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Science News Archive 2004


Page 109 of 135

The human brain and comparative judgments

A new study published in Neuron reveals that the brain processes continuous dimensions such as size and luminance in distributed regions of the cortex. The researchers observed that there is considerable overlap between local brain regions and no single region uniquely selective for one particular stimulus.

Awards honor Alt's three decades of genetic cancer research

Awards honor Alt's groundbreaking discoveries on genomic instability, leading to new directions in cancer prevention. His work has sparked extensive additional research and transformed our understanding of oncogene amplification and translocation.

Titania nanotube hydrogen sensors clean themselves

Researchers developed self-cleaning hydrogen sensors using titania nanotubes that can recover from contamination by exposing them to ultraviolet light. The sensors' photocatalytic properties allow for efficient removal of contaminants, enabling real-world applications with minimal sensor error.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Aeras partners with Crucell to develop TB vaccine

The collaboration aims to improve the BCG vaccine, which offers protection against serious forms of TB in childhood but loses efficacy over time. A new vaccine is crucial to combating the disease that kills over two million people globally per year.

Martian mystery explained

Researchers found that heating and cooling alone can create spiral patterns on Mars, contrary to previous theories. The model suggests that differential melting and refreezing cause the spirals' unique shape and spacing.

Workplace drinking and gender harassment linked

A study by Cornell University's R. Brinkley Smithers Institute found a significant link between workplace drinking and gender harassment. Women experienced a more-than-twofold increase in incidents of gender harassment when men consumed additional alcoholic drinks during work hours.

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.

Human rights abuses common in southern Iraq between 1991 and 2003

A study of 1,991 Iraqi men and women found that human rights abuses were common, with 47% reporting torture, killings, or other forms of abuse. The Baath party regime was identified as the primary perpetrator of these abuses, with 95% attributed to Baath party-affiliated groups.

Study: Carbon dioxide may find new use in producing medical implants

Engineers at Ohio State University used compressed carbon dioxide to embed protein molecules in plastic, creating a process for developing implantable drugs. The technology could be used to release medicines into the body, improving medical treatment and reducing environmental impact.

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.

Another twist in the field of superconductivity

Researchers observed electronlike excitations at temperatures above the transition temperature in cobaltate materials, suggesting a novel mechanism for high-temperature superconductivity. This discovery opens up new avenues for understanding the phenomenon of high-temperature superconductivity.

Estimated one in five people worldwide lack enough zinc in diet

A report by the International Zinc Nutrition Consultative Group finds that zinc deficiency affects millions worldwide, particularly in developing countries. It highlights methods for assessing population zinc status and potential strategies for controlling nutritional deficiencies through supplements and public education.

Physicists see golden needle in a micro-cosmic haystack

The experiment detected three events consistent with the rare K meson decay, which occurs once in every 7 billion decays. The result suggests a possible departure from the Standard Model, but further analysis is needed to confirm or rule out the discrepancy.

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.

Rochester, BCM test bird-flu vaccine in humans

A study led by Baylor College of Medicine and the University of Rochester Medical Center is testing a vaccine against H9 bird flu, which infected several people in Hong Kong in 1999. The goal is to prepare for potential transmission of the virus from person to person.

Making smart drugs that deliver the right kind of punch

The U-M group uses lab-made dendrimers as the backbone of their delivery system, which can attach targeting agents to recognize cancer cells and deliver lethal doses while leaving normal cells unharmed. Early results show that nanoparticle drugs effectively treat cancer with fewer side effects than conventional chemotherapy.

Human studies show feasibility of brain-machine interfaces

Researchers at Duke University Medical Center have demonstrated the feasibility of brain-machine interfaces (BMIs) in humans, using arrays of electrodes to record brain signals and control external devices. The study showed that patients with Parkinson's disease and tremor disorders could use BMIs to play a hand-controlled video game.

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.

University of Toronto scientists light a path for new nerve cells

Researchers at the University of Toronto have created a new gel-like substance that guides neural cells through channels, providing a greater surface area for neural stimuli transmission. This breakthrough could lead to stronger signals in regenerated nerves, paving the way for regenerative medicine applications.

Be picky when served large portions

A study published in Obesity Research found that customers who were served larger portions of high-calorie foods consumed significantly more calories, often without noticing. The study's findings suggest that portion size can have a significant impact on food consumption and weight management.

