Bluesky Facebook Reddit Email

Science News Archive August 2002


Page 3 of 8

Brookhaven news From the 224th American Chemical Society meeting

Researchers have found that adding gold to titanium dioxide creates a highly reactive catalyst for sulfur dioxide, which can help clean air pollutants. Additionally, ionic liquids may be used as solvents for cleaning up radioactive waste due to their stability and ability to block neutrons.

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.

Upside-down flies may offer clues to aging in humans

Researchers studying Mediterranean fruit flies found that nearly all flies went upside-down before death, suggesting a biomarker for studying human morbidity. The 'supine behavior' phase may help understand the onset of progressive neurological illnesses and dementia in humans.

World Trade Center clean-up workers report acute respiratory problems

Cleanup workers at Ground Zero reported widespread respiratory symptoms, including coughing and wheezing, after working on the site. Lung function results showed no extensive impairment among workers, but long-term health risks remain unknown due to potential exposure to other airborne contaminants.

An exciting new state for excitons

Scientists at Berkeley Lab have observed a new exciton state that displays macroscopic ordering, indicating the formation of a Bose-Einstein condensate. This discovery holds promise for ultrafast digital logic elements and quantum computing devices.

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.

Mayo Clinic Proceedings features primers on medical genomics

The primer series provides a historical background of genetics and the sequencing of the human genome, as well as principles and methods in molecular biology. The authors highlight the potential benefits of the genomic revolution in understanding diseases such as cancer, heart disease, and Alzheimer's disease.

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.

Tissue engineers steering stem cells to produce bone, cartilage

Researchers at Johns Hopkins University have successfully created cartilage-like tissue using adult stem cells in a minimally invasive procedure. The technique involves injecting a fluid filled with stem cells and nutrients into damaged tissue, where it hardens into a stable gel that can be replaced by new bone or cartilage.

Women heart patients suffer lower quality of life than do men

A study of 536 patients found that women reported poorer physical and psychological functioning after hospital treatment, with lower quality of life associated with feelings of loneliness. The absence of social support was a key factor in this difference, highlighting the importance of friendship and companionship for women's well-being

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.

Long-term avoidance of milk in children results in poor bone health

Children who avoided drinking milk in early life have low dietary calcium intakes and poor bone health, including significantly smaller bones and a higher incidence of fractures. The study highlights the importance of increasing calcium intake in growing skeletons to mitigate these effects.

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.

Procrastinators get poorer grades in college class, study finds

A study by Ohio State University found that procrastinators receive poorer grades in college classes due to lack of self-discipline. The researchers discovered that high procrastinators scored lower in measures of self-regulation and used 'wishful thinking' rationalizations to justify their behavior.

Are too many lungs not being considered for transplantation? (p 621)

A study found that approximately 40% of rejected lungs might have been suitable for transplantation, highlighting the need for re-evaluation of donor selection criteria. This could lead to an increase in the number of available lungs for transplantation, addressing a potential shortage in lung transplantation.

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.

The case for a global development organisation

A Global Development Organisation is necessary to overcome barriers to global development, including fragmentation, strategic incoherence, and resource overconsumption. The organisation would aim to set standards for best practice, avoid duplication of work, and hold institutions accountable for their impact on development.

Children's body mass index predicts overweight or obesity in adulthood

A study found that childhood body mass index (BMI) values are strongly linked to adult overweight or obesity. Younger children with higher BMI-for-age had a greater risk of becoming overweight as adults. The authors recommend monitoring children in the ≥ 85th percentile of BMI for age to prevent weight management issues.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

A mane is a pain, but worth it for male lions

Researchers found that male lions are intimidated by longer manes, while females prefer darker-maned males. Darker manes also correlate with higher testosterone levels, which may be an advantage for attracting mates and defending territories. Despite this, there is no correlation between mane length and temperature regulation.

Making cancer cells susceptible to therapeutic attack

Researchers at University of Illinois Chicago have discovered a way to render cancer cells more susceptible to immunological attacks and chemotherapy. By inserting the E1A gene into malignant cells, they can prevent tumor cells from blocking immune defenses, paving the way for new treatments.

HIV targets active genes in cells

Researchers found HIV integrates into human chromosomes near active genes, which are triggered by the virus itself. This targeting specificity could improve gene therapies by leveraging a retrovirus's efficiency.

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.

Gene variant increases risk of cardiac arrhythmia for African-Americans

A study led by Mark T. Keating found that 13.2% of African-Americans carry an altered form of the SCN5A gene, linked to prolonged contraction of heart muscle cells and arrhythmia risk. The variant can be detected through simple tests, allowing for preventive measures such as avoiding certain medications and monitoring potassium levels.

Study highlights need for UK childhood screening for amblyopia

A study highlights the need for UK childhood screening for amblyopia, finding that effective treatment can prevent incapacitating vision loss later in life. The research also suggests a lower risk of visual improvement among adults, emphasizing the importance of early detection and treatment.

