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Science News Archive June 2002


Page 5 of 8

Death by color: Spiny spiders' bright stripes attract prey

Researchers discovered that brightly colored and patterned spiny spiders in Australia are more effective at catching prey due to their vibrant colors. The spiders use their colors to mimic food sources like flowers, attracting visually oriented insects.

Direct thought control

In a breakthrough study, monkeys were trained to move balls around on a screen using brain signals, achieving accuracy and speed comparable to normal arm movements. The technique has implications for people with paralysis who may be able to learn to control prosthetic limbs through thought control.

Potential of regenerative medicine explored

Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh's McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine have made significant breakthroughs in regenerative medicine. Filtering antibodies from blood may decrease the risk of organ rejection, with experiments showing a 40-60% reduction when coated with specific antigens. Additionally, injecting drag-re...

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.

Angiogenesis reduces leg pain from clogged arteries

A phase II trial demonstrated the therapeutic benefit of an angiogenic growth factor in patients with painful blockages in the legs. Treated patients showed significant increases in peak walking times and improved scores in a blood pressure index, suggesting improved perfusion.

Americans lack knowledge of ocular hypertension

A survey found that few Americans are aware of ocular hypertension, with only 41% recognizing it as a factor in glaucoma risk. Many individuals over 40 years old are unaware they need routine screening for the condition, despite being at increased risk.

Oregon chemist and educator receives award for fostering diversity

Geraldine Richmond, a renowned Oregon chemist and educator, has been recognized for her efforts to foster diversity in the chemical workplace. She founded the Committee on the Advancement of Women in Chemistry (COACh) to support women chemists and promote gender equality.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Eye drops delay onset of glaucoma in people at higher risk

A recent study found that pressure-lowering eye drops reduced the development of primary open-angle glaucoma by over 50 percent. The study suggests that treating people with elevated eye pressure may delay or prevent glaucoma, particularly in those at higher risk due to age, ethnicity, or ocular characteristics.

Noah's Flood Hypothesis may not hold water

A team of scientists led by Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Professor Jun Abrajano refutes the Noah's Flood Hypothesis by presenting sediment evidence of sustained interaction between the Mediterranean and Black Seas. This contradicts the theory that a massive flood destroyed freshwater mollusks in the Black Sea.

Salt Lake City-area chemistry teacher wins regional award

Nancy Treasure, a chemistry teacher at Layton High School in Utah, has been recognized with the American Chemical Society Regional Award in High School Chemistry Teaching. She is known for her ability to tailor instruction to all ability levels, resulting in an advanced placement pass rate of 80-85 percent.

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.

Acarbose could delay onset of type-2 diabetes

In a large clinical trial, patients with impaired glucose tolerance who took acarbose were 25% less likely to develop type-2 diabetes than those taking placebo. Acarbose also helped reversion of impaired glucose tolerance to normal glucose tolerance. The main side effects were flatulence and diarrhea.

Wyoming chemist receives award for improving asphalt manufacturing process

A. Troy Pauli, a Wyoming chemist, has developed an automated flocculation titrimeter (AFT) that analyzes the stability and performance of asphalts made with mixtures of heavy oils and petroleum residues. The device helps maximize the recovery of distillate oil by measuring the amount of "coke" formed during the breakdown process.

Researchers shed light on mechanisms of voluntary alcohol consumption

Dopamine and ethanol act through independent mechanisms to produce a common cellular response sustaining voluntary drinking behavior in rats. The study suggests synergy between dopamine D2 and adenosine A2 receptors creates hypersensitivity to ethanol and beta gamma dimers are required for sustained drinking.

Dartmouth researchers question use of tobacco funds

Researchers argue that the NY-ELCAP program cannot determine if screening saves lives due to a lack of control group. The study may harm participants, lead to overdiagnosis and make it harder to learn the true effect of spiral CT screening.

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.

