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Science News for December 2, 2002


New theory explains economic growth in terms of evolutionary biology

A new theory proposes that evolutionary pressures drove human traits beneficial to economic growth, such as valuing high-quality offspring. The transition from hunter-gatherer tribes to nuclear families with intergenerational links accelerated this process.

SourceBrown University·JournalThe Quarterly Journal of Economics·DateDec 2, 2002

Ulcer-causing pathogen uses hydrogen for energy

The research found that Helicobacter pylori can use hydrogen as an energy source, increasing its colonization in mice. The study showed that mice stomachs contained sufficient hydrogen to support the growth of H. pylori.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalScience·DateDec 2, 2002

Smart, but do they work together?

Researchers have developed a reusable multi-agent infrastructure called RETSINA, which enables teams of intelligent agents to work together autonomously. This allows for more efficient collaboration among humans and agents in joint mission planning and execution.

SourceOffice of Naval Research·DateDec 2, 2002
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.

Annals of Internal Medicine, tip sheet, December 3, 2002

Recent studies have found that hospitalists provide better patient outcomes in terms of reduced costs, shorter hospital stays, and lower short-term mortality rates compared to non-hospitalist physicians. The benefits of hospitalist care became evident only after the second year of both studies, highlighting the importance of experience...

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateDec 2, 2002

Even green pond scum can suffer from jet lag

Researchers have successfully determined the structure of a biological clock protein called KaiC in blue-green algae, shedding light on internal clock mechanisms. The protein's ring-like hexagonal structure suggests it interacts directly with DNA, potentially regulating gene expression and controlling the wake-sleep cycle.

SourceVanderbilt University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 2, 2002
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.

Geophysicist develops method for finding underground contaminants

A geophysicist has developed a cost-effective method for finding underground contaminants by measuring voltage between metal spikes inserted into the ground. The technique shows promise in detecting organic compounds like cancer-causing substances that don't conduct electricity, potentially streamlining remediation processes.

SourceUniversity of Rhode Island·DateDec 2, 2002

Mapping with math

Arjun Heimsath and Hany Farid developed a new method to create 3D models of remote regions using 2D photographs, making it easier for researchers to predict landslides and erosion rates. The technique has limitations, such as requiring clear images of the ground surface and a good point of view.

SourceDartmouth College·DateDec 2, 2002

Researchers find genes connected to seasonal reproductive clock in hamsters

A study by Ohio State University researchers found three genes associated with regulating thyroid hormones in the hypothalamus, which controls the hamster's reproductive cycle. The genes were active in hamsters kept in both long and short days, enabling them to respond to seasonal changes.

SourceOhio State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 2, 2002
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.

Search for sympathy uncovers patterns of brain activity

Researchers used PET scans to explore brain activity while watching actors tell stories with sad and neutral tones. The study found that brain regions associated with emotional processing were activated when the story content and actor's expression matched, but suppressed when they didn't.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalNeuropsychologia·DateDec 2, 2002

UCR awards new scholarships in computer science, engineering, and mathematics

The University of California Riverside has awarded 40 new scholarships to academically talented students from low-income families. The scholarships aim to provide comprehensive support, including financial aid, academic excellence workshops, and career opportunities, to help students persist in their studies.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·DateDec 2, 2002

Better warheads through plastics

The Office of Naval Research developed a new warhead that combines kinetic energy with chemical reactions to destroy targets. The warhead uses advanced composite materials and has shown improved structural damage and lethal radius in testing.

SourceOffice of Naval Research·DateDec 2, 2002
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Listening to music while working out helps people with severe lung disease

Research at Ohio State University found that listening to music while exercising increased walking distance by an average of 445 feet among patients with severe lung disease. The study suggests that music can help distract from physical symptoms and improve overall fitness levels, leading to better independence in daily activities.

SourceOhio State University·DateDec 2, 2002

Felling antenna forests

The Office of Naval Research (ONR) is developing an Advanced Multi-Function Radio-Frequency Concept (AMRF-C) antenna aperture that can integrate radar and communications functions, reducing the need for separate antennas and increasing stealth.

SourceOffice of Naval Research·DateDec 2, 2002

Hospital-care specialists improve outcomes, reduce costs

A two-year study found that hospitalists reduced average patient stays by half a day, resulting in $782 per-patient cost savings. Hospitalists also achieved lower short-term mortality rates, specifically a 37% reduction in 30-day mortality.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateDec 2, 2002
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.

Fractals add new dimension to study of tiny electronics

Scientists created a new material that exhibits fractal behavior in its magnetic field, leading to the discovery of 'fractal cluster glass'. This phenomenon could revolutionize the design of electronic devices in the future, as smaller devices may no longer behave like traditional three-dimensional objects.

SourceOhio State University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateDec 2, 2002

American Thoracic Society Journal news tips for December (first issue)

Researchers studied patients' understanding of living wills, finding significant differences in interpretation, and found that certain ventilator modes can worsen sleep quality. Inspiratory muscle training also improved respiratory function in patients with severe COPD.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateDec 2, 2002

Caught sleeping: Study captures virus dormant in human cells

A team of scientists has developed a laboratory system to study the virus in its latent stage, discovering genes that may give it stealth capabilities. This could lead to the development of new drugs to clear the virus from infected individuals.

SourcePrinceton University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 2, 2002

Infants go to school early on grammar

A Purdue University psychology professor's research reveals infants can comprehend words and grammar from a young age, defying the common notion of gradual learning. By analyzing infant responses to language experiments, Hollich's study shows that babies as young as 5 months old demonstrate surprising linguistic savvy.

SourcePurdue University·DateDec 2, 2002
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.

Satellite images predict hantaviral transmission risk

Researchers used satellite data to identify environments associated with human risk of hantavirus infection, finding that woody plants dominated high-risk sites. The study provides a way to monitor the environment for infectious disease risks and better understand why outbreaks happen where they do.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 2, 2002