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Science News Archive April 2004


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GlaxoSmithKline Drug Discovery and Development Research Grant Program 2004

The GlaxoSmithKline Drug Discovery and Development Research Grant Program provides funding for HIV/AIDS research, focusing on novel therapies, vaccines, and microbicides. Researchers can apply for grants ranging from $25,000 to $150,000 to develop innovative treatments and submit proposals for publication.

Bacterial infection may cause or worsen asthma attacks in children

A recent study suggests that mycoplasma bacterial infections may cause or exacerbate asthma attacks in children. The research found that nearly half of children experiencing their first asthma attack were infected with mycoplasma. Testing for mycoplasma infection in asthmatic children could help prevent future attacks.

American Thoracic Society Journal news tips for May 2004 (first issue)

A study found that furosemide inhalation alleviated severe breathlessness in patients with moderate to severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Additionally, researchers developed a new model for neonatal bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) using nasal continuous positive airway pressure (nCPAP) therapy.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

John Alderete honored with 2004 William A. Hinton Award

John Alderete, a renowned microbiologist, has been recognized with the 2004 William A. Hinton Research Training Award for his tireless efforts to promote diversity in science. He is celebrated for mentoring dozens of graduate students and underrepresented minority groups, offering valuable advice and career opportunities.

Marian Johnson-Thompson wins 2004 Alice C. Evans Award

Johnson-Thompson is recognized for her dedication to mentoring and increasing diversity in the field of microbiology. She has initiated various outreach initiatives, including a poster highlighting the contributions of women microbiologists.

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.

Kiratisin wins 2004 Dade MicroScan Young Investigator Award

Kiratisin's work introduces a novel technique for identifying viridans group streptococci, which can be misclassified by traditional methods. His research has essential clinical implications, particularly in treating infections caused by these organisms.

In male monkeys, too much soy has adverse effects

Researchers found that long-term consumption of high amounts of isoflavones can alter patterns of agonistic and social behavior in primates, including increased aggressive and submissive behavior. The study suggests careful attention must be taken to balance beneficial and potentially adverse effects of soy consumption.

Solving the mystery of the dancer mice, and cleft lip too

A team of researchers discovered a specific genetic mutation, Tbx10, responsible for causing cleft lip and palate in mice. This finding suggests that similar mutations may exist in humans, shedding light on the complex development of facial features.

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.

Missing chemical important to air pollution estimates

Researchers at Penn State have found a missing chemical that plays a significant role in ozone and aerosol production in the lower atmosphere. The discovery was made through a two-year study of hydroxyl radical reactivity in a forested area, which found that a temperature-dependent chemical was reacting with the hydroxyl radical.

Betty Ann Forbes wins 2004 ASM Founders Award

Betty Ann Forbes has made significant impacts in clinical microbiology and education through her extensive research, publication programs, and editorial work. Her leadership roles in the American Board of Medical Microbiology and esteemed journal publications have earned her a respected reputation among microbiologists nationwide.

Scientists report how protons induce water cages

Researchers at Yale University confirm the formation of dodecahedral water cages but find no evidence of the Eigen species. The study uses experimental techniques and supercomputers to determine how water molecules interconnect to form these cages, which play a crucial role in biological processes.

John Sherris receives 2004 Abmm/Abmli Professional Recognition Award

John Sherris is recognized for his tireless advocacy and leadership in clinical microbiology, including development of standardized susceptibility testing. He also holds an honorary medical degree from Karolinska Institute and has published a highly regarded textbook on medical microbiology.

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.

Leslie Ann Schiff wins 2004 Carski Foundation Award

Schiff's dedication to undergraduate education has led to numerous student awards and publications, as well as her election to the University of Minnesota's Academy of Distinguished Teachers. Her commitment to excellence in teaching and mentoring is recognized through the Carski Foundation Award.

Jennie Hunter-Cevera wins 2004 USFCC/J. Roger Porter Award

Jennie Hunter-Cevera is a renowned microbiologist who has made significant contributions to the field through her innovative techniques for isolating and screening microorganisms. Her work has led to the discovery of new species, enzymes, and products, including antimicrobial, anticancer, and novel herbicidal properties.

Historian reveals identity badges, not cards, were compulsory in the 1600s

In the 16th century, identity badges were issued to the poor as a stamp of approval and to prevent begging. The badges were designed to distinguish those deemed deserving from unworthy individuals. By the late 17th century, badging became compulsory in England, with penalties for those who refused to wear them.

Ferré-D'amaré wins 2004 Eli Lilly and Company Research Award

Ferré-D'Amaré's groundbreaking research on RNA crystallization and ribozymes has significantly advanced the understanding of molecular structures in living organisms. He developed new techniques to obtain RNA crystals, enabling detailed studies of RNA-protein interactions and biochemical functions.

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.

Research links magnetism, gamma-ray burst phenomenon

The study reveals that strong magnetic fields accelerate particles near the speed of light, radiating as gamma rays. The research suggests a new mechanism for gamma-ray burst formation, potentially resolving long-standing scientific debates.

