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Science News Archive 2004


Page 16 of 135

Elephants in space

The Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) is using high-tech satellite maps to count and track endangered species, including elephants and giraffes. The project aims to help conserve wildlife populations living in hard-to-reach locations, such as the Serengeti and South America.

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.

Cocaine addicts show reduced brain structure that underlies judgment

Researchers found a significant reduction in amygdala volume in cocaine addicts compared to nonaddicts, suggesting a possible predisposition to addiction. The study's findings indicate that the condition may pre-exist addiction and could be linked to difficulties in identifying potential negative outcomes.

How receptors govern inflammatory pain

Researchers found that AMPA receptors play a crucial role in regulating nerve cell responses to pain stimulation during inflammatory conditions. The study showed that mice with increased or decreased permeability of AMPA channels exhibited distinct pain responses to heat and mechanical pressure on inflamed paws.

A puzzle posed by black-headed ducks yields to persistent biologists

Researchers found that black-headed duck eggs are often rejected from host nests of red-gartered and red-fronted coot species, which employ defenses against their own species' brood parasites. This rejection is due to coots' adaptations to counter intraspecific brood parasitism, leaving the ducks evolutionarily stranded.

Ultrasound-aided therapy better than stroke drug alone, trial finds

A recent study found that combining ultrasound with tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA) therapy significantly improves outcomes for patients suffering from ischemic strokes. The results show a 49% increase in dramatic clinical improvement and significant blockage reduction compared to traditional t-PA treatment alone.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

All chronic sinusitis is not created equal, study finds

Researchers identified four severity classifications of chronic rhinosinusitis, including patients with polyps and high levels of eosinophils having the worst disease. The study suggests using a 'fingerprint of inflammation' obtained from a simple blood test to categorize patients and guide treatment.

MRI identifies cause of salt damage in cultural heritage

Researchers used MRI to study salt crystallisation in model systems and found that it causes damage in materials with small pores. The study provides new insights into the mechanism behind salt damage in building materials and stones.

AGU journal highlights - 17 November 2004

Research papers in Geophysical Research Letters highlight advancements in measuring ocean conveyor belt circulation, tracing large-scale pollution from space, analyzing the energy of strong thunderstorms, and improving space weather predictions using recent satellite data.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

An apple a day could protect against brain-cell damage

A study by Cornell University researchers found that apple phenolic extracts can protect nerve cells from oxidative stress. Quercetin, a major flavanoid in apples, was shown to be the most effective antioxidant in protecting against neurotoxicity induced by hydrogen peroxide.

Mutations in a multifunctional protein cause parkinsonism

Researchers found a mutation in the LRRK2 gene that plays a central role in developing Parkinson's disease and other neurodegenerative disorders. The discovery has major implications for understanding mechanisms of these diseases and potentially leading to curative treatments.

Location of body fat may be important in disability risk

Research suggests that abdominal fat is more closely associated with disability than overall body fat, even among normal-weight individuals. The study, which followed over 16,000 participants for nine years, found that high levels of abdominal fat increased the risk of difficulty performing daily tasks.

To weigh less, eat more

Researchers from Penn State found that eating more water-rich foods and choosing reduced-fat options can lead to significant weight loss. In two studies, obese women who followed low-energy-density diets lost an average of 21 pounds compared to those on restricted fat intake diets.

Most seniors switch doctors only if forced

A recent study found that nearly 14% of seniors change physicians in a single year, with most doing so involuntarily. Maintaining continuity of care with a primary care physician is associated with better health outcomes at lower costs.

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.

Grant to study why teens smoke

A multidisciplinary team of investigators will track adolescent smoking patterns and predictors, including emotional well-being and social interactions, to identify factors influencing teen smoking behaviors. The study aims to improve prevention and treatment programs for teen smokers.

Rice engineers demo first T-ray endoscope

Researchers at Rice University developed a new wave guide technology that enables terahertz sensing capabilities in confined spaces. This innovation could aid applications such as explosive detection, cancer screening, and quality control, offering unique advantages over existing technologies.

Tide of new nurses rises but shortages still loom large

A recent study reveals that while there has been an increase in the number of new nurses entering the workforce, the nursing shortage is still far from being solved. The research suggests that a significant expansion in the number of graduates from baccalaureate programs will be needed to meet future demands.

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.

How running made us human

Researchers argue that running played a key role in human evolution, favoring the survival of early humans who could cover long distances. The study identified 26 traits that enhanced running ability, such as leg and foot structure and skeletal features that make the body stronger and more stable.

