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Science News Archive 2004 - Page 119


Page 119 of 135

New map predicts where wolves will attack

A new map developed by the Wildlife Conservation Society predicts wolf attacks in Wisconsin and Minnesota based on road density, farm size, deer availability, and other factors. The maps identify high-risk townships with moderate to high risk of wolf attacks, which are clustered along the edge of the wolf population.

SourceWildlife Conservation Society·JournalConservation Biology·DateFeb 26, 2004

World's first databank for all living systems

The Bridging the Rift Center will house the world's first databank of information about all living systems, gathering genetic sequences, ecological data, and global positioning information to quantify and characterize life. This groundbreaking facility aims to advance our understanding of coevolution, ecology, and DNA relationships.

New findings on memory could enhance learning

A study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that monkeys' brains sort computer clip art pictures into categories for recall, such as people, buildings, flowers, and animals. This process could lead to ways to improve memory in humans by reducing detail and categorizing information.

SourceAtrium Health Wake Forest Baptist·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 26, 2004

A new step in spintronics

Researchers at University of Utah developed switch-like valves made from organic materials, increasing electrical current flow by 40%. The innovation paves the way for new electronic devices, including computer chips and sensors.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalNature·DateFeb 25, 2004

Turtles indeed in danger

A study quantifying incidental catch of loggerheads and leatherbacks in the global pelagic longline fishery reveals alarming bycatch rates. The authors estimate that thousands of hooked turtles die from longline takes each year, posing a significant threat to Pacific turtle populations.

SourceBlackwell Publishing Ltd.·JournalEcology Letters·DateFeb 25, 2004

Sophisticated silencing strategies

A study by James Carrington and Steve Jacobsen reveals distinct classes of small RNAs in plants with specialized functions. These include genome maintenance, regulation of specific genes, and defense mechanisms, shedding light on the evolution of RNA-mediated gene silencing.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateFeb 24, 2004

Study shows women's medication use higher than expected

A study published in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology found that nearly all women take prescription medications (92%) and self-medicate with over-the-counter medications (96.5%). Researchers also discovered potential drug interactions, including those between antidepressants and herbal supplements like St. John's wort.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota·JournalAmerican Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology·DateFeb 24, 2004

Exploring small RNA function

Researchers develop system to study small RNAs using siRNA inhibitors, providing unprecedented insight into RNA interference and microRNA functions. The technique enables rapid discovery of hundreds of microRNAs' regulatory roles, with significant implications for genetic studies.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateFeb 24, 2004

Study shows positive results for novel, patient-controlled transdermal system (PCTS)...

A study published in Anesthesia & Analgesia found that patients who used E-TRANS Fentanyl HCI PCTS experienced better pain control and fewer withdrawals compared to those who received a placebo. The novel transdermal system, approximately the size of a credit card, allows patients to control their pain management without needles or pumps.

SourceOrtho-McNeil Pharmaceutical, Inc.·JournalAnesthesia & Analgesia·DateFeb 24, 2004