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Science News Archive April 2004


Page 10 of 12

DNA research highlights prostate cancer mechanisms

Prostate cancer cell lines exhibit high levels of free radical damage and defective repair mechanisms, leading to a cascade of events culminating in further DNA damage and cellular dysfunction. The new research provides solid evidence for the critical role of free radicals and repair in prostate cancer development.

New tool helps builders evaluate terrorist threat

A new three-step process developed by NIST's Office of Applied Economics evaluates the vulnerability of facilities to terrorist threats, considering engineering, management, and financial strategies. The tool assesses the most cost-effective combination of risk reduction strategies to protect facilities from damages.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Breakthrough Clemson research appears in Science

The study reveals that oysters' immune blood cells contain rhombohedral-shaped crystals used to form shell. The research aims to understand biomineralization for potential breakthroughs in medical and material sciences.

Environmental inequities cluster to harm poor children

Children in poorer families face greater family turmoil, violence, instability and smaller social networks, living in more polluted and crowded environments with inadequate services. They attend underfunded schools and spend less time reading, watching fewer books at home.

Self-assembling 'nanotubes' offer promise for future artificial joints

Researchers at Purdue University have discovered self-assembling nanotubes that attach better to titanium-coated implants than uncoated ones, promoting new cell growth and potentially leading to longer-lasting artificial joints. The nanotubes offer promise in biomedical applications and could be tailored for specific parts of the body.

Glowing microspheres improve fluorescence measurements

NIST's new reference material, calibrated microspheres coated with fluorescent dye, provides an authoritative national fluorescence measurement scale. This improvement enables more accurate measurements of signal intensity, reflecting numbers of target molecules in samples.

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.

Livermore scientists contribute to new measurements of stratospheric ozone

Researchers at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory have developed a novel technique to quantify stratospheric ozone in the upper troposphere. This allows for better understanding of how much ozone is transported from the stratosphere to the upper troposphere, affecting climate and atmospheric chemistry.

Invasive species: A few bucks and a click away

The aquarium trade poses a significant threat to marine and freshwater ecosystems due to the introduction of invasive species. Experts recommend regulating the industry by listing safer alternatives and using bonds to cover potential damage costs.

How long does it take for Earth's magnetic field to reverse?

Researchers have found that Earth's magnetic field reversal events occur within certain time-frames, regardless of the polarity of the reversal. The overall average duration is 7,000 years, but variation depends on latitude, with changes taking half as long at low-latitude sites.

New drug prevents arrhythmias that cause sudden cardiac death

A new experimental drug has shown to completely prevent arrhythmia-related deaths in mice with the same molecular defect as people with heart failure. The drug works by patching a leak in the heart's calcium channel, which can trigger fatal arrhythmias, and has great potential for slowing the progression of heart failure.

Florida Tech scientist sees lightning like Superman

Researchers use X-ray detectors and rocket-triggered lightning to study lightning's complexities. They found that lightning flickers in X-rays at 10,000 times the speed of visible light, with X-ray energies extending up to twice those of a chest X-ray.

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.

Web-based program calculates effects of an Earth impact

The web-based program calculates thermal radiation, seismic shaking, ejecta deposition, and air-blast effects based on user input distance from impact site. It provides detailed descriptions of damage severity, including ignition times for grass and wood, shaking intensity levels, and debris particle sizes.

Increasing the body's good cholesterol may be a pill away

A new study reveals that torcetrapib significantly increases levels of HDL cholesterol in patients with low levels, which can help reduce the risk of heart disease. The drug works by inhibiting the transfer of cholesterol from HDL to LDL, and its effectiveness is maintained when given in combination with a statin.

Four IU professors are 2004 Guggenheim Fellows

Indiana University professors Christopher Beckwith, Mary Ellen Brown, Ellen Ketterson, and Loren Rieseberg have been awarded the prestigious 2004 Guggenheim Fellowships. The grants will support their research on topics including bird sexual behavior, plant species evolution, and Central Eurasian history.

Zinc supplements could help treat ADHD

Researchers found that children taking additional zinc sulphate on a daily basis showed faster improvement in their ADHD symptoms compared to those taking a placebo. The study's results suggest a potential role of zinc deficiency in the pathogenesis of ADHD and highlight the need for further research.

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.

Rapid workplace expansion linked to long-term sickness absence

A study found that large and rapid workplace expansions increase the risk of long-term sickness absence and hospital admissions. Moderate expansion, however, showed a decreased risk of hospital admission. The authors suggest centralisation of workplace functions as a possible cause.

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.

Researchers make major gain in understanding how prions jump species

A new study by researchers at Case Western Reserve University has found that an abnormal form of the prion protein from one mammal species can infect another species, bypassing natural barriers. This discovery sheds light on the mechanisms behind prion diseases like mad cow disease and Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease.

AGU Journal highlights - 8 April 2004

Scientists discovered that rapid Arctic warming is releasing ancient carbon into the ocean. Researchers also found a correlation between plasmasphere rotation and Earth's rotation lag, which affects models simulating Earth's plasmaspheric dynamics. Additionally, new models of North Atlantic Ocean circulation can now be run on personal ...

