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Science News Archive 2004


Page 104 of 135

HIV finds new way to play hide and seek

Researchers discover HIV mutations that prevent immune system from recognizing protein fragments, allowing virus to replicate and increase in number. This finding highlights the importance of considering nearby regions not recognized by the immune system when designing vaccines.

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.

Physics tip sheet #41 - April 5, 2004

Researchers have made groundbreaking discoveries in carbon nanotubes, with the smallest diameter yet found. Additionally, negative refraction has been observed in liquid surface waves, while a new form of high-density water has been discovered at the interface between ice and silicon dioxide.

Trauma and post-traumatic stress highly prevalent among delinquents

A study by Northwestern University found that over 90% of delinquent youth had experienced at least one traumatic event, with boys reporting higher rates than girls. The researchers recommend improving mental health services for high-risk youth and detecting post-traumatic stress disorder in juvenile detainees.

Female gluttony blamed on male tick

Female ticks require six to 10 days to engorge fully, a process stimulated by an engorgement factor protein in male seminal fluid. Researchers have identified this protein and developed a vaccine candidate to protect cattle against tick-borne diseases.

Cultural sensitivity crucial when seeking organ donors

Organ donations from living donors are less common in Canada due to cultural variations. Non-Western cultures perceive death as a more integrated state than Western societies do, making organ donation challenging for some individuals. Healthcare professionals must be aware of these differences and provide respectful care.

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.

Annals of Internal Medicine, tip sheet, April 6, 2004

A new study of people with newly diagnosed Alzheimer disease found that median survival period was significantly shorter than similar-aged individuals. The severity of cognitive impairment and other factors were strongly associated with decreased survival. Meanwhile, the US Preventive Services Task Force recommends screening for alcoho...

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.

Use of guns by teens for threats more likely than for self-defense

A study of 5,800 California adolescents found that gun threats were more common than self-defense instances, with most threats coming from other teenagers. The research suggests that gun use for self-defense often involves hostile interactions between teens with weapons.

First flavors form a lasting impression

A study found that infants fed protein hydrolysate formula for seven months developed a taste preference for the formula, while those fed standard milk-based formula rejected it. Early flavor exposure influences long-term food choices.

Stretching the imagination

These materials have potential uses in lasers, drug detection, and sensors, offering new possibilities for applications with minimal energy cost. Professor Warner's research has increased interest in liquid crystal elastomers, which could lead to further discoveries.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Too good eyes for living below ground

Researchers found that African mole-rat eyes have anatomically well-developed retinas and a surprisingly high proportion of cones, which is unusual for blind animals. The density of rods, used for night vision, is also lower than expected in subterranean mammals.

Internet2 may change the way scientists conduct research

Scientists can now spend an unlimited amount of time on the bottom of the ocean, sharing observations in real-time with colleagues worldwide. Internet2 technology was tested during a Black Sea expedition, allowing for the transmission of underwater video images and acoustic signals.

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.

Researchers caution against linking strep, neuropsychiatric disorders

Researchers caution against linking strep bacteria to neuropsychiatric disorders like OCD and tics in children. Neurologist Roger Kurlan and Edward L. Kaplan argue that the criteria for establishing a connection between strep and behavioral disorders are too vague, citing a lack of evidence from large, carefully controlled studies.

Online IV nutrition calculator reduces medical errors, saves time

The TPN Calculator significantly reduced medical errors and saved time for healthcare providers. With the online calculator, errors decreased by nearly 90%, allowing caregivers to dedicate more time to patient care. The system's development preserved the existing ordering process while improving efficiency and reducing calculation errors.

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.

Amazon drought now measured from space

Scientists have determined for the first time how drought conditions can be quantified over large forest areas in the Amazon rainforest from space. Using a combination of ground-based and space-based tools, they found that satellite imaging can measure the physiology of the rainforest canopy with high accuracy.

Three new South American fish identified

Researchers have identified three new Geophagus fish species in South America, shedding light on the region's biodiversity and ecosystem importance. The discoveries add to ongoing efforts to catalog the approximately 4,475 freshwater fish species found in the region.

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 calculator provides more accurate estimates of colon cancer survival

A new calculator tool, developed by Mayo Clinic researchers, helps physicians estimate colon cancer patient prognosis and aid in treatment decisions. The calculator considers four factors: lymph node status, tumor depth, grade, and age to provide more accurate five-year survival estimates with or without adjuvant chemotherapy.

