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Science News Archive 2004


Page 19 of 135

Designing an ultrasensitive 'optical nose' for chemicals

Physicists at NIST create an optical nose technique that can identify a single atom or molecule in gas samples with minute concentrations. The method uses infrared laser beams and mirrors to detect gases at very low pressures and varying frequencies.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Morphine for chest pain increases death risk

A recent analysis of over 57,000 high-risk heart attack patients found that those who received morphine had a 6.8% death rate, compared to 3.8% for those receiving nitroglycerin. Morphine use was linked to an increased risk of mortality and another heart attack in the hospital.

Shared awareness key to successful computer-supported collaboration

A new framework for assessing multi-user, computer-supported cooperative systems is proposed by researchers at Penn State. They found that students who had better awareness of their collaborators' activities were more effective in collaborating on science projects. The study introduced new system features to support improved awareness ...

Old riverbed keeps chemicals from entering Ohio River

A study by Kevin Svitana found that an underground aquifer containing toxic chemicals is being kept trapped beneath old riverbeds, preventing them from reaching the Ohio River. The unique interaction between the aquifer and river appears to be due to the presence of permeable sands and gravels in the subsurface geology.

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.

Sex-determining genes of infectious fungus resemble human Y chromosome

Researchers found that the fungal genome's sex-determining region shares similarities with the human Y chromosome, including cluster formation of functionally related genes. This discovery may provide insight into infertility in fungi and humans, as well as disease mechanisms in C. neoformans.

Adolescent gamblers often suffer psychiatric problems

A recent study reveals that adolescent gamblers are at risk of experiencing psychiatric problems, including substance use issues and depression. The research found that these issues are comparable to those faced by adult problem gamblers, highlighting the need for further examination of the impact of gambling on younger age groups.

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.

Insecticide resistance in mosquitoes being studied

Researchers are studying the genetic mutations that make mosquitoes resistant to pyrethroid pesticides, a key strategy for controlling diseases like St. Louis encephalitis and West Nile encephalitis in Texas urban areas. The study aims to develop new methods of mosquito control to prevent resistance.

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.

Ancient creature fossilized by the bacteria that ate it

Scientists at Ohio State University discovered ancient fossils of arthropods composed of tiny bacteria fossils, providing evidence of exceptional preservation. The bacteria self-fossilized, replicating the body of the animal and preserving its shape and texture.

Families who eat out pass up fruits and veggies

A study by Saint Louis University researcher Amanda Harrod found that 73% of young families in Missouri's bootheel don't consume enough fruits and vegetables. Parents who eat out frequently also tend to have less produce at home, often due to a lack of taste preference.

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.

Controversies regarding ovarian cancer treatments addressed

A review of ovarian cancer treatment controversies highlights potential caveats in the current standard first-line therapy. The study suggests that optimal management questions remain, including the effectiveness of doublet platinum-cyclophosphamide and higher doses.

Intervention boosts activity in kids, especially minorities

A school-based intervention increased vigorous physical activities and decreased sedentary behaviors among African-American children, particularly girls. The study found a significant increase in high-intensity physical activities and a decrease in sedentary behaviors after the eight-week PE program.

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.

MicroRNA study points to novel path for treating diabetes

A team of researchers has discovered that microRNA miR-375 regulates insulin secretion, opening up new avenues for understanding and treating diabetes. The study's findings define a biological function for a mammalian microRNA gene and highlight the importance of collaboration between computation and experiment in modern biology.

News tips for Wednesday, November 10, 2004

Researchers found that masked hypertension, a blood pressure condition where patients have lower office readings but higher 24-hour averages, poses an independent risk for target organ damage. Emotion-cognitive variables play a significant role in how patients appraise the seriousness of their heart attack symptoms.

Drug may hinder recovery from heart attacks

Researchers at the University of Alberta have discovered that certain non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as celecoxib, can inhibit bicarbonate transporters, compromising the body's ability to balance pH in cells. This can negatively impact recovery from heart attacks.

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.

High doses of vitamin E supplements do more harm than good

Research suggests that high doses of vitamin E supplements may increase the risk of death from any cause, with no benefit found at doses of 200 IU per day or less. The analysis, which included findings from 14 studies, found that taking greater than 400 IU of vitamin E per day increases mortality risk by about 10 percent.

Keck zooms in on the weird weather of Uranus

The new Keck images capture unusual weather phenomena on Uranus, including a big southern hemisphere storm feature that seesaws over 5 degrees of latitude. The complex cloud formations vary dramatically in size, brightness, and longevity, with some dissipating completely within a month.