Eye drops can delay onset of glaucoma

A recent study found that eye drops can delay the onset of glaucoma by reducing intraocular pressure by approximately 20%. The Ocular Hypertension Treatment Study (OHTS) followed 1,636 participants with elevated eye pressure and showed a significant reduction in glaucoma development among those who received treatment. This breakthrough...

Genetic factor underlies weight gain after use of antipsychotic drugs

A study of Chinese in-patients with first-time schizophrenia reveals a genetic alteration associated with increased bodyweight and drug-induced weight gain. The research suggests a predictive test could determine a patient's likelihood of developing this side effect, allowing for personalized treatment.

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.

Source of physical performance found in brain

New research reveals that brain activity associated with performing motor skills is separate from the process of learning those skills. The study, conducted by Dr. James Ashe and colleagues, used magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to detect brain activity in the cerebellum during performance of learned motor skills.

Urine test predicts Alzheimer's disease

A simple urine test can predict Alzheimer's disease by detecting increased brain oxidative damage in the form of isoprostanes in urine. The test may help doctors diagnose the disease earlier, allowing for slower progression and better treatment response.

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.

U-M artificial lung showing promise, as need grows

The U-M artificial lung has improved blood flow and reduced risk of clotting, showing encouraging results in sheep tests. The device could potentially bridge lung disease patients to transplant, reducing the average wait time from two years.

New device removes drinking water contaminants

A new device developed by Northwestern University uses a hollow-fiber membrane biofilm reactor to remove perchlorate and nitrate from contaminated water. The system exploits the natural biochemical process of electron transfer, reducing contaminants to harmless substances.

Futuristic system brings vision to blind

A pioneering neurosurgeon has successfully implanted an artificial vision system in eight blind patients, enabling them to drive cars and navigate their surroundings. The device, developed by the Dobelle Institute, stimulates the brain's visual cortex to create a semblance of sight.

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.

Mechanism that enables fetus to survive in mother under study

A new study suggests that the placenta produces high levels of progesterone to interact with the sigma receptor, which disables the mother's immune system. This mechanism allows the fetus to survive without being rejected by the mother's immune system.

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.

Angiogenic therapy offers promise for reducing claudication

A recent study, TRAFFIC, found that intra-arterial infusions of recombinant fibroblast growth factor-2 (rFGF-2) improved exercise capacity in patients with moderate-to-severe intermittent claudication. Peak walking time increased by 1.77 minutes with single-dose rFGF-2 and 1.54 minutes with double-dose rFGF-2.

Tobacco money – Up in smoke?

Researchers argue that NY-ELCAP cannot determine if spiral CT screening saves lives due to a lack of control group. The study's design flaw could lead to overdiagnosis and unnecessary treatment for some participants.

Contour mission gets to the 'heart' of comet diversity

The CONTOUR mission will examine the 'heart' of comets, exploring their composition and dynamics through high-resolution images and gas analysis. The four-year mission will visit two comets, Encke and Schwassmann-Wachmann 3, and potentially a new comet in the outer solar system.

Molecule between wires makes single-atom transistor

Researchers at Cornell University have created a single-atom transistor by implanting a molecule between two gold electrodes. The device demonstrates the potential for shrinking electronic components to smaller sizes and may be used as a chemical sensor.

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.

Had your morning coffee? Thank a killer bee

Research shows that exotic honeybees significantly improve coffee crop yields by up to 50%. The study emphasizes the need to preserve natural habitats for these pollinators to maintain biodiversity and sustainable agriculture practices. By removing their natural habitats through intensive cultivation, we risk losing crucial pollinators.

Discovery of three faint companions of bright stars

Astronomers at Penn State have discovered three faint dwarf stars orbiting nearby bright stars, marking a new era in imaging faint objects. The discovery uses an infrared camera with a specially shaped pupil mask, allowing for improved contrast and revealing the dim companions.

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.

