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Science News Archive 2004


Page 119 of 135

Carbon found to be older than the Solar System

Researchers have discovered that carbon isotopic compositions in IDPs are different from those on Earth and in other parts of the Solar System, indicating it was formed in molecular clouds before the formation of the Solar System. The findings help understand the Solar System's formation and the origin of organic matter on Earth.

AGU journal highlights - 26 February 2004

Researchers analyze Martian flood channels, estimate Mercury's crust depth and simulate earthquake dynamics. New data also reveals details on sprites and interstellar hydrogen shadows.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Using water as a lens to shrink chip dimensions

Researchers used immersion lithography to create circuit lines and features at least as small as 45nm using 193nm equipment. This breakthrough allows manufacturers to create more powerful chips while extending the life of their current fabrication equipment.

Contraception study supports convenience, simplicity

A new study found that the birth control patch had a higher percentage of perfect dosing cycles (88.7%) compared to oral contraceptives (79.2%). This led to better contraceptive efficacy and reduced risk of unplanned pregnancy. The results suggest that the patch may be a more convenient and simple option for women using birth control.

Standardizing disaster models to help first responders

NIST develops standardized emergency response software and proposes industry-government collaboration to enhance interoperability. The proposed Electronic Emergency Response Framework will provide decision-makers with easily accessible modeling and simulation tools.

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.

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.

Smoking cessation study at Penn open to volunteers

The University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine is conducting a smoking cessation study that will provide participants with medication and individual counseling. Volunteers must be at least 18 years old, in good health, and motivated to quit smoking, and are expected to participate for nearly one full year.

Current smoke alarms pass life-saving tests

New research from NIST confirms that smoke alarms offer enough time to save lives in most cases, even with a three-minute warning. The study found that the placement of smoke alarms and closed bedroom doors can increase survival chances, but also noted the limitations of ionization and photoelectric alarms in detecting false alarms.

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.

New genomics tool boosts diabetes research

Scientists have developed a new genomics tool that enables the efficient mapping of genome binding sites for transcription factors in human organs. This technology has been used to study the role of transcription factor HNF4 in type 2 diabetes, revealing its association with about half of all genes needed to make the pancreas and liver.

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.

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 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.

Quantum dots deliver photons one at a time

A NIST scientist has demonstrated efficient production of single photons at the highest temperatures reported for a photon source. The advance is a step toward practical, ultrasecure quantum communications and useful for certain types of metrology.

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.

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.

New tool measures children's own health perceptions

A new tool, CHIP-CE, assesses child health from their own perspective, predicting future healthcare use. The questionnaire is designed for ages 6-11 and has been shown to be reliable and valid in diverse areas of the US.

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.

Scientists find HIV-blocking protein in monkeys

Researchers at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute have identified a protein, TRIM5-alpha, that blocks HIV replication in monkey cells. This discovery opens new avenues for intervening in early HIV infection and provides critical insights into viral uncoating, a little understood step in the viral lifecycle.

Large diamonds made from gas are the hardest yet

Researchers at Carnegie Institution grow synthetic brilliant cut single-crystal diamonds with ultrahigh pressures, breaking measuring equipment. The crystals are up to 50% harder than conventional diamonds, offering a breakthrough in materials science.

Researchers discover new family of Atlantic corals in groundbreaking study

A groundbreaking study reveals a previously undetected divergence between Pacific and Atlantic corals, finding that about one-third of Atlantic corals constitute their own unique family. This discovery highlights the need to reconsider current conservation efforts due to the severe threats faced by this distinct group.

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.

Dana-Farber scientists discover natural blocker of HIV-1 virus

Researchers have identified TRIM5-alpha as a natural blocker of the HIV-1 virus, which could lead to new strategies for preventing infection that causes AIDS. The protein is found in human cells but is less effective than the monkey version, and its potency may vary among individuals.

