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Science News Archive June 2003 - Page 6


Page 6 of 10

Richland, Wash., chemist receives award for materials research

Matson's work on ultra-barrier coatings has the potential to replace glass in electronic displays, enabling flexible and cheaper alternatives for cell phones, TVs, laptops, and digital watches. The American Chemical Society's Industrial Innovation Awards recognize his contributions to commercial success and improved quality of life.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·DateJun 16, 2003

Neandertal facial length issue settled

Researchers found Neandertals did not have long faces, but rather average or slightly reduced facial projection compared to earlier human ancestors. Modern humans' faces are significantly shorter due to evolutionary changes.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 16, 2003
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

U of T scientists build a bridge for new bone

A team of University of Toronto researchers has created a biodegradable scaffold that accelerates bone healing rates by providing a building structure for bone growth. The scaffold, similar in structure to a dish sponge, eventually dissolves, eliminating the need for expensive chemicals called bone growth factors.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalJournal of Biomedical Materials Research·DateJun 16, 2003

Taste testing may help identify alcoholism risk

A study found that individuals with a positive paternal history of alcoholism prefer less salty and sour solutions, indicating unique taste characteristics that may contribute to protection against alcoholism. Researchers suggest that altered taste sensitivity may also play a role in the development of alcoholism risk.

SourceAlcoholism: Clinical & Experimental Research·DateJun 15, 2003
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.

At last: Just three cell types detect light in the eye

A team of international researchers led by Johns Hopkins scientists has discovered that the eye's ability to detect light is carried out by just three cell types: rods, cones, and melanopsin-producing cells. This finding resolves years of controversy and sheds new light on the eye's non-visual functions.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalNature·DateJun 15, 2003

Genetic clue links selenium to breast cancer prevention

A study by University of Illinois Chicago nutrition scientists reveals a potential genetic link between selenium and breast cancer prevention. The research identifies specific versions of a gene that may require more selenium in the diet for cancer-preventive benefits.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalCancer Research·DateJun 15, 2003

UCSD researchers identify gene involved in bipolar disorder

A mutation in the GRK3 gene, specifically in the promoter region, is linked to bipolar disorder in up to 10% of cases. The study suggests that this mutation causes individuals to become hypersensitive to dopamine, leading to mood extremes characteristic of the disease.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateJun 15, 2003

Imaging lithium with an electron microscope

For the first time, researchers have used a transmission electron microscope to image lithium atoms, capturing an arrangement of lithium ions among cobalt and oxygen atoms in the compound lithium cobalt oxide. The One Angstrom Microscope achieved a resolution as high as 0.78 angstrom.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature Materials·DateJun 15, 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.

Research breakthrough identifies 291 genes associated with asthma

Research breakthrough identifies 291 genes associated with asthma, opening up new avenues for treatment and diagnostic development. The study focused on the arginase pathway, which regulates critical processes involved in allergic reactions.

SourceCincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJun 15, 2003

Nicotine-patch treatment works for smokers with long-term sobriety

A study published in Alcoholism: Clinical & Experimental Research found that nicotine replacement therapy works as well for smokers with long-term sobriety as it does for smokers without a history of alcoholism. In fact, most smokers with past alcoholism (85%) can quit smoking without difficulty and benefit from nicotine-patch treatment.

SourceAlcoholism: Clinical & Experimental Research·DateJun 15, 2003

Enzyme may play unexpected role in asthma

Researchers identified nearly 300 asthma signature genes involved in pathogenesis, including arginase, which triggers asthmatic symptoms. The discovery could lead to targeted treatments for individual patients.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·DateJun 15, 2003
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.

Alcohol facilitates aggression among those who express anger outwardly

Researchers found that alcohol increases the likelihood of aggressive behavior in individuals who tend to express their anger outwardly, such as through verbal or physical aggression. This association is significant and highlights the importance of understanding emotions and regulation in relation to drinking and aggressive behavior.

