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Science News Archive 2003


Page 95 of 108

Bone marrow helps bones to repair themselves

Researchers used titanium mesh and bone marrow cells to promote new bone growth in rats, achieving better results with fibronectin-coated mesh and a flow perfusion system. The study presents an alternative method for treating bone defects and highlights the potential for improving cell growth and bone mineralization.

Gender stereotypes strong in teenagers' stories: study

A study by Professor Shelley Peterson found that teenagers' writing is closely linked to gender stereotypes, with students tending to write socially acceptable themes. The research revealed that students were reluctant to explore non-traditional topics, instead favoring traditional gender roles and styles.

Laser technique able to detect developing cavities

A new laser-based technique can detect developing cavities in teeth, revealing defects at very early stages of development. This photo-thermal method avoids the need for heavy lead aprons to protect patients from hazardous X-rays, making it a promising tool for preventive treatment.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

GPS pioneer Bradford Parkinson awarded Draper Prize in engineering

Bradford Parkinson, a pioneer of GPS technology, has been awarded the 2003 Charles Stark Draper Prize for his significant contributions to the development of the original GPS system architecture. He is also recognized for his work on improving GPS accuracy and its applications in various fields.

Cancer vaccine one step closer

Researchers have made a significant breakthrough in developing a cancer vaccine by attaching tumor material to antibodies, inducing an immune response against cancer in animal experiments. The vaccine's effectiveness may also be applied to other diseases such as arthritis and whooping cough.

New age for Mungo Man, new human history

A University of Melbourne-led team has reached a broad agreement on the ages of Lake Mungo remains, painting a new picture of human and climatic history in Australia. The research boosts the age of Mungo Lady's cremation by 10,000 years, placing both at 40,000 years old.

Larger nuts end up further from tree

Biologist Patrick Jansen found that acouchy rodents, large guinea-pig-like animals, disperse larger nuts further away from trees. This leads to more successful germination and increase in nut-producing trees over time. Protecting animals in managed forests is crucial for tree regeneration.

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.

Case for massive black hole strengthened

Astronomers have strengthened the case for a massive black hole at the galactic center with observations of a newly discovered star. The star's high velocity and proximity to the black hole confirm its presence, ruling out alternative explanations.

Combination therapy for obsessions more effective than drugs alone

A recent study found that combining behavioral therapy with medication is more effective in treating obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) than using medication alone. The treatment combination resulted in significant improvements in social functioning and quality of life, even when initiated after 3-9 months of medication treatment.

Village depopulatiom in southwest reflects successful agriculture

Prehispanic farmers in the southwest US employed ingenious strategies to overcome challenges like limited moisture and short growing seasons, including moving run-off water and using gravel mulch. They were able to extend frost-free periods and grow crops like cotton in marginal areas.

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.

Researcher identifies North American hotspots for fish conservation

Gerald R. Smith pinpointed three North American regions at greatest risk for freshwater fish diversity: southern Appalachian, Klamath River Basin, and Caribbean coastal drainages of eastern Mexico. Habitat destruction due to water diversion, agriculture, and mining threatens these areas' unique species.

Cinema shapes and predicts history, researcher says

Comparative literature expert Eric Cazdyn examines the relationship between Japanese film history and societal shifts. His research reveals how changes in film techniques reflect broader cultural transformations, including increased citizen participation and experimentation during times of economic turmoil.

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.

Future health of Earth's atmosphere, how to make it snow

Climate experts Tom Wigley and Charles Knight will discuss the future of the Earth's atmosphere and the impact of greenhouse gases on climate change. They will also explore the science behind artificial snow formation, including nucleation and ice nuclei.

Web knowledge empowers patients, researcher says

A study published in the Journal of Medical Systems found that internet use empowers patients and improves the physician-patient relationship. Patients who access health information online can arrive with background knowledge and ask informed questions, saving time for doctors.

Corals defy species classification

New research on corals from the Madracis genus reveals significant genetic variation among species, challenging traditional classifications. The study found two distinct species, while four others exhibited considerable overlap in genetic material, making identification difficult.

