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Science News Archive 2003


Page 102 of 108

New protocol speeds up Internet resource sharing

A new protocol developed by Penn State professor Jonghun Park can allocate resources up to 10 times faster than existing technology. The decentralized protocol allows for efficient resource allocation, solves deadlock and livelock problems, and enables collaboration across multiple independent organizations.

NASA joins snow study over the sea of Japan

NASA's Aqua satellite and a P-3 Orion aircraft are conducting a joint research effort to gather data on snowfall and rainfall in Wakasa Bay, Japan. The study aims to improve the accuracy of global hydrologic cycle data and better understand precipitation patterns in the north Pacific.

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.

Rice University announces nanotechnology research agreement with IBM

The collaboration between Rice University and IBM aims to improve the understanding of carbon nanotubes' mechanical, structural, and electronic properties. By utilizing the powerful CBEN supercomputer, researchers can tackle complex quantum mysteries and develop new algorithms for theoretical molecular science.

Newly discovered cellular process helps cells respond to DNA damage

A newly discovered cellular process allows cells to initiate a series of events that halt the growth of damaged cells and help them survive. The activation of ATM, an enzyme that responds to DNA damage, enables cells to better respond to cancer-causing mutations and environmental toxins.

Ocean surface saltiness influences El Niño forecasts

Scientists studying the western Pacific Ocean find regional changes in saltiness correspond to changes in upper ocean heat content before an El Nino event. Observing salinity improves predictions, suggesting a lag time of six to 12 months for modifications in ocean layers.

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.

Vitamins C and E may enhance effectiveness of insulin for diabetes

A UC Irvine study found that adding antioxidants to insulin therapy can improve its ability to reduce blood sugar and prevent organ damage. Treating rats with insulin alone only partially succeeded, but vitamins C and E spared sugars, proteins, and nitric oxide from attack.

Antibodies critical for fighting West Nile Virus infection

Researchers found that B cells and antibodies are essential for controlling the infection in mice. Without them, even low doses of the virus can be deadly. The study's findings may explain why elderly people and those with weakened immunity are more likely to develop serious disease.

New study shows tea extract protects skin

A recent study found that white tea extract protects the skin's immune system by preventing oxidative stress. The extract also limits DNA damage and promotes anti-aging benefits, suggesting potential protection against skin cancer.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

New study shows urban gay men as likely to be battered as heterosexual women

A comprehensive study of 2,881 gay men in major US cities found that domestic violence is an equal opportunity epidemic, with HIV-positive individuals and younger men disproportionately affected. The research highlights the need for improved support systems and training for medical professionals to address male-male domestic violence.

Forest fragmentation may increase lyme disease risk

Research finds that forest fragmentation leads to increased blacklegged tick populations, particularly in areas with small forest fragments. This could lead to a higher risk of Lyme disease for people living nearby, as these ticks are the primary carriers of the bacteria.

Down by the river

Research found significant species diversity in riparian areas, with up to 40 times more exotic species per plot compared to uplands. Flood frequency also impacts species richness, with decreased numbers of exotic species as flood frequency decreases.

Synchronised swimming helps catch prey

Researchers found that school-forming goat fish synchronize their activity patterns to increase food catch. This synchronization strategy is effective even in chaotic systems, where individual behavior can vary wildly.

Marine reserves can't do it all: Sea otters vs. red abalone

A study found that California's marine reserves cannot protect the state's low red abalone population from being overhunted by sea otters. The researchers suggest that single-use reserves focus on either ecosystem restoration or fishery development instead.

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.

Topical oxygen helps hard-to-heal wounds heal faster and better

A study by Ohio State University found that topical oxygen therapy significantly improved healing rates for difficult-to-treat wounds, including diabetic hand ulcers and bedsores. The therapy, which involves applying pure oxygen to the wound, showed a 75% healing rate for acute traumatic injuries.

Penn GSE receives grant to improve lives of Philadelphia children

Researchers at Penn GSE will collaborate with city government and the school district to create the Kids' Integrated Database System, merging databases for over 250,000 Philadelphia children. The KIDS system aims to examine high-priority issues in early childhood development, including school readiness, foster care, and special education.

Midwest wetlands almost gone but may still have most species

The study found that despite huge habitat losses, up to 90% of original crustacean diversity may still survive in the few remaining seasonal wetlands in Illinois. The researchers sampled 33 crustacean species from 13 ponds and estimated there could have been as many as 85 species originally.

New flat motor can drive shape shifters, movers and shakers

The new flat motor can be configured in various formats, including a thin version that can drive changes in airplane wing camber or serve as the drive element in compact laptop computers. The prototype has reached high speeds and maximum torque of 0.4 Nm, with cost estimates as low as $10 for mass production.

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.

Hikers may disturb breeding spotted owls

Researchers found that female Mexican Spotted Owls spent 60% less time on prey-handling activities with high hiking intensity. The study recommends protecting owl habitat during the nesting season by limiting hiking or establishing buffers around nest sites.

