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Science News for April 24, 2003


Real-time imaging reveals the dynamic architecture of plant cells

Researchers at Carnegie Institution and Stanford University used green fluorescent protein tagging to observe microtubule formation and movement in living plant cells. They found that most new microtubules are born at multiple sites directly at the cortex, and migrate around by growing at their leading ends.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalScience·DateApr 24, 2003

An antimicrobial solution for blocked urinary catheters?

Researchers at Cardiff University discovered that inflating urinary catheters with a solution of triclosan inhibits the formation of crystalline biofilm, preventing blockages. The method could have practical applications in controlling catheter encrustation and treating urinary tract infections.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateApr 24, 2003
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Biology breakthrough could aid understanding of cancer

Researchers have made a significant discovery about the role of hydrogen peroxide in cellular signaling, which could lead to new avenues for cancer research. The study found that hydrogen peroxide plays a key role in signaling cells to divide or die, with potential applications for anti-cancer therapies.

SourceOregon State University·JournalScience·DateApr 24, 2003

Purdue researchers determine age of fossilized human ancestor

Researchers at Purdue University have determined the age of a fossilized skeleton found in South Africa to be approximately 4 million years old. This finding could mean that hominids such as Australopithecus were present in southern Africa earlier than previously thought.

SourcePurdue University·JournalScience·DateApr 24, 2003

Cheap coffee is lousy for tigers, elephants, rhinos Science says

A study by the Wildlife Conservation Society reveals that increased robusta coffee production has led to widespread deforestation in Indonesia's lowland forests. As a leading consumer of robusta coffee, the US can play a key role in halting this wave of deforestation by reasserting itself as a strong member of the International Coffee ...

SourceWildlife Conservation Society·JournalScience·DateApr 24, 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.

Green tea linked to skin cell rejuvenation

Researchers have found that green tea polyphenol EGCG can reactivate dying skin cells, accelerating their growth and differentiation. This could lead to new treatments for skin diseases and wounds, such as aphthous ulcers and psoriasis.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·JournalJournal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics·DateApr 24, 2003

Laws, war, and public health

The article discusses how war affects public health, citing concerns from medical editors about the profession's responsibility to address these issues. It highlights the need for doctors to raise debate over the consequences of coalition actions.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateApr 24, 2003
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.

UGA scientists show ecological interaction between 'competing' pathogens

Researchers analyzed historical records of measles and whooping cough infections in European cities from 1883 to 1932, finding that the diseases exhibit negative correlation when one disease removes susceptible hosts. This 'ecological interference' can lead to alternating cycles of infection, affecting multiple strain dynamics.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalNature·DateApr 24, 2003

Womb time drops when hungry mama conceives, Science study says

Researchers discovered that lambs born from undernourished mothers exhibit significantly shorter gestation periods compared to those from well-fed mothers. The study suggests that maternal undernutrition around the time of conception may trigger an early birth, potentially due to hormonal changes in fetal development.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateApr 24, 2003

Getting to know a catena

A simple lab exercise introduces students to exploring catena soils, recognizing horizon changes, and associating auger holes with soil descriptions. The exercise helps students understand the impact of topography on soil properties and apply this knowledge to real-world scenarios.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalJournal of Natural Resources and Life Sciences Education·DateApr 24, 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.

Rutgers scientist sees evidence of 'onions' in space

A Rutgers scientist has found evidence of 'onions' in space, which are tiny but intricate components of nanotechnology. The discovery confirms that carbon onions are responsible for the way light is absorbed by dust in deep space.

SourceRutgers University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateApr 24, 2003

Checking how cells grow

Conlon and Raff's study found that mammalian cells do not use cell-size checkpoints to determine when to divide, unlike yeast cells. Instead, they rely on extracellular signalling from other cells to coordinate growth and division.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalJournal of Biology·DateApr 24, 2003

A room with a view helps rural children deal with stress

A study published in Environment and Behavior found that rural children living in homes with more nature exhibits lower levels of psychological distress. The researchers also discovered that the benefits of exposure to natural environments are not limited, even in rural settings with abundant green landscapes.

SourceCornell University·DateApr 24, 2003

European studies highlight value of screening for breast cancer

Mammography screening has been shown to significantly reduce breast cancer mortality in European countries. Studies found that women aged 40-69 years who received screening had a 44% reduced risk of dying from breast cancer, while those not screened had a 16% reduction.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateApr 24, 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.

Hurricane winds carried ocean salt & plankton far inland

A research paper analyzed ice crystals from Hurricane Nora's cirrus clouds, revealing the presence of sea salt and plankton. The study found that hurricane winds transported marine life particles to high altitudes, affecting ice crystal growth and shape.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·JournalJournal of the Atmospheric Sciences·DateApr 24, 2003

Gene variation raises risk of bipolar disorder and schizophrenia

A study published in the American Journal of Human Genetics has identified two overlapping genes on chromosome 13 as increasing susceptibility to bipolar disorder, affecting 2 million Americans. The same gene complex is also linked to an increased risk for schizophrenia.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·DateApr 24, 2003