A little music with exercise boosts brain power, study suggests

A recent study from Ohio State University found that listening to music during exercise improves verbal fluency test scores in cardiac rehabilitation patients. The study also revealed that participants reported feeling better emotionally and mentally after working out regardless of whether they listened to music.

Oregon Stem Cell Center result of OHSU research strides

The Oregon Stem Cell Center aims to develop therapies using adult stem cells for human diseases through a rapid approach from basic research to animal trials and human studies. The center's focus will be on the liver and pancreas, building on OHSU's existing expertise in cell therapy.

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.

University of Maryland professor honored at chemists' luncheon

Professor Sandra C. Greer was recognized for her dedication to encouraging women in chemistry, with over half of her Ph.D. students being female. She has supervised 14 Ph.D. dissertations and chaired the University of Maryland Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry.

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.

Trio wins American Chemical Society polymer education award

The Virginia Tech trio of Tom Ward, James McGrath, and Garth Wilkes has been awarded the Paul J. Flory Polymer Education Award by the American Chemical Society Division of Polymer Chemistry for their long-term efforts in educating students in polymer science and engineering. The award recognizes the trio's creation of an interdisciplin...

There be dragons: New deep-sea predator species discovered

A new species of deep-sea predatory fish, dubbed Eustomias jimcraddocki, has been discovered by Dr. Tracey Sutton at the Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institution. The species exhibits unique bioluminescent features and varying barbel patterns, challenging previous assumptions about its functionality.

Artificial prions created

Scientists have identified amino acid sequences that allow prions to aggregate and replicate, leading to the creation of an artificial yeast prion. This breakthrough sheds light on the mechanisms behind diseases like mad cow disease and Alzheimer's, potentially paving the way for new treatments.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Ribozyme package effective against hepatitis B virus

A new ribozyme package has been shown to be effective against the hepatitis B virus in an animal model, reducing viral production by over 80% in just three to five days. The treatment uses a specialized cassette that targets and destroys the virus's RNA, making it a promising approach for fighting other viruses as well.

Smoking linked to accelerated cognitive decline in the elderly

A recent study published by the American Academy of Neurology found a strong link between smoking and accelerated cognitive decline in elderly individuals. Smoking was shown to lower MMSE scores by up to .16 points per year, with higher cigarette pack-year exposure leading to greater declines.

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.

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.

MGH study details brain changes in autism, language disorder

Researchers identified specific areas of white matter enlargement linked to myelination delays in autistic and DLD patients. Enlargements were most pronounced in the prefrontal area and the outer layer of white matter was significantly larger than in normal controls.

'His is lighter than mine'

A study by researchers at University College London found that when participants were lifting a heavy box, they perceived the weight of an actor's lifted box as lighter than it actually was. This suggests that our brains use simulation theory to understand others' actions, which can lead to biased judgments in social situations. Accord...

Researchers confirm novel form of the Rett syndrome protein

Researchers have identified a novel form of the Rett syndrome protein, which is more abundant in human brain than previously thought. This discovery may provide insights into potential functional differences between the two proteins and help identify mutations in exon 1.

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 guidelines for cerebral palsy recommend early neuroimaging tests

The American Academy of Neurology recommends early neuroimaging tests to diagnose cerebral palsy. This helps parents and physicians understand the disorder's cause and create effective treatment plans. The guidelines also suggest screening for related disorders, such as mental retardation and speech disorders.

New insight into how tumors evade the immune system

Researchers found that galectin-1, a molecule present in various tumor types, negatively impacts T cell survival and contributes to tumor progression. Inhibition of galectin-1 significantly reduces tumor formation in mice, highlighting its potential as a molecular target for cancer immunotherapy.

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.

New data on ant adaptability within their environment

Researchers found ants in Florida, North Carolina, and New York exhibit different caste structures and body sizes, suggesting adaptation to local environments. Behavioral experiments show soldier castes play a key role in colony defense.

Details of an unusual type Ia supernova

Researchers using European Southern Observatory's Very Large Telescope discovered a unique type Ia supernova that exploded within a flat, dense disk of dust and gas. The findings suggest that this and other precursors resemble protoplanetary nebulae, which may indicate wide differences among their progenitors.

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.

UK industry is the loser from parallel trade in pharmaceuticals

A new study finds that parallel trade in pharmaceuticals has a negative impact on the UK economy, with estimated losses of £290 million to manufacturers. The study concludes that the short-term benefits for consumers are outweighed by the long-term costs to innovation and investment in research and development.