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Science News Archive 2004


Page 86 of 135

NASA and USGS magnetic database 'rocks' the world

The combined database will help researchers determine the origin of magnetic signals in Earth's crust. With over 36,000 rock samples, it will improve our understanding of Earth's structure and development.

Distant mountains influence river levels 50 years later

Research suggests that rainfall and snowfall in distant mountains can significantly impact river levels years later, highlighting the importance of water table recharge. This phenomenon has significant implications for development in semi-arid regions, emphasizing the need for long-term planning to ensure sustainability.

Protein may reduce susceptibility to autoimmune disease

A new protein form, liCTLA-4, found to inhibit T cell responses and reduce activation. Increased expression of liCTLA-4 in resistant mice strains suggests its role in preventing T cell-mediated autoimmune diseases like type 1 diabetes.

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.

Stem cells toward sperm cells and back again

Scientists at Johns Hopkins Medicine have discovered that lost sperm-making stem cells in fruit flies can be replaced by reversing their specialized state. The team found that temperature changes can trigger a process called dedifferentiation, where more specialized cells retrace the path taken by stem cells.

Drug combo effective in advanced breast cancer

Researchers found a synergistic effect between Herceptin and chemotherapy agents, increasing tumor shrinkage in 79% of patients. The combination also showed unusually long times to progression, providing hope for improved breast cancer treatment options.

Urine protein test: A tipoff to kidney transplant rejection

Researchers identified 13 possible protein markers present in most urine samples from patients with organ rejection, but absent from those without. A urine test using a combination of biomarkers correctly identified 91% of samples, offering a risk-free and more accurate alternative to traditional kidney biopsy.

Breakthrough therapies treat Crohn's disease

Researchers have found that natalizumab and adalimumab can help maintain clinical response and remission in patients with Crohn's disease. A trial also investigated the use of helminth ova as a potential treatment, showing significant improvements in clinical response and remission.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Distant mountains influence river levels 50 years later

A computer model reveals that rainfall in New Mexico's mountains can recharge the Rio Grande River's water table after a 50-year lag. This finding has significant implications for sustainable aquifer management and river management planning.

Cutting-edge science offers improved care for liver diseases

Researchers have identified a potential new source of stem cells for treating liver damage, offering hope for improved care. The study found that umbilical cord blood cells may differentiate into functional liver cells after transplantation, providing a promising therapeutic avenue for acute and chronic liver injury therapy.

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope

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Regional review boards improve liver transplant allocation

A new study published in Liver Transplantation reveals that regional review boards effectively distinguish between high- and low-risk patients, ensuring fair organ allocation. The study also found that referring physicians have poor predictive capacity for patient mortality.

Annals of Internal Medicine, tip sheet, May 18, 2004

Two randomized trials compared low-carbohydrate diets with low-fat diets, finding improved triglyceride levels and slightly improved HDL cholesterol levels on the low-carb diet. Participants on the low-carb diet also lost more weight in the short-term study, but both groups lost similar amounts of weight in the 12-month study.

On the edge: Are we at risk of an ESRD pandemic?

A worldwide increase in diabetes is forecasted to lead to a renal disease explosion. FOSRENOL, a new phosphate binding medication, has been shown to be effective in managing hyperphosphataemia, a condition associated with ESRD. The study highlights the need for new treatments to manage serious complications of dialysis.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Toll-free road from sepsis

A new study published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation has identified an antagonistic antibody that can prevent sepsis by blocking toll-like receptor 2-driven shock-like syndromes. The discovery offers new hope for combating this deadly condition.

Scents will not rouse us from slumber, says new Brown University study

Researchers tested two scents, peppermint and pyridine, on six participants in their early 20s during different stages of sleep. No one responded to peppermint during sleep, while responses to pyridine were infrequent and non-wake-inducing. In contrast, sound consistently woke participants regardless of the sleep stage.

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.

Kidney cancer surgery safer at high-volume hospitals

A nationwide study found that patients undergoing kidney cancer surgery at high-volume hospitals have a 32% lower risk of dying compared to those at medium- and low-volume hospitals. High-volume hospitals also performed more partial nephrectomies, a procedure with equally effective cancer control.

New insights on sirtuins, involved in gene expression and aging

Scientists at The Wistar Institute discovered a binding site that, if blocked, could activate the protein to promote genomic stability and decrease cancer. By analyzing the molecular details of how sirtuins work, researchers identified potential activators using virtual libraries of molecules.

Florida frontier expedition

A team of scientists from Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institution and Florida Atlantic University are exploring never-before-seen sections of deepwater coral reefs off Florida's east coast and the Keys. They aim to discover marine creatures that produce chemicals with the potential to cure human diseases, including cancer and Alzheimer's.

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.

When 'reaper' gene comes, cell death follows

In a groundbreaking study, researchers identified the 'reaper' genes as critical components of cell death in Drosophila. The discovery opens doors to developing targeted cancer treatments by unleashing death-inducing genes specifically at unwanted cells. Ecdysone plays a crucial role in triggering this process.

ADAM: Good enzyme for Alzheimer disease

Researchers found that increased expression of ADAM10 reduced AB peptide formation and prevented plaque formation in an Alzheimer disease mouse model. This suggests that targeting alpha-secretase might be a useful therapeutic target for AD.

Chemical company earnings jump in 2004 first quarter

Demand for US chemical products increased while firms cut costs. Dow Chemical topped sales at $9.3 billion, followed by DuPont at $8 billion. DuPont led earnings with $964 million, ahead of Dow's $469 million increase in the same quarter last year.

