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Science News for November 17, 2003


Researchers describe novel gene mutations associated with Alzheimer disease

Researchers found one presenilin gene mutation associated with variable age of onset AD (from 35 to 85 years old) and two new presenilin gene mutations linked to early onset AD at age 49 to 54 years old. The study confirms the clinical manifestation of PS1 and PS2 gene mutations in Alzheimer's disease is similar to other dementias.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Neurology·DateNov 17, 2003

Physics tip sheet #39 - Nov. 17, 2003

Researchers have developed ultra-smooth diamond-like carbon that meets the requirements for ultra-high density magnetic storage devices. Additionally, scientists have used live pond snail nerve cells to implement neural memory on a semiconductor chip, while also studying how air bubbles slow sound waves in water.

SourceAmerican Physical Society·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateNov 17, 2003
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Virginia Tech's 'X' officially number 3

The Virginia Tech 'X' supercomputer boasts 10.28 teraflops performance, a remarkable feat considering its construction took just two months and $5.2 million price tag. This achievement ranks X as the third fastest globally, outperforming many high-end supercomputers

SourceVirginia Tech·DateNov 17, 2003

UCLA study looks at life after breast cancer

A UCLA study has found that younger women with breast cancer often experience persistent energy loss and psychological difficulties, despite overall good quality of life. The study highlights the need for targeted interventions to support these subgroups.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateNov 17, 2003

Researchers measure the 'heat of life,' offering clues to DNA damage

Researchers have developed a novel method to measure the energies involved in DNA synthesis, providing insights into DNA damage and its repair mechanisms. The study's findings can inform the development of targeted external agents to halt incorrect DNA synthesis.

SourceRutgers University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 17, 2003

Snowplow drivers utilizing high-tech simulators to improve skills

A joint project between UDOT, GE Driver Development, and the University of Utah aims to enhance snowplow driver skills using state-of-the-art simulation technology. The training will focus on controlling speed, maintaining tandem position, and communication with other operators in a simulated winter environment.

SourceUniversity of Utah·DateNov 17, 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.

Annals of Internal Medicine, tip sheet, November 18, 2003

A substantial proportion of U.S. doctors support national health insurance, with 49% backing government-led legislation and 40% opposing it. Mammography screening is found to be cost-effective for women aged 65-80 with no serious health conditions, reducing death at reasonable cost.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateNov 17, 2003

Surgically placed 'sling' reduces signs of aging in the neck

A surgical 'sling' made from polytetrafluoroethylene has been used to lift tissues under the chin, reducing sagging and improving skin elasticity. The procedure has shown a high patient satisfaction rate of over 90%, with no requests for removal.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Internal Medicine·DateNov 17, 2003

Women and men differ on adopting healthy behaviors

A recent study found that men are more likely than women to adopt healthy behaviors, such as regular exercise and quitting smoking. Women, on the other hand, were less confident in their ability to make these changes. The researchers hope their findings can be used to assist both men and women with adopting healthier lifestyles.

SourceCenter for Advancing Health·JournalAmerican Journal of Health Behavior·DateNov 17, 2003

MIT team mines for new materials with a computer

The MIT team uses data mining to search for patterns in a large dataset, reducing the number of structures the computer needs to explore. This allows for more efficient discovery of new materials with desired properties.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateNov 17, 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.

Farm worker children under 7 exposed to agricultural and home pesticides

A study found pesticide residues on floors, toys, and hands of children living in farm worker households, posing a significant health risk. The research team detected six agricultural chemicals and 11 residential pesticides in the homes, highlighting the need for further study on this population's exposure to pesticides.

SourceAtrium Health Wake Forest Baptist·JournalEnvironmental Health Perspectives·DateNov 17, 2003

Height sensitive: Rear crash protection devices for heavy trucks

A simulation study by Penn State found that underride guards with diagonal struts increase impact resistance, while a height of 16 inches provides the best balance between risk reduction and vehicle penetration. The study aimed to inform the development of rear crash protection devices for heavy trucks.

SourcePenn State·DateNov 17, 2003
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.

Buckwheat may be beneficial for managing diabetes

Researchers found that buckwheat extract can reduce blood glucose concentrations in rats with chemically-induced diabetes by 12-19%, suggesting its potential as a management aid. The active component chiro-inositol may play a role in this effect, although further studies are needed to confirm the results.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateNov 17, 2003

Marriage promotion plan must take social science research into account

A marriage promotion plan should prioritize social science research, acknowledging that single-parent families can be beneficial for children with adequate support. Cherlin's research highlights the limited value of traditional programs and the importance of addressing underlying factors such as lower income and mental health issues.

SourceAmerican Sociological Association·Journalسياقات اللغة والدراسات البينية·DateNov 17, 2003

Novel delivery system devised for toxoplasmosis treatment

A new delivery system uses short chains of arginine to ferry drugs across membranes and into cysts of Toxoplasma gondii, a single-celled microorganism that causes toxoplasmosis. The discovery opens the possibility of treating active and latent infections in the eye by applying a lotion containing triclosan.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 17, 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.

Microneedles: Report describes progress in new technology for painless drug delivery

Researchers at Georgia Tech have made significant progress in developing hollow and solid microneedles that can deliver proteins, nanoparticles, and large molecules through the skin with minimal pain. The technology has potential applications in treating various diseases, including diabetes.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology Research News·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 17, 2003

New treatment appears effective for rosacea

A new treatment using 15% azelaic acid gel has been shown to be more effective than metronidazole gel in reducing rosacea symptoms. Patients who used the azelaic acid gel experienced a greater reduction in redness and lesion count compared to those who used metronidazole gel.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Dermatology·DateNov 17, 2003

Stay south of thunderstorm paths, says Purdue scientist

A Purdue University earth scientist has discovered that damaging winds within thunderstorms can form on the north side of a storm's path, rather than at its apex. This finding could lead to more accurate storm warnings and improved public safety.

SourcePurdue University·JournalMonthly Weather Review·DateNov 17, 2003
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Psoriasis may increase risk for certain cancers

A study published in Archives of Dermatology found that people with psoriasis are at a higher risk for developing certain types of cancers, including lymphoma. The research suggests an almost three-fold increased rate of lymphoma in patients with psoriasis compared to those without the condition.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Dermatology·DateNov 17, 2003

Two worms are better than one

The C. briggsae genome sequence enhances biologists' ability to mine C. elegans for biological insights, revealing new genes and functional elements. The study also highlights the rapid evolution of C. elegans and C. briggsae genomes compared to mammals.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateNov 17, 2003