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Science News for February 14, 2003


Clock tells time at such speed that reading it becomes challenge

Researchers have developed a new all-optical-atomic clock that can keep time with greater precision than existing atomic clocks, by five orders of magnitude. The clock uses non-linear optical fibers to generate optical-frequency combs and determine frequencies by counting the number of teeth in the comb.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·DateFeb 14, 2003

Symposium examines how early experiences guide brain development

Researchers at the University of Minnesota are examining the effects of institutional care on brain-behavior relations. The study found that institutionalized children lagged behind those living with their families in cognitive, language abilities, behavioral adjustment, and neurophysiological indicators.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota·DateFeb 14, 2003

Baby and coated aspirin may not reduce risk of stroke

Researchers found baby aspirin to be less effective in reducing the risk of stroke compared to adult and coated formulas. The study suggests that age and gender play a role in a person's response to aspirin, with women being more effective than men.

SourceNorthwestern Memorial HealthCare·DateFeb 14, 2003
AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.

Toxicogenomics provides insight on assigning breast cancer drugs

Researchers are using toxicogenomics to study the genetic and protein changes in individual breast cancer cells to assign effective drug treatments. This approach allows for more precise treatment options and earlier detection of toxicity, enabling doctors to make informed decisions.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·DateFeb 14, 2003

Brain angioplasty in awake patients may reduce complications

A new approach to brain angioplasty using local anesthesia with mild sedation safely performed on 10 patients, showing promising results in minimizing complications. The study found that the procedure was technically successful but resulted in three minor complications related to stenting and bleeding.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·DateFeb 14, 2003

Ginseng may improve memory in stroke dementia patients

Researchers found that ginseng compound increased brain chemicals associated with memory, improving average memory function after 12 weeks. The study, however, has limitations and recommends further research to establish efficacy and safety.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·DateFeb 14, 2003
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

NIH leader outlines future of U.S. medical research

The NIH is set to advance science and improve public health through a new initiative that focuses on multidisciplinary teams and cross-cutting initiatives. The plan aims to tackle pressing biomedical challenges by integrating multiple disciplines and addressing public concerns.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·DateFeb 14, 2003

Tribal warfare: Revenge, retaliation, deterrence

Researchers explore the concept of tribal warfare, revealing that revenge is a primary motive, often linked to deterrence, while social units strive for balance in losses and gains. The study of Waorani tribe in Ecuador suggests that a cultural understanding of revenge can be complex and nuanced.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·DateFeb 14, 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.

Color key to presentation of understandable scientific data

A Penn State cartographer emphasizes the importance of careful color choices in visual representation to reveal relationships and patterns in complex data. An online web tool, ColorBrewer, provides pre-designed color palettes that cater to color blindness and are suitable for various mediums.

SourcePenn State·DateFeb 14, 2003

People with food allergies should not only be careful about what they eat

A severe allergic anaphylactic reaction was triggered in a woman with shellfish allergy after kissing her boyfriend, who had eaten shrimp hours earlier. The incident highlights the importance of counseling patients to avoid exposure to food allergens through all potential routes, including kissing and touching.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalMayo Clinic Proceedings·DateFeb 14, 2003

Neglect during infancy can affect children for years, scientists report

A recent study found that neglect during infancy can have lasting effects on children's social and emotional development. Internationally adopted children who spent time in institutions exhibit difficulties with forming close bonds with parents and displaying wary behavior towards strangers.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·DateFeb 14, 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.

Bugs from the deep may be window into the origins of life -- on earth and beyond

Researchers discover new life forms living in extreme environments, such as gold mines and volcanic rocks, providing clues to the origins of life on Earth and potentially on Mars. These microorganisms may be using nuclear energy or toxic waste as fuel, shedding light on the diversity of possible fuel sources for life.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·DateFeb 14, 2003

Orphanage experience alters brain development

Researchers studied Romanian and Russian children adopted by families in the US, finding they had normal intelligence but struggled with attention and sensory-motor skills. The study suggests that early childhood experiences can alter brain development and have lasting effects on physical and behavioral problems.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·DateFeb 14, 2003

Telescope finds star about to explode

Researchers detected a sudden cooling of the star Rho Cassiopeiae in 2000, resulting in an unprecedented mass ejection into space. The star is now considered one of the brightest yellow hypergiants in the Milky Way, with a luminosity over half a million times that of the Sun.

SourceNetherlands Organization for Scientific Research·DateFeb 14, 2003

Residents of disadvantaged areas have higher stroke risk

A study analyzing data from a large ongoing stroke study found that living in an area with high poverty levels and unemployment is an independent risk factor for stroke. The finding holds true across racial groups, highlighting the need to rethink stroke-prevention programs and prioritize disadvantaged communities.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·DateFeb 14, 2003
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.

Revenge motivates tribal warfare

The behavior of punishing others for their injury is widespread in the animal kingdom, with humans adding a conscious sense of what to achieve through revenge. This leads to complex social rules governing who can be targeted and when, often prioritizing balance over personal relationships.

SourcePenn State·DateFeb 14, 2003

New life discovered in deep ocean floor

Scientists have discovered new life in the deep ocean floor, specifically microbial methane makers that thrive on frozen methane hydrate. The team's research aims to develop realistic models of hydrate distribution and rate of formation in seafloor sediments.

