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Science News for April 23, 2004


Study reveals cause of loss of consciousness during seizures

Researchers discovered that abnormal signals scattered across brain images, like a fireworks display, occur in patients who lose consciousness during seizures. In contrast, patients who don't lose consciousness have localized increases confined to the temporal lobe.

SourceYale University·JournalCerebral Cortex·DateApr 23, 2004
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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When microns matter: Web site smooths the way

The NIST virtual surface calibration Web site provides free two-dimensional surface texture analysis software and a database of 10 different types of surface profiles. Manufacturers can validate software measurements and upload their own surface profiles to gain confidence in the accuracy of their software.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·DateApr 23, 2004

Insights from intravascular ultrasound explore treatment benefits

A 24-month study found that everolimus reduced intimal thickening and cardiovascular events, while sirolimus showed plaque regression. The results suggest that intravascular ultrasound measurements can be used as a valid surrogate for therapeutic intervention.

SourceInternational Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation·DateApr 23, 2004

Canadian doctors don't know costs of prescribed treatments

A study found that 73% of Canadian doctors can't estimate treatment costs within 25% of actual costs. They tend to underestimate expensive treatments and overestimate cheap ones, which can lead to unnecessary prescribing. The pharmaceutical industry's reluctance to provide cost information further hampers this process.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalCanadian Family Physician·DateApr 23, 2004

Portable 'rainbow' source improves color calibrations

NIST's new portable 'rainbow' source enables precise color calibration across the entire visible light spectrum, addressing uncertainty in instruments measuring ocean and atmospheric properties. The highly portable source has been ordered by NOAA to reduce uncertainties in satellite calibrations.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·DateApr 23, 2004
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.

College intro science courses need overhaul, scientists say

Scientists recommend overhaul of college introductory science courses to implement inquiry-based and active-learning strategies. This approach has proven to spark student interest in science, improve learning outcomes, especially among women and underrepresented minorities.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalScience·DateApr 23, 2004

Professor proves bargaining procedure saves time and money

Researchers found that using an escrow settlement model settles cases more quickly and reduces litigation costs by 37%. The study, published in the Journal of Economic Behavior and Organization, showed that 69% of cases were settled out of court using this method.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalJournal of Economic Behavior & Organization·DateApr 23, 2004

Valve disease impacts survival while awaiting heart transplant

A Temple University study found that patients with diseased aortic valves before receiving an LVAD have significantly lower survival to transplant rates. Conversely, those with normal aortic valves have higher survival rates, suggesting the importance of valve repair or upgrade in heart transplant optimization.

SourceTemple University·DateApr 23, 2004
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.

Improving eye patient care with telemedicine standards

The NIST-developed standards provide guidelines for capturing, storing, and interpreting images of the eye to aid in diagnosing diabetic retinopathy. This approach allows healthcare professionals flexibility in choosing equipment, while ensuring quality image capture.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·DateApr 23, 2004

VA's newest manufacturer has microscopic product line

Luna Innovations plans to manufacture Trimetaspheres, soccerball-shaped molecules with enhanced MRI imaging capabilities. The company's ATP project enabled cost-effective production of nanomaterials with potential uses in consumer and military products.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·DateApr 23, 2004

Mothers' cells can cause immunity illness in children

A Mayo Clinic study found that most children with juvenile dermatomyositis (JDM) carry a particular gene from their mother, triggering an immune response. The research suggests that maternal cells may play a role in the development of JDM, a rare condition that causes inflammation and muscle damage.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalThe Journal of Immunology·DateApr 23, 2004
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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Researchers discover cold virus can 'hit and hide'

Researchers found that RSV can remain dormant in lung tissue for over 100 days after initial symptoms disappear, suggesting a possible link to recurring wheezing and childhood asthma in infected children.

SourceImperial College London·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateApr 23, 2004

Imaging test could be used to diagnose schizophrenia

Researchers at Yale University developed an imaging test that identifies patients with schizophrenia with 97 percent accuracy. The test targets abnormalities in the auditory cortex and has potential as a powerful clinical tool for assessing schizophrenia.

SourceYale University·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateApr 23, 2004

Scientists post a lower speed limit for magnetic switching

Researchers found that the ultimate speed of magnetic switching is at least 1,000 times slower than previously expected. The experiment's results have significant implications for future hard disk computer drive technologies.

SourceDOE/SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory·JournalNature·DateApr 23, 2004

Seabed secrets in English clay

Researchers found fossils of green sulfur bacteria and oxygen-breathing sea reptiles coexisting in Oxford Clay sediment, challenging the standard interpretation of the fossil record. The team's discovery suggests that environmental conditions were dynamic during deposition, possibly due to climatic changes.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalGeology·DateApr 23, 2004
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