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Science News Archive April 2004


Page 11 of 12

Other highlights in the April 7 JNCI

Two new studies found no association between aspirin use and mortality from pancreatic cancer, while elevated insulin production was linked to an increased risk of colorectal cancer. Hyperinsulinemia, a condition associated with type 2 diabetes, also appears to be linked to an increased risk of colorectal cancer.

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 education limited by publishers' restrictions

A study found that only half of publishers agreed to grant permission for web-based courses to store electronic versions of articles without additional charges. Fewer than 60% granted permission to reproduce extracts at no fee, highlighting the need for more transparent and accessible publishing policies.

Received truth turned on end in cancer research

Researchers at Lund University have discovered that the same genetic mechanism is responsible for developing both leukemia and solid tumors, contrary to previous assumptions. This finding has significant implications for treatment strategies, as it may lead to more effective medicines targeting specific fusion proteins.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Partnership will boost maritime research

The partnership aims to improve human resource development and create an international network of social scientists working on maritime issues. Students from developing countries in Asia and Japan will be awarded scholarships to pursue Masters of Philosophy or Doctor of Philosophy degrees.

SOS Rx: National medication safety group organized

SOS Rx aims to produce behavior changes in consumers through education efforts and institutional changes within the health care system through advocacy. The coalition is exploring ways to promote system-wide changes, including a clearinghouse of safe practices and personal medication records.

Stevens Technology Confidence Index again trends upward

The Global Technology Confidence Index (GTCI) has shown a dramatic increase in business confidence, particularly in North America, where executives plan to boost technology investments. The index, which measures confidence in technology management, has been rising steadily since its inception in 2003.

Loggerhead sea turtles nesting earlier due to warmer ocean temperatures

A study led by University of Central Florida researchers found that loggerhead sea turtles are laying eggs 10 days earlier than in the past, with near-shore ocean temperatures increasing by nearly 1.5 degrees Fahrenheit between 1989 and 2003. This change raises concerns about the turtles' food supplies and hatchling survival rates.

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.

Warning to preserve 'unique' red squirrel from extinction

Cumbria's unique genetic 'unique' red squirrels are dwindling in number due to an American grey squirrel invasion. Conservationists argue that a captive breeding programme should be introduced as additional measure to ensure their survival.

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.

Study identifies predictors of Alzheimer's disease longevity

Researchers found that people with Alzheimer's disease survived about half as long as similar-aged individuals without the disease. Poor scores on memory tests predicted shorter survival times after diagnosis, while walking problems, congestive heart failure, and diabetes were also significant predictors of reduced life expectancy.

Genetic trick adapted from viruses makes gene therapy vectors more versatile

Researchers at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital developed a genetic trick adapted from viruses to create gene therapy vectors that can efficiently produce multiple proteins in specific amounts. This technique uses self-cleaving peptides to break down long protein complexes into smaller, functional proteins.

HIV finds new way to play hide and seek

Researchers discover HIV mutations that prevent immune system from recognizing protein fragments, allowing virus to replicate and increase in number. This finding highlights the importance of considering nearby regions not recognized by the immune system when designing vaccines.

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.

Physics tip sheet #41 - April 5, 2004

Researchers have made groundbreaking discoveries in carbon nanotubes, with the smallest diameter yet found. Additionally, negative refraction has been observed in liquid surface waves, while a new form of high-density water has been discovered at the interface between ice and silicon dioxide.

Trauma and post-traumatic stress highly prevalent among delinquents

A study by Northwestern University found that over 90% of delinquent youth had experienced at least one traumatic event, with boys reporting higher rates than girls. The researchers recommend improving mental health services for high-risk youth and detecting post-traumatic stress disorder in juvenile detainees.

Female gluttony blamed on male tick

Female ticks require six to 10 days to engorge fully, a process stimulated by an engorgement factor protein in male seminal fluid. Researchers have identified this protein and developed a vaccine candidate to protect cattle against tick-borne diseases.

Cultural sensitivity crucial when seeking organ donors

Organ donations from living donors are less common in Canada due to cultural variations. Non-Western cultures perceive death as a more integrated state than Western societies do, making organ donation challenging for some individuals. Healthcare professionals must be aware of these differences and provide respectful care.

