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Science News Archive August 2003


Page 2 of 8

With neutrons, partners pursue the scent of success

A collaboration between IFF and NIST uses slowed-down neutrons to measure fragrance and carrier molecule structures. This information can guide efforts to enhance models for formulating carriers that are optimized for specific fragrances and products.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Treatment interruption shows no benefit in drug-resistant HIV infection

Researchers found that structured treatment interruption in people with multidrug-resistant HIV led to more HIV-related complications and poorer immune response. The study suggests that continuing therapy guided by HIV drug resistance testing is a better approach for this group of HIV-infected individuals.

Disparity in wealth is killing democracy, scholar warns

A University of Washington scholar argues that massive wealth disparity has severely weakened US democracy, fueling the power of corporate money in politics. This trend traces back to President Reagan's policy philosophy, which continues to shape national politics.

Bachelorette parties a sign of a new sexuality for women

Dr. Beth Montemurro's study finds bachelorette parties reflect women's growing acceptance of their sexuality and desire for independence. The rise of bachelorette parties is linked to the sexual revolution and changing attitudes toward women's rights and freedoms.

Forest preservation work turns to Carolina hemlock

Researchers are exploring ways to combat the devastating impact of the Asian woody adelgid on western North Carolina's hemlock forests. CAMCORE, a global forest conservation program, is working with natural predators and developing resistant tree varieties to preserve genetic diversity.

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.

First relapsing fever outbreak in Montana identified

A mystery illness in western Montana was solved by researchers identifying the cause as Borrelia hermsii, a spiral-shaped bacterium. The disease is curable with antibiotics and can cause recurrent febrile illnesses, highlighting the potential for emerging diseases in previously unrecognised areas.

PNNL supercomputer fastest open system in U.S.

PNNL's new supercomputer is the US' fastest operational unclassified system, featuring an 11.8T HP Integrity system with Intel Itanium2 processors running Linux. The machine will enable novel studies in atmospheric chemistry, systems biology, and materials science.

Dental procedure may reduce risk of premature birth

Researchers found an 84% reduction in preterm births among pregnant women with periodontitis who received scaling and root planing therapy. The study suggests that periodontal disease may increase the risk of premature delivery, highlighting the importance of regular dental exams for pregnant women.

Laboratory 'theme park' re-creates RNA world for study

Scientists, led by Bartel, develop RNA enzymes in lab that can replicate and act as enzymes, but still short of the 200-nucleotide goal. The RNA-world hypothesis proposes RNA played both DNA and protein roles in early evolution, with researchers re-creating this system to study its feasibility.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Scientists: Cloak of human proteins gets HIV into cells

Researchers suggest that heightening immune response against human proteins in viral envelope could prevent HIV infection, offering a potential solution for reducing transmission rates. This approach, called alloimmunization, has the advantage of working against all strains of HIV and other retroviruses.

Patients with atrial fibrillation undertreated for stroke risk

A recent JAMA article highlights that less than half of patients with atrial fibrillation are receiving warfarin therapy to reduce their risk of ischemic stroke. The scoring system developed by Thomas J. Wang and colleagues can easily stratify patients at high or low risk for stroke, enabling targeted treatment and counseling.

UCLA receives NSF award for plasma research

The University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) has received a significant National Science Foundation (NSF) award for its plasma research, enabling the development of new computational infrastructure and innovation. The NSF funding will support key areas of research, including fusion energy, astrophysics, and space weather.

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.

Schwab foundation names Victoria Hale a social entrepreneur for 2004

Victoria Hale, founder of Institute for OneWorld Health, recognized by the Schwab Foundation for her innovative approach to pharmaceutical development, providing life-saving medicines to those in need. The Institute's entrepreneurial model combines pharmaceutical expertise with a social mission to address global health disparities.

New digital technique improves mammography results

Contrast digital mammography has been shown to accurately identify cancers in patients with suspicious abnormalities, reducing false positives and unnecessary biopsies. The new technique uses intravenous iodine contrast to enhance blood vessels created by tumors, improving detection in dense breast tissue.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Fruits, vegetables overlooked by healing heart patients

A recent study of 118 heart patients found that while they made significant progress reducing fat intake, many failed to adopt a diet rich in fruits and vegetables. After two years, only 23% were meeting the recommended daily intake, highlighting the need for targeted nutrition education.

Patillas High School chemistry teacher to be honored for mentoring students

The American Chemical Society is honoring a high school chemistry teacher for his exceptional mentoring skills and commitment to the ACS Scholars Program. The program has provided scholarships to 28 students from Puerto Rico who took Mr. Fonseca's chemistry class, with some going on to win national awards.

Carnegie Mellon professor wins psychology award

David Anderson receives Rumelhart Prize for 30 years of research on human thought processes and learning, leading to effective computer-based tutoring systems. His work explores the neural basis of cognition, contributing to our understanding of the human mind.

