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Science News for January 8, 2003


Astronomers identify new type of star

Astronomers have identified a new type of star in a compact binary system, exhibiting properties similar to brown dwarf stars. The discovery sheds light on the formation and evolution of extra-solar planets, which are often found close to their host stars.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·DateJan 8, 2003

UNC studies target molecular defects implicated in cancer, genetic diseases

Researchers at UNC used antisense oligonucleotides to target RNA splicing pathways implicated in cancer and genetic diseases. The technique successfully sensitized cancer cells to chemotherapy and radiation, offering a potential breakthrough for targeted therapy.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateJan 8, 2003

Awards allow researcher to read between the ancient lines

Professor William Johnson seeks to understand ancient reading habits, focusing on the social context rather than individual acts of reading. His research aims to shed light on why the ancients preferred reading aloud and its cultural significance.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·DateJan 8, 2003

Rising numbers of patients seeing non-physician clinicians, study finds

A study of over 40,000 individuals reveals that non-physician clinicians are increasingly providing preventive services and working with physicians to care for patients. The findings highlight the importance of effective communication and coordination between physician and non-physician clinicians to improve care quality.

SourceEmory University Health Sciences Center·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJan 8, 2003
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Black holes form first, galaxies follow

A new study suggests that black holes can form before galaxies, with massive black holes found in even the smallest active galaxies. The research, led by Marianne Vestergaard at Ohio State University, uses a method to estimate the mass of distant black holes and finds that they are often more massive than previously thought.

SourceOhio State University·DateJan 8, 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.

Chemicals used to protect soldiers in 1991 Gulf War can damage testes, animal studies show

A combination of DEET, permethrin, and pyridostigmine bromide may have inadvertently damaged Gulf War soldiers' testes and sperm production, according to a Duke University Medical Center study. The chemicals caused extensive cell degeneration and cell death in rats, leading to severe testicular damage.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalJournal of Toxicology and Environmental Health·DateJan 8, 2003

Frequency of light-to-moderate drinking reduces heart disease risk in men

A new study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that frequent light-to-moderate drinking reduces heart disease risk in men. Men who consumed alcohol three or four days a week had approximately 2/3 the risk of heart attack compared to those who drank less than once a week.

SourceNIH/National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJan 8, 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.

Ohio State researchers team up for NASA satellite

The Ohio State team is contributing to NASA's ICESat mission, which aims to map the Earth's ice sheets using a radar-like system. The team has developed lidar mapping software that will help calibrate the satellite's lidar system and create accurate maps of ice sheet extent.

SourceOhio State University·DateJan 8, 2003

When self-image takes a blow, many turn to television as a distraction

A study found that individuals who received poor scores on an intelligence test watched television longer and were less likely to look away from the screen. In contrast, those who performed well watched for a shorter duration. Television use may serve as a distraction from negative self-feelings.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalPersonality and Social Psychology Bulletin·DateJan 8, 2003

Scientists find first active 'jumping genes' in rice

Researchers found the first active 'miniature inverted-repeat transposable element' (MITE) in rice, which can move DNA to different places in the genome. The discovery provides new insights into how genomes change and what role transposons play in promoting plant diversity.

SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·JournalNature·DateJan 8, 2003

The hard work of vigilance can improve on cue

Researchers found that providing reliable warning cues enhances vigilance performance, maintaining attention and efficiency over time. The study's results have practical implications for designing operational cueing systems to reduce brain strain and improve safety in various applications.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalTheoretical Issues in Ergonomics Science·DateJan 8, 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.

Digital sky survey shedding light on faint Milky Way stars

The Sloan Digital Sky Survey has identified dozens of dim binary star systems throughout the Milky Way, which are older and cooler than previously thought. The study finds that these close-binary systems have a low rate of mass transfer from the red dwarf to the white dwarf, making them less likely targets for many telescopes.

SourceUniversity of Washington·DateJan 8, 2003