SourceAlcoholism: Clinical & Experimental Research·DateJun 15, 2003

Pregnant women in developing countries more prone to abuse

A study found that an estimated 18-67% of women in developing countries report being physically abused during pregnancy. Low socioeconomic status and lack of education are common risk factors for domestic violence.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalEuropean Journal of Public Health·DateJun 13, 2003

A rare find

Scott Oliver has been awarded a $500,000 NSF career grant to develop a new class of cationic microporous inorganic materials with unprecedented potential applications. These materials can trap anionic pollutants and are stable under high temperatures or acidic/basic conditions.

SourceBinghamton University·DateJun 13, 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.

Remote sub can patrol Shores. Sound Fishy? It is, but not like you think.

Researchers have developed an AI system that can recognize various marine species, including fish and potential threats. The system, called Fetch2, has successfully identified two species - jacks and sharks - using side scan sonar data and neural networks, paving the way for autonomous surveillance of coastlines and harbors.

SourceCollege of William and Mary·JournalThe New Scientist·DateJun 13, 2003

Studies could lead to next-generation cancer drugs

Susan Bane's research focuses on understanding how anticancer drugs like Taxol interact with tubulin at the molecular level. The study of these interactions could pave the way for the development of more effective next-generation cancer drugs, potentially with improved administration and reduced resistance.

SourceBinghamton University·DateJun 13, 2003

A new view of the crayfish brain

Researchers at Emory University Health Sciences Center have developed a new MRI technique using manganese-enhanced imaging to study the neural circuitry of aggression in crayfish. This breakthrough enables scientists to analyze entire patterns of brain activation, providing insights into complex social behaviors.

SourceEmory University Health Sciences Center·DateJun 13, 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.

Physicians not 'easy marks' for drug sales reps, argues O.R. study

A study by Columbia University and the University of Washington found that pharmaceutical sales reps have modest to very small influence on prescribing behavior. In contrast, distributing drug samples plays a more positive role in contrasting medications and helping manufacturers maintain market share.

SourceInstitute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences·DateJun 13, 2003

Using frequency waves to measure moisture in soil

Researchers have developed a numerical model for simulating the waveform in soil, improving field measurements of water content. The new method uses Time Domain Reflectometry and takes into account various factors such as soil types, bulk density, and probe parameters.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalSoil Science Society of America Journal·DateJun 13, 2003

SARS death rate lower in countries responding aggressively to initial outbreak

Researchers analyzed data from the World Health Organization and found that countries with quicker control measures had lower fatality rates and slower epidemics. The study suggests that better control measures, such as rapid hospitalization and isolation of cases, are more effective than differences in infectivity or virulence.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalEmerging Infectious Diseases·DateJun 12, 2003

'Obesity is a family illness': Research offers clues on how to stop the cycle

A study by Saint Louis University School of Public Health found that parents who received nutrition information ate more fruits and vegetables, consumed less fat, and had a greater impact on their children's health. The High 5, Low Fat Program aims to deliver consistent messages to young families, promoting healthy eating habits.

SourceSaint Louis University·JournalPreventive Medicine·DateJun 12, 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.

Natural selection's fingerprint identified on fruit fly evolution

Researchers have identified a gene, Nup 96, that plays a crucial role in preventing the reproduction of hybrid fruit fly species, suggesting natural selection as the driving force behind their divergence. The study provides unprecedented insight into speciation and offers new avenues for understanding the evolution of genetic traits.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalNature·DateJun 12, 2003

NHGRI study may help scientists develop safer methods for gene therapy

Scientists have identified a preference for insertion at the beginning of genes and near actively expressed genes, which may explain why gene therapy patients developed leukemia. The discovery could lead to improved gene therapy techniques that insert genes in less risky areas.

SourceNIH/National Human Genome Research Institute·JournalScience·DateJun 12, 2003

IV infustions of human umbilical cord blood stem cells benefit rodents with ALS, spinal cord injury

Researchers found that intravenous infusions of human umbilical cord blood stem cells delayed ALS disease progression by at least two to three weeks and improved survival in mice. The cells also circulated to organs outside the central nervous system, suggesting an immune-protective mechanism.

