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Science News Archive July 2002


Page 2 of 7

Nanoscale crystallography reveals hidden structural details

Researchers used non-traditional techniques to determine nanoscale structures, revealing cesium ions arranged in short-range order zigzag chains. This verifies CsxSi32O64 as a room-temperature stable inorganic electride with potential useful electronic properties.

Strength increase in Asian southwest monsoon may be result of warming

Research suggests the Asian southwest monsoon is strengthening due to Northern Hemisphere warming, with potential implications for agriculture and population displacement. The study analyzed sediment cores from the Arabian Sea, finding increased wind speeds and a link to decreased Eurasian snow cover.

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.

Health and human rights

The Lancet has highlighted concerns over the slow response to humanitarian emergencies in Angola, with three million people in need of medical or nutritional assistance. Humanitarian organizations are working together to address the crisis, but resource and political constraints remain significant barriers.

ASU researcher puts recalled Firestone tires to good use

Adding crumb rubber to fresh concrete improves strength and durability, reducing thermal expansion, drying shrinkage, and brittleness. This technology can be used in sidewalks, parking lots, and concrete floors, potentially recycling millions of scrap tires annually.

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.

Researchers identify gene involved in autoimmune disease

Scientists have identified a gene involved in autoimmune disease using molecular techniques on mouse models. The research aims to develop more specific treatments by understanding the role of histamine receptors in autoimmune disease.

First ever census of jaguars completed

A new technique developed by WCS scientists allows for accurate population density estimation of jaguars in the wild. Using camera traps and unique spotting patterns, researchers can now focus conservation efforts on areas with highest cat densities.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Pufferfish DNA yields clues to human biology

Comparing the pufferfish genome to the human genome revealed nearly 1,000 previously unidentified human genes, shedding light on gene regulation and function in the human body. The study highlights similarities and differences between vertebrates and finned fish, providing insights into the evolution of human biology.

Prenatal zinc supplementation could impair childhood mental development

A recent study found that prenatal zinc supplementation had no significant effect on the mental development of children. However, infants whose mothers received zinc supplements during pregnancy showed poorer nutritional status, which was strongly related to their development. The researchers emphasize the serious nature of undernutrit...

Immune system component found common to both humans and worms

Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital have identified a common immune system pathway shared by humans and worms, which could lead to therapies for chronic inflammatory diseases and other conditions. The study uses the C. elegans nematode worm as a model organism to investigate innate immunity.

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.

Antarctic glacier may yield clues to global climate change

A team of researchers led by Hongxing Liu from Texas A&M University is analyzing remotely sensed data from the Lambert ice sheet to understand its role in global climate change. The study will help determine how glaciers respond to changes in the climate and provide clues about the potential impact on sea levels.

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.

Ulcer-causing bacteria use stomach inflammation to their advantage

Researchers found that Helicobacter pylori infection leads to mild inflammation, triggering the production of sialyl-di-Lewis x sugar molecule on stomach cells. The bacteria then latch onto this molecule using a previously unknown adhesin protein, worsening inflammation and increasing survival chances.

Academic couples at same university are happier

A new study by Cornell University researchers found that academic couples who work together are happier and more successful in balancing their work and family lives. Co-working men, especially those with dependent children, report greater family success and less negative stress from home to work.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Variability in West Antarctic ice streams normal

Recent research suggests that West Antarctic ice streams are experiencing normal variability, contrary to predictions of imminent shutdown and sea-level rise. The study found that local conditions, such as geothermal heat and frictional forces, drive the slowdown or speeding up of ice streams.

Research to estimate pesticides' effects on children

A three-year grant awarded by EPA aims to develop a scientific way to accurately estimate pesticide exposure among children, especially farmworker sons and daughters. Researchers use novel methods like videotaping children at home to quantify real-life exposure to pesticide residues.

Platelet molecule regulates blood coagulation, study finds

Researchers discover that a platelet molecule called phosphatidylserine plays a key role in activating the final step of blood coagulation. The finding could lead to new treatments for clotting disorders, such as heart attacks and strokes.

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.

Scientists visualize waves in space caused by black-hole mergers

Researchers have developed a computer model to visualize gravitational waves produced by black-hole mergers, providing insight into Einstein's theory of general relativity. The model predicts that the waves will be relatively weak until moments before the merger, culminating in a thunderous impact.

Light from gas bubbles: Sonoluminescence measured

Researchers measured the chemical reactions and light emission from a single water bubble excited by sound waves, finding temperatures high enough to break water molecules apart. The experiment showed that only a small fraction of sound energy is converted into light, with most energy going into mechanical energy.

Breakthrough in profiling of yeast genome

Researchers at McGill University have made a significant breakthrough in profiling the yeast genome, creating a comprehensive scale for genetic manipulation. This achievement could ultimately lead to the discovery of better drugs for treating human diseases, including certain forms of cancer.

