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Science News for September 19, 2001


Fly genetics point to potential cancer-causing gene

Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital have found a gene called archipelago, or ago, involved in destroying the protein cyclin E. This regulation is crucial for cell division, and irregularities may lead to uncontrolled growth and cancer.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalNature·DateSep 19, 2001

New 'Lollipop' film promises improved electronics

Researchers have created a nearly defect-free LB film using steric acid molecules, promising improvements in sensor devices and electrical switches. The breakthrough involves using cadmium ions to lock the molecules together, enabling a single layer without holes or irregularities.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalScience·DateSep 19, 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.

Sea of Galilee yields clues for weather forecasting

Scientists analyzed the physical response of the Sea of Galilee to external forcing and found intense mixing occurred closest to shores, which could improve ocean forecasts. This understanding is crucial for predicting currents, temperatures, and other oceanic issues like fish development.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalJournal of Atmospheric and Oceanic Technology·DateSep 19, 2001

Big plans on a small scale: NSF funds centers for nanoscale research

The National Science Foundation has awarded six centers for nanoscale research at top universities across the US. These centers will advance information, medical, manufacturing, and environmental technologies, while fostering education programs and public understanding of science and engineering.

SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·DateSep 19, 2001

Computers to help doctors identify rare diseases

A new computer diagnostic program has been developed to help physicians diagnose rare infectious diseases. The database contains information on 223 infectious and parasitic diseases common to animals and humans.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalEmerging Infectious Diseases·DateSep 19, 2001

Initial results promising for MIT breast cancer treatment

The Phase II trial treating women with early-stage breast cancer has shown significant cell kill without damage to the skin. The technology uses adaptively focused microwave radiation that selectively heats and kills cancer cells, potentially reducing or eliminating breast surgery.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·DateSep 19, 2001
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Plankton power

Researchers at ONR and DARPA are developing OSCAR, an oceanic fuel cell that harnesses organic matter in sea sediments to generate electricity. The early versions of OSCAR have been generating about 50 milliwatts per square meter, sufficient power for small calculators.

SourceOffice of Naval Research·DateSep 19, 2001

New McGill researchers win recognition

New McGill researchers have been awarded $1.76 million in funding for new equipment and installations, with Quebec agreeing to match the amount. The funding will support various campus projects and research initiatives across multiple institutions affiliated with McGill.

SourceMcGill University·DateSep 19, 2001

American Thoracic Society Journal News Tips for September

Research reveals antioxidant supplements can mitigate the negative effects of ozone gas on lung function. Additionally, tiny airborne particles are associated with increased risk of hospital admissions for heart disease among diabetics.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateSep 19, 2001
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.

Detecting Alzheimer's

The NeuroGraph device, developed with Office of Naval Research funding, reads brain activity through a cap outfitted with electrodes to analyze differences from the norm. Pharmaceutical trials may also utilize NeuroGraph to test new drugs' efficacy on brain activity.

SourceOffice of Naval Research·DateSep 19, 2001

New computer model tracks and predicts paths of Earth's dust

The Georgia Tech/Goddard Global Ozone Chemistry Aerosol Radiation and Transport (GOCART) model accurately reproduces short-term and long-term variations in dust concentrations and distributions. The model provides five-day dust forecasts to warn people with respiratory problems and fisheries about potential red tides.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateSep 19, 2001

Seeing the light

The Office of Naval Research has funded the development of a Tactical Vectoring Equipment (TVE) display, a simple array of six lights with Fresnel lenses that projects red or green light based on viewing angle. This system aims to improve navigation and communication for surface ships behind carriers in low visibility conditions.

SourceOffice of Naval Research·DateSep 19, 2001
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

New fossils suggest whales and hippos are close kin

New fossils found in Pakistan have revealed a close kinship between whales and hippos, with the discovery of artiodactyl ankles suggesting that hippos may be a side line of artiodactyls. The findings, published in Science, use immunological, molecular, and genetic techniques to explore relationships among groups of animals.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalScience·DateSep 19, 2001

Wind-borne pollutants may travel thousands of miles

Researchers at Texas A&M University found that wind-borne pollutants can travel long distances, contaminating both air and water. They used rain and air samplers to collect pollutants in Corpus Christi Bay and estimated the amounts deposited into the bay area.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalAtmospheric Environment·DateSep 19, 2001