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Science News for October 2, 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.

It's the neighborhood that matters in ALS, according to medical researchers

Researchers discovered that neighboring non-neuronal cells can protect or rescue motor neurons from degeneration when they carry an ALS mutation. This finding suggests the potential of stem cell replacement therapy targeting non-neuronal cells to treat ALS. The study used mouse models with a mutation in the gene superoxide dismutase (S...

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalScience·DateOct 2, 2003

Lasers create new possibilities for biological technology

Researchers at CU-Boulder created more efficient 'soft' x-ray light in the water-window region using a femtosecond laser, making it possible to build compact microscopes for biological imaging. This advance could visualize processes within living cells and understand how pharmaceuticals function.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalScience·DateOct 2, 2003

Gastric bypass surgery resolves or improves diabetes in most patients, reports Pittsburgh study

The study found that gastric bypass surgery significantly improved diabetes outcomes in patients, with nearly all achieving normal blood sugar levels and reducing their reliance on anti-diabetic medications. Patients with shorter disease durations and milder type 2 diabetes saw the greatest improvements in glycemic control.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Medical Center·JournalAnnals of Surgery·DateOct 2, 2003
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Thorough, searchable database of human proteins unveiled

A comprehensive human protein database has been launched, featuring 3,000 entries on protein roles in health and disease. The database includes protein interactions, disease genes, and other information, making it easier for researchers to connect observations and create new hypotheses.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalGenome Research·DateOct 2, 2003

TIGR posts sequence data for parasite that causes trichomoniasis

The Institute for Genomic Research has released sequence data for the Trichomonas vaginalis parasite, which causes trichomoniasis and is linked to increased HIV transmission. The larger-than-expected genome holds promise for finding new treatments and prevention strategies.

SourceThe Institute for Genomic Research·DateOct 2, 2003

Taking aim at bioterrorism: UH professor gets HHS funding to battle anthrax

The Blanke Lab will conduct fundamental research about anthrax and methods to neutralize its impact, with a goal of generating novel therapeutics and vaccines. This project is part of the Regional Center of Excellence for Biodefense and Emerging Infectious Diseases Research, bringing together leading researchers from various disciplines.

SourceUniversity of Houston·DateOct 2, 2003

Low and high birthweight increase risk of cerebral palsy

Research suggests that low and high birthweights are associated with a higher risk of cerebral palsy. Babies born with weights below the 10th percentile or above the 97th percentile had a four to six times increased risk, respectively.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateOct 2, 2003

Tufts University wins $25-million NIH contract

Tufts University has been awarded a $25-million NIH contract to collaborate with the University of Massachusetts on developing ways to diagnose and treat botulism poisoning, one of the most dangerous bioterrorism threats facing the US. The research will focus on identifying human pathogens that can cause disease in food or water.

SourceTufts University·DateOct 2, 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.

Report shows high arsenic in some southeast NH private wells

A recent study by the USGS found that 20% of homes in Hillsborough, Rockingham, and Strafford counties have arsenic concentrations above 10 micrograms per liter. In some areas, the incidence is as high as 30%. The study highlights the importance of testing private wells for arsenic to protect public health.

SourceU.S. Geological Survey·DateOct 2, 2003

In childhood leukemia study, aggressive chemotherapy cuts deaths by 37%

A study found that using aggressive chemotherapy with high doses of methotrexate, asparaginase, and doxorubicin improves survival rates for children with T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia by 15 percentage points. The new approach also showed minimal long-term effects beyond those seen in lower-dose treatment regimens.

SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical Center·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateOct 2, 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.

Purdue researchers solve decades-old corn, sorghum problem

A team of Purdue University researchers has identified the genetic mechanism responsible for dwarfed appearance in corn and sorghum plants. This finding may help develop dwarf forms in other crops, improving food production in certain regions. The study also reveals a genetic phenomenon involving direct duplication that causes instabil...

SourcePurdue University·JournalScience·DateOct 2, 2003

Researchers receive $4.9 million grant to continue study of children prenatally

Case Western Reserve University researchers will continue their study on children prenatally exposed to cocaine, now in their 14th year of funding, due to a new $4.9 million grant from the National Institute on Drug Abuse. The ongoing research has found associations between prenatal cocaine exposure and cognitive skills development.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·DateOct 2, 2003

Healthy neighbors rescue degenerating motor neurons

Researchers discovered that healthy astrocytes and glia can rescue motor neurons containing ALS-causing mutations from degeneration. The study suggests inserting healthy astrocytes into ALS patients may reduce or prevent motor-neuron degeneration.

SourceHoward Hughes Medical Institute·JournalScience·DateOct 2, 2003

Vibrating insoles could improve balance for elderly people

A study found that vibrating insoles can significantly improve balance and reduce sway among elderly participants. Younger individuals also showed reduced sway with stimulation, suggesting the potential of noise-based devices to enhance motor control performance.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateOct 2, 2003
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.

Paradox in the lungs resolved

Researchers have resolved a long-standing paradox surrounding lung collectins, finding they play two roles in the lungs: dampening and promoting immune responses. This discovery sheds light on how these versatile proteins protect against both harmful pathogens and excessive inflammation.

SourceNational Jewish Health·JournalCell·DateOct 2, 2003

Scientists use satellite to 'pond-er' melted Arctic ice

Researchers developed a new technique to detect melt pond coverage on Arctic sea ice using NASA's Landsat 7 satellite. This method improves the understanding of the Arctic heat balance and its impact on global climate.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·JournalRemote Sensing of Environment·DateOct 2, 2003

TIGR and NIAID sign $65 million microbial sequencing contract

Under the contract, TIGR will sequence dozens of genomes per year to provide data for vaccine and antimicrobial drug development projects. The institute's affiliated facility has already conducted sequencing for over 50 organisms, including microbes that cause various diseases.

SourceThe Institute for Genomic Research·DateOct 2, 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.

Neurons that play truth or consequences

Researchers found neurons in the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) respond to discrepancies between intentions and actual events, indicating that the brain monitors the consequences of actions. The study used detailed studies measuring neural activity in macaque monkeys performing tasks requiring self-control.

SourceVanderbilt University·JournalScience·DateOct 2, 2003

UCSD researchers find promising new avenues for treating infections

Researchers at UCSD have identified chemicals that can protect cells from the effects of the toxin, raising hope for a novel treatment for Pseudomonas infections. The study found that ExoU toxin kills cells by targeting cell membrane phospholipids, but alternative treatments may be possible.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateOct 2, 2003