SourceDOE/Idaho National Laboratory·DateFeb 14, 2003

What to plant when the fires go out

Researchers have identified genetically superior cultivars of native grasses that can outcompete invasive species like cheatgrass. These findings could inform the development of effective re-vegetation strategies for burned and degraded lands.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·DateFeb 14, 2003

Waging war: The curse of human intelligence

Roscoe's research on New Guinea tribes suggests that revenge-driven wars are fueled by humans' unique ability to model actions and manipulate emotional states. This allows for the de-humanization of enemies, making it easier to justify violence.

SourceUniversity of Maine·DateFeb 14, 2003
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.

Research to improve mine safety being developed

University of Alberta researchers are working on a project to remotely scan and analyze core samples, allowing geologists to determine the type and quality of rock without physically inspecting them. This technology has the potential to improve mine safety, accuracy, and production by reducing the need for human intervention.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·DateFeb 14, 2003

Does water flow become unstable in all soils?

A model suggests that only coarse-textured soils can form fingers capable of moving deep into the soil, leading to inefficient water use and potential groundwater contamination. Laboratory experiments show that even small amounts of water can create persistent pathways in sandy soils.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalVadose Zone Journal·DateFeb 14, 2003

Combination hormone therapy raises women's stroke risk

A recent study found that combination hormone therapy increased the risk of stroke in postmenopausal women, including those with and without high blood pressure. The therapy was found to be ineffective for primary prevention of cardiovascular disease and heart attack.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·DateFeb 14, 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.

Most Americans open to pharmacogenomics research

Attitudes toward pharmacogenomics vary by education level, race, income, and age, but most people are willing to participate in genetic research. Respondents trusted medical institutions over government or pharmaceutical companies to perform the research.

SourceUniversity of Louisville·DateFeb 14, 2003

Mexican-American stroke study shows differences

The study found significant differences between Mexican Americans and non-Hispanic whites in conditions increasing stroke risk, such as diabetes and blood-thinning drug use. Understanding these differences can help tailor stroke-prevention campaigns to the Hispanic community, increasing their effectiveness.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·DateFeb 14, 2003

Artificial worlds unlock secrets of real human interaction

Agent-based models reveal how simple interactions among individuals can generate complex social patterns, such as residential segregation and fads. Researchers use these models to study human behavior, including peer enforcement of norms and self-destructive behaviors.

SourceCornell University·DateFeb 14, 2003

More drinks may lead to severe barroom brawls

A study found that higher alcohol consumption is associated with greater severity of barroom aggression, but not the initial likelihood of aggression. Environmental factors like dim lighting and encouragement from onlookers also play a significant role in severe brawls.

SourceCenter for Advancing Health·DateFeb 14, 2003

Never too late to boogie: Nerve cells still active in 'mature' brain

Studies have found that nerve cells in mature brains undergo metamorphoses and exhibit motility, reorganizing their structure to adapt to changing conditions. This discovery may have important implications for addressing diseases such as spinal injury by promoting recovery from synaptic abnormalities.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·DateFeb 14, 2003
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Does water flow become unstable in all soils?

Researchers developed a model predicting water redistribution in soils following irrigation or rainfall. Coarse-textured soils exhibit finger formation, leading to deep chemical movement and potential groundwater contamination. Longer, less frequent watering may decrease fingering near the surface.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalVadose Zone Journal·DateFeb 14, 2003

Relapse or remission? Pharmacogenomics draws the fine line

Researchers are working towards individualized treatments using DNA chip technology to analyze gene expression and detect host genetic polymorphisms. This approach aims to optimize drug selection and doses at a molecular level, reducing toxicity and improving patient outcomes for childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·DateFeb 14, 2003

Early Mars: Warm enough to melt water?

Early Mars research suggests that the planet may have been too cold to melt water, contradicting Dr. James F. Kasting's theory of a greenhouse effect. However, Kasting proposes that methane-producing bacteria could have warmed the planet, allowing for the formation of features like Nanedi Vallis.

SourcePenn State·DateFeb 14, 2003
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.

'Selfish routing' slows the Internet

A new study by Cornell University researchers finds that selfish routing on the Internet can slow down data transfer by up to one and one-third times what could be achieved by an ideal system. To combat this, they suggest routers consider not only the least congested route but also its impact on the network when sending information.

SourceCornell University·DateFeb 14, 2003

Breathe easy: Combination of airway devices helps stroke patients

Researchers tested a combination of a vibrating vest and a mechanical cough-assist device to improve respiratory function in stroke patients. The treatment resulted in significant increases in forced vital capacity and minute ventilation, and improved oxygen saturation levels.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·DateFeb 14, 2003

Why we are what we eat: New links between our biology and food choices

Biological differences in taste sensitivity have been linked to various health risks, including colon cancer and cardiovascular disease. Supertasters are more likely to avoid vegetables due to their bitter taste, but this may lead to a higher risk of certain cancers.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·DateFeb 14, 2003
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.

High school students say they need more current-events study

High school students from Philadelphia area participate in a youth engagement initiative, expressing concerns about the lack of discussion on current events. They also request better sex education programs and increased funding for schools, aiming to become active citizens who contribute to their communities.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·DateFeb 14, 2003