Special section: Invasive species

The introduction of non-native species has accelerated invasions, with many becoming economically beneficial but ecologically destructive. Biocontrol methods are often ineffective and can harm native species.

Mean population size increases with diversity

Research shows that population stability and size tend to increase with community diversity, likely due to variation in local productivity. This finding challenges ecological theory, which predicts a decline in population stability as community diversity increases.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Positive response to epilepsy medication does not ensure good prognosis

A new study by American Academy of Neurology found that patients with epilepsy who respond positively to medication do not necessarily have a good long-term outcome. The study analyzed 333 adults with epilepsy and found that younger patients were more likely to experience remission periods without seizures before undergoing surgery.

CRP improves cardiovascular risk prediction in metabolic syndrome

Researchers found that CRP levels above 3.0mg/L significantly increased the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and death from cardiovascular disease in women with metabolic syndrome. Higher CRP levels were also associated with higher cardiovascular risk, even among those with lower CRP levels.

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.

Teens prefer talking to mom about drug use topics

A recent study by Dr. Michelle A. Miller-Day found that 70% of adolescents prefer discussing important topics with their mothers. The study, which surveyed 67 African-American and White teens aged 11-17, suggests that teenagers are more likely to confide in their mothers about drug use and extend those conversations to their peer groups.

Drug-resistant seizures often take years to develop

Researchers found that age of onset, type of surgery, and history of febrile seizures are related to the amount of time before seizures become intractable. In patients whose seizures began before age 5, it took an average of 15 years for their seizures to become intractable.

UC Riverside receives $1.25 million from W. M. Keck Foundation

The UCR Genomics Institute will establish a proteomics laboratory to study plant, insect, and pathogen interactions essential for enhancing the world's food supply. The grant will provide key equipment for researchers to develop new strains of crops that will be the basis of sustainable agriculture and food production.

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.

New protein will help fight inflammation

Scientists at Cardiff University have developed a new protein to help manage acute infection and inflammation. The protein has been jointly investigated by Dr Simon Jones and Dr Nicholas Topley for several years, revealing its potential in treating chronic disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis and bacterial peritonitis.

Research reveals how strep bacterium evades immune system

Scientists have discovered how the strep bacterium evades destruction by the human immune system, leading to new research on vaccine candidates and therapy interventions. The study found that GAS becomes more resilient to ingestion and killing by PMNs over time or produces factors that alter normal PMN function.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Newly identified gut protein kills bacteria

Researchers have discovered a novel protein, Ang4, produced by Paneth cells in the intestinal lining that can kill certain types of gut microbes. This finding suggests that Ang4 may play a crucial role in maintaining gut health and preventing infection.

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.

Microparticles cause pre-eclampsia

Research by Dr. Marja J. van Wijk reveals that microparticles can damage blood vessels and disrupt their function, contributing to pre-eclampsia. Oestrogen administration may improve vessel functioning in affected women.

Memory tests predict dementia

Elderly persons who developed dementia showed similar performance in word pair memory tests without semantic link as those without dementia. However, implicit recall tests improved prediction of dementia risk. Researchers recommend using memory tests that also consider semantic and implicit memory.

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.

Companies must find ways to retain middle-aged managers

A study explores the attitudes and experiences of middle-aged male managers and professionals in their late 40s and 50s, revealing a mixed picture with both benefits and risks. The research highlights the need for alternative solutions to traditional early retirement options, including part-time working and job-shares.

Stress at work increases the chance of acute common infections

A study by Dr. Danielle Mohren found that employees in demanding jobs suffer from colds 20% more often than those in less demanding positions. Fatigue and burnout also increase the risk of infections, particularly gastroenteritis. The research highlights a clear link between working conditions and health.

Mixed-nationality ships work 'surprisingly well' study

A study of multinational crews found they work effectively when conditions are right, with good relationships between ethnic groups. However, communication is the main challenge, leading to loneliness and isolation if crew members don't speak the ship language fluently.

Deadly coral toxin exposes ion pump's deepest secret

Researchers used palytoxin to pry open the sodium/potassium pump's nature, revealing it as a more elaborate version of an ion channel. The study may pave the way for better treatments for hypertension and heart failure.

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.

ARC, Varian, Inc. team up to improve water use in pulp and paper mills

The partnership enables mill operators to better manage contaminants that foul machinery, reducing water usage by 50% and estimated annual cost savings of $250,000. The technology uses UV-Vis spectrophotometer hardware and software analysis tools to measure particle stability in papermaking process streams.

A new tool to help keep US roads ice- and snow-free

A new web-based system is being tested to improve winter road treatment. The Maintenance Decision Support System (MDSS) uses computer models to project hour-by-hour weather and road conditions up to two days in advance. This allows users to make informed decisions about road treatments, potentially saving lives and reducing costs.

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.

'Welfare-to-work' and 'work-life balance' must be joined up

Researchers found that people with big problems need space to sort out their lives, but the British approach to welfare-to-work is a compromise between 'work-first' and 'human capital' objectives. The study highlights the need for a wider concept of work-life balance to enable individuals with multiple problems to get permanent paid jobs.

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.