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Science News for December 10, 2003


Plant sex protein identified at UC Riverside

Researchers at UC Riverside discover chemocyanin, a small protein found in the stigma of lily flowers, which effectively guides sperm-laden pollen tubes to the plant's ovules. The study sheds new light on the complex process of seed formation in flowering plants.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 10, 2003

A little stress may be good for you

Researchers found that elevated molecular chaperones promote longevity in C. elegans, a roundworm whose biochemical environment is similar to humans. This suggests that brief exposure to environmental and physiological stress can have long-term benefits to cells by unleashing molecular chaperones.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalMolecular Biology of the Cell·DateDec 10, 2003
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Purdue's self-assembled 'nanorings' could boost computer memory

Researchers at Purdue University have created tiny magnetic rings that can store information at room temperature and are self-assembled, promising a new approach to non-volatile computer memory. The nanorings' magnetic states can be switched by applying a magnetic field, paving the way for faster and more affordable computer memories.

SourcePurdue University·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateDec 10, 2003

Many parents, teens unaware of an 'optional' but valuable vaccine

The meningococcal vaccine is safe and effective in preventing invasive meningococcal disease, which can cause severe illness or death. Despite its value, many parents and teens are not informed about the vaccine due to limited public resources and high costs.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateDec 10, 2003

Planet-formation model indicates Earthlike planets might be common

A new study published in Icarus reveals that planet formation simulations indicate a high probability of finding Earthlike planets near other stars. The research suggests that the presence and orbits of giant planets like Jupiter can greatly impact the amount of water on terrestrial planets.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalIcarus·DateDec 10, 2003
GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.

Northwestern receives $10 million for cancer prevention trials

The study aims to identify new forms of therapy and hope for those at high risk of developing cancer. Six institutions will design and conduct experiments to test the cancer prevention potential of substances affecting various processes involved in cancer's formation and spread.

SourceNorthwestern University·DateDec 10, 2003

Mouse embryonic germ cells and male gametes created in the lab

Researchers at Boston Children's Hospital created a continuously growing line of mouse embryonic germ cells, providing an opportunity to study the process in the Petri dish. These cells have implications for understanding parental imprints, cancer research, and reprogramming cells.

SourceBoston Children's Hospital·JournalNature·DateDec 10, 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.

Emergency cardiac monitoring strategy tested in ambulances

A new tele-electrocardiography system is being tested in Santa Cruz County ambulances to detect ischemia and heart damage. The system, which uses a 12-lead cardiac monitor and cell phone technology, has already provided meaningful results for patients, including a 43-minute reduction in treatment time for one patient.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·DateDec 10, 2003

Researchers engineer mouse embryonic stem cells to form sperm cell precursors

Scientists have successfully engineered mouse embryonic stem cells into sperm-like cells using laboratory techniques alone. These precursors were then used to fertilize mouse eggs, resulting in the formation of early-stage embryos. The research has potential applications for treating male infertility and studying cancer.

SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·JournalNature·DateDec 10, 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.

NCAR scientists investigate air above Antarctica

Scientists are studying sulfur oxidation processes and high levels of atmospheric nitric oxide at the South Pole. They aim to understand natural phenomena to differentiate them from human-caused processes in more complex regions.

SourceNational Center for Atmospheric Research/University Corporation for Atmospheric Research·DateDec 10, 2003

Study details challenges to U.S. soybean industry

The US soybean industry is shifting away from mature markets like the US, with companies investing in new growth areas like Brazil and Argentina. This change is driven by weak intellectual property rights and access to Roundup Ready technology, which has accelerated soybean production expansion.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalInternational Food and Agribusiness Management Review·DateDec 10, 2003

'Survival sex' and substance abuse may hinder HIV prevention efforts

A study found that HIV-positive women are more likely to engage in unprotected sex due to a lack of empowerment or low self-esteem. Ongoing risk-reduction counseling and substance abuse treatment are crucial to curb high-risk behavior, experts say.

SourceInfectious Diseases Society of America·JournalClinical Infectious Diseases·DateDec 10, 2003
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.

Satellites spy deaths in rain forests (Clark et al.)

Satellite data reveals a significant increase in animal deaths in tropical rainforests worldwide, highlighting the impact of habitat destruction and fragmentation on species populations. The study, published in Ecology Letters, provides critical insights into the urgent need to protect these ecosystems.

SourceBlackwell Publishing Ltd.·JournalEcology Letters·DateDec 10, 2003

Combination, order of anti-HIV drugs make a difference in first-time recipients

Researchers found that starting with a combination of zidovudine, lamivudine, and efavirenz resulted in delayed failure of subsequent regimens and lower risk of drug resistance. The study suggests using sequential three-drug regimens may be more effective than four-drug treatments for treating first-time HIV recipients.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateDec 10, 2003

Sport hunting hits evolutionary traits in bighorn sheep

Research reveals that sport hunting depletes genes for big horns and fast growth in bighorn sheep populations, leading to a decline in trophy quality. The study's findings suggest that wildlife managers should explore alternative strategies to minimize further deterioration of the genetic quality of bighorn sheep.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalNature·DateDec 10, 2003
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.

One combination of AIDS drugs appears better for starting treatment

Researchers found that a combination of ZDV, 3TC, and EFV was the most successful initial treatment regimen, with participants experiencing delayed failure and faster viral load suppression. However, using four drugs in combination did not prove more effective than sequential three-drug regimens, but did delay failure longer.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateDec 10, 2003

Scientists surprised at persistence of nitrate from dated experiment

An agricultural experiment from 1969 showed that nitrate fertilizer can persist in groundwater and streams for decades, influencing water quality. The study, conducted nearly 30 years later, confirmed this finding and highlights the need for long-term research on agricultural pollution.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalJournal of Environmental Quality·DateDec 10, 2003

Automated analysis of bee behavior may yield better robots

A team led by Tucker Balch at Georgia Institute of Technology has developed a computer vision system that automates the analysis of animal movement. With an accuracy rate of 81.5%, the system can analyze bee movements and label them based on examples provided by human experts.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology Research News·JournalAdaptive Behavior·DateDec 10, 2003