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Science News for August 13, 2003


Pioneering study compares 13 vertebrate genomes

Researchers compared genomic regions in 13 vertebrate species, including humans and zebrafish, to identify conserved non-coding sequences with biological roles. The study provides insights into the understanding of our own genome and highlights the importance of sequencing multiple species' genomes.

SourceNIH/National Human Genome Research Institute·JournalNature·DateAug 13, 2003

Glaciers strive for steady-state in bed erosion

Researchers discovered that glacial erosion is controlled by the relationships of the ground beneath the glacier, the rubble pile, and the glacier itself. Glaciers achieve a steady state existence when the angle between their toe and sediment pile becomes too steep, causing streams to stop flowing and erosion to cease.

SourcePenn State·JournalNature·DateAug 13, 2003
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.

Microbes' 'blueprints' promise insights into oceans, more

Researchers sequenced the genomes of three Prochlorococcus and one Synechococcus strains, revealing insights into their metabolic machinery and ecological niches. The discoveries may aid studies on global climate change and sustainable energy production.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature·DateAug 13, 2003

UCI biomedical engineer receives $1.8 million grant

A UCI biomedical engineer has received a $1.8 million grant to create viable lung tissue similar to that found in bronchial tubes, which will be injured to simulate asthma injuries. The goal is to better understand what causes scarring in the lungs of people with asthma and develop more effective treatments.

SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·DateAug 13, 2003

Using the Internet may harm, not help, people find a job

A University of Washington study found that using the Internet is not a reliable way for most people to find jobs. Despite widespread adoption of internet-based job search tools, researchers found that those who used the internet were actually less likely to land a job than those who didn't.

SourceUniversity of Washington·DateAug 13, 2003
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.

Monitoring malaria: Genomic activity of the parasite in human blood cells

A recent study published in PLOS Biology tracked the genomic activity of Plasmodium falciparum in human red blood cells, revealing a surprisingly simple pattern of gene expression. This finding could lead to the identification of the biological function of unknown genes and provide new insights into the life cycle of malaria parasites.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateAug 13, 2003

Study shows babies determine shapes, objects at early age

Researchers at Texas A&M University found that babies use a clear hierarchy of features to individuate objects, with shape and size being most important until 7.5 months. By 11.5 months, color becomes relevant in this process, revealing insights into how babies perceive their world.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalDevelopmental Science·DateAug 13, 2003

Predators: an overlooked player in plant-pollinator relationships

A field study found that spiders ambushing pollinating insects decrease seed production in flowers. Ecologist Kenwyn Suttle suggests these interactions are common and overlooked by biologists. The research supports the idea that predation on pollinators can impact plant reproduction.

SourceBlackwell Publishing Ltd.·JournalEcology Letters·DateAug 13, 2003

UCF brain cell research spawns hope for longer life

Researchers at the University of Central Florida have discovered that engineered nanoparticles can extend the lifespan of brain cells by three- to four-fold, allowing them to live up to 123 days. The study also suggests that these nanoparticles may preserve function and potentially treat age-related disorders such as Alzheimer's disease.

SourceUniversity of Central Florida·DateAug 13, 2003

Atmospheric bromine, which attacks ozone layer, is decreasing

The study finds that the decrease in atmospheric bromine is driven by a large decline in methyl bromide, which has more than offset increases from halons. Global industrial production of methyl bromide has declined due to restrictions on its use, contributing to a faster-than-expected recovery of stratospheric ozone.

SourceAmerican Geophysical Union·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateAug 13, 2003
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Introduced marine species get larger in the invaded region

In contrast to many other introduced species, most marine invertebrates increase in size after invasion. This size increase may have significant implications for the impacts of these species on native ecosystems. The study's findings highlight the need for further research into the effects of invasive species on non-native regions.

SourceBlackwell Publishing Ltd.·JournalEcology Letters·DateAug 13, 2003

Scripps team part of collaboration that reveals first ecological genomic 'blueprints'

Researchers from Scripps Institution of Oceanography have sequenced the genomes of Synechococcus and Prochlorococcus, tiny organisms that account for up to two-thirds of carbon dioxide fixation in the oceans. The discoveries shed light on how these organisms process carbon and adapt to specific habitats, offering insights into global c...

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNature·DateAug 13, 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.

Boost your brain power

A double-blind, placebo-controlled trial found that creatine supplementation improves working memory and intelligence in both vegetarians and omnivores. The study suggests a significant boost to brain function similar to effects shown previously in muscle and heart.

SourceRoyal Society·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society of London·DateAug 13, 2003

Scientists rewrite laws of glacial erosion

Researchers at Michigan State University discover that glaciers sculpt and erode landscapes through a phenomenon called glaciohydraulic supercooling, which affects the rate of erosion. This new understanding allows for better comprehension of how glaciers subdue mountains.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalNature·DateAug 13, 2003

Childhood leukemia survivors not receiving radiation have same life expectancy as general population

A long-term follow-up study of childhood ALL survivors found that those who did not receive brain radiation had comparable survival rates, employment, and marital rates to the general population. However, those who received brain radiation had a slight increase in death rate due to second cancer and higher unemployment rates.

SourceSt. Jude Children's Research Hospital·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateAug 13, 2003
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.

ACPM recommends research priorities for child and adolescent immunizations

The American College of Preventive Medicine recommends prioritizing research on improving vaccine delivery and funding for immunization programs. All children and adolescents without contraindications should receive immunizations against 11 diseases, according to ACPM's recommendations.

SourceAmerican College of Preventive Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateAug 13, 2003

Genomes of tiny microbes yield clues to global climate change

Scientists have sequenced the genomes of four types of cyanobacteria, including Prochlorococcus and Synechococcus, which play a critical role in regulating atmospheric carbon dioxide. The completed genome sequences provide insights into how these single-celled organisms convert solar energy into living biomass.

SourceDOE/Joint Genome Institute·JournalNature·DateAug 13, 2003