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Science News Archive November 2003


Page 7 of 10

Experts use technology to research the past

A new three-year project makes 500 mid-Victorian wood engraved illustrations available as a searchable digital web database. The database will include books published in 1862, featuring significant authors like Trollope, and provide insights into 19th-century cultural history and artistic styles.

Enzyme revealed that is key to fungus's ability to breach immune system

A study by Duke University researchers found that a fungus's ability to breach the immune system is linked to an enzyme called flavohemoglobin. The team discovered that this enzyme plays a crucial role in defending against nitric oxide produced by the immune system, and that disabling it can significantly reduce fungal virulence.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

News tips for Monday, Nov. 10, 2003

Researchers found that women with coronary artery disease and an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator have a lower rate of sustained ventricular tachycardia or fibrillation compared to men. Additionally, automated external defibrillators (AEDs) in health clubs reversed sudden cardiac death in six out of eight victims, supporting the ...

Study predicts loss of monarch winter refuges

A study predicts that monarch butterfly winter refuges in central Mexico will continue to decline due to increased storms and wet conditions. Human activities such as deforestation and logging further exacerbate the problem, threatening the survival of these iconic butterflies.

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.

Scientists find brain areas affected by lack of sleep

Research reveals that sleep deprivation impairs certain brain areas, including the cerebral cortex, but also activates others, such as the cerebellum. This study sheds light on the complex role of sleep in cellular function and suggests new possibilities for treating sleep disorders.

A bird in a tree for biodiversity

A recent study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences documents harm caused by habitat fragmentation to a tree species native to Tanzania. The research found that birds that disperse seeds for the tree are rare or absent in fragmented areas, leading to poor seed regeneration and threatening the tree's survival.

Similar outcomes for atrrial fibrillationi patients with congestive heart failure

A study by Duke University Medical Center cardiologists found that patients with atrial fibrillation and congestive heart failure have similar mortality rates when treated with drugs controlling the heart's rhythm compared to those controlling the heart's rate. The study, which analyzed data from over 1,000 patients, also found no diff...

Human senses not distinct, but interact in many ways, studies show

A recent study on sensory interaction found that the brain amplifies information from sight and smell when they fit together well, leading to a stronger perception of odors. Additionally, research on blind individuals revealed that their sense of touch is not inferior to sighted people's, contrary to popular belief.

New technique helps shed light on progression of dementia

Researchers found that blocking blood flow to the brain, like mini-strokes, can impair mental function by reducing nerve cell fibers that use acetylcholine. This study provides insight into the effects of cerebral blood flow disruption on cognitive decline in dementia, highlighting the importance of maintaining healthy blood vessels.

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.

Gene raises risk of neurodevelopmental problems after infant heart surgery

Researchers found that children carrying the APOE2 gene variant were more likely to have worse cognitive and motor skills outcomes after heart surgery. The study, published in the American Heart Association's Scientific Sessions, also discovered no association between APOE4 and neurodevelopmental problems in infants.

Daily vitamins could prevent vision loss among thousands

A recent study suggests that daily vitamin supplements can reduce the risk of advanced age-related eye disease (AMD) by 25% and vision loss by 19%. Researchers estimate that 1.3 million adults may develop advanced AMD without treatment, highlighting the importance of regular retina exams.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

New studies of smell uncover effects of aging on working memory

Researchers found that odor working memory is impaired by aging, while semantic memory remains relatively intact. The study suggests that different brain regions handle working and semantic memory, which may explain why odors are more vulnerable to age-related decline.

Bone marrow cells improve failing heart function

Researchers tested mononuclear bone marrow cell transplant injections in patients with severe ischemic heart failure and found improved blood flow, reduced chest pain, and increased exercise capacity. Treated patients showed significant reductions in reversible defects and improvements in oxygen consumption and metabolic equivalents.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

New life-saving heart attack medication identified

A new study found valsartan therapy to be as effective as ACE inhibitors in reducing cardiovascular risk after a heart attack. Combining the two medications showed no additional benefit, but was associated with more adverse events.

Scientists find brain areas activated in true versus false memories

Researchers have made advances in understanding false memories by identifying brain areas activated in true versus false memories. The right fusiform area was found to be more active in encoding objects that were later labeled as the same as those seen earlier, but less active when they were only similar or actually the same.

Ancient Maya stone altar recovered in Guatemala

A magnificent Maya altar stone carved in 796 AD has been recovered from a looters' hideout, providing crucial clues about the wealthiest Maya kingdoms. The altar's recovery illustrates the importance of working with indigenous peoples to restore ancient ruins.

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.

Psychiatric illness and drug abuse common in jailed juveniles

A study by Northwestern University researchers found that nearly a third of jailed teenagers have co-occurring substance abuse disorders and ADHD or behavioral disorders. The authors suggest that mental health professionals must collaborate with the juvenile justice system to improve screening, diversion, and access to treatment.