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.

Annals of Internal Medicine, tip sheet, April 6, 2004

A new study of people with newly diagnosed Alzheimer disease found that median survival period was significantly shorter than similar-aged individuals. The severity of cognitive impairment and other factors were strongly associated with decreased survival. Meanwhile, the US Preventive Services Task Force recommends screening for alcoho...

Use of guns by teens for threats more likely than for self-defense

A study of 5,800 California adolescents found that gun threats were more common than self-defense instances, with most threats coming from other teenagers. The research suggests that gun use for self-defense often involves hostile interactions between teens with weapons.

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.

First flavors form a lasting impression

A study found that infants fed protein hydrolysate formula for seven months developed a taste preference for the formula, while those fed standard milk-based formula rejected it. Early flavor exposure influences long-term food choices.

Stretching the imagination

These materials have potential uses in lasers, drug detection, and sensors, offering new possibilities for applications with minimal energy cost. Professor Warner's research has increased interest in liquid crystal elastomers, which could lead to further discoveries.

Too good eyes for living below ground

Researchers found that African mole-rat eyes have anatomically well-developed retinas and a surprisingly high proportion of cones, which is unusual for blind animals. The density of rods, used for night vision, is also lower than expected in subterranean mammals.

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.

Internet2 may change the way scientists conduct research

Scientists can now spend an unlimited amount of time on the bottom of the ocean, sharing observations in real-time with colleagues worldwide. Internet2 technology was tested during a Black Sea expedition, allowing for the transmission of underwater video images and acoustic signals.

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.

Researchers caution against linking strep, neuropsychiatric disorders

Researchers caution against linking strep bacteria to neuropsychiatric disorders like OCD and tics in children. Neurologist Roger Kurlan and Edward L. Kaplan argue that the criteria for establishing a connection between strep and behavioral disorders are too vague, citing a lack of evidence from large, carefully controlled studies.

Online IV nutrition calculator reduces medical errors, saves time

The TPN Calculator significantly reduced medical errors and saved time for healthcare providers. With the online calculator, errors decreased by nearly 90%, allowing caregivers to dedicate more time to patient care. The system's development preserved the existing ordering process while improving efficiency and reducing calculation errors.

Amazon drought now measured from space

Scientists have determined for the first time how drought conditions can be quantified over large forest areas in the Amazon rainforest from space. Using a combination of ground-based and space-based tools, they found that satellite imaging can measure the physiology of the rainforest canopy with high accuracy.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Three new South American fish identified

Researchers have identified three new Geophagus fish species in South America, shedding light on the region's biodiversity and ecosystem importance. The discoveries add to ongoing efforts to catalog the approximately 4,475 freshwater fish species found in the region.

New calculator provides more accurate estimates of colon cancer survival

A new calculator tool, developed by Mayo Clinic researchers, helps physicians estimate colon cancer patient prognosis and aid in treatment decisions. The calculator considers four factors: lymph node status, tumor depth, grade, and age to provide more accurate five-year survival estimates with or without adjuvant chemotherapy.

USC awarded $3.5 million to study DNA enzyme

The grant will fund studies on how the enzyme, DNA polymerase, accurately copies genetic information, revealing its unique catalytic selectivity and minimizing errors, which could inform cancer research.

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.

Novel MRI technique provides clear images of blood flow

A new MRI technique allows researchers to capture moving images of blood traveling through vessels non-invasively. This technology can easily be applied to existing MRI machines, enabling real-time physician-scanner interaction and detailed analysis of cardiovascular disease.

Why passive smoking hinders healing

Research finds that passive smoking hinders healing by changing the arrangement of fibroblast cells' cytoskeleton, making them less mobile and more prone to abnormal scarring. This can lead to slower wound closure rates in smokers compared to non-smokers.

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.

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.

Building a scale sensitive enough to weigh a virus

Researchers use nanoelectromechanical systems to detect masses as small as 6 attograms, a third of the mass of a typical virus. The technology has potential for detecting and identifying microorganisms and biological molecules.