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Science News for February 15, 2002


Is the evidence for human 'replacement' really clear?

Paleoanthropologist Geoffrey Clark questions the clear evidence for human 'replacement', suggesting that archaeological findings reveal a more complex mosaic pattern. He proposes an alternative cause for cultural and technological changes, linking them to population density and critical selection pressures.

SourceArizona State University·DateFeb 15, 2002

The new biology of rocks: 'Are there medical implications of geomicrobiology?'

As scientists search for life beyond Earth, the possibility of microbial disease-causing organisms emerging in new environments raises concerns. Experts like Salyers highlight examples of unexpected adaptations, such as Legionnaires' disease and Listeria monocytogenes, which can thrive in harsh conditions and cause human disease.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·DateFeb 15, 2002
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

PET tracer detects early prostate cancer

A new PET tracer, 11C-acetate, has been found to detect prostate cancer earlier and more accurately than 18F-FDG PET. This breakthrough may enable the detection of cancers that are currently undetectable by conventional methods.

SourceSociety of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging·JournalJournal of Nuclear Medicine·DateFeb 15, 2002

Sky-is-the-limit challenges have strongest effect on the heart

A study by Rex Wright found that unfixed challenges, accompanied by strong incentives like money or status, increase cardiovascular responses, indicating intense motivational and emotional states. These findings suggest a potential link between chronically elevated cardiovascular responses and negative health outcomes.

SourceCenter for Advancing Health·JournalPsychophysiology·DateFeb 15, 2002
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.

Snow science, not sport, in the rockies

The CLPX aims to improve prediction of the hydrologic cycle and management of water resources. Scientists will collect snow data using skis, snowmobiles, aircraft, satellites, and microwave measurements to analyze snow water content, temperature, and crystal formation.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateFeb 15, 2002
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Rethinking the role of affiliation and aggression in primate groups

Researchers propose a new paradigm that recognizes cooperation and affiliation as primary social behaviors in primates. They found that affiliative behaviors are 10-20 times more common than aggressive ones, devoting only 5-10% of their activity budget to social interactions.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·DateFeb 15, 2002

Rational imitation in preverbal infants

A new study shows that 14-month-olds can imitate a novel means action modelled to them, but only if it's considered the most rational alternative. This indicates that imitation of goal-directed action is a selective interpretative process. In contrast, infants perform the 'hand-action' automatically, suggesting an emulation-like process.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature·DateFeb 15, 2002

Origins of 'modern' behavior might be linked to population pressures

Researchers found a shift in diet and personal ornamentation, such as beads, around 40-50 thousand years ago, which may indicate increased human population density. This change occurred simultaneously in Africa, Asia, and Europe, suggesting that modern humans did not expand from a single geographic location.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·DateFeb 15, 2002

Origami helps scientists solve problems

Origami is being used to develop new techniques for solving complex mathematical and computer science problems. Researchers like Robert J. Lang, Jeremy Shafer, and Eric Demaine are applying origami principles to create innovative solutions for real-world challenges.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·DateFeb 15, 2002
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.

AAAS airs McClintock and Franklin discrimination legends

Barbara McClintock and Rosalind Franklin's careers have been misinterpreted due to flawed media reports and biographies, says Lee Kass. Archived records have revealed that McClintock was not denied tenure at Cornell or the University of Missouri, contrary to popular claims.

SourceCornell University·DateFeb 15, 2002

New instrument package to expand space telescope’s vision

The new ACS instrument will provide two times the observational area, resolution, and sensitivity as existing instruments, allowing astronomers to capture more objects in detail at a faster rate. This will enable research to probe deeper into the universe, potentially revealing direct images of planets in nearby solar systems.

SourceJohns Hopkins University·DateFeb 15, 2002

Unusual virus identified in aborted calf

Researchers at Oregon State University have identified a new type of virus in an aborted calf, which is part of the calicivirus family that can infect various species. The discovery raises concerns about the potential spread of disease among livestock and its impact on public health.

SourceOregon State University·JournalJournal of the American Veterinary Medical Association·DateFeb 15, 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.