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Science News Archive October 2003 - Page 10


Page 10 of 10

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
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.

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

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
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.

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

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
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

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

Baby boomers beware

A recent study found that nearly two-thirds of US elderly have unmet needs for help with daily activities, whereas in Sweden, less than four percent experience such gaps. The US healthcare policy has been criticized for directing few resources towards community-based services.

SourcePenn State·JournalThe Gerontologist·DateOct 1, 2003

A dangerous duo: Heart disease and diabetes

Researchers have discovered a potential therapeutic target for treating hyperglycemic damage in endothelial cells, which is linked to both diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Inhibiting GAPDH activity by poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase could activate three major pathways of damage, providing new avenues for treatment.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateOct 1, 2003

M. D. Anderson expands peer counseling program for African-American breast cancer survivors

The Sisters Peer Counseling in Reproductive Health after Treatment (SPIRIT) program provides free peer counseling to address concerns faced by African-American breast cancer survivors. The four-year study aims to empower survivors and address cultural and socio-economic factors that contribute to conservative attitudes about sexuality.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·DateOct 1, 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.

JCI Table of Contents, 1 October, 2003

Researchers at Duke University Medical Center have developed a strategy using erythropoietin to enhance heart function and prevent cell death after ischemic injury. A novel protective effect of erythropoietin has been shown in the infarcted heart, demonstrating a therapeutic window of opportunity for acute protection and long-term pres...

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateOct 1, 2003

Gender and geography increase racial disparities in health care, Dartmouth study shows

A Dartmouth study analyzing Medicare data from 1998-2000 found that racial disparities in knee replacement surgery exist not only by sex but also by geographic location. Despite similar rates among African-American women and white women, black men were half as likely to undergo the procedure as their white counterparts.

SourceThe Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateOct 1, 2003

Possible brain cancer-air pollution link to be studied

Researchers at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center are studying the link between brain cancer and air pollution, led by Dr. Keith Black. The study aims to determine whether exposure to toxic air pollutants can cause changes in brain tissue associated with brain cancer formation.

SourceCedars-Sinai Medical Center·DateOct 1, 2003
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.

New surface can find different twists on a molecular theme

Researchers at the University of Missouri-Rolla have created a new material that can differentiate between chiral molecules, which is essential for creating new chemical sensors and catalysts. The stable and relatively simple catalyst could help sort biologically potent chemicals from less useful or toxic counterparts.

SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·JournalNature·DateOct 1, 2003

Huge Antarctic iceberg makes a big splash on sea life

A massive Antarctic iceberg, C-19, blocked the movement of sea ice in the Ross Sea region, resulting in unusually high sea-ice cover and a significant reduction in primary production. This study used satellite imagery and chlorophyll data to quantify the effects of the iceberg on phytoplankton growth.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateOct 1, 2003

Spectators discouraged from watching building demolitions

Researchers investigated the impact of a building demolition on air quality and found that airborne dust concentrations were extremely high in immediate vicinity and downwind areas. Spectators are advised to stay upwind and indoors to avoid exposure to high levels of particulate matter.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalJournal of the Air & Waste Management Association·DateOct 1, 2003

A realistic way to save rainforests

Researchers have developed a novel approach to conserve rainforests by finding potential pharmaceuticals, contributing to conservation efforts, and providing economic benefits. The pilot project in Panama demonstrates the feasibility of this method, creating jobs and infrastructure while protecting the rainforest.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalFrontiers in Ecology and the Environment·DateOct 1, 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.

New way of examining lymph tissue detects hidden melanoma

Researchers developed a new method to detect melanoma in lymph nodes using molecular analysis, revealing 25% of cancer-free patients had undetectable metastases. The study found patients with multiple markers were more likely to develop recurrence and die from the disease.

SourceAmerican Society of Clinical Oncology·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateOct 1, 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.

