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Science News Archive 2004


Page 77 of 135

Canine word-learning research published in Science

A German Border collie named Rico demonstrated a vocabulary size comparable to that of language-trained apes, dolphins, sea lions, and parrots. The dog learned the names of unfamiliar toys after just one exposure, using fast mapping abilities similar to those seen in human language acquisition.

UO researchers learn to precisely control nanoparticle spacing

Researchers at the University of Oregon have developed a method to organize small gold nanoparticles into linear chains with controlled interparticle spacing, essential for creating electronic and optical applications. The technique uses DNA as a template and has high reproducibility, tolerance for structural defects, and high yield.

Enzyme containing selenium may promote type 2 diabetes

A recent study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that overexpressing a selenium-containing enzyme in mice led to insulin resistance and obesity. The researchers suggest that antioxidants, like selenium, may be harmful by neutralizing free radicals necessary for insulin signaling.

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 research shows that the seasons may be involved in onset of menopause

Research suggests a link between seasonal variations and the timing of menopause, with spring and autumn equinoxes showing a significant peak in menstrual cycle cessation. The study's findings support the idea that environmental factors play a role in regulating female reproductive functions during declining fertility.

Yoga reduces fatigue in MS patients, OHSU study finds

A randomized controlled trial found that yoga is as effective as aerobic exercise in improving measures of fatigue in multiple sclerosis patients. The study also showed improvements in physical health and quality of life among participants.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Study suggests how Alzheimer's patients can be trained

Researchers found that older adults with Alzheimer's symptoms can still use implicit memory to perform tasks, similar to young adults. By training these individuals using repetition and practice, their performance can be improved, according to a new study.

Astronomers detect molecular nitrogen outside Solar System

The detection of molecular nitrogen in interstellar clouds promises to enhance our knowledge of interstellar chemistry and the formation of planets. FUSE, a satellite-telescope designed at Johns Hopkins, allowed astronomers to probe dense clouds where N2 is expected to be dominant.

All ecosystems are equally productive under drought conditions

Researchers found that under drought conditions, tropical forests and desert ecosystems have similar maximum rain-use efficiency, a measure of total plant growth per unit of precipitation. This discovery indicates an upper limit to ecosystem productivity, which may impact climate change scenarios.

Study of proteins offers insights into organization of biological networks

Researchers have identified two types of hub proteins, 'party' and 'date', which interact with partner proteins in different ways. The study's findings suggest that removing non-hub proteins has little effect, while eliminating hubs causes a significant increase in connection length, implying a more complex network structure.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Oldest Antarctic ice core reveals climate history

The oldest Antarctic ice core has been analyzed, revealing eight ice ages and warmer periods over the past 740,000 years. The study's findings suggest that without human influence, the present warm period could last at least another 15,000 years.

How brain gives special resonance to emotional memories

A new study found that the brain's amygdala interacts with memory-related brain regions during emotional memory formation, contributing to its emotional resonance. The researchers discovered a significant correlation between activity in emotion- and memory-related brain regions during emotional memory formation.

Human subjects play mind games

A breakthrough in brain-machine interface technique uses electrocorticographic (ECoG) activity to record brain surface signals, enabling humans to control computers with their minds. The study achieved high accuracy rates and promises potential applications in prosthetic limb control for individuals with disabilities.

Drunken worms reveal a genetic basis of alcohol response

Scientists have identified a genetic basis for alcohol response in roundworms, discovering that subtle variations in the NPR-1 gene affect tolerance. The study found that strains with higher levels of NPR-1 protein exhibit reduced ability to recover from alcohol exposure.

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 genetic risk factor for colon cancer identified

A novel mutant gene variant of MLH1 significantly increases the risk of colon cancer among Israeli patients, with a 40-percent lifetime risk. Researchers discovered the gene in Sephardic and Ashkenazi Jews, Muslim and Christian Arabs, and other ethnic groups, suggesting its widespread presence globally.

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.

Alzheimer's may leave some forms of memory intact

Scientists discovered that certain brain systems remain intact in individuals with Alzheimer's disease, enabling the retention of implicit memory capabilities. Structured training programs may be an effective approach to improving cognitive function.

Low-cost robot could locate land mines in rugged terrain

A low-cost robotic vehicle has been designed to detect land mines in rough terrain, marking their location with a spray of paint. The device can be controlled from up to 500 feet away and is estimated to cost $1,000 or less, including detection sensors.

Exercise more critical than calcium for adolescent bones

A recent study suggests that exercise is the predominant lifestyle determinant of bone strength in young women, with daily calcium intake showing little impact on adult bone mass. The research found that physical activity accounted for between 16% and 22% of variation in hip bone mineral density and bending strength.

Why grandparents prefer certain kin to others

A study published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology found that maternal grandmothers are closer to their grandchildren than other grandparents. The researchers discovered that preferential investment stems from genetic uncertainty, with maternal grandmothers being the closest followed by paternal grandfathers.

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.

Top quark measurements give 'God particle' new lease on life

Physicists have developed a new method to calculate top quark mass with improved precision, allowing researchers to explore the previously inaccessible energy range of the Higgs boson. This breakthrough could lead to a better understanding of how particles acquire mass and solve one of science's great conundrums.