Adolescent brains show reduced reward anticipation

Researchers found adolescents exhibit lower activation in brain regions motivating behavior toward rewards, but similar responses to obtaining gains. The study resolves debates about adolescent reward processing and may explain why many young people struggle with long-term goals.

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.

Embryonic pig cell transplants halt rat diabetes

Scientists successfully transplanted embryonic pig pancreas cells into rats with diabetes, halting the disease without immune suppression drugs. The breakthrough could lead to a new treatment option for humans, bypassing challenges associated with human insulin-producing cells.

Astonishing discovery over the Amazonian rain forest

Researchers found that isoprene emitted by forest vegetation forms hygroscopic compounds affecting cloud formation, rainfall, and climate. The discovery demonstrates a link between isoprene emissions and water-soluble fine particles.

Purdue chemists 'put the twist' on protein building block

Researchers at Purdue University have precisely determined the energies needed to twist a molecule called tryptamine, which is closely related to serotonin and melatonin. This breakthrough could provide new insights into protein folding and lead to new approaches to develop computer memory devices.

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.

Marine sponges provide model for nanoscale materials production

Researchers have discovered a way to harness biomolecular mechanisms in marine sponges to produce semiconductors and photovoltaic materials. The discovery represents a low-temperature, environmentally friendly route to nanostructural fabrication of valuable materials.

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.

Antibiotic provides promise in treatment of spinal cord injuries

Researchers at Boston Children's Hospital found that minocycline reduces later-stage tissue loss by blocking mitochondrial cytochrome c release, potentially improving quality of life for those with spinal cord injuries. The study suggests a novel post-trauma strategy using a safe, FDA-approved drug.

Ethical review of research in developing countries needed

A study highlights the need for further thinking on research conducted in developing countries, where a majority of studies were not reviewed by local institutional boards. The survey found that 44% of respondents believed their studies were not reviewed, with concerns about cultural appropriateness and language consent forms.

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.

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.

St. Jude/Mayo Clinic study finds direct link between CBP gene and lymphoma

A new study by St. Jude/Mayo Clinic researchers found a direct link between the CBP gene and lymphoma development in mice, with the loss of CBP promoting T-cell lymphoma and cooperating with reduced p27Kip1 protein levels. The study suggests that CBP plays a role in cancer development despite normal p53 activity.

Scientists raise caution about effects of HRT on hearing

Researchers found that hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can lead to poorer hearing performance in women, especially in noisy environments. The study involved 32 women who had received HRT and compared their hearing with 32 women who had not.

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.

Asia's bear-sized catfish are disappearing

The giant catfish, a migratory species in Southeast Asia, is facing extinction due to the destruction of its habitats. Conservation efforts are underway to protect this vital species and the ecosystem it supports.

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.

International critical care doctors release first-ever guidelines for sepsis

Critical care doctors have released the first-ever guidelines for sepsis, recommending more aggressive recognition and diagnosis, timely antibiotic therapy, and maintenance of adequate blood pressure. The guidelines aim to standardize clinical management of severe sepsis and reduce mortality rate by 25 percent.

Cell cycle research earns biologist Virginia's top scientist award

Virginia Tech biologist Virginia Tyson earns top scientist award for his work in computational cell biology and mathematical models of molecular mechanisms controlling cellular growth and division. His research aims to understand and treat medical problems caused by molecular dys-regulation, such as cancer and nerve-cell regeneration.

Thawing subarctic permafrost increases greenhouse gas emissions

The study found significant increases in methane emissions from thawing permafrost in Abisko, Sweden, potentially accelerating climate warming. Methane emissions have risen by up to 60% since 1970, with the ecosystem's sensitivity to temperature changes being rapid and dynamic.

Coexistence of identical competitors: an old doctrine challenged

Researchers propose a mechanism that helps uncommon species coexist with identical competitors, aligning with discoveries of cryptic fig wasp species. The evolutionary local mate competition theory is tested, revealing a demographic advantage to uncommon species.

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.

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.

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.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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