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Science News for January 28, 2002


How to unclog the Internet? Put it in reverse

Reverse computation could help network managers identify trouble spots before congestion occurs, decreasing processing time by a factor of 10 or more. The technique aims to aid in rapid design of future network systems and improve the efficiency of current techniques.

SourceRensselaer Polytechnic Institute·DateJan 28, 2002

Derrida's deconstruction to help safety industry

A standard decision-making framework is being developed to formalise regulatory bodies' assessment of safety cases, reducing subjective judgements. Deconstruction, a technique from French philosopher Derrida, will be used to find meanings in texts that authors did not intend, improving the accuracy of decisions.

SourceNewcastle University·DateJan 28, 2002

Men with higher levels of PCBs more likely to father boys

A recent study published in the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine found that men with higher levels of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) were more likely to father boys. Researchers analyzed data from 208 children born to 101 families, where PCB levels were detectable in both fathers and mothers.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalJournal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine·DateJan 28, 2002
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.

More precise solar neutrino production figure determined by UW scientists

A team of UW researchers has determined a more precise solar neutrino production figure, finding that the fusion rate is 17% greater than previously estimated. This new finding means the sun must be producing 17% more energetic neutrinos, with an accuracy of 3-4 percentage points.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJan 28, 2002

Genetica, Inc. develops high throughput RNAi tool for drug target validation

Researchers at Genetica and Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory have developed a cost-effective method for determining the role of specific genes using RNAi. This approach enables stable silencing of gene expression in mammalian cells, allowing for rapid assessment of gene function, previously limited to plants and certain model organisms.

SourceFeinstein Kean Healthcare·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 28, 2002

New transgenic rat model of ALS expands research possibilities

Scientists have created a new transgenic rat model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) that can quickly test novel treatments and advance understanding of the disease. The rats carry an abnormal human gene for superoxide dismutase, which reveals the critical role of astrocytes in ALS progression.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 28, 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.

New rat resource and research center to help investigators understand human disease

The Rat Resource Research Center (RRRC) will provide a centralized facility for information on available rat strains and a source of animals themselves. This will significantly increase the capacity for researchers to study specific human diseases using rat models, such as cardiovascular and pulmonary disease.

SourceNIH/National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS)·DateJan 28, 2002

Gene for neat repair of DNA discovered

Researchers discovered that the Rad54 gene plays a vital role in repairing DNA breaks in a neat and efficient manner, preventing mutations. The study's findings suggest that individuals without this gene may be more susceptible to radiation therapy side effects and could benefit from milder treatment protocols.

SourceNetherlands Organization for Scientific Research·DateJan 28, 2002

David Nelson to receive the first annual PITTCON Heritage Award

David Nelson, pioneer of chromatography data systems, recognized for promoting public understanding of analytical chemistry and its role in world economies. His work demonstrated the benefits of personal computers in analytical chemistry, benefiting forensic science, pharmaceutical drug discovery, and environmental remediation.

SourceChemical Heritage Foundation·DateJan 28, 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.

Dosage appears to be a critical factor in cocaine vaccine

A study conducted by Yale University has shown that a cocaine vaccine can significantly reduce cravings and addiction in patients who abuse the drug. The vaccine was found to be safe and effective in increasing anti-cocaine antibodies, which help prevent the uptake of cocaine across the blood-brain barrier.

SourceYale University·JournalVaccine·DateJan 28, 2002

Nanomaterials expert wins Franklin Medal in Earth Sciences

Navrotsky's work has pioneered methods to measure the energy needed to form crystal structures, allowing scientists to study minerals deep within the earth. Her research has established the identity of materials at hundreds of kilometers depth, enabling new discoveries in nanogeoscience.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·DateJan 28, 2002

UNC expands national clinical trials of schizophrenia and Alzheimer's drugs

The University of North Carolina is expanding its CATIE project to examine the effectiveness of newer anti-psychotic drugs for schizophrenia and behavioral problems in Alzheimer's disease. The trials will include a newly-approved drug, ziprasidone, and aim to determine its relative effectiveness compared to other medications.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·DateJan 28, 2002

MIT professor to receive the 2002 Othmer Gold Medal

Langer's groundbreaking research in controlled drug delivery and tissue engineering has paved the way for a multi-billion dollar industry. His work has led to the development of novel biodegradable polymers with medical applications, including a FDA-approved treatment for brain cancer that extends patient lives.

SourceChemical Heritage Foundation·DateJan 28, 2002
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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