Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News for April 26, 2004


Measurement clarifies role between protein structure and cell adhesion

A team of researchers has developed a new technique to directly measure protein binding forces, clarifying the role of membrane-anchored protein NCAM in cell adhesion. Their study reveals that NCAM forms two adhesive configurations, which are validated by experimental results and contribute to spatially distinct bonds.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 26, 2004

Single parents slip through the advice net

Research reveals that single parents struggle with a range of legal and social welfare problems, including debt, contact, benefits, and child maintenance. Many experience significant challenges in accessing help, with 32% facing violence or harassment problems and 34% finding it impossible to get access to benefits.

SourceCardiff University·DateApr 26, 2004

Epilepsy guidelines will improve treatment and access

The new guidelines will help physicians select the correct treatment based on individual patient needs, reducing reliance on outdated data. Current insurance policies can lead to inadequate treatment due to cost containment measures, but the guidelines aim to address this issue and improve patient outcomes.

SourceAmerican Medical Association·DateApr 26, 2004
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.

Alzheimer's drug improves memory, cognition in MS patients

A new study demonstrates that donepezil, a drug used to treat Alzheimer's, may also improve memory and cognition in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients. More than 65% of those treated with donepezil reported improved memory, compared to 32% on placebo.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·DateApr 26, 2004

Researchers compare drugs used to prevent osteoporosis

A randomized trial compared the effects of raloxifene and CEE on bone mineral density in postmenopausal women with prior hysterectomy. The study found that CEE increased bone density by 4.6%, while raloxifene stabilized bone density, and both treatments had varying impacts on cholesterol levels.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Internal Medicine·DateApr 26, 2004

Is genetic research hyped by the media?

A study comparing newspaper stories to peer-reviewed research papers found that genetic research is often sensationalized, leading to inaccurate public perception. The authors suggest that academic promotion, grant funding, and financial gain may drive the hype surrounding genetic research.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateApr 26, 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.

Many Americans use prayer for health concerns

A national survey found that 35 percent of respondents used prayer for health concerns. Prayer is most often directed towards wellness and used in conjunction with conventional medical care. People who use prayer report high levels of perceived helpfulness, but rarely discuss their use with physicians.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Internal Medicine·DateApr 26, 2004

Lower temperatures improve outcomes after bypass surgery

Duke researchers found that slower rewarming reduces brain temperature and hyperthermia risks after coronary artery bypass surgery. This leads to improved cognitive outcomes for patients six weeks post-surgery. A seven-year analysis of 6,334 patients showed significant reductions in hyperthermic episodes.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·DateApr 26, 2004

Aircraft, ground instruments to track carbon dioxide uptake

Researchers develop new methods to assess carbon uptake in Western mountain forests, which are affected by drought. By combining airborne data with ground-based measurements, scientists can better understand natural processes involved in forest-air carbon exchange.

SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·DateApr 26, 2004

New research to address early lung cancer detection

A $3.6M study aims to demonstrate the effectiveness of linking CT lung cancer screening to smoking-cessation programs. Dr. Claudia Henschke's research will use advanced image analysis software to investigate this connection.

SourceEdelman Public Relations, New York·DateApr 26, 2004
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

NCAR aircraft, ground instruments to track carbon dioxide uptake

Researchers combine airborne data with ground-based measurements to better understand carbon exchanges in rolling hills and mountain ranges. The project aims to enhance carbon uptake and improve monitoring methods for high-emitting nations and industries.

SourceNational Center for Atmospheric Research/University Corporation for Atmospheric Research·DateApr 26, 2004

Cholesterol levels fluctuate with the seasons

Researchers found that cholesterol levels peak in the winter and decrease in the summer, with women experiencing greater seasonal variability. The study suggests that changes in plasma volume explain the observed increases in cholesterol levels during the winter months.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Internal Medicine·DateApr 26, 2004
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.

Rice, HMNS pioneer portable, 'immersive' planetarium

The 'Immersive Earth' project brings together six museums and two universities to create digital planetarium shows nationwide. A new portable system uses an inflatable dome and single-projector display to fully immerse viewers in Earth and space science content.

SourceRice University·DateApr 26, 2004
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.

UCF Technology Incubator wins national incubator of the year award

The UCF Technology Incubator was named the 2004 Technology Incubator of the Year by the National Business Incubation Association, recognizing its success in helping start-up companies generate over $140 million in revenue. The incubator has supported over 70 companies and provided work for more than 450 employees.

SourceUniversity of Central Florida·DateApr 26, 2004

Sandia/UNM self-assembly process forms durable nanocrystal arrays and independent nanocrystals

Researchers at Sandia National Laboratories and the University of New Mexico developed a simple method to form durable nanocrystal arrays using a self-assembly process. The arrays can be used for biological labeling, laser light, catalysts, memory storage, and relief for physicists. The technique also enables the creation of independen...

SourceDOE/Sandia National Laboratories·JournalScience·DateApr 26, 2004

Epilepsy presents unique problems for women

Women with epilepsy face difficulties during puberty, pregnancy, menstruation, and menopause, leading to changes in seizure severity and increased risk of fetal loss and birth defects. Doctors can help women balance medication risks by adjusting dosages or switching medications while minimizing harm.

SourceAmerican Medical Association·DateApr 26, 2004
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.

New analysis gives cancer patients personalized prognosis

A new analysis from Duke University Medical Center uses breast cancer data to develop personalized risk predictions and prognoses for individual patients. The study integrated traditional clinical variables with genomic information, including genetic fingerprints of a patient's tumor, to improve accuracy.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 26, 2004

Women remember appearances better than men, study finds

A study by Ohio State University found that women tend to remember physical features, clothing, and postures of others better than men. This advantage may be due to women's greater focus on interpersonal interactions and people-oriented nature.

SourceOhio State University·JournalPersonality and Social Psychology Bulletin·DateApr 26, 2004

Newly discovered gene controls levels of 'bad' cholesterol in mice

A newly discovered gene, Pcsk9, has been found to regulate the uptake of bad cholesterol from the blood by affecting liver cells' LDL receptors. This study provides a potential therapeutic approach to treating high blood cholesterol levels, a major risk factor for heart disease.

SourceRockefeller University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 26, 2004
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.

Coffee, tea or polishing slurry?

Researchers have developed a faster and more environmentally friendly polishing slurry using green tea extract, which can save hard-drive manufacturers millions of dollars in disposal costs. The new slurry works by binding to tiny particles on the surface of read-write heads, making them easy to remove with water.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·DateApr 26, 2004

Understanding epilepsy

Epileptic seizures result from brain dysfunction, with early diagnosis and treatment crucial to preventing irreversible damage. The stigma surrounding epilepsy exacerbates the condition's impact on daily life and quality of life.

SourceAmerican Medical Association·DateApr 26, 2004

Only half of recalled meat and poultry is recovered, study finds

A study by Ohio State University found that despite new regulations, only half of recalled meat and poultry products are actually recovered from the market. The number of recalls has increased due to more sensitive tests, but their success rate remains low. Small plants have shown a better recovery rate than large ones.

SourceOhio State University·JournalFood Control·DateApr 26, 2004