consumption of alcohol to achieve intoxication. This interaction can result in adverse effects on the liver, heart, and brain.

Untangling the matrix of risk factors for alcoholism

Research finds a link between family history of alcoholism, serotonin variation, and behavioral problems in children. Children with a genetic variant associated with increased serotonin reuptake are more likely to exhibit impulsivity, depression, and anxiety.

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.

Exploring the complexities of prenatal alcohol exposure

Children prenatally exposed to alcohol demonstrate significant social and adaptive behavior deficits, but similar deficits are found in clinically referred children with no prenatal exposure. As prenatally exposed children age, their social difficulties become more pronounced, highlighting the importance of addressing these issues.