Astronomers take near-earth asteroid search to southern hemisphere

Astronomers have successfully detected their first two near-Earth asteroids (NEAs) using a refurbished telescope at the Australian National University's Siding Spring Observatory. The discoveries, made on March 29, include an 100-meter and 300-meter asteroid that pose no direct threat to Earth.

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.

Global warming and the onward march of the pine

Alpine tree lines are shifting up-slope due to global warming, threatening regional plant populations. The study suggests that pine trees could help protect drinking water catchments from erosion and pollution in the City of Vienna.

How often does Earth's magnetic field reverse?

Scientists have found that magnetic field reversal events occur within certain time-frames, regardless of polarity, with an average duration of 7,000 years. The variation in duration is influenced by latitude, taking half as long at low-latitude sites compared to mid- and high-latitude sites.

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.

Top honors for patient counseling awarded to UH student

Michelle Edwards, a UH College of Pharmacy student, took first place in the Patient Counseling Competition at the American Pharmacists Association (APhA) national convention. She demonstrated exceptional ability to communicate under pressure and will receive $1000 and an all-expense-paid trip to judge the 2005 competition.

Star making peaked five billion years ago; expect darkness

Researchers analyzed data from 96,545 galaxies to track star formation history. They found that massive galaxies formed stars earlier than smaller ones, and star formation has decreased since then, contributing to the gradual dimming of the universe.

Why sloths do not sleep upside down

Research suggests that sloths expel larger particles more efficiently than expected, potentially due to unique digestive adaptations. This study challenges the conventional wisdom on sloth behavior and highlights the importance of considering the interplay between resting posture, digestive anatomy, and ingesta characteristics.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

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.

Time-reversal acoustics research promises medical breakthroughs

Time-reversal acoustics (TRA) systems hold promise for precise medical imaging, diagnostic techniques, and incision-free surgical methods. TRA's ability to focus sound waves accurately in dense environments makes it an attractive solution for imaging the human body or targeting tumors non-surgically.

Crime scene or nature reserve?

Australian researchers introduce a simple method to collect, archive and process DNA from wildlife samples using FTA databasing paper, which preserves DNA integrity despite temperature fluctuations. This technique enables the transport of large reference collections over long distances, enabling extensive wildlife studies.

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.

Understanding nutrition labels can lead to healthier eating

Researchers at the University of Illinois developed an activity called 'See it, Do it, Teach it' to help people understand nutrition labels and increase their calcium intake. The eight-week study showed that participants significantly increased their calcium consumption, getting closer to daily requirements.

Here there be data: Mapping the landscape of science

Researchers create maps of science from vast digital data collections, enabling exploration and analysis of interconnected scientific disciplines. The results provide insights into how scientists and their work are connected, with potential applications in education, funding, and industry.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

UCR study says second-hand smoke affects healing

A UCR study found that exposure to second-hand smoke compromises the ability of fibroblasts to move towards damaged tissue, leading to abnormal healing and excessive scarring. The research team discovered that components of second-hand smoke alter the cells' cytoskeleton, increasing adhesive properties and reducing mobility.

Exposure to famine associated with increased breast cancer risk

A study of Dutch women exposed to famine during World War II found a significant association between short-term famine and increased breast cancer risk. Women who experienced severe hunger and weight loss had a 48% higher risk of breast cancer compared to those with no exposure.

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.

Study evaluates various strategies for diagnosis and treatment of sore throat

A study compared different clinical guidelines for diagnosing and treating sore throats, finding that the selective use of throat cultures can help reduce unnecessary antibiotic prescriptions. The researchers also found that children require throat culture confirmation to ensure optimal identification of GAS pharyngitis.

Computer modeling fibrillation in the canine heart

A team of researchers from Cornell University and Gene Network Sciences Inc. has developed a 3D computer model of the canine heart to simulate ventricular fibrillation. The model aims to help understand the causes of this life-threatening condition, currently treated with electrical shocks that can damage the heart.

Biosensor-regulated gene therapy reduces heart attack damage in mice

Researchers at the University of South Florida have developed a biosensor-regulated gene therapy that protects heart muscle cells from further injury after a heart attack. The therapy uses an oxygen-sensitive switch to turn on protective genes, which were shown to limit tissue scarring and improve heart function in mice.

Hormone linked to obesity plays positive role in fertility & possibly male arousal

Researchers at the University of Warwick have discovered that a hormone associated with obesity also plays a key role in male fertility, influencing testosterone production and sperm transport. Orexin receptors were found in areas of the testis, epididymis, and penis, suggesting its potential involvement in penile function and erection.

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.

Human Rights Act fails to help deprived community, says report

A recent study by Cardiff University found that the Human Rights Act has had a limited impact on solicitors' work in the Cynon Valley, an area with high social deprivation. Solicitors cited lack of training and inadequate public funding as major concerns.

Researchers probe link between nanotechnology and health

A recent study led by University of Rochester Medical Center professor Günter Oberdörster investigates the link between nanotechnology and human health. The research suggests that nano-sized particles may accumulate in the body and cause harmful inflammation, potentially leading to brain damage or central nervous system disorders.

Gaining health while giving back to the community

The study found that Experience Corps volunteers experienced increased physical, cognitive, and social activity, which could lead to improved health outcomes. Volunteers also reported feeling stronger and had a reduced need for canes. In contrast, the control group showed a decline in social activity and an increase in TV viewing.

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.