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Science News for April 4, 2003


Genetic risk factor for Parkinson disease discovered

The study found a specific genetic risk factor, the J haplogroup, to be protective against Parkinson's disease, particularly in white women. The researchers also discovered that this variant is more common in people with lower incidences of the disease.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·DateApr 4, 2003

Wireless PDA software helps grocery shoppers find items

A prototype PDA system made shopping easier and more efficient for participants, who appreciated the ability to identify item locations. However, difficulty holding the device while shopping was a drawback, prompting designers to create an alternative cart-mounted version.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology Research News·DateApr 4, 2003
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.

Preeclampsia solutions sought

The first International Preeclampsia Summit is being held to bring together experts in the field to discuss ways to intervene and reduce maternal illness and death due to preeclampsia. The summit aims to prioritize appropriate treatment options for this top cause of maternal mortality.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Medical Center·DateApr 4, 2003

UF research: Despite male image, stone toolmaking also done by women

Despite historical perception that men made stone tools, a UF study found that women in the Konso ethnic group of Ethiopia dominate this activity, creating scrapers for animal hides. The discovery highlights the importance of stone tools in the archaeological record and sheds light on the role of women in prehistory.

SourceUniversity of Florida·JournalArheologia·DateApr 4, 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.

It's a nova … it's a supernova … it's a HYPERNOVA

The gamma ray burst, discovered by the ROTSE (Robotic Optical Transient Search Experiment) collaboration, has an intensity 100 times greater than previously observed. Its proximity to Earth allows for detailed study of its decaying light.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·DateApr 4, 2003

Software uses pictures to represent info people monitor

Researchers at Georgia Tech have developed a prototype software program called InfoCanvas, which creates an abstract pictorial representation of information people want to monitor. The canvas displays on a separate monitor and uses icons to represent different data elements, gradually changing as information updates.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology Research News·DateApr 4, 2003

Organic practices slightly affect corn and soybean yields

A study found that organic production practices had a slight impact on corn and soybean yields, with reductions of up to 19% compared to conventional methods. The organic strategy also had lower production costs, but net returns were equivalent to the conventional strategy.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalAgronomy Journal·DateApr 4, 2003
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.

Attitude, intention key to exercise in pregnant women

Researchers found that positive attitudes toward exercise most strongly influenced intention, followed by control over obstructing factors. Pregnant women who exercised reported improved physical condition, reduced discomfort, and increased energy. Postpartum barriers include exhaustion and lack of time.

SourcePenn State·DateApr 4, 2003