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Science News Archive August 2002


Page 1 of 8

Money matters when it comes to body’s attention to tasks

A study by Larry W. Hawk Jr., Ph.D., found that paid college students showed decreased blink size and strength in response to loud noises, indicating increased attentiveness. While payment motivated better task performance, it didn't lead to significant differences in overall results.

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.

Rad50 and the maintenance of genome stability

A single amino acid change in Rad50 can have far-reaching effects on genetic information transmission, impairing stem cell populations and predisposing to cancer. Mice with the mutation display genomic instability, partial embryonic lethality, and a higher risk of lymphoma development.

Sense of control eases physical toll of stressful situation

A study by Pennsylvania State University researchers found that having control over a situation can reduce an individual's cardiovascular disease risk. Participants in a video game experiment were either told they could control the noise level or not, and those who felt in control experienced lower blood pressure and reduced stress on ...

Ghana takes aim at bushmeat hunting

Bushmeat consumption has been linked to chemical poisoning, with 30% of samples containing organochlorines, carbamates, and organophosphorus. The Ghana government aims to reverse the extinction of wildlife through sustainable alternatives like wildlife farming and education campaigns.

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.

Fitness level may predict women’s hypertension risk

Researchers found that women with higher fitness levels showed a blunted systolic blood pressure response during the hand/ice water test, which could help predict future hypertension risk. Fitness levels did not affect blood pressure changes during other tests, but increased heart rates in fitter participants.

Parents' risky behavior rubs off on children

A study found that adolescents whose parents engage in risky behaviors, such as smoking and heavy drinking, are more likely to be sexually active and participate in other problem behaviors. Conversely, high levels of parental supervision are associated with reduced likelihoods of sexual activity.

Exercise may not lift spirits of women with eating disorders

A recent study by researchers Jennifer Gerlach and Dorothy Espelage found that exercise may not have a positive impact on the mental health of women with eating disorders. In contrast, men with similar exercise habits showed strong associations between exercise and improved psychological well-being.

Transplantation Society reiterates position against selling organs

The Transplantation Society reiterates its stance against selling organs, adhering to ethical standards and laws that prohibit commercial transactions. The society's position is supported by organizations like the American Medical Association, which investigates financial incentives for organ donations.

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 Sun's twisted mysteries

Researchers discover helicity, a twisted structure within the Sun's magnetic field, causing coronal mass ejections (CMEs) that can affect modern technology and the northern lights. Understanding CMEs is crucial for predicting space weather.

Scientists zero in on Arctic, hemisphere-wide climate swings

Climate researchers have made significant progress in understanding Arctic climate change, revealing a seesaw pattern called the Arctic Oscillation that affects global temperatures. The study highlights the importance of accounting for this phenomenon in climate models to accurately predict future changes.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

MIT team probes arsenic and old lakes

A study by MIT researchers found that nitrate pollution has a mitigating effect on arsenic release in polluted lakes. The discovery sheds light on the complex dynamics of water quality management and has implications for other pollutants, including phosphate and toxic metals.

Smithies wins top award from Massry Foundation

Smithies' groundbreaking work on gene targeting has led to thousands of mouse models simulating human diseases, enabling rapid advances in diagnosis and treatment. His research using genetically altered mice has also shed light on high blood pressure, a major human problem.

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.

Study finds diet did not affect PSA levels

A new study published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology found that a healthy diet does not significantly affect Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) levels over a relatively short period. The researchers believe that longer-term dietary effects on prostate cancer are still unknown.

Plant compound kills brain tumor cells

Researchers at Howard Hughes Medical Institute found that a plant compound called cyclopamine effectively killed cultured mouse medulloblastoma cells and human tumors. The study showed promising results, with all seven tested human medulloblastomas responding dramatically to the treatment.

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.

Researchers develop 'fingerprinting' for biological agents

A new detection method uses gold nanoparticles and DNA probes to quickly identify multiple diseases, surpassing conventional methods in sensitivity, selectivity, and speed. This technique has the potential to be inexpensive and widely available.

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.

New possibilities for deadly childhood brain cancer

Scientists have discovered a new hedgehog blocker that stops medulloblastoma tumor growth and kills cancer cells in mice and human patients. The study provides hope for the development of new treatments for this deadly childhood brain cancer.

Rainforest researchers hit pay dirt

Researchers have discovered that indigenous inhabitants of the Amazon improved the soil, rather than degrading it. The ability to reproduce this super-fertile soil could enable intensive agriculture in hot regions, making a significant impact on food production.

Data shows life of kidney transplant lengthened by CellCept®

A new study shows that CellCept substitution of cyclosporine reverses renal toxicity, improving the life span of transplanted kidneys. 58% of patients on CellCept therapy had a reversal or stabilisation of their kidney function compared to 32% on cyclosporine.

