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Science News for November 5, 2003


Scientists believe ancient arachnids may have spun silk like modern spiders

Scientists at Ohio State University have found evidence of silk-spinning structures on the fossilized body of an ancient arachnid, called Aphantomartus pustulatus. The finding suggests that silk-spinning has been around for a long time and could provide insights into the early evolution of arachnids and life on land.

SourceOhio State University·DateNov 5, 2003

$2.25 million institute for fuel cell development

The Cornell Institute for Fuel Cell Development aims to create more efficient and affordable fuel cells by discovering new materials, potentially using alternative fuels like methanol and ethanol. Researchers hope to find compounds that can overcome the limitations of current fuel cell technology.

SourceCornell University·DateNov 5, 2003

Hot cocoa tops red wine and tea in antioxidants; may be healthier choice

Cocoa has been found to have the highest antioxidant content among hot water-based beverages, surpassing red wine and green tea. A study comparing the total antioxidant content of these drinks revealed that hot cocoa contains almost twice as many antioxidants as red wine and up to five times more than black tea.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateNov 5, 2003
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Among elderly, depression more prevalent in Hispanics and blacks

A recent study published in the American Journal of Public Health found that major depression was most prevalent among Hispanics, followed by African Americans and whites. The odds of depressive disorders were significantly higher among older Hispanics due to caregiving responsibilities.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateNov 5, 2003
Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.

Thunderstorm research shocks conventional theories

Scientists have searched for large electric fields in thunderstorms without success. Dwyer's new theory shows that the atmosphere can only hold a certain sized electric field, stunted by gamma-rays and positrons. The triggering mechanism of lightning remains a mystery.

SourceFlorida Institute of Technology·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateNov 5, 2003

Overweight boys outweigh girls in stress response, study finds

Researchers found that overweight boys experience greater increases in blood pressure during stress, but their ability to restore normal pressures is impaired. In contrast, overweight girls have a more effective natural mechanism for reducing blood pressure, which may be attributed to the effects of estrogen.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·DateNov 5, 2003

Isotopes from feathers reveal bird migration

Researchers are using stable isotopes in bird feathers to track migration patterns and wintering grounds, revealing previously unknown information about bird dispersal. This technique provides a faster and more cost-effective alternative to traditional methods like banding, allowing scientists to gather data on a wider scale.

SourceGeological Society of America·DateNov 5, 2003

PET scan predicts Alzheimer's more accurately

A new study reveals that PET scans can significantly improve the accuracy of predicting Alzheimer's disease progression in patients with early memory complaints. By analyzing brain metabolic patterns, doctors can better diagnose and intervene earlier, potentially delaying cognitive decline.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalMolecular Genetics and Metabolism·DateNov 5, 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.

Autoantibodies precede disease in lupus patients

Researchers found that lupus patients' autoantibodies accumulated in the blood in a predictable pattern before diagnosis, slowing down after therapy. The study's findings may help identify and monitor people at risk of developing autoimmune diseases like lupus.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateNov 5, 2003

Report gives NIH-sponsored clinical research a good report card

A recent report assesses NIH-sponsored clinical research, revealing notable advancements but also areas that require improvement. The report highlights the impact of competitive loan-relief programs, increased private funding, and initiatives like the Training Curriculum in Patient-Oriented Research.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateNov 5, 2003

Placental malaria increases mother-to-child HIV transmission

A study published in AIDS found that placental malaria significantly increases the risk of mother-to-child HIV transmission. The study, which followed 746 HIV-positive mothers and their infants in Rakai, Uganda, suggests that preventing and treating malaria during pregnancy could reduce transmission rates.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalAIDS·DateNov 5, 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.

New findings help predict soil production and erosion

New study by Benjamin Burke and Arjun Heimsath predicts future soil production and erosion in similar landscapes, supporting previous research on chemical weathering's role. The researchers studied three sites in Australia and California, finding variability in chemical and physical weathering processes across small areas.

SourceDartmouth College·DateNov 5, 2003

Study: growth hormone-deficient young adults need larger replacement doses than older adults

Researchers found that younger adults with growth hormone deficiency require higher doses of the hormone to maintain healthy bones and reduce the risk of heart disease. The study's findings could change clinical practice in the US and abroad, suggesting that treatment should be restarted at a lower dose for older adults.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel Hill·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateNov 5, 2003

Computer model offers new tool to probe Woburn toxic waste site

A new computer model developed at Ohio State University provides a detailed understanding of how municipal wells in Woburn, Massachusetts, came to be contaminated with toxic chemicals. The results suggest that the contaminants likely originated from industrial properties and flowed into the nearby Aberjona River, raising concerns about...

SourceOhio State University·DateNov 5, 2003
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

New pathway found to enhance cancer treatment

Researchers at DMS have found that removing RIP140 allows retinoids to effectively differentiate cancer cells, slowing tumor growth and increasing the efficacy of cancer treatment. This breakthrough sheds light on the potential benefits of retinoid-based therapies for various types of cancer.

SourceThe Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateNov 5, 2003