SourceUniversity of South Florida (USF Health)·JournalJournal of Hematotherapy & Stem Cell Research·DateJun 12, 2003
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.

Breakthrough 'interface tuning' is macro step for microelectronics

Researchers at NC State and Oak Ridge National Laboratory have successfully tuned the atomic-level zone between substances, opening the way for smaller, faster and smarter computers. By manipulating the electronic dipole charge at the interface, they've found a way to overcome the limitations of Schottky barriers.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalScience·DateJun 12, 2003

Blood test could detect heart attack early

A new blood test can detect heart attacks in just five minutes with a 99% accuracy rate, improving diagnosis and treatment outcomes. The test identifies two proteins associated with the earliest stages of a heart attack, reducing unnecessary hospital stays.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of Proteome Research·DateJun 12, 2003

QuikClot (TM) will be made available to public

Developed by Z-Medica Corporation and funded by the Office of Naval Research, QuikClot has been proven effective in treating severe arterial hemorrhage with a high success rate. The product is set to be released for consumer use this summer and may also help individuals with specific bleeding disorders.

SourceOffice of Naval Research·DateJun 12, 2003

Study suggests difference between female and male sexuality

A new Northwestern University study suggests a fundamental difference in men's and women's brains and arousal patterns. Women exhibit a bisexual arousal pattern, responding equally to both male and female erotica, unlike men who respond consistently with their sexual orientations.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalPsychological Science·DateJun 12, 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.

A different antiviral for treating SARS

Researchers at Frankfurt University Medical School have assessed the antiviral potential of five drugs against the SARS coronavirus. Glycyrrhizin, an antiviral agent proven to treat HIV-1 and hepatitis C, is the most active compound in inhibiting replication, with increased nitric oxide synthesis contributing to its effectiveness.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateJun 12, 2003
GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.

Changing global nitrogen cycle impacting human health, says Colorado University-led study

A recent study by Colorado University-led researchers highlights the growing health risks associated with changes in the global nitrogen cycle. The excessive use of nitrogen fertilizers has led to increased crop production in poor nations but poses significant environmental and health concerns for humans worldwide.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalFrontiers in Ecology and the Environment·DateJun 12, 2003

Statins should be routine therapy for people with diabetes

A study led by Rory Collins found that statin therapy reduces the risk of primary outcomes for people with diabetes, including cardiac death, non-fatal heart attack, and stroke. The reduction in risk appeared to be greater among diabetic patients who did not have occlusive arterial disease.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateJun 12, 2003

Scientists close in on understanding learning and memory

Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine reveal the crucial last step involved in long term depression, a process thought to underlie learning and memory. By blocking this step, they created a mouse with weakened connections that didn't affect behavior, paving the way for studying GluR2's role in motor skills.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalScience·DateJun 12, 2003

Smart bricks could monitor buildings, save lives

Researchers have developed a smart brick that can monitor a building's temperature, vibration, and movement, providing vital information for firefighters and rescue workers. The device uses sensor fusion, signal processing, and wireless communication to report conditions remotely, enabling improved safety and comfort.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·DateJun 12, 2003

The Plasti-Bone

Acer's process creates a micro-porous calcium phosphate coated polymer 'bone' that allows natural bone growth, reducing recovery time to 18 months. The technology, funded by the Navy Small Business Technology Transition program, has shown success in animal testing and tissue cultures.

SourceOffice of Naval Research·DateJun 12, 2003
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.

