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Science News Archive 2003


Page 40 of 108

Tip sheet for August 26 Neurology and more news

Donepezil has been shown to improve cognitive function in vascular dementia patients, while a study found that brain volume loss can predict Alzheimer's disease. However, a clinical trial of topiramate in ALS patients found no benefits and an increased risk of adverse events.

Appreciation of humor doesn't change with age

A Canadian study found that appreciation and emotional reactiveness to humor doesn't change with age. However, the ability to comprehend more complex forms of humor diminishes in later years due to decreased cognitive abilities. Older adults still enjoy a good laugh but struggle with understanding nuanced humor.

Studies probe rapid evolution of Chinese tallow trees

Biologists at Rice University are investigating the genetic and environmental factors behind Chinese tallow trees' success in Texas. The research aims to understand how the trees' low defenses against insects contribute to their rapid growth and success as an invasive species.

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.

Mayo Clinic researchers discover that donor kidney protects itself in new body

Researchers at the Mayo Clinic have identified a key finding about how donor kidneys adapt to new bodies. By analyzing gene expression patterns, the study found that donor kidneys can develop protective processes that shield them from the recipient's immune system, potentially reducing rejection rates and improving transplant outcomes.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Molecules discovered that extend life in yeast, human cells

A group of polyphenols found in red wine and vegetables have been shown to activate sirtuins, enzymes that help cells survive environmental stresses and may promote longevity. These molecules, called STACs, were found to stimulate human sirtuin SIRT1, increasing cell survival rates.

Wage gap favoring men doesn't just hurt women's pay, according to new study

A new study found that managers who supervise predominantly female teams receive lower pay, while those who work with mostly male teams earn more. The study also discovered that younger and older workers are perceived as less valuable, resulting in lower compensation for managers supervising these age groups.

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.

Overtime: It’s not just for the money, U-M study says

A University of Michigan study reveals that working overtime is driven by a desire to improve social status and cultivate a sense of belonging, rather than just financial gain. The research found that blue-collar workers who work overtime are motivated by the desire to consume luxury items and keep up with their white-collar counterparts.

Illinois chemist wins national award for new drug research

Silverman's research focuses on inhibiting an enzyme that produces nitric oxide, a compound linked to high blood pressure, stroke, and neurological diseases. His work aims to block the overproduction of nitric oxide in the brain without affecting its normal function.

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.

Intervention decreases childhood pneumonia mortality

A meta-analysis of nine community-based studies found that health workers can effectively manage pneumonia in the community, leading to a significant reduction in child mortality. The intervention resulted in a 24-36% decrease in total and pneumonia-specific child mortality rates, with a notable impact on neonates.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Purdue chemist wins national award for new ways to fight cancer, AIDS

Purdue University chemist Jean Chmielewski has won a national award for developing new compounds that disrupt the AIDS virus's ability to reproduce. Her approach involves creating molecular 'wedges' that block HIV proteins from binding together, promising initial results in testing with infected cells.

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.

Sex-based and women's health research gain $150,000

Two collaborative research projects on drug addiction and postpartum depression have been awarded funding. The studies will investigate sex-based differences in gene expression and the effect of estrogen on treatment response.

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.

Granular materials not so puzzling after all, physicists find

Researchers create experimental model of a non-equilibrium system to test the soundness of temperature in a continuously shaken container of tiny beads. They find that temperature follows the expected rules, suggesting that essential information can be extracted from disordered motion in dissipative systems.

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.

UGA research team reveals molecular key to cell division

The UGA research team has identified a molecular key to cell division, which could lead to new targets for cancer therapeutics. The study found that cyclin-dependent kinases drive the mitosis process and that molecules called oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes are controlled by novel mechanisms.

MicroRNAs - Tiny molecules shape up plants

Researchers have discovered that microRNAs play a crucial role in controlling plant growth and development by regulating cell division and leaf shape. The study found that a specific microRNA called "Jaw" targets messenger RNAs involved in preventing excessive cell division, leading to abnormal leaf shapes.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

Treating depression important for reducing death after bypass surgery

A study of 817 patients who underwent bypass surgery found that treating depression could significantly reduce mortality rates. Patients with moderate to severe depression at baseline and those with mild depression sustained from initial to six-month assessment were more than twice as likely to die than patients who were not depressed.

