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Science News for February 15, 2003


Keeping blood pressure in check

A study found that mice deficient in RGS2, a regulatory protein, exhibited persistent vessel constriction and strongly hypertensive effects. This suggests that abnormally prolonged GPCR signaling may contribute to the onset of hypertension.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateFeb 15, 2003

Marine biologists probe 'black box' mysteries of the sea

Researchers find that coastal ecosystems are fragmented into smaller neighborhoods, with varying species distributions and abundance rates along the coast. The study uses innovative technologies to measure wave forces and track marine organism movement, shedding light on the complex dynamics of ocean ecosystems.

SourceStanford University·DateFeb 15, 2003

Tension between atomic secrecy and scholarship continues

The US government's efforts to declassify historic records have been met with frustration from historians and researchers, who face security restrictions and lengthy review processes. Despite these challenges, Meade emphasizes the need for thoughtful declassification to balance secrecy and scholarship.

SourceDOE/Los Alamos National Laboratory·DateFeb 15, 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.

Talking to the animals?

A new study suggests that the brain's language centers may be identified using the genetic expression of certain brain receptors in vocal-learning birds and mammals. The research, led by neurobiologist Erich D. Jarvis, reveals a highly specialized pattern in the genetic expression of these receptors in songbirds capable of vocal learning.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·DateFeb 15, 2003

JCI Table of Contents, February 14, 2003

Researchers found that RGS2-deficient mice developed strongly hypertensive conditions and persistent vessel constriction due to prolonged GPCR signaling. Genetic defects affecting RGS2 function may also contribute to hypertension in humans, according to findings published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateFeb 15, 2003

Researchers discover possible new mechanism for high blood pressure

Scientists have identified a key protein involved in regulating blood pressure, RGS2, which works by stopping the action of angiotensin II and enabling arterioles to relax. This discovery may lead to new ways of diagnosing and treating high blood pressure in individuals with underlying genetic defects or differences.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateFeb 15, 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.

Genetics may help solve mysteries of human evolution

A professor at Stanford University suggests a genetic mutation triggered modern human behavior, contradicting the majority of anthropologists. Genetic analysis of the foxp2 gene supports his theory, suggesting it evolved around 50,000 years ago.

SourceStanford University·DateFeb 15, 2003

How postnatal experience influences brain development and brain function

Research suggests that postnatal experiences can affect brain development and function in individuals with Fragile X syndrome, a genetic disorder causing mental retardation, and schizophrenia, a severe emotional disorder. Abnormalities in synaptic pruning processes and neurotransmitter regulation are common to both conditions.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·DateFeb 15, 2003

Stanford researcher advocates far-reaching microarray data exchange

Gavin Sherlock, PhD, director of the Stanford Microarray Database, discusses the history of gene microarray databases and their growing importance in making research data publicly available. A common standard, Minimal Information About a Microarray Experiment, has been established to facilitate easy access to the data.

SourceStanford Medicine·DateFeb 15, 2003

Scientists crack the black box of coastal ecosystems

Researchers from PISCO integrate genetics, microchemistry, and computer mapping to understand coastal ecosystems. They discover coastal hotspots with abundant food and faster growth rates, and track larvae movements using mini-flight recorder technology.

SourceSeaWeb·DateFeb 15, 2003
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Fires, floods, and freezes: New ways to keep disaster at bay

Scientists are developing new approaches to disaster prevention, including tools for wildfire management and prediction systems for heavy rainfall and landslides. These initiatives aim to reduce the impact of extreme weather events on communities.

SourceNational Center for Atmospheric Research/University Corporation for Atmospheric Research·DateFeb 15, 2003

Laser-pulse technique could aid drug design

A new laser-based technique could aid in drug design and testing for various neurological disorders, enabling the discovery of compounds to block cocaine poisoning effects. The technique allows researchers to study signal transmission between cells and identify potential therapeutic agents.

SourceCornell University·DateFeb 15, 2003

Noting that Western science could learn from students

The Tribal Environmental and Natural Resources Management (TENRM) program combines Western science with Native American perspectives, providing a unique educational approach. The program addresses the lack of Native Americans in STEM fields, offering flexible curriculum and support to students.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·DateFeb 15, 2003

New research tools are opening the 'black box' of coastal ecosystems

Researchers are using innovative new tools to study coastal ecosystems, including genetic mapping of marine populations and remote ocean sensing. These tools are helping scientists understand the dynamics of ocean environments and track the movement of marine species.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·DateFeb 15, 2003
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.

Time flies

Fotini Markopoulo Kalamara presents a fresh approach to researching theoretical possibilities for looking inside black holes and at particles of space/time. She proposes that an 'inside' quantum theory of gravity should be the collection of all partial observations of the inside observers.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·DateFeb 15, 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.

Supermarket shelves stocking food safety issues along with variety

Food-borne illness remains a major concern despite a safe food supply, as supermarkets increasingly rely on procedures and processes to meet growing demand for diverse international foods. International supermarket chains have a strong motivation to ensure food safety due to liability concerns and damage to reputation.

SourceMichigan State University·DateFeb 15, 2003

Treatment of lupus in mice may point the way to human treatment

A team of researchers has found that Trichostatin A significantly reduces excess protein in urine and spleen weight in mice with systemic lupus. The compound may have therapeutic benefits for humans with the disease, which affects up to 70% of lupus patients.

SourceAtrium Health Wake Forest Baptist·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateFeb 15, 2003

Los Alamos makes first map of ice on Mars

A team from Los Alamos National Laboratory has mapped the hydrogen distribution on Mars, indicating significant water reserves near the surface and subsurface. The findings suggest that Mars could support future human exploration with its extensive water resources.

SourceDOE/Los Alamos National Laboratory·DateFeb 15, 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.

Opening the ‘black box’: Scientists gain new tools to learn about the near-shore environment

Researchers at UC Santa Barbara have developed new tools to study the near-shore environment, including remote sensing and genetic analysis. By analyzing chemical signals in growing skeletons and genetic differences among populations, scientists can track the movement of marine animals and understand barriers to dispersal.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalFrontiers in Ecology and the Environment·DateFeb 15, 2003