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Science News Archive September 2003


Page 5 of 10

Hurricane Isabel: 'Doppler on Wheels' to intercept eye

The DOWs will deploy at or near the coast in the direct path of the storm, collecting high-resolution data and rapid-scan Doppler radar data from inside the eye. The Rapid-DOW can visualize three-dimensional volumes in 5 to 10 seconds, observing boundary layer rolls, wind gusts, and other phenomena as they evolve.

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.

Distant star bursts provide key to the origin of galaxies

Astronomers have discovered that distant galaxies in the early Universe will evolve into massive elliptical galaxies through rapid merging of smaller building blocks. The SCUBA camera images show these galaxies caught in the throes of formation, with star formation driven by mergers of older galaxies.

Dr. Judah Folkman honored with American Heart Association/Novartis award

Dr. Judah Folkman, a pioneer in angiogenesis research, has been awarded the Novartis Award for Hypertension Research for his contributions to understanding how angiogenesis affects blood vessels leading to high blood pressure. His work has led to discoveries of new molecules and treatments for hypertension and cancer.

Contaminated water from abandoned mines threatens Colorado ski areas

Contaminated water from abandoned mines poses a threat to Colorado's nine billion-dollar tourism industry, particularly in ski areas like Keystone and Arapahoe Basin. The use of artificially created snow due to droughts and climate change exacerbates the issue, highlighting the need for alternative methods to mitigate acid-rock drainage.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Childhood abuse related to alcoholism in Native Americans

A recent study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine found that Native Americans who experienced adverse childhood environments were more likely to develop alcoholism. The research highlights the need for social programs and preventive education to address this issue.

Countries find common ground to protect world's rarest gorilla

The agreement creates a transboundary protected area combining the Takamanda-Okwangwo complex in Cameroon and Nigeria. The plan aims to conserve gorillas and their habitat through measures such as revised land-use practices, corridor establishment, and increased protection.

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.

Sandia demonstrates next generation high performance computing cluster

Sandia's new cluster features a combination of Intel Xeon and Itanium processors, utilizing InfiniBand Host Channel Adapters for low-latency and high-bandwidth connections. The 128-node machine is expected to be one of the world's top systems, powered by Mellanox and Linux Networx hardware.

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.

$85 million awarded for research on human immunity and biodefense

The NIH has awarded $85 million to five cooperative centers for translational research on human immunology and biodefense. Researchers will develop new ways to analyze immune cells and use imaging technologies to study vaccine responses, aiming to strengthen the immune system against diseases.

Why we see red when looking at ocean plants

Phytoplankton's shift to red pigments occurred due to a global ocean oxygen depletion, which paved the way for their evolution. This discovery reveals how the ocean's chemistry has been dominated by red phytoplankton ever since.

ASHRAE studies impact of IAQ on classroom performance

Research aims to determine if indoor air quality in classrooms affects children's health and academic performance. The study will examine the effects of improved ventilation, temperature control, and reduced airborne pollutants on students.

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.

Study shows dramatic increase in wrist fractures over 30-year span

A recent study found a dramatic increase in wrist fractures among children under 35 over three decades, with rising physical activity and declining milk consumption contributing to the trend. The research suggests that early-life dietary habits may impact bone development and increase fracture risk later in life.

Was the Universe born in a Black Hole?

A new model suggests that the Big Bang could have been an explosion within a black hole, with the universe expanding into an infinite space. The theory, developed by UC Davis and University of Michigan mathematicians, satisfies Einstein's equations while allowing for expansion.

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.

Ocean plant life slows down and absorbs less carbon

Ocean phytoplankton's net primary productivity has declined by over 6% globally since the 1980s, mainly due to increased temperatures and decreased iron deposition. This decline affects the global carbon cycle, as phytoplankton absorbs half of the Earth's CO2 through photosynthesis.

Homing in on dark energy

The study confirms the accelerating expansion of the universe due to dark energy, with data from 11 distant supernovae. It provides more precise measures of matter and dark energy composition in the universe.

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.

HIV researcher at Rush awarded grant from Doris Duke Foundation

A new study aims to determine which assay is most effective in providing accurate CD4 cell counts in HIV positive patients in rural countries. The research, led by a Rush University Medical Center scientist, tests three different assays to assess CD4 cell counts and could help improve treatment outcomes for millions worldwide.

Madagascar to triple areas under protection

The government aims to safeguard 10% of its territory by tripling protected areas, with a focus on preserving primary forests and promoting sustainable land use. Madagascar is home to unique and endemic species found nowhere else.

University of Chicago scientist wins prestigious Balzan Prize

Wen-Hsiung Li has made seminal contributions to the field of evolutionary molecular genetics, developing widely used methods for inferring phylogenetic relationships and discovering important insights into genetic change rates. His work has improved our understanding of evolutionary lineages and genetic diversity.

Technique reduces time spent on radiation doses

Researchers have developed a new technique using wavelet analysis to speed up radiation dose calculations, allowing for more accurate control over radiation doses and reduced damage to adjacent healthy tissues. This breakthrough uses wavelets to give good fast approximations to smooth data fields with 'rough' noise.

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.

College students support smoking restrictions

Most college students surveyed favored policies ranging from banning smoking in all dormitories to prohibiting the sale or advertising of tobacco products on campus. Smokers also supported making all college buildings smoke-free and prohibiting tobacco company sponsorship of campus events.

New clinical research study evaluates novel cell therapy

The STEPS study evaluates the safety and efficacy of Spheramine, a cell therapy that produces levodopa to enhance dopamine production in the brain. The study aims to provide a new method for Parkinson's patients to achieve continuous control of motor function.