Splitting hairs: GATA-3 function in hair follicle development

Researchers uncover unexpected new role for GATA-3 in hair follicle development, shedding light on parallel molecular cues between skin and immune systems. GATA-3-deficient mice exhibit severe structural anomalies in hair development, including bent whiskers and irregular thickenings.

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.

Alcohol's benefits on brain power may be overstated

Research by Dean Krahn and colleagues found that moderate drinking had no significant effect on cognitive ability in middle-aged adults, contrary to previous studies. The study used an extensive database of over 10,000 participants who completed cognitive tests at different stages of life.

URI Metcalf Institute awards journalists environmental reporting fellowships

The URI Metcalf Institute has awarded fellowships to two minority journalists, Rodriguez and Ortiz, to develop story ideas and receive scientific training in marine and environmental science. The fellowship aims to increase the number of minority journalists trained in science who report on science-based news.

New principle guides memory dynamics

Researchers at Weizmann Institute have identified a new principle guiding brain memory systems, explaining inconsistencies in previous studies. This discovery may lead to the development of new methods for wiping out unwanted memories and treating psychological trauma.

New findings could dash hopes for past oceans on Mars

Researchers analyzed TES observations and found trace amounts of carbonate minerals in Martian dust, indicating a thin atmosphere interacting with dust. The discovery contradicts the idea of past oceans on Mars and suggests a climate history dominated by ice and frozen water.

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.

From diagnostic tool to cancer therapy

A team of researchers has discovered that injecting radioactive glucose can selectively kill cancer cells without harming healthy tissues. The treatment exploits the fact that cancer cells use more glucose than normal tissue, allowing for targeted delivery of radioactivity.

NIEHS study identifies gene for hydrocephalus in mice

A study by NIH/NIEHS has identified a mouse gene linked to hydrocephalus, a common birth defect. The research team cloned the defective gene, which affects cerebrospinal fluid drainage, and found it causes classic symptoms of hydrocephalus in mice.

Scientists identify new sperm protein required for fertilization

Scientists at Emory University Health Sciences Center have identified a new sperm protein called SED1 that plays a critical role in the initial association between sperm and egg during fertilization. Mice without this protein had reduced fertility despite normal sperm characteristics, highlighting its importance in successful binding.

Decreased diabetic cardiac death from losartan?

A post-hoc analysis of the LIFE study found a close to 50% risk reduction in sudden death among losartan-treated diabetic patients compared to those treated with atenolol. Lars Lindholm comments that the results are exploratory and require confirmation.

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.

In tropics, forests are cool but croplands are hotter

A study of Santa Cruz, Bolivia, found that replacing tropical forests with crops can increase daytime temperatures and decrease nighttime temperatures. This occurs because crops are less efficient at cooling the air through transpiration, a process where water evaporates from leaves during photosynthesis.

Depression doubles risk of death after bypass surgery

Researchers at Duke University Medical Center found that depression is a strong independent risk factor for death in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass surgery. Depression was associated with a doubling of the risk of death during the follow-up period, regardless of other factors.

A wake-up call for environmental health

The US is responsible for 23% of global greenhouse-gas emissions. The editorial emphasizes the need for changes in law and tax incentives to persuade citizens to use fewer fossil fuels and adopt recycling initiatives.

Stanford researcher finds method to define genetic 'words'

A genetic dictionary has been developed to understand the role of newly identified genes and their functions, which can aid in identifying unknown genes involved in cell division and cancer. The dictionary is based on gene activity data from four organisms and provides a context for understanding genetic words.

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.

Protein is shown to aid cell's reading of genetic code

Researchers at Cornell University have confirmed a theory about how a protein complex known as FACT helps cells read their genetic code. By studying the activation of a heat-shock gene in fruit fly cells, they found that FACT and other proteins quickly move to chromosomal sites where transcription occurs.

New brain cancer treatment extends survival for more patients

A new combination cancer-killing drug regimen has shown promising results in extending patient survival, with 16% tumor shrinkage and 35% stable disease progression after six months. The orally administered treatment has been well-tolerated and offers a more convenient option for patients compared to traditional IV chemotherapy.

Decreased diabetic cardiac death from losartan?

A post-hoc analysis of the LIFE study found that losartan significantly reduced sudden cardiac death in diabetic patients with hypertension and left ventricular hypertrophy compared to atenolol. The results showed a nearly 50% risk reduction in sudden death for losartan-treated patients.