Artificial antibodies created by new molecular imprinting process

Researchers at the University of Illinois have developed a new molecular imprinting process to create artificial antibodies. The technique involves imprinting a single molecule within a highly branched polymer called a dendrimer, allowing for specific binding and rejection of target molecules. This breakthrough has potential applicatio...

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Scientists measure energy dissipation in a single cavitating bubble

Researchers used sensitive detection techniques to study energy dissipation during bubble collapse, finding that less than 1% of energy is converted into light and most goes into chemical reactions or mechanical energy. This understanding has implications for future work on sonochemistry and the possibility of sonofusion.

Researchers identify defect that causes rare muscular dystrophies

Defects in enzymes responsible for processing dystroglycan protein cause several rare forms of muscular dystrophy. The discovery will help doctors diagnose and provide genetic counseling to patients. It also raises questions about links between muscle physiology and neurobiology, potentially improving understanding of learning and memory.

CWRU scientists demystify protein at root of arthritis

Researchers at Case Western Reserve University discovered kinks in the aggrecan protein, a submolecular root of arthritis. The study shows that these kinks may be more susceptible to enzymes that degrade cartilage in osteoarthritis, providing a link between structure and function.

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.

Kids need repeated messages, support on healthy eating

A study found that middle school students who participated in a nutrition program with repeated messages and support had significant increases in fruit and vegetable consumption, while those without the program saw no change. Researchers emphasize the need for intensive, multi-component interventions to reach these children.

Geology and GSA Today media highlights — August

New studies reveal close connections between North Atlantic and Pacific climates, with potential implications for predicting future climate changes. Glacier advances in Alaska and landslides triggered by asteroid impacts provide evidence of distant climate perturbations.

Men die young, even when they're old

A new study reveals that men are on average twice as likely to die prematurely as women at every age, particularly in their twenties. The disparity holds true for various causes of death, including car crashes and heart disease. If male mortality rates matched female rates, over 375,000 lives would be saved annually in the US.

Computer predicts outcome of breast cancer

A computer system developed by Newcastle University researchers accurately predicted the spread of breast cancer and five-year survival rates in nearly 90% of patients. The system uses a combination of neural networks and fuzzy logic to analyze images of cells from tissue samples.

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.

This old house may put its occupants on path to good health

Researchers found that neighborhoods with older homes in urban areas have sidewalks, denser street networks, and mix of business and residential uses, which encourages walking. Men and non-Hispanic whites were more likely than women and other racial groups to walk at least a mile 20 times a month.

Benefits of exercise lead to further activity in elderly

A new study published in American Journal of Preventive Medicine shows that exercising boosts the confidence of older adults. By promoting fitness-related variables like weight, energy and eating habits, public health interventions can help build confidence to continue exercising, leading to long-term behavioral change.

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.

Least-fit elderly reap greatest benefits from Tai Chi

Participants with lower physical functioning experienced rapid progress toward higher functional levels after taking Tai Chi classes. Additionally, those with lower health perceptions and depression reported more significant improvements in physical function.

Recirculated airplane cabin air does not cause more colds

A study of over 1,000 passengers flying between San Francisco and Denver found that recirculated cabin air did not cause more colds than fresh air. The researchers suggest that being on a plane packed with people may be the primary factor in transmission of colds.

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.

Illicit crops threaten birds in Colombia

Illicit crops, particularly opium poppies, are expanding into critical bird habitats in the Andes region of Colombia. This could lead to devastating effects on forest-dependent bird species if the expansion continues.

UCLA scientists develop prostate cancer tracking system

Researchers engineered a virus to target prostate-specific antigen, appearing as 'hot spots' in primary tumors and distant metastases. This method could deliver toxic treatments directly to prostate cancer cells, killing them while sparing surrounding healthy tissue.

Ghostly asteroids clue to missing matter

Astronomers found that most comets disappear after their first pass through the solar system, but recent modelling suggests the number of dormant comets is far too low to accommodate predicted numbers. Dr Foot proposes mirror matter as a possible explanation for the missing comets.

First practical test for monitoring shark trade

Researchers have developed a new genetic shark-identification test that is quick, accurate and relatively cheap. The test has been evaluated on 33 closely-related known species and found to be nearly 100% accurate, with an average accuracy of over 99%, according to Shivji and his colleagues.

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.

New technique shows how cells interpret genetic information

Researchers developed a new technique to analyze RNA splicing in yeast, revealing the complex process of gene expression. By studying yeast genes with DNA microarrays, they gained insights into alternative splicing and its role in human diseases.

Sea Grant research shows electric barrier may stop Asian carp

Researchers tested the effectiveness of an electric barrier in preventing Asian carp from passing through a simulated barrier near Romeoville, Illinois. The study found that only one fish out of 381 attempts successfully passed through the barrier, and smaller fish were less susceptible to the electric current.