Team set to upgrade weather station on Mt. McKinley

A team led by Tohru Saito will install an upgraded weather station on Mt. McKinley, measuring relative humidity, barometric pressure, and wind speed from an outcrop at 19,000 feet elevation. The station will transmit data every 30 minutes to IARC and be available worldwide.

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.

New way to tally death risk for heart patients could ease worry

Researchers developed a simple, pocket-sized risk-prediction tool to calculate the chances of dying within six months for patients after a heart attack or unstable chest pain episode. The tool combines nine variables and has been proven accurate in predicting patient outcomes.

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.

Health education PhD program ranked one of top in nation

The University of South Florida's (USF) PhD program in health education has been ranked one of the top programs in the nation, according to a recent study. The program excelled in both student and faculty variables, including publications, editorships, and external research funding.

LARGE protein can overcome defects in some types of muscular dystrophy

Researchers found that expressing LARGE protein in cells from patients with distinct gene defects can restore alpha-dystroglycan's ability to bind to the extracellular matrix, leading to improved muscle structure and function. This approach may have clinical benefits for patients with muscular dystrophy.

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.

'Safe' levels of lead, cadmium may raise risk of peripheral artery disease

Research found that adults with high blood concentrations of lead or cadmium were almost three times more likely to develop peripheral artery disease, a condition similar to coronary artery disease. The study suggests that low-level exposure to these metals may be problematic in terms of cardiovascular disease risk.

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

Biogeosciences.org launches

The new web site features a discussion forum, image gallery, and interviews with prominent researchers discussing the state of the science. It also includes information on degree programs, funding opportunities, and conferences, making it a valuable resource for biogeoscience enthusiasts and professionals.

Key theory of galaxy formation no longer conflicts with observations

Astrophysicists have found a solution to the long-standing problem of dwarf galaxies in supercomputer simulations, validating the cold dark matter theory. The new simulations suggest that small dwarf galaxies could have been more massive in the past and formed stars before being consumed by larger galaxies.

Obesity in developing countries compares to U.S. yo-yo dieting

A University of Michigan researcher suggests that obesity in developing nations is a result of the body's attempts to cope with childhood malnourishment. The phenomenon is similar to yo-yo dieting, where dieters who have deprived themselves gain weight at faster rates than non-dieters when they begin eating normally again.

Age, race and sex disparity found in cancer research trial participation

The study found that cancer research participation is low across all patient groups, particularly among the elderly, racial and ethnic minorities, and women. The analysis of data from the National Cancer Institute Clinical Trial Cooperative Group revealed significant disparities in trial enrollment rates by age, sex, and racial/ethnic ...

Many cancer patients turn to complementary therapies for healing

The study found that 85% of cancer patients use prayer as a common non-medical therapy for healing, while 25% change their diets or use mega-vitamins to improve their health. Patients often don't discuss these therapies with their doctors due to communication gaps.

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.

Researchers seek clues to healing radiation scars

A small clinical trial showed that 22 out of 27 patients experienced improvement in symptoms such as weakness and pain after taking pentoxifylline for eight weeks. Researchers believe the drug may help reduce inflammation and improve quality of life for those with radiation fibrosis.

Nanotechnology pioneer slays 'grey goo' myths

A new paper by Chris Phoenix and K. Eric Drexler argues that self-replication is not necessary for building an efficient molecular manufacturing system, contrary to previous understanding. Instead, simple robot-arms in larger factories are a more practical solution.

National study shows 82 percent of U.S. homes have mouse allergens

A recent study by Cohn et al. found that 82 percent of U.S. homes contain mouse allergens, with kitchen floors being the most contaminated area. The study, conducted across the entire country, highlights the need for clinicians to consider rodent and cockroach problems as risk factors when treating allergy and asthma patients.

Four tourist destinations named best worldwide

The winners operate in the UAE, Australia, Barbados, and Indonesia, showcasing a balance between tourism and nature conservation. The awards recognize companies making significant contributions to protecting natural areas, cultural heritage, and promoting sustainable tourism.

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.

Need sex? It's probably something about stress

In Volvox carteri, colonies become sexual when exposed to high temperatures, releasing pheromones to guarantee mating partners. This response is linked to the activation of the sex-inducer gene, which promotes the production of a pheromone in reaction to increased oxidants produced by free radicals.

Keeping your peas and carrots safe to eat

A recent study highlights the importance of implementing sanitary growing and harvesting conditions worldwide to reduce the risk of human disease outbreaks linked to fresh produce. Plant pathologists emphasize the need for good quality irrigation water and sanitary worker conditions, particularly as international imports increase.

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.

Why calcium improves a high-temperature superconductor

Researchers at Brookhaven National Laboratory found that adding calcium to a high-temperature superconductor increases its ability to carry electric current. The study used a YBCO bicrystal and transmission electron microscope to visualize the effects of calcium doping on grain boundaries, revealing a 35% increase in current flow.

Choice of food helps hungry caterpillar

Researchers found that a caterpillar's adaptation to a specific fruit's chemical composition allows it to survive without triggering the plant's defense mechanism, providing a stable food supply. This unique dietary preference also shields the caterpillar from parasites, enabling it to thrive in an otherwise hostile environment.