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Science News for April 29, 2003


Book hopes to standardize thin section analysis

The book, written by Dr. Georges Stoops, provides a system of analysis and description of soil and regolith materials seen in thin sections. It aims to standardize descriptions of features found in thin section analysis, facilitating communication among scientists using micromorphology.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·DateApr 29, 2003

Highway deaths highest for males – Male urban squirrels, that is

A year-long study on Texas A&M University campus found that male urban squirrels are more likely to die on roads, with males darting about through streets more frequently. In contrast, female squirrel death was mostly attributable to predation, highlighting the need for effective wildlife management strategies in urban landscapes.

SourceTexas A&M AgriLife Communications·DateApr 29, 2003

Researchers discover effective method for killing prostate cancer cells

Blocking the activation of Stat5 in prostate cancer cells triggers extensive cell death, providing a new targeted therapeutic approach to manage cancer growth and metastasis. Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in men, with approximately 220,900 new cases expected in the US in 2003.

SourceGeorgetown University Medical Center·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateApr 29, 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.

Study finds two-thirds of unplanned pregnancies in women using contraception

A recent study by French researchers found that nearly two-thirds of unplanned pregnancies occurred among women using effective contraception methods like the Pill and IUD. The study suggests that there is often a mismatch between a woman's contraceptive needs and the methods she uses.

SourceEuropean Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology·JournalHuman Reproduction·DateApr 29, 2003

Brookhaven Lab scientists win 2003 Arthur J. Compton Award

The award recognizes the researchers' contributions to developing a viable alternative to neutrons for studying magnetic structure in rare earths and actinides. Resonant magnetic x-ray scattering complements neutron magnetic scattering, opening new possibilities for research in condensed matter physics.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·DateApr 29, 2003

No sweat!

The Office of Naval Research has developed a chest-mounted air-conditioning system that can cool an aviator's body by up to 10 degrees Centigrade. The system uses zeolite to absorb heat and is designed to be lightweight, compact, and independent of aircraft power.

SourceOffice of Naval Research·DateApr 29, 2003

Review examines economic growth and wildlife

A 22-page technical review explores the relationship between economic growth and wildlife conservation, revealing a high correlation between the two. The review aims to increase awareness about the fundamental conflict and identify potential solutions.

SourceVirginia Tech·DateApr 29, 2003

Men’s health: U-M study shows how bad it is, why and what to do about it

A recent U-M study shows that men are dying at higher rates than women for most causes, with minority and middle-class Black men facing even greater risks. The findings point to economic marginality, adverse working conditions, and societal expectations of masculinity as key drivers of these health disparities.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateApr 29, 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.

Network formed to protect traumatized children

A new network aims to provide comprehensive support for children and families affected by disasters and terrorism. Dr. Russell T. Jones, a Virginia Tech professor, is part of the group, which seeks to foster integrated readiness, response, and recovery programs across the US.

SourceVirginia Tech·DateApr 29, 2003

Italian study finds traffic pollution affects male fertility

A recent Italian study found that men exposed to high levels of traffic pollution have impaired sperm quality and reduced fertility. The research team examined semen samples from 85 motorway tollgate workers and 85 aged-matched controls, revealing deranged sperm parameters below World Health Organisation levels.

SourceEuropean Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology·JournalHuman Reproduction·DateApr 29, 2003

Research links erectile dysfunction and cardiovascular disease

A study of over 4,000 men found that erectile dysfunction is strongly associated with cardiovascular disease. Men without diagnosed cardiovascular disease who had erectile dysfunction were more likely to have risk factors like diabetes, smoking, high blood pressure, and low HDL cholesterol.

SourceMcGill University·DateApr 29, 2003

Researchers find viral protein that mimics its way into cells

Researchers at Ohio State University have identified a viral protein called p12 that mimics the way HIV-1 enters and infects human cells. The discovery provides valuable insight into how retroviruses overwhelm the human immune system, shedding light on the mechanisms of HTLV-1 infection.

SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateApr 29, 2003
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.

Small talk--The gabfest of microbial communication

Researchers have discovered a complex system of communication in bacteria, known as quorum sensing, which allows them to sense the size of their colony and produce toxins. This system has significant potential for rapid pathogen sensing and novel antibiotic strategies.

SourceOffice of Naval Research·DateApr 29, 2003

GenoMyc binding

Researchers have identified Myc binding sites using different experimental approaches in Drosophila and human cells. The findings suggest that Myc regulates a large portion of both the fly and human genome, altering previous views on its activity and interactions.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalGenes & Development·DateApr 29, 2003

Counseling reduces risky behavior in HIV-positive people

A study found that counseling interventions reduced unprotected sex acts among HIV-positive participants by an average of 10 from 14 to 4 per year. However, a group receiving booster sessions showed an unexpected upswing in unprotected sex eight months after intervention, suggesting the need for longer-term follow-up.

SourceCenter for Advancing Health·JournalAnnals of Behavioral Medicine·DateApr 29, 2003
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Cystic fibrosis gene therapy trial results encouraging

A recent Phase I study of compacted DNA gene therapy for cystic fibrosis demonstrated safety and tolerability. The treatment resulted in a meaningful increase in chloride ion transport in the nose, suggesting successful gene transfer and potential therapeutic benefits.

SourceUniversity Hospitals of Cleveland·DateApr 29, 2003

MIT lab works to mimic spider silk

MIT researchers aim to replicate the properties of spider silk for use in high-strength fibers, specialty textiles, and bullet-proof gear. By understanding the structure-property relationships of spider silk, they hope to create materials with similar properties.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·DateApr 29, 2003

Enzyme found in blood vessels likely target to treat lung injury

Scientists at Northwestern University have discovered an enzyme that makes endothelial cells in the lungs susceptible to injury during periods of inflammation. They developed an experimental MLCK inhibitor, which protected normal mice from lung injury when exposed to bacterial toxin and ventilator-induced stress.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 29, 2003
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Tissue engineering for erectile dysfunction?

Researchers at Boston Children's Hospital successfully implanted collagen grafts to induce nerve regeneration in rats, promoting partial penile repair. This breakthrough brings the organ closer to complete replacements and paves the way for future tissue-engineered penises.

SourceBoston Children's Hospital·DateApr 29, 2003

Destination Deadhorse...and beyond

A team of researchers at an Arctic ice camp gather data to better understand the physical, biological, and chemical environment of the ice-covered ocean. They examine sea ice thickness, atmospheric mercury levels, and its impact on marine mammals.

SourceOffice of Naval Research·DateApr 29, 2003

Molecules trigger inflammation in Alzheimer disease

Researchers at Case Western Reserve University discovered molecules that play a critical role in triggering inflammation in the brain, which speeds up Alzheimer's disease progression. The study found that blocking these molecules' interaction with amyloid plaques could lead to a slower disease progression.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·DateApr 29, 2003

African-Americans willing to shoulder higher cigarette taxes

According to a Penn State study, African-Americans are more likely to support higher cigarette taxes, particularly among younger Blacks, those at higher educational levels, and former smokers. The study found that increasing taxes can decrease smoking prevalence rates and generate revenue for tobacco cessation programs.

SourcePenn State·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateApr 29, 2003
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.

New imaging technique may help people with asthma

A new imaging technique using hyperpolarized helium MRI offers a noninvasive method to study the airways of people with asthma. The technique provides information on ventilation and depicts structure and function of the airways, which can help correlate symptoms with treatment.

SourceRadiological Society of North America·JournalRadiology·DateApr 29, 2003