Hong Kong think tank calls for pollution standards

A new study found that fine particulate matter in Hong Kong's air is four times the U.S. standard, with significant contributions from industrial activity in Guangdong Province, China. The think tank recommends implementing emission controls and upgrading vehicle standards to reduce pollution levels.

Plankton cool the southern hemisphere

Phytoplankton distribution varies between hemispheres, with greater impact on climate in southern hemisphere due to higher DMS flux and species producing more DMS. The effect of plankton on Earth's temperature is small compared to other compounds like carbon dioxide and CFCs.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Army-funded effort examines androgen's role in bone loss

A four-year project aims to understand how androgen influences the skeleton, with potential implications for stress fracture prevention and treating osteoporosis. The study examines the effects of androgen therapy on bone health in both men and women.

Penn State receives funds to investigate mine voids

Penn State researchers are conducting a project to develop a technique for detecting mine voids using seismic signals. The initiative aims to locate and record voids near existing coal mine tunnels, which could help prevent flooding incidents like the Quecreek disaster.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

New protein identified in development of lung cancer

Researchers at Ohio State University have identified a new protein, Pirh2, that diminishes the activity of p53, a powerful tumor suppressor. Overexpression of Pirh2 was found in 84% of human lung cancers and 93% of mouse tumors, suggesting its potential role in cancer development.

Study links ozone, mortality in urban areas

A large-scale study conducted from 1987 to 2000 found a strong link between short-term changes in ground-level ozone and mortality in 95 urban areas, covering 40% of the US population. The study suggests that reducing daily ozone levels by 10 parts per billion could save up to 4,000 lives annually.

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.

Other highlights in the November 17 JNCI

A new study suggests that increased selenium levels in the blood are associated with a lower risk of developing colorectal adenoma recurrence. The research pooled data from three randomized trials and found that participants in the highest quartile for blood selenium levels had a 34% decreased risk of developing a new adenoma.

Building a tree of life needs less 'wood'

Researchers constructed a phylogenetic tree using only 16,000 protein and DNA sequences from green plants, demonstrating the power of data-driven approaches in biology. By leveraging sequence databases, scientists can now refine their understanding of biodiversity with greater precision.

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.

Multipurpose nanocables invented

Researchers at UC Davis have developed multipurpose nanocables that can detect the quantity of toxins in a sample, allowing for more accurate measurements. These nanocables also enable the creation of large surface area arrays, which could be used to efficiently capture sunlight and improve solar cell efficiency.

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.

Pediatricians wary about recommending complementary therapies

A survey of pediatricians found that only a few were knowledgeable about complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) therapies, with most citing concerns about side effects or delays in seeking medical care. Despite this, 87% of patients had asked their pediatrician about CAM therapies in the past three months.

Study shows how takeover bids change stock prices of firms

Researchers found that about one-quarter of stock prices rise above the initial bid price, suggesting investors are savvy in pricing target firm stocks. The study also showed that market speculation spreads can predict deal duration and final prices.

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.

Brain's nicotine receptors also target for anti-depressants

Research suggests that nicotine receptors in the brain play a crucial role in antidepressant medication's effectiveness. The study found that blocking these receptors can accelerate emotional relief, particularly for patients who are suicidal or unresponsive to current treatments.

Ground-level ozone linked to increased mortality

A study of 95 US cities found that ground-level ozone is associated with a 0.52% daily increase in deaths, with an average daily ozone level of 26ppb. A 10ppb reduction in daily ozone could save nearly 4,000 lives.

Earthquake simulation network launched

The UC Davis Center for Geotechnical Modeling has been upgraded with a 30-foot radius centrifuge, enabling researchers to simulate pressures deep in the ground and study soil liquefaction during earthquakes. The network allows for remote collaboration and data sharing among researchers across the country.

Compound in apples may help fight Alzheimer's disease

A study suggests that consuming antioxidant-rich foods, particularly apples, may reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease. Quercetin, found in apples' skin, has shown stronger protective effects against neurotoxicity compared to vitamin C.

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.

Academic research leaders meet with NIH's Zerhouni

Academic leaders express frustration with restricted access to research, citing difficulties in accessing articles from NIH-funded science. A six-month delay is seen as sufficient to address concerns about publishers' costs, while a compromise between the academy and publishing industry is proposed to ensure open access.

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.

Computer assisted standing orders improve adult immunization rates

A new study found that computer-assisted standing orders for nurses resulted in significantly better adult immunization rates compared to traditional physician reminders. The study showed that 42% of patients in the standing order group received influenza vaccine, while only 30% in the physician reminder group did so.