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

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Oxygen therapy may improve vision worsened by diabetes

A study published in Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science found that breathing supplemental oxygen for three months reduced fluid buildup and swelling in the macula, and improved visual acuity in some cases. The therapy was found to reduce excess thickness of the macula by an average of 43 percent.

One step further toward treatment for degenerative diseases

Researchers at McGill University have identified a central enzyme that can sense subtle changes in protein folding, enabling the removal of misfolded proteins from cells. This discovery may lead to innovative prevention and treatment strategies for neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.

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.

Advances emerging in hepatitis management

Research has identified improved screening programs for HIV coinfection with chronic hepatitis C, as well as predictive models for inflammation and fibrosis in patients with chronic hepatitis B. These advances aim to improve treatment decisions and quality of life for affected individuals.

Land Regeneration Network celebrates first year success

The Land Regeneration Network has achieved rapid membership growth, now standing at 1250 individuals from 890 companies and organisations across Wales. The network provides a high-quality information resource and business networking events, contributing to the growing demand for clear technical information in the environmental sector.

GI health affected by consumption of coffee and carbonated drinks

Researchers found an inverse correlation between coffee and caffeine consumption and liver injury, which declined with increasing coffee drinking and caffeine intake. Carbonated soft drink consumption was also linked to a rise in esophageal adenocarcinoma rates, with a strong correlation seen between the two.

JCI table of contents, 17 May 2004

A study on transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs) and prion protein PrPSc accumulation in muscle tissue of infected rodents found that the defective form of PrPSc is present prior to clinical symptoms. The accumulation of PrPSc is greatest after clinical symptoms are well established.

Diabetes linked to increased risk of Alzheimer's in long-term study

A long-term study found that people with diabetes are at a 65% increased risk of developing Alzheimer's disease compared to those without the condition. The study also showed that cognitive decline in perceptual speed was associated with diabetes, but not other cognitive systems.

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.

Study: Low-carb diet more effective than low-fat diet

A randomized, controlled trial found that a low-carb diet with vitamin supplements led to greater weight loss, body fat reduction, and improved cholesterol levels than a low-fat diet. However, the low-carb group experienced more adverse physical effects.

Two studies weigh in on low-carb diets

Two studies found that low-carbohydrate diets led to greater weight loss in obese adults than conventional diets. The low-carb group showed improvements in triglyceride levels and better control of blood sugar for those with diabetes.

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 insight into how tumors resist radiation

New research reveals that hypoxia-inducible factor-1 (HIF-1) plays a key role in tumor cells' ability to resist radiation therapy. By understanding how this protective response is activated, scientists hope to develop effective treatments to enhance radiation's effectiveness against tumors.

Diabetics at significantly higher risk for Alzheimer's disease

Researchers from Rush University Medical Center have discovered that diabetics are at a significantly higher risk of developing Alzheimer's disease. The study, which followed over 800 Catholic nuns and priests for five years, found a 65% increase in the risk of AD among those with diabetes.

Scientists track protein linked to movement disorder

Researchers identify torsinA, a protein defective in DYT1 dystonia, and discover its role in the nuclear envelope. The study provides new insights into potential treatments for movement disorders and secondary dystonias.

Anti-clotting treatment underused at many hospitals

A study reveals that anti-clotting treatment is underused at many hospitals in the US, with significant differences between academic and community hospitals. The American Heart Association's Get With The Guidelines program aims to bridge this gap and simplify patient care.

Imaging study shows brain maturing

A decade-long brain development study using MRI scans shows that higher-order brain centers, such as the prefrontal cortex, mature later in life. Gray matter wanes in a back-to-front wave as neural connections are pruned, with areas performing basic functions maturing earlier.

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.

Hamster hamburger anyone?

Oral exposure to scrapie has been shown to lead to the deposition of pathological prion protein PrPSc in hamster muscles. This preclinical study provides new insights into the progression of prion diseases.

Body fat and its role in breast cancer

A large prospective cohort study found that body size was more strongly associated with breast cancer risk in postmenopausal women than premenopausal women. Obesity was linked to an increased risk of breast cancer in women not using hormone replacement therapy (HRT), while those on HRT with a low BMI had an increased risk.

New screening method turns up potential compound for treating anthrax

The team discovered a compound called DS-998 that shows promising activity against anthrax lethal factor in cell cultures, blocking the molecule's harmful cutting action. Mass spectrometry is used to screen a library of compounds, enabling rapid screening and reducing costs associated with drug development.

New compound may act to keep thyroid activity in check

Researchers discovered a new compound, T1 amine, that rapidly induces hypothermia, slows heart rate, and drops blood pressure in mice. This effect may provide a valuable tool to manage patients with acute hypermetabolic states, including hyperthyroidism.

GoPro HERO13 Black

GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.

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.

Research targets biologic profile of obesity

A study found that morbidly obese patients experience increased minimal distending pressure and exaggerated gastric accommodation during meals, leading to overeating and weight loss challenges. Researchers suggest addressing biological barriers differently through surgery or alternative methods.

Psychological factors may be root of back pain, say Stanford researchers

Researchers followed patients with no initial back pain and found that those with poor coping skills, chronic pain, or disputed workers' compensation claims were nearly three times more likely to develop back pain. The study suggests that treating psychological factors may be a more effective approach than surgery for some patients.