Word scans indicate new ways of searching the Web

A computer scientist has developed a method to find dominant topics in discussions by scanning large collections of documents for rapid word bursts. This technique could have applications in searching the Web, studying trends in society, and even screening e-mail chatter.

Yucca Mountain nuclear waste repository

A staged development concept for Yucca Mountain aims to allow decisions based on latest available information, avoiding rigid timelines. A pilot stage will study performance before storing large amounts of radioactive waste.

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.

Leatherback sea turtles careening towards extinction

Scientists warn that leatherback sea turtles are on the brink of extinction due to declining populations in Pacific Ocean rookeries. Conservation efforts are needed to reverse this trend, with potential solutions including gear fixes, spatial closures, and changes in consumer demand for swordfish.

Antarctic animals are under threat from illegal fishing

Charismatic Antarctic creatures are under threat from illegal fishing, with seabirds, fur seals, and penguins facing increased competition for food or being killed by fishing gear. Scientific research has led to a dramatic reduction in the number of Antarctic seabirds killed from longline fisheries over the last five years.

Mapping the brain

A new brain atlas developed by neuroscientist David Van Essen aims to improve our understanding of the brain's structure and function. The atlas provides a comprehensive map of the brain's cortical and cerebellar regions, which are essential for thought, learning, emotion, perception, sensation, and movement.

Outpatient setting very safe for skin cancer surgery

A study by Duke University researchers found that outpatient Mohs micrographic surgery is safe, with a complication rate of 1.64% out of 1,343 procedures performed in 2000. The results counter concerns raised by lobbyists and policymakers about the safety of outpatient surgeries.

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.

Annals of Internal Medicine, tip sheet, February 18, 2003

A new study found that patients in higher-spending regions receive more care, but it does not translate to better outcomes, patient satisfaction, or access to care. Removing liver tumors by ethanol injection therapy followed by interferon therapy may reduce the risk of tumor recurrence in patients with chronic hepatitis C virus.

The nucleus: Not just a bag of chromosomes

New research reveals nucleus is more than just a bag of chromosomes, with key findings including the discovery of rope-like proteins called lamins linked to human diseases. The study also sheds light on the orchestrated process of nuclear breakdown during cell division.

Tariffs and farm subsidies deny health and affluence

Agricultural surpluses and tariffs imposed by wealthy nations deny developing countries the opportunity to produce more food and lift people out of poverty. The solution lies in investing in rural infrastructure, technology, and market structure to increase productivity and reduce hunger.

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.

Symposium highlights industrial-strength math

The symposium highlights the application of advanced mathematical concepts in various industries, including product development and decision-making. Key speakers from IBM, Boeing, and a consultant will discuss trends and opportunities for using mathematics in manufacturing and services, as well as research challenges.

North to discuss psychiatric effects of terrorism at AAAS

Researcher North studies survivors of disasters, including plane crashes and mass shootings, finding most people are resilient but vulnerable to PTSD. People with a history of psychiatric illness are at high risk for developing PTSD, especially those experiencing avoidance and numbing symptoms after disasters.

iScope, you scope, we all scope a mouse brain

The iScope system provides a platform for researchers to study mouse brain tissue samples and advance understanding of complex traits such as dyslexia and schizophrenia. By enabling real-time access to high-resolution images and genetic data, the iScope facilitates international collaboration and accelerates discoveries in neuroscience.

Predicting the birth of big babies

Researchers found that plasma glucose levels were poorly correlated with birth weight, and factors like smoking, pregnancy weight, and weight gain during pregnancy were more important predictors. The authors also questioned the historic link between gestational diabetes and large-for-gestational-age (LGA) neonates.