Reassuring findings from first study on sperm donor identification

A study of 29 adolescents who had been conceived through 'open-identity' sperm donors found that all but one young person had a neutral or positive response to their origins. The majority expressed curiosity about their donor and sought a connection, not a paternal relationship. This finding contradicts stereotypes and suggests that op...

Mouse model gives insight to human hair loss

Researchers developed a mouse model that replicates human adult onset alopecia areata, shedding light on the disease's complicated genetic basis involving multiple genes. The study provides insights into treating AA and other complex polygenic diseases.

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.

Following heart care guidelines saves lives

A study analyzing hospital adherence to treatment guidelines and mortality rates found that hospitals following guidelines had a 37% decline in death rates, while those with worsened care saw a 3.1% increase. This suggests that quality improvement initiatives can significantly save lives.

Senior citizens at risk for pneumonia

A three-year study of over 46,000 seniors in Washington state found that peak CAP rates coincide with flu season and are more common among men. Quitting smoking and getting influenza vaccinations can reduce the risk of pneumonia, while other factors like heart problems and dementia increase vulnerability.

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.

Award will help unlock mysteries of one of Earth's most important organisms

The $4.1 million award will enable Dr. Virginia Armbrust to study the importance of phytoplankton in mediating global warming through their genomic sequences and community interactions. This research aims to understand how changes in the environment impact phytoplankton abundance, which is crucial for predicting climate change effects.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Monitoring life, one breath at a time

Researchers have developed a transistor that fuses carbon nanotubes with polymers to create a capnography sensor detecting subtle changes in CO2 concentrations. This technology may provide a new tool for emergency responders to monitor patients' respiratory patterns and verify breathing tube placement.

Leading tobacco manufacturer conceals links to tobacco research facility

Researchers found that Philip Morris used a German-based research facility to study the health effects of tobacco smoke in the early 1970s. The company allegedly concealed this information from the public and even within its own executives, publishing only selective results that supported the industry's interests.

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.

University health study identifies undiagnosed diabetics

A University of Edinburgh health study found that people with previously undiagnosed diabetes are at a similar increased risk of death from cardiovascular disease as those with known diabetes. The researchers suggest using simple fasting blood sugar tests to identify individuals at high risk of heart disease and stroke.

Heavy drinking raises the risk of early death after heart attack

Binge drinking was associated with a 73% higher death rate after heart attacks compared to non-binging patients. The study also found that survivors who binged during the year prior to their heart attack were 1.91 times more likely to die of any cause in the next several years.

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.

The blotchier the face, the better the wasp

Researchers found that wasps with broken-up facial patterns signal their quality and status. Those who don't signal honestly receive social sanctions, including harassment from dominant wasps. The study provides conclusive evidence that dishonest visual signals have a social cost in the wasp world.

American ethnic groups less likely to have cholesterol controlled

Researchers found that Hispanic Americans were 36% less likely than non-Hispanic whites to have properly controlled cholesterol, while Chinese Americans showed no difference. Treatment was often insufficient to meet recommended goals, with only 22% of patients who qualified for medication having their LDL cholesterol under control.

New research results: 'Heart jacket' shown to be effective

The CorCap Cardiac Support Device has been found to significantly improve heart function and reduce the likelihood of needing a heart transplant in patients with moderate to severe heart failure. The device is an investigational mesh-like 'heart jacket' that prevents further enlargement during chest surgery.

Polaroid sunglasses let astronomers take a closer look at Black Holes

Scientists have developed a new method to isolate the light from compact regions of black holes using polaroid filters. This allows them to focus on the area surrounding the black hole, revealing new signals such as the 'Balmer edge' feature that provides information about material properties.

Study supports the use of mechanical assistance

A recent study supports the use of mechanical assistance as a standard of care for treating acute and chronic heart failure, particularly in high-risk patients. The findings have implications for funding artificial heart programs, increasing access to this life-saving treatment.

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.

Drug-eluting stents adopted quickly, with early disparities

Researchers found drug-eluting stents were used quickly, with a high rate of 'off-label' usage, particularly among older patients, African-Americans and those without insurance. The study suggests the need for randomized clinical trials to study long-term safety and effectiveness.

Rogue finger gene got bats airborne

A study on bats revealed a key region of growth plate that allowed digits to grow longer, suggesting rapid evolution. Genetic studies show that bats are closest to ferungulates, not primates or shrews.

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.

Research effort seeks A's to gene expression Q's

Gene expression is a complex process that translates genetic information into biological activity, impacting various diseases. NIST's Metrology for Gene Expression Program aims to evaluate and standardize microarray analysis techniques to ensure quality and comparability.