Bluesky Facebook Reddit Email

Science News Archive March 2003


Page 9 of 10

Illinois chemist wins national award for milestone in research

Nuzzo and colleague David L. Allara developed stain-repellent coatings, lubricants that cling in harsh weather, and materials for artificial hearts and protein protection. Their discovery attached molecules to gold surfaces, changing interactions with other substances.

Boulder chemist wins national award for studies of atmosphere

Birks, a renowned Boulder chemist, has won the ACS Award for Creative Advances in Environmental Science and Technology. He is developing smaller instruments to measure atmospheric gases using balloons, which may have medical benefits, such as tracking nitric oxide levels for asthma treatment.

Emotional distress leads children to doubt their competence

A yearlong study of 932 children found that emotional distress can lead to negative views of oneself and the world, ultimately decreasing perceptions of competence. Children tend to blame themselves for failures and uncertainty in meeting performance standards, further exacerbating this issue.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

The elusive preeclampsia factor discovered?

Scientists found that elevated levels of sFlt1 protein mediate the progression to preeclampsia by reducing angiogenic factors. Reducing VEGF-A in kidney cells also caused similar kidney disease, suggesting a plausible scenario for preeclampsia

Iowa City chemist wins national award for drug research

Dr. Linhardt developed low-molecular-weight heparins, a type of anticoagulant that can be administered as daily shots, reducing hospital costs and improving patient outcomes. His research also aims to manufacture the drug in labs rather than harvesting it from animal tissue.

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.

New Jersey chemist wins national award for drug discoveries

Ganguly's work involves designing drugs from natural molecules, targeting disease-causing compounds, and exploring new mechanisms of treatment. His notable achievements include developing Ziracin, a natural antibiotic, and Zetia, a cholesterol-lowering drug with a synergistic effect with statins.

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.

BIDMC researchers identify source of preeclampsia

Researchers identified sFlt1 as the root cause of preeclampsia, a condition characterized by high blood pressure and organ damage. The study's findings hold promise for developing diagnostic tools and therapies for this deadly condition.

Pregnancy prevention efforts rely on neighborhood ties

A two-year planning process in high-poverty neighborhoods with diverse communities was successful, while others lacked interest and leadership. Effective communication methods, community involvement, and strong ties to local churches were key factors in the most successful neighborhoods.

Berkeley chemist wins national award for innovative research

The Berkeley chemist has made significant contributions to understanding chemical reactions, including the discovery of the Bergman reaction. His work on intermediates has revealed their key role in chemical processes, with potential applications in fields such as medicine.

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.

Pacific Northwest chemist wins national award for studies of biological systems

A Pacific Northwest chemist has developed increasingly selective methods to separate and analyze biological mixtures using capillary liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry. The techniques enable researchers to predict the effect of complex perturbations on biological systems, such as drug side effects and virus exposure.

Pennsylvania chemist wins national award for drug research

Maryanoff, a renowned medicinal chemist, has developed topiramate, a successful drug approved in over 70 countries to treat epilepsy and other central nervous system disorders. His work also focuses on structure-based drug design, with recent breakthroughs in human clinical trials.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

Pasadena chemist wins national award for catalyst research

Grubbs designs catalysts that target carbons in molecules, breaking open double bonds to form new materials with tailored properties for plastics or pharmaceuticals. The ACS Award for Creative Research in Homogeneous or Heterogeneous Catalysts recognizes his work in improving reaction rates and efficiency.

San Diego chemist wins national award for innovative drug design

Nicolaou and his graduate student Phil Baran have synthesized highly complicated compounds from a species of juniper, showing potential as cholesterol-lowering and anti-cancer drugs. The breakthrough was achieved in an international race to synthesize CP molecules, showcasing the team's expertise in organic synthesis.

Rochester chemist wins national award for outstanding service and research

Rochester chemist Rich Eisenberg has won a national award for his outstanding contributions to the field of inorganic chemistry, including advancements in artificial photosynthesis and flat-panel displays. His work has been recognized for its potential impact on energy production and electronic device technology.

Purdue chemist wins national award for innovative education efforts

Bodner's approach to teaching chemistry emphasizes the importance of understanding the underlying ideas and history behind chemical concepts. He has successfully developed a division of chemical education at Purdue, which has granted over 40 doctorate degrees to graduates who become chemistry professors or train future teachers.

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.

Many depressed patients have low satisfaction with care

A study of 274 depressed patients found relatively low satisfaction with their care, particularly in treatment choices and follow-up care. The researchers also discovered that only a third of the patients received educational recommendations or materials to aid in managing depression.

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.

Penn State chemist wins national award for milestone in research

Allara and Nuzzo developed a model that allows researchers to study how molecules arrange themselves on surfaces, packing tightly and responding to their environment. This discovery has been used to advance various fields, including the development of artificial hearts, lubricated surfaces, and complex plastics.

Los Angeles chemist wins national award for propellant, defense research

Los Angeles-based chemist Christe has developed a new form of nitrogen that can release large amounts of energy when decomposed, making it potentially useful for propulsion applications. The discovery, which was made in collaboration with his research team, is the latest breakthrough in Christe's ongoing work on energetic materials.

Cincinnati educator wins national award for chemistry teaching

Ford, a veteran teacher, has been recognized for her unique approach to teaching chemistry, which combines process-based learning with interactive activities to capture students' enthusiasm. Her efforts have led to numerous civic awards and recognition within the scientific community.

New potential therapy for sickle cell disease

Researchers at Boston Children's Hospital found that providing extra nitric oxide through inhalation may reverse or stop vaso-occlusive crisis symptoms. The treatment reduced pain scores and morphine use in patients with severe sickle cell disease, warranting further investigation.