New overview adds more evidence for safety of third generation Pill

Recent studies consistently demonstrate the increasing safety of third-generation oral contraceptives, particularly in reducing heart attack risks. The aggregated findings of seven studies involving nearly 6,500 women suggest that all current oral contraceptives are safe when used according to their regulatory labels.

OSU faculty design drug education web program for NCAA

The 'Choices in Sports' website provides a comprehensive resource for student-athletes, coaches, trainers, and crew chiefs on substance abuse prevention. The site offers information on banned substances, psychology-based assessment tools, and strategies for promoting long-term success.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Frigid South Pole atmosphere reveals flaw in global circulation models

Scientists have made groundbreaking measurements of upper atmosphere temperatures over the South Pole, revealing a significant discrepancy with global circulation model predictions. The findings suggest that wintertime warming due to sinking air masses is weaker than assumed, leading to extreme cooling in the lower stratosphere.

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.

Atmospheric wave linked to sea ice flow near Greenland, study finds

A NASA study has linked the transport of sea ice through Fram Strait to the position and phase of the longest sea level pressure wave circling the Earth at polar latitudes. The study found that variations in this wave, called 'wave 1', explain up to 70% of Arctic ice export through the strait.

Eating soy during adolescence may reduce breast cancer

A study by University of Southern California researchers found that Asian-American women who consumed soy on a weekly basis during their teen years and adulthood had about half the risk of developing breast cancer. The risk was also lowered for those who ate soy regularly during adolescence but consumed little during adulthood.

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.

UCI gold chain study gets to heart of matter

Researchers discovered a molecular phase when a cluster of atoms develops into a solid structure, revealing the smallest size of functional molecules. The study also suggests a limit on the tiniest size that electrically conductive molecules can be constructed.

The lancet specialty journals press releases

A review highlights the association between excess body weight and increased cancer risk, particularly in colon, breast, endometrium, oesophagus, and kidney. The study suggests that alterations in hormone metabolism may play a role in this link, emphasizing the importance of weight management for cancer prevention.

Cloning pigs and drug discovery among 'hot' topics

The world's first cloned double 'knockout' pigs represent a major boost to xenotransplantation research, offering hope for resolving the organ shortage. Researchers predict human clinical trials for pig islet transplantation in patients with diabetes and kidney transplants could be imminent.

Awards of the Netherlands’ greatest prize for science

The NWO/Spinoza Award is presented to four Dutch scientists for their groundbreaking research in mathematics, computer science, and medicine. Professor Henk Barendregt and Els Goulmy receive awards for their work on lambda calculus and minor histocompatibility antigens, respectively.

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.

Wisconsin team engineers hydrogen from biomass

Researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison have developed a process to convert glucose into hydrogen fuel, with potential applications in generating power. The method produces low-carbon hydrogen with minimal CO concentrations, making it suitable for fuel-cell operation.

Making individual health insurance market work

The article argues that guaranteed renewability pools risk and protects consumers from price increases without resorting to heavy regulation of the market or reduced consumer choice. It also prevents adverse selection by preventing those who know they are likely to get sick from buying more generous coverage.

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.

UCSD professor explains how elephants are able to snorkel

Researchers found that elephants have dense connective tissue replacing pleural membranes to withstand pressure, allowing them to breathe while submerged. West's extensive work on respiratory function also explored high-altitude effects and weightlessness on astronauts.

Biggest ever Gamma Ray search starts in Namibia

Researchers at the University of Durham are using the H.E.S.S. telescope array to investigate extreme cosmic environments and detect gamma-ray sources, including supernova remnants and active galactic nuclei. The project seeks to shed light on the origin of cosmic rays, which bombard Earth from space.

FDA clears for market new diagnostic test for lupus

The FDA has cleared a new diagnostic test that aims to detect 20% of SLE cases that previously went undiagnosed due to the limitations of existing blood tests. The test, developed by Mark Roth, uses molecules called SR proteins as biomarkers, improving doctors' ability to make accurate diagnoses and predict disease flare-ups.

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.

Big Brother spurs viewers to separate truth from fiction

A study by Dr Annette Hill found that over 70% of children and adults aged 4-65 regularly watch factual entertainment, including docu-soaps and game shows like Big Brother. Viewers tend to favor programs with relatable content and authenticity, often seeking 'moments of truth' amidst manufactured situations.

Mayo Clinic discovers one more downside to alcoholism

A recent study by Mayo Clinic researchers found that patients with alcoholic-liver disease are at a higher risk of developing confusion and delirium after liver transplant surgery. The study, which included 87 patients, revealed that the length of sobriety before surgery is directly correlated to the severity of these complications.

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.