Study: Racial, ethnic disparities seen in all types of pain

A study found racial and ethnic disparities in pain perception, diagnosis, and treatment across various specialties. Disparities were seen in emergency departments, cancer clinics, chronic pain, and disability, with African Americans and Hispanics facing unequal access to pain medication and treatment.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalPain Medicine·DateOct 1, 2003

Pneumococcal vaccine significantly reduces disease in South African children

A South African clinical trial showed a significant reduction in pneumococcal disease incidence with the conjugate vaccine, resulting in a 5% decrease among all children and a 6% decrease among HIV-infected children. The study demonstrates the vaccine's effectiveness in preventing invasive pneumococcal disease and saving lives.

SourceEmory University Health Sciences Center·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateOct 1, 2003
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.

Solar contribution to 'global warming' predicted to decrease

Researchers predict a decrease in solar activity's impact on global warming over the next 100 years, with potential returns to current levels by 2200. The study suggests that solar variability will not amplify climate change, but rather subdue its effects.

SourceBritish Antarctic Survey·JournalAstronomy & Geophysics·DateOct 1, 2003

Aggregation of cloned mouse embryos improves survival rate

Researchers from the University of Pennsylvania have successfully aggregated cloned mouse embryos, improving their survival rate to 8 percent. The technique involves combining two clones at an early embryonic stage, which helps compensate for genetic deficiencies and leads to correct temporal and spatial gene expression.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalThe EMBO Journal·DateOct 1, 2003

Census study: whites less likely than blacks to live with extended family

A recent census study found that white families are less likely to live in extended family households than black families, which has shifted over time. This shift started in the late 1960s and was more pronounced among whites, with a significant decline in intergenerational living compared to blacks.

SourceBrown University·JournalDemography·DateOct 1, 2003
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.

McMaster University researchers race to SARS vaccine development

A breakthrough discovery has been made by McMaster University researchers, who have cloned the gene that marks an important nuclear protein of the SARS virus. The team plans to test their newly engineered adenovirus vector in animals for protective effects against the deadly disease.

SourceMcMaster University·DateOct 1, 2003

La Niña takes Bolivian Andes on a sedimental journey

Researchers use a lightweight device to extract core samples from sediment deposits in Bolivia, revealing that sediment transport is only possible during La Niña events. The findings suggest that the Andes Mountains play a crucial role in shaping the Amazon River's sediment load.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalNature·DateOct 1, 2003

October 2004 Ophthalmology journal

This edition of the Ophthalmology journal presents significant research findings on PRK after 12 years, multifocal intraocular lenses, and posterior capsule opacification. The studies also investigate photorefractive keratectomy outcomes, LASIK lens power calculation methods, and new treatments for glaucoma and retinal diseases.

SourceAmerican Academy of Ophthalmology·JournalOphthalmology·DateOct 1, 2003

Research shows little effect from Arctic offshore oil drilling

A recent study by Florida Tech researchers found minimal environmental impact from offshore oil drilling in the Arctic. The team discovered that freshwater runoff into the ocean is trapped by a layer of ice, preventing it from mixing with saltwater.

SourceFlorida Institute of Technology·JournalEnvironmental Geology·DateOct 1, 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.

Novel technology to monitor 'hidden depths' of silent killer

Researchers are evaluating the effects of CRESTOR on atherosclerosis using cutting-edge imaging technologies like IVUS and MRI. The goal is to slow or even reverse the progression of this silent killer disease, which can lead to heart attacks and strokes.

SourceShire Health International·DateOct 1, 2003

New insight into heart failure suggests novel drug target

A study found that disrupting PI3Kgamma preserves beta-adrenergic receptors on heart cells, leading to improved heart function and longer survival in mice. The loss of beta-adrenergic receptors contributes to heart failure, but this intervention may provide a new therapeutic approach.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateOct 1, 2003

Turkey genome research may help producers breed a better turkey

Researchers have successfully mapped the domestic turkey genome, which will aid in breeding birds with beneficial traits such as disease resistance and increased reproduction. This study leverages information from the chicken genome to improve turkey breeding practices.

SourceNational Research Council of Canada·JournalGenome·DateOct 1, 2003