UGA, MCG study impact of long-term use of schizophrenia drugs

A collaborative study between UGA and MCG investigated the cognitive effects of long-term use of newer schizophrenia drugs. The researchers found that while atypical antipsychotics cause fewer problems with movement disorders, their long-term impact on cognitive function is still unclear.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Prescription drug utilization reviews are less than useful

A new study by University of Pennsylvania researchers found that mandatory prescription drug utilization reviews have no detectable effect on prescribing errors or patient outcomes. The program's reliance on computer alerts and guidelines was deemed ineffective in changing physician behavior.

North American mammographers prone to more false positives, study finds

A recent study found that North American mammographers are more likely to interpret mammograms as abnormal, leading to higher rates of false positives and unnecessary follow-up procedures. The study analyzed data from 32 community-based screening programs in North America and compared outcomes with those in other countries.

URI oceanographer receives NSF grant to study carbon flux in the ocean

Dr. S. Bradley Moran and his team will conduct field and modeling studies to assess and improve POC tracing methods, focusing on Th-234's variability in estimating export flux. The research aims to provide accurate information on mechanisms of estimating upper ocean POC export flux using thorium-234.

Longer commute for cancer treatment associated with better survival

Patients who traveled at least 15 miles for care had a one-third lower risk of dying during the trial and follow-up period compared to those living closer. The study found that patients with higher incomes, more education, and a supportive social network tended to fare better in terms of survival rates.

Longer commute for cancer treatment associated with better survival

Patients who traveled farther for cancer treatment had improved overall and progression-free survival rates, suggesting that access to information and resources plays a crucial role in cancer outcomes. The study's findings highlight the importance of considering travel distance as a potential factor in phase II clinical trial results.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Other highlights in the September 17 issue of JNCI

A new study found that a rapid increase in the incidence of esophageal and gastric cardia adenocarcinomas is linked to modifiable risk factors such as smoking, being overweight, and gastroesophageal reflux. High serum levels of vitamin E are associated with reduced risk of upper gastrointestinal cancers.

Tip percentage declines with larger bills

Researchers found that servers at two restaurants and cab drivers received lower tip percentages for larger bills, but levels off above $100. The magnitude effect shows that relative value is affected by absolute amount, contradicting standard microeconomic theory.

Religion helps shape wealth of Americans, study finds

A study by Ohio State University's Lisa Keister found that people who regularly attend religious services tend to be more wealthy than those who don't. The effect of religion is robust even after considering other factors such as inheritances and education, suggesting that faith influences spending and saving strategies.

Study assessing once daily Abacavir (ABC) in a once daily ART regimen

A multicenter study of 770 individuals found that a once-daily Abacavir regimen achieved similar virologic responses as the traditional twice-daily dosing regimen, with 66% achieving undetectable HIV-1 RNA levels. The regimen was also found to have a similar safety profile, with minimal hypersensitivity reactions reported.

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.

Ceramics reinforced with nanotubes

The new material has up to five times the fracture toughness of conventional alumina, making it more forgiving under dynamic loads. It also exhibits high electrical conductivity ten trillion times greater than pure alumina, with interesting thermal properties that make it suitable for thermal barrier coatings.

Interim analysis comparing TDF to EFV in combination with 3TC + ABC

An interim analysis of a study comparing TDF to EFV in combination with 3TC + ABC found that the TDF arm had a higher rate of virologic non-response. The study included 194 patients and showed that VL <400 copies/mL was achieved in 49% of TDF subjects, compared to 90% of EFV subjects.

Many children in Medicaid managed care do not receive same quality of care

A study by The Commonwealth Fund found that children in Medicaid managed care receive significantly lower rates for clinical quality indicators, including childhood immunizations and well-child visits. High-performing plans with both commercial and Medicaid enrollees were able to achieve high HEDIS performance measures.

Mayo Clinic study finds increase in forearm fractures among adolescents

A recent Mayo Clinic study has found a significant increase in forearm fractures among adolescents, with the rate rising by 42% over two decades. The study, which analyzed data from 1969-1971 and 1999-2001, found that girls between 8 and 11 and boys between 11 and 14 had higher fracture rates than all other age groups studied.

Engineers head into path of Hurricane Isabel

Clemson researchers are using innovative 'wind towers' to gather high-resolution wind speed data near the ground, crucial for developing hurricane-resistant homes. The device's output will be used to refine building codes and potentially reduce construction costs.

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.

Major new center at UIC to study racial/ethnic disparities in health

The UIC Center for Population Health and Health Disparities will explore how individual and socio-ecological factors affect prognosis and outcome for breast cancer victims. The study aims to design better interventions to lower the incidence of death in minorities due to late-stage diagnosis and treatment.

National lab trains U. S. customs agents against WMD

Customs agents receive comprehensive training to identify and halt smuggling of weapons of mass destruction. The training covers materials, components, and dual-use items associated with WMD development and deployment.

Ductile intermetallic compounds discovered

Researchers at Ames Laboratory have identified 12 fully ordered, completely stoichiometric intermetallic compounds with remarkable ductility. These materials exhibit higher ASTM fracture toughness values comparable to commercial aircraft aluminum alloys.

Overlooking racism may lead to undiagnosed mental health disorders

A Vanderbilt University researcher suggests that ignoring racism in mental health diagnosis can mask severe psychological problems. Brown proposes five mental health issues linked to racism that are prevalent among blacks, including nihilistic tendencies and suppressed anger expression.

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.

Cranberry component linked to reduced stroke damage

Preliminary research suggests that cranberry extract can reduce the severity of stroke by 50% in brain cell death. Cranberries also have powerful antioxidant capabilities and unique bacteria-blocking properties, which may help prevent heart disease and certain cancers.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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