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Science News for September 9, 2002


New Amazon forest monitoring team: RAINFOR

The Amazon forest, a significant carbon sink, may be slowing global climate change. A new monitoring team, RAINFOR, aims to study the impact of environmental changes on Amazonian forests. The project will analyze data from multiple sites across the basin to better understand productivity and dynamics.

SourceSmithsonian Tropical Research Institute·JournalJournal of Vegetation Science·DateSep 9, 2002

Athleticism and body weight tied to ALS and other motor neuron diseases

A recent study found that individuals who were always slim or participated in varsity athletics had a higher risk of developing ALS and other motor neuron diseases. The researchers suggest that vigorous physical activity may contribute to the development of these conditions, but further studies are needed to confirm this association.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateSep 9, 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.

The Euro campaign - Don't mention the politics!

The EU referendum focuses on economic issues, with both pro-euro and anti-euro groups campaigning on this aspect. Key findings suggest that the process may fail to promote a full and frank debate if only central issues are addressed.

SourceEconomic & Social Research Council·DateSep 9, 2002

Six of the best

Researchers present findings on how improved food access affects diets, ethnic inequalities in health, and the impact of capitalism on Eastern Europe. They also explore the relationship between economics and happiness, highlighting surprising statistics about marriage and divorce.

SourceEconomic & Social Research Council·DateSep 9, 2002
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Re-emerging field contributes to 10,000 patents yearly

The field of operations research has a significant impact on the development of medical and telecom innovations, with 24,637 patents referencing optimization techniques between 1996-2001. The study highlights the use of simulation and queue management as critical components in inventions.

SourceInstitute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences·JournalInterfaces·DateSep 9, 2002

Garlic may protect the heart from damage after surgery

A recent study found that regular consumption of raw garlic can prevent oxidative stress and tissue damage in rats. The results suggest that garlic has potential to save lives of patients undergoing heart surgery by protecting against ischemic-reperfusion injury.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Pharmacology·DateSep 9, 2002

Politicians must exploit the Internet to win 'apathetic' young voters

Young people are more likely to engage in online political activity, with 30% aged 15-24 participating online compared to 10% offline. Internet users are also more likely to contact political figures and engage in discussions. However, most political organisations struggle to use the internet creatively to reach new constituencies.

SourceEconomic & Social Research Council·DateSep 9, 2002
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.

USGS to map richness of aquatic life in the Great Lakes

The USGS will create maps and data to assess aquatic biodiversity in the Great Lakes region, which supports over 30 communities of unique plants and animals. The goal is to protect habitats and preserve species richness through conservation efforts across 49 states.

SourceU.S. Geological Survey·DateSep 9, 2002

California’s native grasses can be restored

Researchers found that native plants outcompete exotic species when provided with seeds, but their low seed availability is likely due to historical grazing and drought. This discovery suggests that providing seeds may be enough to restore native species in many areas.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·DateSep 9, 2002

Gene therapy treats first disease affecting multiple organ systems in a large animal

Researchers have developed a gene therapy approach to treat mucopolysaccharidosis VII, a disorder affecting multiple organ systems, in dogs. The treatment involves four intravenous injections of a retroviral vector expressing canine beta-glucuronidase, resulting in normal enzyme activity and near-normal mobility in treated dogs.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 9, 2002

What do you mean throw out the food guide pyramid?

A new report rejects the outdated Food Guide Pyramid, instead recommending a balanced approach to fats, carbohydrates, sugars, fiber, and protein. The report emphasizes the importance of balancing energy output with food intake, particularly among sedentary Americans.

SourceUniversity of Vermont·DateSep 9, 2002
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.

Promoting marriage may not benefit all children

A recent study published in Child Development found that black children in single-parent households do as well as those in two-parent homes in terms of math scores and delinquency. The study suggests that policies promoting marriage may have little effect on black children, unlike white children

SourceCornell University·JournalChild Development·DateSep 9, 2002

Biodegradable plastics go to compost heaps, not landfills

Researchers have developed fully biodegradable composites made from soybean protein and plant-based fibers, which could replace plastic parts in various applications. These green composites provide excellent insulation and are low in cost, biodegradable, and replenishable on a yearly basis.

SourceCornell University·JournalJournal of Materials Science·DateSep 9, 2002

UCSD team identifies potential role of CRP in development of antherosclerosis

Researchers at UCSD School of Medicine discovered that C-reactive protein (CRP) binds to oxidized LDL, suggesting a potential trigger for the development of atherosclerosis. The study highlights CRP's role in recognizing phosphocholine on oxidized LDL and apoptotic cells.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 9, 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.