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Science News for August 27, 2003


Methane thought to be responsible for mass extinction

A new study suggests that massive methane releases could have led to the extinction of up to 95% of marine species and 70% of land species. The researcher estimates that 10,000 gigatons of dissolved methane could have been released, causing catastrophic conflagrations and flooding.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalGeology·DateAug 27, 2003

American Thoracic Society Journal news tips for September 2003 (first issue)

Researchers developed a new composite score combining CT imaging and pulmonary function testing to assess treatment effects in young cystic fibrosis patients. A new test was also developed to predict increased mortality risk in idiopathic interstitial pneumonia patients with significant decline in pulmonary function.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateAug 27, 2003

Modern global warming more damaging than in the past

Research reveals that human activity has reduced natural habitats, making it difficult for species to adapt to climate change. Mobile species like birds and butterflies are more likely to survive, while sessile species like reptiles and amphibians are at high risk of extinction.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·DateAug 27, 2003
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.

Bladder cancer survival rate jumps

A new study reveals that patients who received neoadjuvant chemotherapy lived an average of 31 months longer than those treated with surgery alone. The combination therapy showed a 66% greater chance of surviving bladder cancer.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateAug 27, 2003

UT Southwestern gets new cryo-electron microscope

The new cryo-electron microscope allows for unprecedented high-resolution imaging of individual molecules and cellular structures, enabling scientists to study complex diseases such as diabetes, obesity, and Alzheimer's disease

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·DateAug 27, 2003

Detoxifying sediments with electrons and UV light

New technique uses electron beams and ultraviolet light to remove chlorine ions from polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), reducing toxicity and enhancing biodegradation prospects. The method shows promise for decontaminating sediments contaminated with PCBs, a potential risk factor for cancer.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateAug 27, 2003
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

New Mayo Clinic approach to kidney transplants means more patients can be successfully transplanted

The Mayo Clinic team has successfully transplanted kidneys into 29 high-risk patients, achieving an 80% success rate. By filtering out antibodies from the patient's blood, they can create a less hostile environment for the donor kidney to adapt. This approach may change the fate of thousands of patients waiting for a transplant.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalAmerican Journal of Transplantation·DateAug 27, 2003

Technological breakthrough in silicon photonics

Researchers at the Max Planck Institute have developed a novel technique for tailoring silicon nanocrystals on 4-inch wafers, enabling the mass production of these tiny crystals. By controlling the size and position of the nanocrystals, the team aims to improve the efficiency of light-emitting devices such as LEDs.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·DateAug 27, 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.

Research on relative species abundance provides new theoretical foundation

Research by Jayanth Banavar, Igor Volkov, and Amos Maritan provides a mathematically stronger framework for Hubbell's Neutral Theory of Biodiversity, explaining patterns of relative species abundance and biogeography. The study rebuts criticisms and sheds light on the long-standing problem in island biogeography.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalNature·DateAug 27, 2003

Recipe for a 'shake gel'

Researchers at NIST used a special facility to study 'shake gels,' materials that firm up and relax in response to external stimuli. They discovered the polymer's oxygen atoms, not hydrogen atoms, attach to clay, and water binds to surfaces in a perpendicular arrangement.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry B·DateAug 27, 2003

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.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·DateAug 27, 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.

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.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateAug 27, 2003

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.

SourceUniversity of Washington·DateAug 27, 2003

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.

SourcePenn State·JournalSexuality & Culture·DateAug 27, 2003
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.