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Science News for January 16, 2003


Scientists explain formation of stone circles and other strange patterns in northern regions

Researchers developed a numerical model that explains the emergence of various patterns, including stone circles and labyrinths, through the interaction of two mechanisms: lateral sorting and squeezing. The relative strengths of these processes, along with factors like soil compressibility and stone size, determine the resulting pattern.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Cruz·JournalScience·DateJan 16, 2003

Researchers find a molecule that improves wound repair

Researchers at McGill University have discovered a molecule that accelerates wound healing, providing a potential treatment option for millions of Americans suffering from burns and chronic skin ulcers. The growth factor progranulin has been shown to improve skin repair, offering new hope for individuals affected by these conditions.

SourceMcGill University·JournalNature Medicine·DateJan 16, 2003
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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Researchers discover how embryo attaches to the uterus

Scientists found that the embryo uses L-selectin on its surface to bind with carbohydrate molecules on the uterine wall, leading to a complete stop and attachment. This discovery may provide information useful for treating infertility and potentially offer insight into preeclampsia.

SourceNIH/Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development·JournalScience·DateJan 16, 2003

Leptin regulates the immune response to friend and foe

Researchers found leptin significantly correlates with reduction in food intake and weight loss prior to developing EAE symptoms. Modulating leptin concentration through dietary approaches may have potential utility in treating MS and other autoimmune diseases.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJan 16, 2003

Back pain under-recognised in less-developed countries

A cross-sectional study of Tibetan adults found that low back pain is a significant problem, impairing health and productivity. Effective interventions, such as safer back positioning and flip-charts, can help reduce the burden of low back pain in rural societies.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateJan 16, 2003

Researchers decipher cause of parasite’s worldwide spread

A study published in Science reveals that Toxoplasma parasites can rapidly adapt to new hosts, allowing them to infect a wide range of animal species and spread worldwide. This discovery raises the possibility of other parasites undergoing similar changes, potentially presenting new threats of infection.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalScience·DateJan 16, 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.

Rapid diagnostic test for plague

A rapid diagnostic test for plague has been developed to detect antigens at low concentrations within 15 minutes of infection. The test is 100% sensitive and reliable, detecting more infections than conventional laboratory assessments and providing opportunities for bioterrorism preparedness and response.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateJan 16, 2003

Magnetic 'slinky effect' may power aurora

Research at the University of Minnesota suggests that magnetic field lines, similar to a slinky, can produce energy waves that accelerate electrons toward Earth. These waves are sufficient to power auroras, which occur in ring-shaped patterns around the poles.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota·JournalScience·DateJan 16, 2003

Umbilical cord matrix, a rich new stem cell source, study shows

Researchers have discovered a new source of stem cells in the umbilical cord, which can be obtained through a non-invasive method. The cord matrix stem cells have been shown to differentiate into neurons and glia, exhibiting telomerase activity and producing nerve-cell specific traits.

SourceKansas State University·JournalStem Cells·DateJan 16, 2003

JCI table of contents, January 15 2003

Researchers have made significant progress in understanding the effects of HIV protease inhibitors on atherosclerosis, as well as exploring novel gene therapies for epidermolysis bullosa. Additionally, studies on CXCR4/CXCL12 interaction reveal new insights into hematopoietic stem cell mobilization.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJan 16, 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.

Scientists discover what makes human embryo attach to uterus

Researchers found that a molecular sticking process stops the embryo's journey along the uterine wall and starts attaching it to the wall, creating a sticky environment. The discovery of L-selectin protein helps to understand human embryo implantation and may prove useful to treat infertility.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalScience·DateJan 16, 2003

Reversible switch presages new paradigm for surface design

The UCSB team has developed a reversible switch for surface design, allowing for dynamic regulation of macroscopic properties. The technology uses alkanethiolates to create nanometer-thin interfaces that can be controlled as a function of space and time.

SourceUniversity of California, Santa Barbara - Engineering·JournalScience·DateJan 16, 2003

Picking your way through a minefield

The Office of Naval Research is developing a suite of technologies to help sailors and Marines avoid mines during amphibious landings. The systems, including Moving Map, Augmented Reality Visualization, and Expeditionary Warfare Decision Support System, aim to reduce the risk of accidents by providing real-time navigation data.

SourceOffice of Naval Research·DateJan 16, 2003

New study suggests missing link that explains how dinosaurs learned to fly

Scientists have discovered that ancient birds used a unique 'wing-assisted incline running' behavior to help them climb vertical surfaces, which may be the key to explaining how dinosaurs learned to fly. This behavior, found in modern-day birds, involves rapid movement of the front appendages to gain foot traction as it climbs.

SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·JournalScience·DateJan 16, 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.

Bringing bandwidth to the battlefield

The Navy's new concept, FORCEnet, focuses on integrating long-haul networks, knowledge management tools, and wireless technologies to support warfighters in the field. This initiative aims to provide real-time information advantage and enhance combat operations.

SourceOffice of Naval Research·DateJan 16, 2003

Teens reveal strategies to quit, cut back on drinking

A survey of 1,069 high school students found that teens consider 'avoiding environments with alcohol' and 'talking with friends or other informal supports' as effective strategies to cut back on drinking. Formal counseling was more useful for quitting than reducing drinking, according to the teens.

SourceCenter for Advancing Health·DateJan 16, 2003

Early diagnosis of childhood diabetes

Scientists at British Columbia's Children's Hospital reveal a method for directly measuring the level of self-destructive white blood cells in mouse blood, distinguishing those that go on to develop diabetes from those that do not. The technique may also be used to detect other autoimmune disorders.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJan 16, 2003

MIT’s smart surface switches properties reversibly

Researchers at MIT create a switchable surface that can change from water-attracting to water-repelling by applying an electric field, with potential applications in drug delivery and biomedical engineering. The surface's properties are controlled using conformational transitions, allowing for reversible modification.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalScience·DateJan 16, 2003
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.

New approach for reducing bleeding after surgery

Researchers found that recombinant activated factor VIIA significantly reduced blood loss during abdominal prostate removal surgery. Patients given the drug required no blood transfusions, whereas those receiving placebo did.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateJan 16, 2003

When to screen for diabetic eye disease?

A new study from the Liverpool Diabetic Eye Study has proposed optimal screening intervals for diabetic eye disease, based on incidence data. The findings suggest that patients with no baseline retinopathy should be screened every 3 years, while those with background retinopathy can be screened annually.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet Infectious Diseases·DateJan 16, 2003

Scientists target microorganisms to break down toxic pesticide

Researchers have identified two microorganisms, Fusarium and Pandoraea spp., that can degrade the toxicity of endosulfan, a persistent organic pollutant. This breakthrough offers a potential solution for detoxifying contaminated sites, reducing toxic residues in soil.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalJournal of Environmental Quality·DateJan 16, 2003

Early mammals used pelvic bones to trot, study finds

Scientists discovered that early mammals used epipubic bones to stiffen their bodies during trotting steps, allowing for increased mobility and locomotor efficiency. This finding suggests that the development of these bones contributed significantly to the evolution of mammals.

SourceOhio University·JournalScience·DateJan 16, 2003
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.