Portable CT scanner joins hunt for alternative energy

Researchers have developed a portable CT scanner that enables real-time, on-site analysis of gas hydrates in core samples, revolutionizing the search for alternative energy sources. The innovative system uses a medical CT scanner and reduces its size to analyze hundreds of x-ray scans into one high-resolution image.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·DateJun 12, 2003

Silent DNA architecture helps block cancer cell growth

Scientists discover that cellular senescence involves packaging of specific chromosomal regions into heterochromatin, which triggers a 'stop growing' response in cells. The study reveals genes are switched on in proliferating cells but silenced during senescence.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalCell·DateJun 12, 2003

Team finds immediate predecessor of modern humans

The discovery of Homo sapiens idaltu fossilized skulls in Ethiopia confirms modern humans originated in Africa and predate Middle Eastern remains by 30,000 years. The ancient predecessor's diet included hippopotamus, with stone tool marks suggesting early mortuary practices and possible scavenging.

SourceDOE/Los Alamos National Laboratory·JournalNature·DateJun 12, 2003

CEnIT seed grant grows a helping hand

Researchers at Louisiana Tech University are developing handheld computers to gather real-time data on patients' psychological states. This innovative approach aims to provide more accurate diagnoses and better treatment decisions.

SourceLouisiana Tech University·DateJun 12, 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.

Study finds statins would cut heart attacks and strokes by a third in people with diabetes

A UK multi-centre randomised trial found that statins reduce the risk of heart attacks, strokes or revascularisation operations by about a third in diabetic patients, irrespective of their cholesterol levels. This could prevent at least 10,000 heart attacks, strokes and revascularisation operations each year worldwide.

SourceClinical Trial Service Unit, Oxford University·JournalThe Lancet·DateJun 12, 2003

Imaging technique tracks nerve growth and repair

A new imaging technique, using second harmonic generation microscopy, allows for the observation of microtubule polarity in living brain tissue. This enables researchers to study neuronal development and repair, as well as neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's.

SourceCornell University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 11, 2003

Robo-thespians help mothers of kids with cancer

Researchers at USC developed an animated health intervention called Carmen's Bright IDEAS to improve social problem-solving skills of mothers caring for kids with cancer. The system uses robotic thespians and AI to engage users in a positive experience, resulting in uniformly positive reviews from clinical trial participants.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·DateJun 11, 2003

Antifungal drug helps kids with immune disorder avoid hospitalization

A new clinical trial shows that antifungal prophylaxis with itraconazole reduces fungal infection risk in children with chronic granulomatous disease (CGD). The study found a statistically significant reduction in cases, suggesting the addition of itraconazole to treatment regimens.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJun 11, 2003

ICSU releases GMO synthesis report

The International Council for Science (ICSU) has released a report synthesizing over 50 science-based reviews on genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in food and agriculture. The report addresses key questions on the safety, environmental impact, and regulations of GM foods.

SourceInternational Council for Science·DateJun 11, 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.

An image of success

Dr. Zhang's research focuses on improving indexing, retrieval, and use of images based on algorithms that rely on the semantics of the images themselves. His recent invention disclosure reveals a novel fuzzy logic-based indexing scheme and user relevance feedback algorithm for content-based image retrieval.

SourceBinghamton University·DateJun 11, 2003

Noninvasive optical biopsies on the horizon

Researchers demonstrate noninvasive microscopy scans producing images of diseased tissue at the cellular level, rivaling traditional histopathology methods. The technique uses natural fluorescence and multiphoton microscopy to enable optical biopsies on living animals or humans without surgical intervention.

SourceCornell University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 11, 2003

Earliest Homo sapiens fossils discovered in Ethiopia

The discovery of Herto fossils, dated between 100,000 to 300,000 years ago, provides critical evidence for the Out of Africa theory. The fossils demonstrate a transition from primitive African hominids to modern humans, bridging a previously unexplained period in human evolution.

SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·JournalNature·DateJun 11, 2003
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

Glaciers: Alaska's Rivers of Ice

The USGS collaborated with Alpha DVD to produce a comprehensive educational DVD about Alaska's glaciers. The DVD covers glacier characteristics, climate history, and ecosystems, providing a detailed introduction to this natural process.

SourceU.S. Geological Survey·DateJun 11, 2003