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Science News Archive January 2003


Page 2 of 8

Antibodies critical for fighting West Nile Virus infection

Researchers found that B cells and antibodies are essential for controlling the infection in mice. Without them, even low doses of the virus can be deadly. The study's findings may explain why elderly people and those with weakened immunity are more likely to develop serious disease.

New study shows tea extract protects skin

A recent study found that white tea extract protects the skin's immune system by preventing oxidative stress. The extract also limits DNA damage and promotes anti-aging benefits, suggesting potential protection against skin cancer.

New study shows urban gay men as likely to be battered as heterosexual women

A comprehensive study of 2,881 gay men in major US cities found that domestic violence is an equal opportunity epidemic, with HIV-positive individuals and younger men disproportionately affected. The research highlights the need for improved support systems and training for medical professionals to address male-male domestic violence.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Forest fragmentation may increase lyme disease risk

Research finds that forest fragmentation leads to increased blacklegged tick populations, particularly in areas with small forest fragments. This could lead to a higher risk of Lyme disease for people living nearby, as these ticks are the primary carriers of the bacteria.

Down by the river

Research found significant species diversity in riparian areas, with up to 40 times more exotic species per plot compared to uplands. Flood frequency also impacts species richness, with decreased numbers of exotic species as flood frequency decreases.

Synchronised swimming helps catch prey

Researchers found that school-forming goat fish synchronize their activity patterns to increase food catch. This synchronization strategy is effective even in chaotic systems, where individual behavior can vary wildly.

Marine reserves can't do it all: Sea otters vs. red abalone

A study found that California's marine reserves cannot protect the state's low red abalone population from being overhunted by sea otters. The researchers suggest that single-use reserves focus on either ecosystem restoration or fishery development instead.

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.

Topical oxygen helps hard-to-heal wounds heal faster and better

A study by Ohio State University found that topical oxygen therapy significantly improved healing rates for difficult-to-treat wounds, including diabetic hand ulcers and bedsores. The therapy, which involves applying pure oxygen to the wound, showed a 75% healing rate for acute traumatic injuries.

Penn GSE receives grant to improve lives of Philadelphia children

Researchers at Penn GSE will collaborate with city government and the school district to create the Kids' Integrated Database System, merging databases for over 250,000 Philadelphia children. The KIDS system aims to examine high-priority issues in early childhood development, including school readiness, foster care, and special education.

Midwest wetlands almost gone but may still have most species

The study found that despite huge habitat losses, up to 90% of original crustacean diversity may still survive in the few remaining seasonal wetlands in Illinois. The researchers sampled 33 crustacean species from 13 ponds and estimated there could have been as many as 85 species originally.

New flat motor can drive shape shifters, movers and shakers

The new flat motor can be configured in various formats, including a thin version that can drive changes in airplane wing camber or serve as the drive element in compact laptop computers. The prototype has reached high speeds and maximum torque of 0.4 Nm, with cost estimates as low as $10 for mass production.

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.

Hikers may disturb breeding spotted owls

Researchers found that female Mexican Spotted Owls spent 60% less time on prey-handling activities with high hiking intensity. The study recommends protecting owl habitat during the nesting season by limiting hiking or establishing buffers around nest sites.

Special section: Invasive species

The introduction of non-native species has accelerated invasions, with many becoming economically beneficial but ecologically destructive. Biocontrol methods are often ineffective and can harm native species.

Mean population size increases with diversity

Research shows that population stability and size tend to increase with community diversity, likely due to variation in local productivity. This finding challenges ecological theory, which predicts a decline in population stability as community diversity increases.

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.

Positive response to epilepsy medication does not ensure good prognosis

A new study by American Academy of Neurology found that patients with epilepsy who respond positively to medication do not necessarily have a good long-term outcome. The study analyzed 333 adults with epilepsy and found that younger patients were more likely to experience remission periods without seizures before undergoing surgery.

CRP improves cardiovascular risk prediction in metabolic syndrome

Researchers found that CRP levels above 3.0mg/L significantly increased the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and death from cardiovascular disease in women with metabolic syndrome. Higher CRP levels were also associated with higher cardiovascular risk, even among those with lower CRP levels.

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.

Teens prefer talking to mom about drug use topics

A recent study by Dr. Michelle A. Miller-Day found that 70% of adolescents prefer discussing important topics with their mothers. The study, which surveyed 67 African-American and White teens aged 11-17, suggests that teenagers are more likely to confide in their mothers about drug use and extend those conversations to their peer groups.

Drug-resistant seizures often take years to develop

Researchers found that age of onset, type of surgery, and history of febrile seizures are related to the amount of time before seizures become intractable. In patients whose seizures began before age 5, it took an average of 15 years for their seizures to become intractable.