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.

Georgia chemist wins national award for computer-based research

Theoretical chemist Schaefer wins the ACS Award for his groundbreaking work on simulating genetic material responses to electron bombardment. His research uses computer programs to derive new formulations and concepts, shedding light on complex chemical behavior and emerging properties of materials.

New hints into development of osteoporosis

A study published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation reveals that M-CSF and alphaV beta3 integrin collaborate to regulate osteoclast differentiation. The discovery brings scientists closer to understanding the mechanisms behind osteoporosis, a condition affecting 50% of Caucasian and Asian women after age 65.

Chapel Hill chemist wins national award for innovations in plastics

Brookhart's research team has made new polymers by constructing metal catalysts that insert monomers in the middle of chains, resulting in branched polypropylene with improved properties. His work expands the range of available polymers, with several licensed for commercialization.

Diamond film may enable critical new sensors for bioterror

Researchers at UW-Madison developed a novel diamond film that can be used as a stable platform for biological sensing. The films have proven to be remarkably durable and can withstand multiple cycles of processing DNA, making them suitable for continuous monitoring in high-risk environments.

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.

Indiana chemist wins national award for semiconductor research

Buriak's innovative approach to semiconductor technology enables direct communication between molecular features and devices, allowing for new applications in drug delivery and biological interfaces. Her research has been licensed to a company for in vivo drug delivery, potentially enabling direct interaction with the brain.

New system recovers and reuses electronic wastes

Researchers at Georgia Institute of Technology have devised a 'reverse production' system to recover and reuse materials from e-wastes, reducing the need for raw materials and protecting groundwater. The system uses mathematical models and expertise in recycling and separation to make the process economically viable.

Testicular self-exams often not done, study shows

A study published in Pediatrics found that many male residents don't perform regular testicular self-exams and teach the technique to their patients. The most common reason cited was a lack of time, with only 29% of residents performing monthly self-exams.

Study: Prenatal screening in Haiti region cut syphilis by 75 percent

A study conducted in the Artibonite region of Haiti shows that decentralizing prenatal syphilis screening from a regional hospital to community dispensaries has led to a significant reduction in congenital syphilis rates. By implementing on-site blood testing and treatment, the program has cut syphilis cases by 75%.

$1.4 million NSF grant to study turbulent flows

A team of Cornell physicists and engineers are developing an instrument that can track hundreds of particles simultaneously, allowing for a more comprehensive understanding of turbulent flows. The technology has the potential to improve climate models and predict how pollutants disperse in air or water.

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.

Evolution boosted anti-cancer prowess of a primordial gene

The Arf gene's role in controlling cell growth and metabolism has been enhanced by its association with the tumor suppressor gene p53, leading to improved anti-cancer effects. By limiting ribosome production, Arf slows down cell growth, while p53 activates other genes to prevent cancer progression.

The smallest sight: Researchers zoom in on the nanoscale

The team uses near-field Raman microscopy to illuminate nano-sized structures with light, allowing them to identify material composition and structure. This technique has the potential to revolutionize biology by enabling scientists to understand cell membrane function and develop designer medicines.

New findings could lead to higher resolution functional MRIs

Researchers at UC Berkeley used a custom-made sensor to study the link between nerve cell activation and oxygen levels in brain tissue. The study found that initial decreases in oxygen levels precede increased neural activity, promising advancements in brain imaging techniques.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

Breastfeeding rates unaffected by changes in hospital length of stay

A new study finds that breastfeeding initiation and continuation rates remained unchanged despite policy changes in hospital length of stay, including a single overnight stay program and a 48-hour coverage mandate. The study suggests that these changes did not harm breastfeeding practices and may even have improved them.

Rice University tissue engineers set sights on meniscus

Researchers at Rice University are working on growing replacement cartilage for the meniscus, a kidney-shaped wedge of cartilage that cushions stress in the knee joint. By developing methods to simulate mechanical conditions and grow tissue in precise shapes, they aim to create more effective treatments for osteoarthritis.

Family mealtime is more than just sitting at the table

A new study published in the Journal of the American Dietetic Association found that children and adolescents who eat family meals consume more nutrient-dense foods and have lower intakes of snack foods. Family meals also provide quality time for households, according to registered dietitian Susan Moores.

On the nose

A new USC study suggests that humans lost the ability to detect pheromones due to a gene essential for vomeronasal organ function. The study found that mutations in this gene occurred around 40 million years ago, leading to the disappearance of the gene and subsequent loss of vomeronasal organ function in primates.

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.

Do vaccines cause asthma, allergies or other chronic diseases?

Scientific studies have found no link between vaccines and chronic diseases such as asthma and food allergies. Reducing vaccination rates can lead to increased rates of preventable infectious diseases, according to the article co-authored by Dr. Paul Offit.

Ramipril use in Canada

The number of ramipril prescriptions for elderly Ontario residents increased significantly after the release of HOPE's results, peaking at 304/100 000 in May 2000. This surge in prescribing was attributed to widespread media coverage of the study's success.

Hair color business to dye for as sales picture keeps brightening

The hair dye market is experiencing rapid growth, driven by the popularity of permanent dyes that can last up to six weeks. According to recent studies, 42% of American women and 25% of American men use hair dyes, with 37% of consumers using them in the previous year.

Annals of Internal Medicine, tip sheet, March 4, 2003

A daily multivitamin and mineral supplement reduced the incidence of minor infections among healthy people over 45. Intentional weight loss was associated with a 24% lower death rate compared to unintentional weight loss.

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.