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Science News for April 16, 2004


Brain signal predicts working memory prowess

Researchers have discovered that a brain electrical signal can predict an individual's visual working memory capacity, which varies from 1.5 to 5 objects. The study found that the signal levels off when the number of objects exceeds the subject's capacity, while those with higher capacity show large increases in brain activity.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Mental Health·JournalNature·DateApr 16, 2004

Short course of Tibetan yoga improved sleep in cancer patients

A study at the University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center found that Tibetan yoga improved sleep quality and reduced need for sleep medication in lymphoma patients. Despite no differences in other quality of life measures, the brief 7-week study suggests potential benefits of Tibetan yoga as a stress-reducer in cancer patients.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalCancer·DateApr 16, 2004

HIV drug content in developing countries meets U.S. standards

A study by the Infectious Diseases Society of America found that HIV drugs from developing countries meet US standards for active ingredient levels. Bioequivalency studies are still necessary to ensure efficacy and safety, according to lead author Dr. Scott Penzak.

SourceInfectious Diseases Society of America·JournalClinical Infectious Diseases·DateApr 16, 2004

Community screenings uncover hidden diabetes risk

Researchers found that about 20% of un diagnosed participants were at risk for diabetes and 3.4% were diabetic. Shelter residents had lower hemoglobin A1c levels than those screened elsewhere, suggesting better health outcomes.

SourceCenter for Advancing Health·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateApr 16, 2004
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.

Rewriting textbooks on DNA crossover

Scientists have made a groundbreaking discovery about DNA crossover during meiosis, which is crucial for sexual reproduction. The new findings suggest that the decision to make a crossover or non-crossover recombination is made much earlier than previously thought, shedding light on the molecular basis of this process.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalCell·DateApr 16, 2004

Hobby-Eberly Telescope witnesses vaporizing of a cometlike body by a very young hot star

A team of astronomers at Penn State used the Hobby-Eberly Telescope to detect a cometlike body falling onto a massive, very young star. The infall, which occurred about 3200 years ago, provided dramatic spectral variations in the star's light. This discovery sheds light on planetary formation and the evolution of massive star systems.

SourcePenn State·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateApr 16, 2004

From top quarks to the blues

Researchers at Berkeley Lab have developed a way to image and digitally restore mechanical audio recordings, such as shellac phonograph discs. This technology enables the mass digitization of thousands of blues, classical, jazz, and spoken word recordings in the Library of Congress's archives.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·DateApr 16, 2004
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.

Effects of ocean fertilization with iron to remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere reported

Scientists have quantified the transport of carbon from surface waters to the deep ocean in response to iron fertilization. The study found that while iron fertilization can enhance carbon flux and reduce atmospheric carbon dioxide levels, the quantities removed are no greater than natural plankton blooms, making it a limited solution.

SourceWoods Hole Oceanographic Institution·JournalScience·DateApr 16, 2004

Crowding stem cells' personal space directs their future

Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine found that mesenchymal stem cell shape is a critical factor in determining which type of cell they will become. By using micropatterning technology, the team showed that spherical stem cells efficiently transform into fat cell precursors, while those allowed to stretch and flatten move closer to be...

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateApr 16, 2004
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.

Time with patients, staff support boost flu shot rates

A study found that when doctors spend at least 10 minutes with patients, inquire about immunizations before exams, have four staff members, and hold down waiting room time, over 90% of patients are properly vaccinated. Critical path analysis revealed the full sequence of events was more powerful than individual activities.

SourceCenter for Advancing Health·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateApr 16, 2004

Delirium high in ICU patients, leads to death, morbidity

A study published in JAMA found a significant link between delirium in ICU patients and increased mortality rates. The researchers also highlighted the economic burden of treating delirium in ICUs, estimating costs ranging from $4 billion to over $20 billion nationwide.

SourceVanderbilt University Medical Center·JournalJAMA·DateApr 16, 2004

Mental health symptoms common at Pentagon after 9/11

A study of Pentagon personnel found that nearly 21 percent experienced mental health symptoms, including generalized anxiety and depression, following the 9/11 attacks. The researchers also discovered that a significant portion of those at high risk for mental health problems sought counseling after the attack.

SourceCenter for Advancing Health·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateApr 16, 2004