UC Riverside receives $1.25 million from W. M. Keck Foundation

The UCR Genomics Institute will establish a proteomics laboratory to study plant, insect, and pathogen interactions essential for enhancing the world's food supply. The grant will provide key equipment for researchers to develop new strains of crops that will be the basis of sustainable agriculture and food production.

New protein will help fight inflammation

Scientists at Cardiff University have developed a new protein to help manage acute infection and inflammation. The protein has been jointly investigated by Dr Simon Jones and Dr Nicholas Topley for several years, revealing its potential in treating chronic disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis and bacterial peritonitis.

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.

Research reveals how strep bacterium evades immune system

Scientists have discovered how the strep bacterium evades destruction by the human immune system, leading to new research on vaccine candidates and therapy interventions. The study found that GAS becomes more resilient to ingestion and killing by PMNs over time or produces factors that alter normal PMN function.

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.

Newly identified gut protein kills bacteria

Researchers have discovered a novel protein, Ang4, produced by Paneth cells in the intestinal lining that can kill certain types of gut microbes. This finding suggests that Ang4 may play a crucial role in maintaining gut health and preventing infection.

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.

Microparticles cause pre-eclampsia

Research by Dr. Marja J. van Wijk reveals that microparticles can damage blood vessels and disrupt their function, contributing to pre-eclampsia. Oestrogen administration may improve vessel functioning in affected women.

Memory tests predict dementia

Elderly persons who developed dementia showed similar performance in word pair memory tests without semantic link as those without dementia. However, implicit recall tests improved prediction of dementia risk. Researchers recommend using memory tests that also consider semantic and implicit memory.

Companies must find ways to retain middle-aged managers

A study explores the attitudes and experiences of middle-aged male managers and professionals in their late 40s and 50s, revealing a mixed picture with both benefits and risks. The research highlights the need for alternative solutions to traditional early retirement options, including part-time working and job-shares.

Stress at work increases the chance of acute common infections

A study by Dr. Danielle Mohren found that employees in demanding jobs suffer from colds 20% more often than those in less demanding positions. Fatigue and burnout also increase the risk of infections, particularly gastroenteritis. The research highlights a clear link between working conditions and health.

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.

Mixed-nationality ships work 'surprisingly well' study

A study of multinational crews found they work effectively when conditions are right, with good relationships between ethnic groups. However, communication is the main challenge, leading to loneliness and isolation if crew members don't speak the ship language fluently.

Deadly coral toxin exposes ion pump's deepest secret

Researchers used palytoxin to pry open the sodium/potassium pump's nature, revealing it as a more elaborate version of an ion channel. The study may pave the way for better treatments for hypertension and heart failure.

ARC, Varian, Inc. team up to improve water use in pulp and paper mills

The partnership enables mill operators to better manage contaminants that foul machinery, reducing water usage by 50% and estimated annual cost savings of $250,000. The technology uses UV-Vis spectrophotometer hardware and software analysis tools to measure particle stability in papermaking process streams.

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.

A new tool to help keep US roads ice- and snow-free

A new web-based system is being tested to improve winter road treatment. The Maintenance Decision Support System (MDSS) uses computer models to project hour-by-hour weather and road conditions up to two days in advance. This allows users to make informed decisions about road treatments, potentially saving lives and reducing costs.

'Welfare-to-work' and 'work-life balance' must be joined up

Researchers found that people with big problems need space to sort out their lives, but the British approach to welfare-to-work is a compromise between 'work-first' and 'human capital' objectives. The study highlights the need for a wider concept of work-life balance to enable individuals with multiple problems to get permanent paid jobs.

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.

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.

Animal study demonstrates carbon monoxide may help heart patients

Researchers at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center found that administering small doses of carbon monoxide before a 'balloon-like injury' to mouse carotid vessels reduced arteriosclerotic lesions by 60-80 percent. This suggests potential benefits for patients undergoing angioplasty or heart transplant procedures.

Single-parent children at increased risk of suicide, substance abuse

A recent study published in The Lancet found that single-parent children are at a higher risk of experiencing severe health outcomes, including psychiatric disease, suicide attempts, injury, and addiction. Children in single-parent households were twice as likely to have psychiatric disease compared to those in two-parent households.

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.

Whose interests does the World Trade Organisation serve?

The World Trade Organisation serves the interests of pharmaceutical companies and wealthy countries, hindering efforts to make affordable medicines available in poor countries. A proposed global deal aimed at increasing access to generic drugs has been rejected due to US opposition, prompting calls for a re-evaluation of the issue.

AIDS vaccine developed at Emory and the NIH Moves to clinical trials

A new AIDS vaccine strategy has been developed by Emory University researchers and is now moving to human clinical trials. The vaccine, which employs two different components, aims to induce the immune system to recognize HIV's distinguishing features, providing a safer alternative for HIV prevention.