Discovery helps explain how cells package DNA

Researchers at Ohio State University have made a breakthrough in understanding how cells package DNA, with implications for cancer research and new therapies. A newly discovered protein, Hif1p, works with an enzyme complex to add histone proteins to DNA, forming chromatin.

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.

Campbell wins 2004 Abbott-ASM Lifetime Achievement Award

Campbell's work on bacteriophage lambda demonstrated the relationship between its genome and host, leading to key findings in genetic and biochemical studies of site-specific recombination. His extensive contributions also include discovery of nonsense mutations, bacterial gene regulation, and microbial population dynamics research.

Alice S. Weissfeld wins 2004 bioMérieux Sonnenwirth Award

Weissfeld's work on policy issues has had a significant impact on the profession of clinical microbiology. She chairs ASM's Professional Affairs Committee and serves on various committees reviewing legislation affecting microbiology laboratory practice.

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.

Enoxaparin prevents stillbirth in pregnant women with clotting disorder

A study of 160 pregnant women with genetic risk factors for thrombophilia found that enoxaparin significantly reduced pregnancy loss compared to low-dose aspirin. Women taking enoxaparin had a normal live birth rate of 86% and healthy newborns, while those on aspirin suffered more pregnancy losses.

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.

Gene mutations predict which lung cancers will respond to Iressa

Researchers at MGH Cancer Center found that specific gene mutations in the EGFR gene predict responsiveness to Iressa, a targeted therapy that causes tumors to shrink significantly. The discovery will help determine which patients benefit from Iressa and potentially lead to new targeted therapies.

Early signs that adult bone-marrow stem cells could regenerate brain tissue

A recent study by Dr. Edward Scott and colleagues found that donor cells containing a Y chromosome were present in the brains of three women up to 6 years after bone marrow transplantation. This suggests that bone marrow could be used as a therapeutic source of readily harvestable cells for nerve cell regeneration.

Merging hearing technologies sounds good to researcher

King Chung's research shows that combining hearing aid technologies with cochlear implants reduces background noise, enhances speech understanding, and improves sound quality. Cochlear implant users prefer conditions with advanced hearing aid preprocessing.

Science in the clouds

Researchers use a NASA WB-57 research jet to examine icy cirrus clouds, aiming to understand their warming and cooling effects on Earth's climate. The Middle Latitude Cirrus Experiment gathers detailed information to improve computer simulations of future climate change.

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.

Smoking increases papillomavirus risk in HIV-infected women

HIV-infected women are 3.9 times more likely to have HPV infection at the outset of the study, and smoking significantly increases this risk. Smoking and HIV infection may each alter the natural history of HPV infection to heighten tumor risk.

Researchers describe long-perplexing 'magic spot' on bacteria

Researchers have discovered a molecule called ppGpp that plays a crucial role in regulating bacterial gene expression and survival. When amino acid levels are low, ppGpp accumulates and shuts down protein synthesis, allowing the cell to go dormant until conditions improve.

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.

Technique plucks rapidly evolving genes from a pathogen's genome

Researchers developed a novel method to pinpoint rapidly evolving genes in pathogens, revealing potential drug targets for tuberculosis and malaria. The technique analyzes genome sequences to identify genes under selective pressure, allowing for the discovery of previously unknown genes.

Mid-life heart disease risk factors linked to dementia in late-life

Researchers linked mid-life heart disease risk factors to increased dementia risk later in life. The study of over 11,000 participants found that those with four key risk factors had nearly three times the chance of developing dementia compared to those with none. Presence of each risk factor added a 20-40% greater risk for developing ...

What it Takes: Design principles to broaden participation in SET

The report evaluates nine effective programs and eleven that warrant further research, highlighting the importance of defined outcomes, sustained commitment, personalization, challenging content, engaged adults, and educators' roles. These design principles aim to increase participation in STEM fields among underrepresented groups.

Study: Height loss screen ultimately could reduce hip fractures

A recent study found that height loss of between 2-3 inches increases the risk of hip osteoporosis by nearly fourfold. Researchers suggest a simple evaluation of height can help physicians decide whether patients should undergo a bone density scan to check for osteoporosis.

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.

Increased HIV risk for women with violent male partners

A South African study found that women experiencing gender-based violence are more likely to contract HIV due to abusive partners imposing risky sexual practices. The research highlights the need for effective interventions to address social constructions of masculinity and intimate partner violence in relation to HIV risk.

HIV transmission is heightened during acute infection

Research found a direct correlation between viral levels in blood and semen, with acutely infected individuals being hyper-infectious before symptoms occur. Transmission rates during heterosexual sex are likely to be much higher than previously thought during this period.

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.

Researchers developing radar technology to detect mold behind walls

Scientists at Georgia Tech Research Institute are developing a non-destructive radar system to detect mold behind walls, which can emit harmful compounds and cause serious health issues. The goal is to create a handheld prototype that can map mold and help contractors pinpoint damaged areas.

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.