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Science News for February 6, 2003


IU research examines gender differences in excuses for failure

A recent study found that women have less tolerance for self-handicapping by men or women, making more negative evaluations of the behavior. Women are also less willing to excuse self-handicapping even when alternative explanations are viable, suspecting laziness and lack of motivation.

SourceIndiana University·JournalJournal of Personality and Social Psychology·DateFeb 6, 2003

SRS research highlights from the Red-Cockaded Woodpecker Symposium

Research by the USDA Forest Service Southern Research Station sheds light on red-cockaded woodpecker conservation, revealing a preference for older pine trees with resin-rich bark. The study also shows that converting loblolly pine stands to longleaf pines can increase available food for endangered woodpeckers.

SourceUSDA Forest Service ‑ Southern Research Station·DateFeb 6, 2003
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

Newly developed tool aids study of Fragile X syndrome

A new tool called APRA allows for detailed analysis of mRNA molecules in intact cells, revealing key interactions with the Fragile X Mental Retardation Protein (FMRP). The study provides a potential approach to develop new treatments for Fragile X syndrome, a genetic disorder that affects mental development.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalNeuron·DateFeb 6, 2003

Research sheds light on why protein-rich diets aid weight loss

Eating high-quality protein helps maintain muscle mass during weight loss efforts, burning more calories. A study found that a moderately high-protein diet resulted in greater weight loss and reduced body fat compared to a low-carbohydrate diet.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalJournal of Nutrition·DateFeb 6, 2003

Cell transplantation could restore cardiac function after heart attack

Researchers report improved left-ventricular and overall heart function in a 72-year-old man after receiving undifferentiated stem cells. The grafted scar showed the presence of well-developed skeletal myotubes with preserved contractile structure, indicating long-term viability and functional potential.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateFeb 6, 2003

Could one less cookie a day help the fight against fat?

Researchers estimate that 90% of the population is gaining up to 50 extra calories a day, which can be addressed by taking an extra mile of walking each day. Closing the energy gap will also require a fundamental change in how people think about physical fitness.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateFeb 6, 2003

New genetic 'fishing net' harvests elusive autism gene

Duke University researchers used a new statistical method called ordered subset analysis to identify a strong link between the GABRB3 gene and autism. By grouping patients with similar traits together statistically, they discovered a genetic risk factor that was missed by looking at the larger group.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·DateFeb 6, 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.

Synthesized molecule holds promise as antitumor agent

Researchers at the University of Illinois Chicago have successfully synthesized amphidinolide T1, a highly potent compound with potential as an antitumor agent. The breakthrough, achieved through retrosynthetic analysis and sophisticated technologies, could lead to more effective cancer treatments.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateFeb 6, 2003

'Sticky' DNA crystals promise new way to process information

Researchers have developed DNA scaffolding for arrays of nanoparticles, enabling the processing of large amounts of information. The technology could lead to real-time image processing and improved noise filtering, potentially even rivaling human eye speed.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota·JournalJournal of Nanoparticle Research·DateFeb 6, 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.

Obesity not a personal failing, but a battle against biology

A broad-based research program is needed to understand obesity, which cannot be easily explained by personal failing. Genes and environment interact to determine body weight, with genetic factors accounting for individual differences in weight among present time.

SourceRockefeller University·JournalScience·DateFeb 6, 2003

New images from space spotlight regional pollution

Satellite images from NASA's MOPITT project show high levels of carbon monoxide in regions prone to pollution, such as Southeast Asia and Australia. These images provide a new tool for monitoring air quality and tracking the spread of pollutants over long distances.

SourceNational Center for Atmospheric Research/University Corporation for Atmospheric Research·DateFeb 6, 2003

Jacuzzi danger?

A man with kidney disease experienced severe abdominal pain after using a whirlpool in a Jacuzzi, highlighting potential health risks. The case study suggests that whirlpooling may cause mechanical injury to the kidneys, particularly under conditions like hypertension or anticoagulation.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateFeb 6, 2003
Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.

Hormone therapy could help prevent pre-term births

A recent study conducted at Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center found that weekly injections of the hormone 17-alpha-hydroxprogesterone caproate reduced pre-term birth risk by 34% in high-risk women. The treatment was also shown to be effective in African American and non-African American women.

SourceAtrium Health Wake Forest Baptist·DateFeb 6, 2003

Scientists solve chaotic heartbeat mystery

Researchers from the University of Maryland Biotechnology Institute and Duke University discovered the genetic defect in humans and mice linked to LQT4, which affects an important adaptor protein called ankyrin-B. The defect leads to inadequate calcium regulation, causing chaotic heartbeats and potentially life-threatening arrhythmias.

SourceUniversity of Maryland Biotechnology Institute·DateFeb 6, 2003

Taste receptor cells share common pathway

Researchers discovered two enzymes necessary for mice to process three basic tastes, challenging the long-held view that distinct machinery is needed. The study also found that restoring one enzyme can selectively restore specific taste modalities.

SourceHoward Hughes Medical Institute·JournalCell·DateFeb 6, 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.

Increasing access to care could reverse disparities, study suggests

A new study found that providing integrated medical and health care services can reverse disparities in health outcomes between African Americans and whites. The research, published in the Journal of the American Geriatric Society, compared health status and survival rates of elderly African American and white participants enrolled in ...

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateFeb 6, 2003

Insect antibiotics – Resistance is futile!

Cecropin A alters bacterial gene regulation, challenging conventional thinking on its mechanism of action. The insect antibiotic's ability to evade resistance raises hope for new therapeutic agents.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalAntimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy·DateFeb 6, 2003

Nitrogen may increase Bt levels in corn

Scientists found that increasing nitrogen fertilizer levels in corn hybrids boosts Bt toxin production, potentially affecting pest management. The study suggests that early-season nitrogen applications may impact the effectiveness of Bt hybrids in reducing insect damage.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalAgronomy Journal·DateFeb 6, 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.