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Science News for July 22, 2002


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.

SourceSociety for Conservation Biology·JournalConservation Biology·DateJul 22, 2002

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.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalNature Medicine·DateJul 22, 2002

Over half of children's Medicaid expenses are for injuries

A study found that over half of children's Medicaid expenses are for injuries, with an average cost of $396 per child per year. The most common injury types were blunt force and penetrating trauma, often caused by falls.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalAmbulatory Pediatrics·DateJul 22, 2002

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.

SourceUniversity of Melbourne·DateJul 22, 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.

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.

SourceSociety for Conservation Biology·JournalConservation Biology·DateJul 22, 2002

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.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Cruz·JournalScience·DateJul 22, 2002

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.

SourceNational Sea Grant College Program·DateJul 22, 2002

ESA benefits grizzly bears

Researchers found that whitebark pines, large ranges, and low human density are key factors in the survival of grizzly bears. The ESA has helped protect these areas, leading to increased bear populations in places like Yellowstone.

SourceSociety for Conservation Biology·JournalConservation Biology·DateJul 22, 2002

Weather in outer space?

Researchers Katharina Lodders and her team found evidence of complex chemistry in brown dwarf atmospheres, including the formation of liquid iron clouds. The study revealed that as brown dwarfs cool, certain compounds reappear in their atmospheres.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateJul 22, 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.

Ocean aquaculture: Technology, business practices, policies & caviar

A team of researchers, government agencies, and private companies test a sustainable, environmentally friendly open ocean aquaculture industry in the Gulf of Mexico. The project utilizes innovative technologies, such as a single-point mooring system and automated innovations like a remote camera and satellite tracking system.

SourceNational Sea Grant College Program·DateJul 22, 2002

Dust in 'Earth's attic' could hold evidence of planet's earliest life

Researchers believe that lunar debris may hold fossils from Earth's early microbial life, with potential insights into the evolution of life on our planet. By studying this ancient material, scientists can gain a better understanding of the moon's role as a window into Earth's history.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalIcarus·DateJul 22, 2002

Researchers shed light on early brain growth and autism

Autistic children exhibit significantly increased cerebral volumes compared to typically developing children, suggesting abnormal brain development processes occur very early. Brain volume levels out to normal size by adolescence and adulthood.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateJul 22, 2002

New horizons of nerve repair

Biomedical engineer Shelly Sakiyama-Elbert has designed a novel nerve repair system that uses a gel-filled tube to deliver growth factor proteins stimulating nerve regeneration. The system promotes peripheral nerve regeneration in preliminary rat studies and shows promise for spinal cord repair.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·DateJul 22, 2002
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Muddy Mayan mystery made clearer by researchers working in the bajos

A team of scholars discovered that early Maya centers were abandoned due to a drastic change in local environments, transforming swamp-like bajos into seasonal swamps. The study found evidence of human-induced environmental change and climatic shift, leading the Maya to adapt and thrive in the altered environment.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalAnnals of the Association of American Geographers·DateJul 22, 2002

What savings?

A review of medical savings accounts (MSAs) suggests they are unlikely to reduce healthcare spending while maintaining access to services for all Canadians. MSAs were assessed using data from Manitoba residents, and the results showed an increase in government spending on healthcare if the threshold was used as MSA entitlement.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateJul 22, 2002

Research shows climate change could push bats northward

Researchers used bat hibernation physiology to predict climate change effects, finding that warmer winters will allow little brown bats to expand their northern ranges. The study's findings highlight the importance of basic physiological processes in understanding ecosystem changes.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalNature·DateJul 22, 2002

Study offers new insights into overcoming disparities in health

Research by James P. Smith and Dana P. Goldman found that education level is a significant factor in adherence to treatment regimens, particularly for complex diseases like HIV and diabetes. The study suggests that education can help improve health outcomes by promoting better adherence to treatment plans.

SourceNIH/National Institute on Aging·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 22, 2002
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.

Plastic surgery to the'nines'

A new system is being developed to aid plastic surgeons in reconstructive surgery by analyzing faces using wavelet analysis, recommending procedures and assessing outcomes. This technology has potential applications outside of plastic surgery, including facial recognition and security, as well as quantifying beauty.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·DateJul 22, 2002

Sprawl may threaten wildlife in reserves

A study by Andrew Hansen and Jay Rotella found that development near nature reserves can harm bird populations, as many species rely on productive habitats outside the reserve. The researchers suggest that conserving population source areas outside reserves is necessary to protect biodiversity in nature reserves.

SourceSociety for Conservation Biology·JournalConservation Biology·DateJul 22, 2002