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Science News Archive August 2003


Page 3 of 8

GoPro HERO13 Black

GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.

Sex-based and women's health research gain $150,000

Two collaborative research projects on drug addiction and postpartum depression have been awarded funding. The studies will investigate sex-based differences in gene expression and the effect of estrogen on treatment response.

Granular materials not so puzzling after all, physicists find

Researchers create experimental model of a non-equilibrium system to test the soundness of temperature in a continuously shaken container of tiny beads. They find that temperature follows the expected rules, suggesting that essential information can be extracted from disordered motion in dissipative systems.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

UGA research team reveals molecular key to cell division

The UGA research team has identified a molecular key to cell division, which could lead to new targets for cancer therapeutics. The study found that cyclin-dependent kinases drive the mitosis process and that molecules called oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes are controlled by novel mechanisms.

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.

MicroRNAs - Tiny molecules shape up plants

Researchers have discovered that microRNAs play a crucial role in controlling plant growth and development by regulating cell division and leaf shape. The study found that a specific microRNA called "Jaw" targets messenger RNAs involved in preventing excessive cell division, leading to abnormal leaf shapes.

Treating depression important for reducing death after bypass surgery

A study of 817 patients who underwent bypass surgery found that treating depression could significantly reduce mortality rates. Patients with moderate to severe depression at baseline and those with mild depression sustained from initial to six-month assessment were more than twice as likely to die than patients who were not depressed.

Splitting hairs: GATA-3 function in hair follicle development

Researchers uncover unexpected new role for GATA-3 in hair follicle development, shedding light on parallel molecular cues between skin and immune systems. GATA-3-deficient mice exhibit severe structural anomalies in hair development, including bent whiskers and irregular thickenings.

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.

Alcohol's benefits on brain power may be overstated

Research by Dean Krahn and colleagues found that moderate drinking had no significant effect on cognitive ability in middle-aged adults, contrary to previous studies. The study used an extensive database of over 10,000 participants who completed cognitive tests at different stages of life.

URI Metcalf Institute awards journalists environmental reporting fellowships

The URI Metcalf Institute has awarded fellowships to two minority journalists, Rodriguez and Ortiz, to develop story ideas and receive scientific training in marine and environmental science. The fellowship aims to increase the number of minority journalists trained in science who report on science-based news.

New principle guides memory dynamics

Researchers at Weizmann Institute have identified a new principle guiding brain memory systems, explaining inconsistencies in previous studies. This discovery may lead to the development of new methods for wiping out unwanted memories and treating psychological trauma.

New findings could dash hopes for past oceans on Mars

Researchers analyzed TES observations and found trace amounts of carbonate minerals in Martian dust, indicating a thin atmosphere interacting with dust. The discovery contradicts the idea of past oceans on Mars and suggests a climate history dominated by ice and frozen water.

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.

From diagnostic tool to cancer therapy

A team of researchers has discovered that injecting radioactive glucose can selectively kill cancer cells without harming healthy tissues. The treatment exploits the fact that cancer cells use more glucose than normal tissue, allowing for targeted delivery of radioactivity.

NIEHS study identifies gene for hydrocephalus in mice

A study by NIH/NIEHS has identified a mouse gene linked to hydrocephalus, a common birth defect. The research team cloned the defective gene, which affects cerebrospinal fluid drainage, and found it causes classic symptoms of hydrocephalus in mice.

Scientists identify new sperm protein required for fertilization

Scientists at Emory University Health Sciences Center have identified a new sperm protein called SED1 that plays a critical role in the initial association between sperm and egg during fertilization. Mice without this protein had reduced fertility despite normal sperm characteristics, highlighting its importance in successful binding.

Decreased diabetic cardiac death from losartan?

A post-hoc analysis of the LIFE study found a close to 50% risk reduction in sudden death among losartan-treated diabetic patients compared to those treated with atenolol. Lars Lindholm comments that the results are exploratory and require confirmation.

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.

In tropics, forests are cool but croplands are hotter

A study of Santa Cruz, Bolivia, found that replacing tropical forests with crops can increase daytime temperatures and decrease nighttime temperatures. This occurs because crops are less efficient at cooling the air through transpiration, a process where water evaporates from leaves during photosynthesis.

Depression doubles risk of death after bypass surgery

Researchers at Duke University Medical Center found that depression is a strong independent risk factor for death in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass surgery. Depression was associated with a doubling of the risk of death during the follow-up period, regardless of other factors.

A wake-up call for environmental health

The US is responsible for 23% of global greenhouse-gas emissions. The editorial emphasizes the need for changes in law and tax incentives to persuade citizens to use fewer fossil fuels and adopt recycling initiatives.

Stanford researcher finds method to define genetic 'words'

A genetic dictionary has been developed to understand the role of newly identified genes and their functions, which can aid in identifying unknown genes involved in cell division and cancer. The dictionary is based on gene activity data from four organisms and provides a context for understanding genetic words.

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.

Protein is shown to aid cell's reading of genetic code

Researchers at Cornell University have confirmed a theory about how a protein complex known as FACT helps cells read their genetic code. By studying the activation of a heat-shock gene in fruit fly cells, they found that FACT and other proteins quickly move to chromosomal sites where transcription occurs.

