Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News for March 24, 2003


Redheaded women respond better to painkilling drug

A new study by McGill University found that redheaded women respond better to a painkilling drug due to a genetic variation in the Mc1r gene. This gene is associated with pigmentation and variants cause red hair and fair skin, leading to a heightened response to kappa-specific analgesics.

SourceMcGill University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 24, 2003
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Nature inspires DNA/protein

Dordick and Sroga use hybrid proteins to manipulate linear DNA strands into unusual shapes, including three-dimensional cubes. These bio-inspired nanostructures can spontaneously assemble, saving researchers time and effort.

SourceRensselaer Polytechnic Institute·DateMar 24, 2003

Engineers create world's first transparent transistor

Researchers at Oregon State University have developed the world's first transparent transistor, made from a common compound that filters out ultraviolet light. The discovery has significant potential for various industries, including consumer electronics, transportation, business, and the military.

SourceOregon State University·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateMar 24, 2003

New study reveals that only men are at greater risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis by smoking

A recent study published in Arthritis Research & Therapy found that smoking significantly increases the risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis in men. However, female smokers do not face a higher risk, contrary to previous assumptions. The study suggests pre-menopausal women may block the link between smoking and RA development.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalArthritis Research & Therapy·DateMar 24, 2003
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.

American Thoracic Society Journal news tips for April 2003 (first issue)

A new Composite Physiologic Index (CPI) effectively tracks pulmonary fibrosis in patients and provides a more accurate prognostic indicator for interstitial pneumonia. Additionally, researchers explore the potential of stem cells to treat acute lung injury and its severe form, ARDS.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateMar 24, 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.

Geologists focus on area water quality, earthquakes, climate, and history

Scientists are studying the impact of human activities on water quality in the Brush Creek watershed. Geophysicists have discovered small earthquakes in northeastern Kansas related to movements of the Earth's crust. Additionally, researchers are analyzing how irrigation affects summertime climate in the High Plains.

SourceGeological Society of America·DateMar 24, 2003

Los Alamos flips the mercury 'off' switch

Researchers at Los Alamos National Laboratory present a new technology that can practically erase mercury from laboratories, reducing environmental and health hazards. The approach involves replacing mercury-containing devices with alternative instruments, which are less expensive and safer to use.

SourceDOE/Los Alamos National Laboratory·DateMar 24, 2003
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.

Molecules designed to interfere with DNA upon signal

Researchers at Virginia Tech have designed a new class of molecules that can bind to and stop replication of DNA when triggered by light. The complex molecules, developed by Professor Karen Brewer's group, have demonstrated the ability to kill cells in the presence of light.

SourceVirginia Tech·DateMar 24, 2003

Researchers discover gene that contributes to sense of balance

A new gene, Otopetrin 1, has been identified as contributing to the loss of balance. The gene helps regulate otoconia, which detect gravity and maintain balance. Mutations in this gene can lead to balance disorders, but understanding its development may help stimulate otoconia regeneration.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalHuman Molecular Genetics·DateMar 24, 2003

Motor oil of the future may come from veggies

Researchers have developed a new vegetable oil that can provide performance-enhancing benefits to car engines, improving stability at both hot and cold temperatures. The biodegradable oil could reduce the country's dependence on foreign oil and minimize environmental harm.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·DateMar 24, 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.

Encrustation provides clues about ancient seas

Researchers studied encrustation on fossilized shells to gain insights into ancient sea ecosystems. The analysis found that epibionts preferentially colonize brachiopod shells, providing clues about the evolution of these organisms.

SourceVirginia Tech·DateMar 24, 2003

How loneliness and health risks of older men go unseen

A study by the Economic & Social Research Council found that older men prefer to avoid groups geared towards older women, fearing they will be seen as giving up. Efforts must be made to make day centres more attractive to this demographic to address their unique needs.

SourceEconomic & Social Research Council·DateMar 24, 2003

Pakistani and Afghani drug users at high HIV risk

A study by Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health reveals that Pakistani and Afghan drug users are at high risk of HIV due to limited knowledge and risky behaviors. The research highlights the need for interventions such as needle exchange programs and drug treatments to prevent blood-borne infections.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalJAIDS Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes·DateMar 24, 2003

Porous ceramic can sort proteins magnetically

Researchers at Cornell University have developed a method to incorporate iron oxide particles into porous ceramic structures, enabling size exclusion and magnetic interactions. This enables the separation of single proteins from thousands found in blood serum, with potential applications in catalytic conversion.

SourceCornell University·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateMar 24, 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.

Hypertension-related eye damage more common in blacks than whites

A new study has found that African Americans are at higher risk of developing hypertensive retinopathy, a sign of severe hypertension. The study, which included over 15,000 participants, found that racial differences in blood pressure levels and hypertension severity were the main factors contributing to this disparity.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·DateMar 24, 2003

New high-purity plutonium sources produced at Los Alamos

Los Alamos scientists have developed a new method to produce high-purity plutonium sources, which will be used as primary analytical chemistry standards. The new extrusion method produces 99.99% pure plutonium with minimal contaminants and surface oxidation.

SourceDOE/Los Alamos National Laboratory·DateMar 24, 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.

How immigration is improving the UK labour market

Research by Roger Vickerman suggests that planned short-term immigration boosts the UK labor market with workers taking lower-skilled jobs, allowing indigenous workers to move up the career ladder. This mobility also benefits home countries through remittances and skills acquired abroad, contributing to increased productivity upon return.

SourceEconomic & Social Research Council·DateMar 24, 2003

A subtle tool to study mankind's diseases

Researchers have developed a new tool to study mankind's diseases by using bacteria as 'copy machines' for DNA taken from other organisms. The tool, called Red/ET recombination, allows scientists to engineer large DNA molecules and insert artificial versions of genes into living systems.

SourceEuropean Molecular Biology Laboratory·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateMar 24, 2003

Morphine-like painkiller appears to be less addictive

Researchers have developed a glycosylated enkephalin that appears promising in studies using mice, triggering behavior consistent with reduced addiction and fewer side effects than morphine. The compound interacts with both mu and delta receptors to increase analgesic strength while limiting narcotic side effects.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·DateMar 24, 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.

APOE genotype identified as risk factor for diabetic peripheral neuropathy

Researchers identify APOE genotype as significant risk factor for diabetic peripheral neuropathy, a condition that can lead to severe complications such as amputations and chronic pain. The study suggests that biomarkers like the APOE 3/4 or 4/4 genotypes could help direct intensive interventions to patients at high risk.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateMar 24, 2003