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Science News for April 11, 2003


High-producing dairy cows are not more susceptible to illness

A Dutch study found that high-producing dairy cows were not more prone to mastitis than lower-producing counterparts, challenging a common assumption. Researchers infected cows with E. coli and monitored disease progression over three weeks, revealing no significant difference between the two groups.

SourceNetherlands Organization for Scientific Research·DateApr 11, 2003

New model predicts damage to cheese

A new model simulates the influence of shearing and tensional forces on the structure of cheese, improving accuracy over previous models. The research builds upon a particulate gel system, where long strands of casein and whey proteins form a strong network in a liquid environment.

SourceNetherlands Organization for Scientific Research·DateApr 11, 2003

How far to the nearest road?

A study found that 20% of all land area in the US is within 127 meters of a road, while 50% is within 382 meters. This highlights the significant ecological impact of roads on forest ecosystems.

SourceUSDA Forest Service ‑ Southern Research Station·DateApr 11, 2003
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Tiny bubbles are key to liquid-cooled system for future computers

Purdue University researchers have created a 'pumpless' liquid-cooling system that removes nearly six times more heat than existing miniature pumpless systems. The system uses microchannels and dielectric liquids to form smaller bubbles, which flow easily through the channels and carry heat away from computer chips.

SourcePurdue University·JournalIEEE Transactions on Components and Packaging Technologies·DateApr 11, 2003

Cloned gene may help crops and livestock meet future needs

Scientists at Purdue University have cloned a gene that improves the digestibility of food for livestock and enhances the stress tolerance of plants. The study's findings have potential applications in breeding more productive and resilient crop varieties.

SourcePurdue University·JournalMolecular Genetics and Genomics·DateApr 11, 2003
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.

Threading instruction improves weak children's arithmetic

Research by Bauke Milo found that threading strategy helps children with learning difficulties master basic arithmetic operations up to 100. Children who adapted their strategies or used the threading method made fewer mistakes than those using the splitting strategy.

SourceNetherlands Organization for Scientific Research·DateApr 11, 2003

Voucher programs may improve neighborhood safety

Rental voucher programs may improve neighborhood safety by reducing crime rates and housing quality issues. However, more data is needed to confirm these links, according to a CDC analysis of 12 studies.

SourceCenter for Advancing Health·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateApr 11, 2003
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Smart mathematical model prevents the spread of swine fever

A mathematical model developed by Don Klinkenberg suggests that partial vaccinations can effectively control the spread of swine fever. The model indicates that vaccination reduces the spread of the virus but does not completely prevent it, allowing for epidemic persistence for several months.

SourceNetherlands Organization for Scientific Research·DateApr 11, 2003

Designing a digital toolbox to quickly check cognitive function

A new software package called MiniCog is being developed to evaluate cognitive processes and determine mental readiness for tasks. The program uses a series of nine cognitive tasks to assess attention, working memory, problem-solving ability, and other mental functions.

SourceNational Space Biomedical Research Institute·DateApr 11, 2003

Potato-related plant species exhaust potato cyst nematode

Researchers have discovered that Solanum sisymbriifolium can eliminate potato cyst nematodes from the soil, which are difficult to control. By cultivating this plant between potato harvests, farmers may be able to reduce the need for pesticides and improve crop yields.

SourceNetherlands Organization for Scientific Research·DateApr 11, 2003

Workplace counseling may boost physical activity, fitness

Researchers found that workplace-based physical activity counseling programs significantly improved employees' physical activity levels and fitness. The program, called PACE, was tailored to individual readiness for change and showed greatest benefits for those with less-favorable health profiles.

SourceCenter for Advancing Health·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateApr 11, 2003

Superlubricant effect explained using new friction force sensor

Graphite exhibits superlubrication when layers rotate relative to each other, reducing resistance and enabling smooth sliding. A new friction force sensor allows researchers to study this phenomenon, which could improve the lubricating qualities of graphite.

SourceNetherlands Organization for Scientific Research·DateApr 11, 2003
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.

Looking at pesticide labels through multi-colored glasses

Researchers are developing user-centered design guidelines to reduce pesticide exposure among ethnic minority farm workers, improving safety and communication. The project aims to create more effective risk communications, applicable to all farm workers regardless of ethnicity.

SourceVirginia Tech·DateApr 11, 2003

School changes could help kids be more active, eat better

A two-year study found that environmental changes in middle schools increased boys' physical activity during school hours, leading to improved body mass index. However, no significant change was observed in girls' physical activity or dietary fat intake.

SourceCenter for Advancing Health·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateApr 11, 2003

Study offers new insights into angiogenesis inhibitors

Researchers have discovered that combining endostatin and tumstatin may prove more effective in battling cancer than either one used separately. The two inhibitors work through distinct mechanisms, targeting different integrins to inhibit angiogenesis.

SourceBeth Israel Deaconess Medical Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 11, 2003

American Thoracic Society Journal news tips for April 2003 (second issue)

German researchers found oral sildenafil improves hemodynamics and exercise capacity in patients with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension. A study also revealed African-American children have a much higher hospital readmission rate for asthma, over four times that of other races/ethnicities.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateApr 11, 2003
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.