New vaccine tested in animals may hold hope for Alzheimer's patients

Researchers have found that a new vaccine can diminish symptoms of Alzheimer's disease by increasing clearance of amyloid beta protein from the brain. The study used monkeys and showed that vaccinating them with synthetic amyloid beta peptide enhanced clearance, leading to reduced plaques and improved cognitive function.

Researchers to develop new drug to treat myasthenia gravis

Researchers are developing a new drug to treat myasthenia gravis by targeting the nerve-muscle communication point and reducing complement activation. The study aims to provide a more effective treatment with fewer side effects than existing therapies, which have limited success due to their adverse effects.

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.

Brain signals from the paralyzed or injured captured by computer

Groundbreaking research has developed implantable microelectrode arrays that can record neural sensory responses from paralyzed individuals, allowing for accurate prediction of leg positions. A sterile surgical procedure implants the devices, which track the position of the leg using a digital camera and mathematical analysis.

Heal thyself: Patients' bone marrow cells restore failing hearts

Researchers have successfully treated heart attack patients with stem cells harvested from their own bone marrow, resulting in improved cardiac function and increased blood flow to the damaged area. This breakthrough therapy could potentially lead to a new treatment for heart attacks.

Rochester chosen to focus on rare neurological diseases

The Rochester center will focus on three uncommon neurological disorders: periodic paralysis, episodic ataxia, and nondystrophic myotonias. These disorders are caused by abnormal cell channels or gates that regulate crucial chemicals in our cells, leading to symptoms such as paralysis, muscle stiffness, and coordination loss.

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.

Golfing toward a greener environment

Researchers found that tire chips can absorb nitrate, a main chemical in fertilizers, reducing pollution in groundwater. Turfgrass quality was not affected by the rubber layer, suggesting it can be used as a sustainable solution for golf courses.

Big cut in heart failure problems from one hour of education

A new study found that systolic heart failure patients who received a one-hour education session with a nurse educator had a 35% lower risk of re-hospitalization or death within 180 days of discharge. The patients scored better on measures of following self-care regimens, such as salt and fluid intake restrictions.

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.

Atacand(R) proven to prevent stroke in the elderly

The SCOPE study found a significant 42% relative risk reduction in fatal/non-fatal strokes in the Atacand group compared to the control group. The study showed that Atacand offers important clinical benefits by reducing the risk of stroke in elderly patients with isolated systolic hypertension.

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.

Researchers find role RNA plays in progress of Alzheimer's disease

The study found that oxidation damages certain kinds of messenger RNA, leading to abnormal protein processing and neuronal death. Researchers discovered specific types of mRNA susceptible to oxidative damage, which may contribute to the onset and progression of Alzheimer's disease.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Study suggests new view of gene activation as a dynamic process

A new study by researchers at The Wistar Institute shows that gene activation is a highly dynamic process requiring specific molecular modifications, including the addition and removal of ubiquitin. This process involves a sequence of events and not just the accumulation of molecular groups.

One in eight N.C. schoolchildren display three or more heart risks

A recent study found that one in eight North Carolina schoolchildren have three or more heart risks, including low HDL levels and obesity. The researchers attribute this to the prevalence of overweight children among girls, which increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes and heart disease.

Women & men differ in heart disease traits and treatment

Women with heart attacks tend to have milder blockages in their arteries but are less likely to receive aggressive drug therapy or undergo procedures like angioplasty. This disparity may be due to the disease itself, rather than bias against women's treatment.

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.

Age-related decrease in physical ability may be in the genes

Researchers found decreases in genes producing growth hormone and prolactin, key to development and immune system function, in aged mice compared to young mice. This suggests specific genetic changes in the cerebellum area of the brain may contribute to loss of motor control and balance with age.

Ten-year study leads researchers to psoriasis genes

Researchers have discovered three genetic variants linked to psoriasis, a complex trait influenced by multiple genes and environmental factors. The study may lead to improved treatments by understanding the molecular mechanisms of the disease.

For smokers, air pollution is a drag on the heart

Researchers found that exposure to fine particles of less than 10 micrometers increased the risk of heart attacks in smokers, even at levels lower than current national standards. Air pollution levels in Dijon remained under four on the ATMO index 86 percent of the time.

Heart failure care inconsistent

A recent study by the American Heart Association found that heart failure patients often leave the hospital without receiving life-prolonging therapies or complete discharge instructions. The study, which analyzed data from over 33,000 patients, highlights the need for hospitals to improve their adherence to established guidelines.

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.

More risk factors for heart disease increase Medicare cost

Studies found that individuals with cardiovascular risk factors identified in middle age had significantly higher Medicare costs after age 65 and during their last year of life. Those with more risk factors spent more on treating cardiovascular disease and experienced greater healthcare expenditures overall.

News tips for Sunday, Nov. 9, 2003

A trial of the clot-busting drug tenecteplase suggests it may improve outcomes in some cases of cardiac arrest. A pharmacist-managed service also showed promising results by reducing recidivism among CVD patients, with women achieving lower target cholesterol levels.