Scientist detail how brain regulates sensory information

Researchers discovered how brain filters sensory inputs to focus on specific smells, tastes, or sounds by hardwiring sensory and motor cortices. This mechanism enables immediate motor signals to enhance sensory perception, illustrating the intricate connection between sensation and motor control.

Nominations sought for AGU's 2003 Sullivan and Perlman Awards

The American Geophysical Union (AGU) is now accepting nominations for the 2003 Sullivan and Perlman Awards, honoring work that enhances public understanding of Earth sciences. Eligible entries must have been published between December 16, 2001, and December 15, 2002.

Beyond copolymer 1

Researchers at JCI Journals have made significant strides in understanding the biological function and clinical relevance of copolymers. The study's findings hold promise for developing new treatments for various human diseases.

Two breakthroughs achieved in single-molecule transistor research

Researchers at Cornell University and Harvard University develop transistors using single cobalt and di-vanadium molecules, controlling electron flow and demonstrating nanoscale electronics potential. The advancements pave the way for building smallest possible electronic components.

Electroacupuncture trial is NCCAM's first intramural study

A new clinical trial at NCCAM investigates the effectiveness of electroacupuncture in managing delayed chemotherapy-induced nausea, which often proves difficult to treat with medications. The study aims to provide an alternative approach to alleviate this condition and its associated side effects, such as stress.

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.

New approach to post-transplant lymphoma shows promise

A new two-part therapy combining acyclovir with gradual reductions in immunosuppressive drugs has shown significant success in treating post-transplant lymphoma, with all patients achieving complete response and 82% maintaining it. The treatment stimulates the immune system to destroy EBV-infected cancer cells.

The MAP kinase pathway in coxsackievirus infections

The MAP kinase pathway is activated in response to coxsackievirus infection, leading to increased viral replication. This signaling cascade also triggers host cell responses, including inflammation and immune activation.

Does your brain shutdown with Alzheimer's?

A study reveals that Alzheimer's plaques can cause a flood of negative ions to drain healthy cells of their charge, leading to cell death. Researchers found that certain drugs can reverse this effect, suggesting a new direction for therapy development.

Study offers a rare view of how species interactions evolve

Researchers found that the interaction between Lithophragma parviflorum and Greya politella is a rare example of coevolution in action, with outcomes ranging from mutualism to antagonism. The study highlights the importance of considering large geographic scales to understand how coevolution shapes biodiversity.

Rock-eating fungi helps trees

Researchers discovered that some trees use fungi to obtain calcium from an intermediate pool of apatite, previously unknown as a plant-available source. This finding has implications for forest management and understanding the effects of acid rain on forests.

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.

Progress and future directions for management of hepatitis C

The consensus panel recommends expanding hepatitis C treatment to include patients who use injected drugs, suffer from co-morbid conditions, or are coinfected with HIV. Reliable HCV cultures and research networks are also prioritized to advance understanding of the disease and develop new treatments.

Nation's leading hospitals serving up fast food

A study by researchers at Michigan Medicine found that nearly 38% of top-ranked US hospitals have fast-food franchises on their premises. The authors express concern that this serves a contradictory message to health promotion and may contribute to rising obesity rates in the US.

Quantum computing with individual atoms

The University of Michigan researchers have successfully cooled a single atom to near absolute zero using laser cooling, a crucial step toward scaling up trapped atom computers. The proposal outlines a 'quantum charge-coupled device' architecture that could be used for large-scale quantum computing.

Molecular clues to an inherited epilepsy

Researchers identified genetic mutations associated with inherited epilepsy that perturb brain cell electrical properties. These findings support a plausible mechanism for the disorder and suggest potential targets for anticonvulsant drugs.

Nasal antibiotic ointment reduces infection risk after surgery

Researchers found that mupirocin antibiotic ointment can significantly reduce the rate of Staphylococcus aureus surgical wound infections in patients undergoing elective surgery. The study's results have significant implications for reducing hospital-based infections and preventing illnesses, especially in vulnerable populations.

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.