The human eye can self-correct some optical faults

Researchers at Cornell University found that the human eye can compensate for certain types of optical faults, such as corneal astigmatism and high-order aberrations. The study used wavefront analysis to measure deviations in the eye's optics and found evidence of internal compensation mechanisms.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

There's no business like snow business

Breakthroughs in snow making and ski design are transforming the industry. Advances in understanding snowflake formation will improve skiing and our knowledge of the natural world. Researchers also explore the applications of snow science to condensed matter and the origins of arctic phenomena like 'rock circles' and lightning.

New monsoon forecasting method could increase crop yields

A new monsoon forecasting method developed by Professor Peter Webster could guide farmers in choosing optimal planting times and making informed decisions about water management. This technique, applicable to any monsoon region, has the potential to create a significant increase in crop yields without relying on pesticides or fertilizers.

Infants may offer clues to language development

Researchers found that infants as young as 6.5 months can recognize word boundaries by identifying sound patterns in speech. As they mature, they rely on stressed syllables to determine word ends and begin. The study provides insight into how humans acquire language.

Pavlov's flies: Researchers identify fruit fly memory mutants

Researchers at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory identified 92 unique fruit fly memory genes that could be important for understanding human learning and memory. The study found that many of these genes have counterparts in humans and may be potential targets for developing therapies to treat Alzheimer's disease.

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.

Ecological effects of climate change include human epidemics

A study by Pascual and coworkers reveals that climate variability from ENSO influences cholera cycles, with a stronger link during warm events. Understanding this connection is crucial as ENSO predictions suggest a potential increase in disease variability under global warming.

Scientist pursues role of possible new cell type

A researcher has found a new cell type, VENT cells, that can give rise to all four major types of human tissue. This discovery challenges the existing understanding of human development and opens up new avenues for research into diseases such as Hirschsprung's disease and esophageal reflux disease.

Unique fleet of underwater vehicles to gather elusive environmental data

A Virginia Tech researcher is developing a fleet of low-cost, miniature autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) to collect elusive environmental data in Hog Island Bay. The AUVs will be equipped with sensors to monitor water parameters and work cooperatively to gather data that can't be collected with traditional methods.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

[Mis]understanding village abandonments

Researchers found that Native American communities persisted for long periods, with some lasting over three centuries, due to successful farming practices and social ties. The study challenged the common misconception of village abandonment as a failure of community life.

Brief exposure to Mandarin can help American infants learn Chinese

Researchers found that 9-month-old American infants exposed to Mandarin Chinese were able to distinguish phonetic units of the language, even when exposed for less than five hours. This suggests that social interaction plays an important role in language learning and that brief exposure can have long-lasting effects.

Can carbon sequestration solve global warming?

Researchers explore new power plants that capture carbon dioxide before it leaves the facility, as well as synthetic trees that pluck carbon from the air. Despite promising results, challenges remain, including proper water disposal and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Rich, poor, the wait is the same

A study by Shortt and Shaw found no correlation between socioeconomic status and waiting times for elective surgical procedures. The authors suggest that health reforms should track trends in service delivery to vulnerable groups, highlighting the need for equity in healthcare.

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.

Leaving hospital AMA

Patients who leave hospital against medical advice (AMA) are at a higher risk of being readmitted, with 21% likelihood compared to 3% for routine discharges. Readmissions often occur within the first 15 days after discharge.

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.

Brain imaging study sheds light on inner workings of human intelligence

A new brain imaging study from Washington University in St. Louis has shed light on the inner workings of human intelligence, revealing that individuals with higher fluid intelligence use specific brain regions to resist distraction and maintain focus. The study found that participants with higher fluid intelligence engaged several key...

Stanford researchers identify genes involved in tuberculosis latency

Researchers have identified 48 genes involved in tuberculosis latency, revealing a genetic program that contributes to the bacteria's persistence. The study also highlights the delicate balance between latency and virulence, with reactivation triggered by changes in oxygen levels and nitric oxide levels.

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.

Mechanism controls movement of cell structures

Researchers at the University of Iowa have identified a protein that couples vacuoles to the organelle transportation system, regulating its movement and delivery. This discovery may improve understanding of embryonic development and have implications for various diseases.