New brain cancer treatment extends survival for more patients

A new combination cancer-killing drug regimen has shown promising results in extending patient survival, with 16% tumor shrinkage and 35% stable disease progression after six months. The orally administered treatment has been well-tolerated and offers a more convenient option for patients compared to traditional IV chemotherapy.

Decreased diabetic cardiac death from losartan?

A post-hoc analysis of the LIFE study found that losartan significantly reduced sudden cardiac death in diabetic patients with hypertension and left ventricular hypertrophy compared to atenolol. The results showed a nearly 50% risk reduction in sudden death for losartan-treated patients.

Honeybee gene find ends 150-year search

Researchers isolated a honeybee gene called csd, revealing that female bees have two different versions of the gene that form an active protein triggering female development. This discovery explains how male and female bees develop from fertilized and unfertilized eggs, respectively.

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.

Early detection of lung cancer possible with CAT and PET scans

Researchers found that a combination of low-dose spiral CT and selective use of PET can effectively detect early-stage lung cancer in high-risk individuals. The study showed that lesions up to 5mm can be safely followed up after 12 months without major risks of progression.

Tides control flow of Antarctic ice streams

Researchers found a clear association between ocean tides and ice stream motion in West Antarctica. The study discovered that a one-meter tide variation can cause an ice stream to halt and then accelerate rapidly.

Newly found gene resistant to economically crippling wheat disease

A newly discovered gene, Stb8, has been found in bread wheat species to be resistant to Septoria tritici leaf blotch, a fungus causing significant yield losses worldwide. The gene's longer duration of effectiveness compared to previous genes may make it a valuable addition to breeding programs.

How AIDS destroys immunity

Researchers found that the HIV vpr gene exploits the normal repair process of cells to stop vital white blood cells from replicating, thus disabling the immune system. The study suggests a possible treatment for AIDS-related immune-system damage using medicines that prevent the human ATR gene from being activated by HIV's vpr gene.

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.

'MicroRNAs' control plant shape and structure

Researchers have discovered microRNA JAW that controls the development of flat leaves, a key characteristic in capturing sunlight and energy. The study reveals the importance of microRNA regulation in plant morphology, paving the way for new avenues in agricultural advancements.

Genes that paint fly derrieres hint at convergence

Researchers found a common gene, Bric-a-brac2, responsible for diverse pattern and color pigmentation across 13 fruit fly species. The study suggests that similar genetic mechanisms govern body plans in related animals.

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.

Tipping the balance of prion infectivity

Studies with yeast prions show that small mutations can cause transmission barriers, potentially explaining species barriers for mammalian prions. The findings suggest a new approach to treating disorders like Alzheimer's by influencing toxic protein folding.

Scientists map signaling molecule crucial to survival, disease

Researchers have mapped the location of a dominant signaling molecule on proteins, which causes cancer and diabetes when it goes awry. The discovery allows scientists to block aberrant binding and treat diseases by designing drugs that target specific phosphate bonding patterns.

Textbook case of tectonic movement is wrong, says new study

A new study has found that mobile magma plumes, rather than stationary hotspots, are responsible for the formation of islands and subsurface mountains in the Pacific Ocean. This discovery challenges traditional theories of tectonic movement and sheds light on climate changes recorded in ancient rocks.

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.

Salk News: Social behavior genes

A study at the Salk Institute found that children with Williams syndrome exhibit unique social behavior patterns, including high scores on tests measuring social interactions. Genetic screening revealed that one gene may be responsible for this hyper-sociability in some individuals, suggesting a potential genetic link to the disorder.

Deadly 'Drug Corner' moves to your computer

A study by researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine found that 53% of computer searches for 'no prescription codeine' lead to illegal opiate sales sites. The sites often require minimal information and can be accessed from outside the US, posing a significant risk to public health.

Bechtel Foundation donates $300,000 for Atomic Testing Museum

The Bechtel Foundation has donated $300,000 to support the development of an atomic testing museum at the Desert Research Institute's Frank H. Rogers Building. The museum will feature exhibits on the Cold War role of the Nevada Test Site and traveling exhibits from the Smithsonian Institution.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Ketogenic diet raises cholesterol, lipid levels in children

A study published in JAMA found that children on the ketogenic diet for six months had significantly elevated cholesterol and triglyceride levels, but these levels often normalized after treatment cessation. The researchers suggest that the diet should remain a treatment option despite short-term lipids elevation.

Borneo elephants: A high priority for conservation

Research reveals Borneo's elephants are genetically distinct from other Asian elephants, suggesting they may have parted ways 300,000 years ago. This classification changes the focus of their conservation, as their habitats are increasingly disrupted by human expansion.

Physicians and patients rarely discuss costs

A study found that physicians often fail to discuss out-of-pocket costs with patients, leading to financial burden and skipped medication. Discussing costs can make a difference, enabling physicians to seek less expensive alternatives.

Other highlights in the August 20 issue of JNCI

Researchers found that postmenopausal women with a higher body mass index have an increased risk of breast cancer due to elevated estrogen levels. In contrast, heavier men under age 60 or those with family history of prostate cancer may experience lower risks of developing the disease.

New study rebuts claims about Icelandic genetic heterogeneity

Researchers from deCODE Genetics and the University of Oxford found that genetic drift, not admixture, has shaped Iceland's gene pool. The study suggests that small effective population size and relative isolation have contributed to Iceland's unique genetic characteristics.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.