USC awarded $3.5 million to study DNA enzyme

The grant will fund studies on how the enzyme, DNA polymerase, accurately copies genetic information, revealing its unique catalytic selectivity and minimizing errors, which could inform cancer research.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Novel MRI technique provides clear images of blood flow

A new MRI technique allows researchers to capture moving images of blood traveling through vessels non-invasively. This technology can easily be applied to existing MRI machines, enabling real-time physician-scanner interaction and detailed analysis of cardiovascular disease.

Why passive smoking hinders healing

Research finds that passive smoking hinders healing by changing the arrangement of fibroblast cells' cytoskeleton, making them less mobile and more prone to abnormal scarring. This can lead to slower wound closure rates in smokers compared to non-smokers.

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.

Building a scale sensitive enough to weigh a virus

Researchers use nanoelectromechanical systems to detect masses as small as 6 attograms, a third of the mass of a typical virus. The technology has potential for detecting and identifying microorganisms and biological molecules.

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.

Scars of 9/11 linger with NYC firefighters

A recent study by Cornell University found that NYC firefighters experience high levels of PTSD, depression, and anxiety after the 9/11 attacks. The study also highlights the importance of open communication, teamwork, and employee involvement in decision-making to improve firefighter well-being.

Monitoring macrophages detects dementia

Researchers have successfully used PET imaging to detect dementia in macaque models. The study utilized the peripheral benzodiazepine receptor to identify macrophage activity, which is linked to neurodegeneration.

Shared gene switch for all plants found

Researchers have discovered a shared gene regulation mechanism in all major plant groups, controlled by microRNAs, and this system has been conserved for 400 million years. This finding opens up new possibilities for understanding plant development and evolution.

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.

JCI table of contents, 2 April 2004

A specific mutation in the KCNMB1 gene is associated with lower blood pressure, according to a study published in JCI. Researchers found that individuals with this mutation had lower diastolic blood pressure compared to those without it. The study suggests that targeting the beta1 subunit may have therapeutic potential for treating hyp...

Hypertension tamer

A gain-of-function mutation in the KCNMB1 potassium channel subunit is associated with a lower prevalence of diastolic hypertension. The beta1 subunit of the Ca2+-sensitive K+ channel protects against hypertension, as outlined in an accompanying commentary.

Favorite liquid revisited

A team of scientists has found that water molecules in liquid form clump much more loosely than previously believed, challenging 20 years of research. This discovery reopens the hunt for a better understanding of water's unique properties and potential applications in fields like biology.

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.

Rich, vibrant community life of rural Maya described by BU archaeologist

A team of archaeologists from Boston University has uncovered the story of life among rural Maya in Belize's Sibun River Valley during the Late Classic Period. The research reveals a community that practiced sustainable agriculture and maintained dense vegetation to support their trade product: cacao.

Bim notes in the neuronal executioner's song

A new study has found that Bim regulation plays a crucial role in determining hippocampal vulnerability after injurious seizures and in temporal lobe epilepsy. The researchers suggest that understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying this relationship may lead to new therapeutic strategies for treating these conditions.

Water molecules clump more loosely than previously thought

A team led by scientists at Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Laboratory found that water molecules form only two hydrogen bonds instead of the previously believed three or four. This discovery reopens the hunt for the structure of liquid water and could lead to a better understanding of the chemistry of cells.

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.

Puzzle of corn's origins coming together

Corn's genetic origins have been revised after a study found it arose from a serendipitously viable cross between teosinte and gamagrass. Eubanks' research confirms teosinte was an ancestor of corn, with gamagrass contributing key genes.

The APCs of autoimmune disease

Activation of antigen-presenting cells (APCs) by microbial products leads to the breakdown of self-tolerance in the immune system. This breakdown induces autoimmune disease, a condition where the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissues.

Radio astronomers lift 'fog' on Milky Way's dark heart

Astronomers successfully measured the size of Sagittarius A*, the mysterious object at the center of the Milky Way Galaxy, using the National Science Foundation's Very Long Baseline Array radio telescope. The black hole has a mass nearly four million times that of the Sun and would fit easily inside Earth's orbit.

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.

Making protein nanostructures

Protein nanostructures have been created using a novel method that allows for precise control over their shape and size. The technique involves the use of nanoparticles to guide the assembly of protein molecules into specific structures.