UIC project may reduce drug name confusion

Researchers are developing an automated search and retrieval process for drug names to minimize medication errors caused by soundalike words. The software will use intelligibility and perceptual neighborhood measurements to predict confusability scores.

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.

Planetary tilt not a spoiler for habitation

Research suggests that planets with high tilt angles may be habitable if they have suitable geography, such as large oceans or continents near the equator. While extreme temperatures would make it difficult for simple life forms to survive, advanced water-dependent life could thrive in these environments.

New model predicts likelihood of prostate cancer prior to biopsy

A new nomogram model predicts prostate cancer likelihood in men with PSA levels below 10 ng/ml, helping to reduce unnecessary biopsies. The model identifies four independent risk factors for positive biopsy results and provides a score to calculate the likelihood of cancer presence.

UCSD chemists develop self-assembling silicon particles

Researchers at UCSD create tiny silicon chips, 'smart dust,' that can detect chemical or biological compounds and report information to the outside world. The dual-sided particles can collect at a target and self-assemble into a larger reflector for remote sensing applications.

Scientists shed new light on speed of infant learning

Researchers found that infants as young as four months old learn object concepts through visual observation, not manual exploration. The study used eye-tracking experiments to show that babies quickly grasp fundamental concepts by watching objects in motion.

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.

Study: Stereotypes prevail in media coverage of depression

Research shows a shift toward 'medicalization' of deviation from women's traditional roles, while men's depressive illness is increasingly described in terms connoting work and aggression. The study highlights the importance of accurate media representation in influencing patient-doctor communication about mental health concerns.

Long-term outcome of epilepsy surgery is favorable for many

A study found that 63% of patients with intractable epilepsy who underwent surgery remained seizure-free for over eight years. The duration of epilepsy before surgery was a significant factor in predicting seizure freedom, with patients having longer episodes more likely to remain free from seizures.

Tip sheet for August 26 Neurology and more news

Donepezil has been shown to improve cognitive function in vascular dementia patients, while a study found that brain volume loss can predict Alzheimer's disease. However, a clinical trial of topiramate in ALS patients found no benefits and an increased risk of adverse events.

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.

Appreciation of humor doesn't change with age

A Canadian study found that appreciation and emotional reactiveness to humor doesn't change with age. However, the ability to comprehend more complex forms of humor diminishes in later years due to decreased cognitive abilities. Older adults still enjoy a good laugh but struggle with understanding nuanced humor.

Studies probe rapid evolution of Chinese tallow trees

Biologists at Rice University are investigating the genetic and environmental factors behind Chinese tallow trees' success in Texas. The research aims to understand how the trees' low defenses against insects contribute to their rapid growth and success as an invasive species.

Mayo Clinic researchers discover that donor kidney protects itself in new body

Researchers at the Mayo Clinic have identified a key finding about how donor kidneys adapt to new bodies. By analyzing gene expression patterns, the study found that donor kidneys can develop protective processes that shield them from the recipient's immune system, potentially reducing rejection rates and improving transplant outcomes.

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.

Molecules discovered that extend life in yeast, human cells

A group of polyphenols found in red wine and vegetables have been shown to activate sirtuins, enzymes that help cells survive environmental stresses and may promote longevity. These molecules, called STACs, were found to stimulate human sirtuin SIRT1, increasing cell survival rates.

Wage gap favoring men doesn't just hurt women's pay, according to new study

A new study found that managers who supervise predominantly female teams receive lower pay, while those who work with mostly male teams earn more. The study also discovered that younger and older workers are perceived as less valuable, resulting in lower compensation for managers supervising these age groups.

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.

Overtime: It’s not just for the money, U-M study says

A University of Michigan study reveals that working overtime is driven by a desire to improve social status and cultivate a sense of belonging, rather than just financial gain. The research found that blue-collar workers who work overtime are motivated by the desire to consume luxury items and keep up with their white-collar counterparts.

Illinois chemist wins national award for new drug research

Silverman's research focuses on inhibiting an enzyme that produces nitric oxide, a compound linked to high blood pressure, stroke, and neurological diseases. His work aims to block the overproduction of nitric oxide in the brain without affecting its normal function.

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.

Intervention decreases childhood pneumonia mortality

A meta-analysis of nine community-based studies found that health workers can effectively manage pneumonia in the community, leading to a significant reduction in child mortality. The intervention resulted in a 24-36% decrease in total and pneumonia-specific child mortality rates, with a notable impact on neonates.

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.

Purdue chemist wins national award for new ways to fight cancer, AIDS

Purdue University chemist Jean Chmielewski has won a national award for developing new compounds that disrupt the AIDS virus's ability to reproduce. Her approach involves creating molecular 'wedges' that block HIV proteins from binding together, promising initial results in testing with infected cells.