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Science News for September 23, 2002


Still mulling over last night's argument? It could affect your heart

A recent study by UC Irvine researchers suggests that dwelling on emotionally charged events, such as arguments, can lead to higher blood pressure and increased risk of later health problems. The study found that ruminating over past stresses can cause longer recovery times in the body than non-emotional yet stressful events like running.

SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·JournalPsychosomatic Medicine·DateSep 23, 2002

Climate change: 50 years past and possible futures

The GISS 'SI2000' climate model demonstrates that global temperature change is mainly a response to human-made forcings, such as carbon dioxide and methane. The study projects possible futures under two contrasting scenarios, with minimal warming if air pollution decreases and CO2 emissions are stabilized.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateSep 23, 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.

Identification of the first gene in posttraumatic stress disorder

Researchers found a common mutation in the DAT gene to be associated with trauma survivors who developed chronic PTSD, suggesting a genetic contribution to the disorder's development. The study implies that genetically determined variation in dopaminergic neurotransmission may play a role in shaping the pathological response to trauma.

SourceMolecular Psychiatry·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateSep 23, 2002

DNA separation by entropic force offers better resolution

Researchers at Cornell University have developed a DNA separation method using entropic force, which offers better resolution than traditional methods. The new technique uses a nanofabricated device to separate DNA strands of different lengths, with the potential to improve genetic analysis and gene expression studies.

SourceCornell University·JournalAnalytical Chemistry·DateSep 23, 2002

Celebrex may be safe for preterm labor, preliminary study finds

A recent clinical trial testing celecoxib in pregnant women found that it appears to be a safer alternative for preventing preterm delivery, with fewer side effects compared to indomethacin. The study also suggests that celecoxib is just as effective in delaying delivery and may offer a new option for women at risk of preterm labor.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology·DateSep 23, 2002

Mapping proteins

Researchers at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute have developed a new approach to decoding the protein language by creating a 3-D image of each known protein and reducing it to a simpler 2-D representation, called a contact map. The data from the contact map is used to predict unknown proteins and novel protein formation.

SourceRensselaer Polytechnic Institute·DateSep 23, 2002
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

New education gap emerging in families

A new study found that families struggle to balance the expectations of the government's home learning initiative with their everyday family life. Parents are often overwhelmed by the need to educate their children, leading to a blurring of boundaries between home and school.

SourceEconomic & Social Research Council·DateSep 23, 2002

‘Futile’ cycle both fights diabetes and causes weight gain

TZDs trigger a 'futile' cycle where glycerol kinase stores fatty acids faster than fat cells release them, leading to increased insulin sensitivity. Researchers also found that TZDs alter chemical signals produced by fat cells, potentially benefiting future anti-diabetes drug development.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalNature Medicine·DateSep 23, 2002

Circuit transfers four times more power out of shakes and rattle

Researchers developed a new circuit that harnesses vibrations to generate up to 50 milliwatts of power, surpassing the output of simple energy harvesting circuits. The adaptive piezoelectric energy harvesting circuit can be used in various applications, including wearable devices, sensor networks, and smart home security systems.

SourcePenn State·DateSep 23, 2002

Genome of potential bioterror agent seqenced

The complete genome sequence of B. suis reveals fundamental similarities with Brucella melitensis, a related species that causes similar disease in goats and humans. The study sheds light on the molecular mechanisms enabling closely-related species to target different host animals.

SourceThe Institute for Genomic Research·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 23, 2002

UT Southwestern researchers find clue to understanding tolerance to drugs of abuse

Researchers found that CREB activity in the nucleus accumbens controls behavioral responses to emotional stimuli, including those related to drug rewards and anxiety. The study suggests a potential link between addiction and depression, implicating CREB's role in brain reward regions.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 23, 2002
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.

'Reversible data hiding' embeds data in pictures without distortion

Researchers have developed a new technique for embedding data in images without causing distortion. Authorized recipients can extract the embedded message while recovering the original image intact. This technology has significant applications in authenticating images, detecting changes, and encoding information about the image itself.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·DateSep 23, 2002

Maize's starch pathway found limited

The study found limited genetic diversity in maize's starch pathway, making it harder to increase yields. To address this, researchers suggest incorporating genes from teosinte or using transgenics as alternative methods for improving crop diversity and productivity.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 23, 2002

Undersea data network planned for Monterey Bay

A new undersea data network, MARS, will be deployed in Monterey Bay to provide real-time monitoring of ocean conditions. The network will support a variety of research devices and supply power to instruments, enabling continuous and long-term data collection.

SourceMonterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute·DateSep 23, 2002

ADHD in a SNAP: The SNAP gene in attention deficit hyperactivity

A study found increased transmission of SNAP-25/DdeI variant in Irish ADHD trios, suggesting a genetic link between the SNAP gene and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Further research is needed to confirm these findings and explore the potential of SNAP gene variants as biomarkers for diagnosis and treatment.

SourceMolecular Psychiatry·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateSep 23, 2002
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

150-ton magnet pulls world toward new energy source

A 150-ton magnet in Japan is a testbed for the 925-ton magnet needed for ITER, which aims to demonstrate nuclear fusion as an energy source. The team has made progress in understanding the magnet's performance and reducing costs.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·DateSep 23, 2002