Too many lungs rejected for transplantation, study shows

Researchers found that 40% of rejected lungs could have been candidates for transplantation, more than doubling the number of potentially suitable donor lungs. The study highlights the need for a prospective assessment of selection of donors for lung transplantation to potentially save thousands of lives.

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.

Essential fatty acids in mother’s diet affect infant’s sleep patterns

A study of pregnant women found that those consuming high levels of DHA during pregnancy had infants with more mature sleep patterns, characterized by lower active to quiet sleep ratios and less sleep-wake transition time. Breastfed infants also showed improved neurological development compared to formula-fed infants.

Compound from yeast shows promise in protecting against anthrax

A new compound derived from baker's yeast has been shown to significantly increase the survival rate of mice infected with lethal anthrax spores. The study found that mice treated with the compound survived at a rate of 75-100%, compared to just 30-50% in mice given a placebo.

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.

Scientists confirm age of the oldest meteorite collision on Earth

Researchers have determined the age of the oldest known meteorite impact on Earth, a catastrophic event that generated massive shockwaves billions of years before the dinosaur extinction. The ancient meteorite is estimated to be approximately 12 miles wide and was buried in rocks formed during the Archean eon.

Not drinking cows' milk blamed for children's fractures

A recent study found that almost 50% of children between three to ten years old who avoided cow's milk for four months or more had suffered one or more fractures. The researchers discovered that these children often had low bone density and were short and overweight, suggesting a link between milk avoidance and poor bone health.

A 'first' for Parkinson's disease sufferers

A new Medicines Information Helpline has been launched in the UK to provide independent expert advice on medicines for patients with Parkinson's disease. The helpline, staffed by experienced pharmacists, aims to address the need for reliable information on medication management for this growing population.

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.

Potential cause of arthritis discovered

Researchers have discovered that certain types of naturally occurring carbohydrates in the body may cause rheumatoid arthritis by triggering an immune response and leading to inflammation and joint damage. The study found that glycosaminoglycans, a major component of joint cartilage and skin, activate inflammatory cells in the joints.

New antibacterial coating may prolong contact lens life

Researchers have developed a new antibacterial coating using selenium that can kill bacteria and extend contact lens wear time. The coating, which is only one molecule thick, has shown promising results in rabbits, with no ill effects after two consecutive months of wear.

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.

PNNL gathers most complete protein map of 'world's toughest bacterium'

The study provides a comprehensive understanding of the proteome of D. radiodurans, revealing new insights into its remarkable ability to withstand radiation and degrade radioactive materials. The research used advanced mass spectrometry techniques to identify over 1,900 proteins in the bacterium.

Lipid abnormalities linked to Lou Gehrig’s disease

Researchers found elevated levels of ceramides and cholesterol esters in spinal cords of people with ALS, leading to motor neuron degeneration. Treating these lipids with a drug called ISP-1 may prevent this process.

New cancer drug possible from compound found in common food

Researchers at University College London have discovered a potential new cancer treatment using compounds found in cola beverages, coffee, tea, and chocolate. The compounds block the operation of a key enzyme linked to cell growth and blood clotting.

Fresno chemist George Kauffman wins ACS Helen M. Free award

George Kauffman, a renowned Fresno chemist, has won the ACS Helen M. Free Award for his outstanding contributions to public outreach in chemistry. With over 1750 scientific papers and 16 books on science for general readers, Kauffman is celebrated for his work in making chemistry accessible to the public.

Marine biodiversity essential to preserving species

A new study by Oregon State University researchers found that removing any one species from a marine food web can have devastating effects, leading to population collapse and regional extinction. The study's findings highlight the importance of preserving biodiversity in marine ecosystems.

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.

Marijuana-derived compound targets pain, inflammation

A new compound, ajulemic acid, is being tested for its effectiveness in treating chronic pain, arthritis, and multiple sclerosis. Results from animal studies have shown promising results, and the compound has been found to be safe and effective with minimal side effects.

Natural-born killers enlisted to fight anthrax

Researchers have developed a new agent using phage enzymes that can specifically target and eliminate millions of anthrax bacteria within seconds. This targeted killer also shows promise as an anthrax detection and decontamination tool, with potential applications in mailrooms or subway stations.

Three dimensional structure of a protein transport machine

Researchers at the Max Planck Institute of Biophysics have determined the first structure of the SecYEG protein translocation machinery from Escherichia coli. The structure provides a detailed view of the complex, which binds and transports secretory and membrane proteins.

'Nanoantennas' could bring sensitive detectors, optical circuits

The Purdue team has developed a new type of antenna that can detect a single molecule using electromagnetic radiation. This innovation could lead to detectors millions of times more sensitive than current technology, with potential applications in medical diagnostics and homeland security.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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