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Science News Archive April 2004


Page 3 of 12

Nanogold does not glitter, but its future looks bright

Researchers at Lehigh University are exploring the properties of nanogold, creating nanoparticles with defined shapes and sizes to exhibit distinct properties. They can tailor these properties by varying particle size and elemental composition.

NSF awards $500,000 to Kansas State University chemist

Kansas State University will develop a 'green' chemistry course with a $500,000 NSF grant. The course aims to educate students on environmentally friendly chemical processes and develop chiral molecules critical for biologically active compounds like pharmaceuticals.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Surgery for treatment of temporal lobe epilepsy varies among ethnic groups

Surgery for medically intractable temporal lobe epilepsy shows variation among ethnic groups, with African Americans receiving surgery at significantly lower rates than non-Hispanic whites. The study suggests that racial disparities exist but do not appear to be related to differences in access to care.

Illegal drug use causes painful complications for oncology patients

The article highlights the complexities of managing cancer pain in patients with a history of addiction, emphasizing the need for multidisciplinary care teams. The Pain Management Center at Fox Chase Cancer Center offers innovative strategies, including patient contracts and collaboration between nurses and physicians.

PNNL on fast track for hydrogen fuel reformer

PNNL's compact steam reformer can produce large amounts of hydrogen-rich gas from a liquid fuel in just 12 seconds, significantly reducing the delay time for hydrogen fueling. The reformer's design features microchannels that provide high rates of heat and mass transport, allowing for faster reactions and reduced system size.

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.

New medical research shows safer flooring could cut hip fractures

Researchers found that carpeted wooden floors were associated with the lowest number of fractures, while concrete floors carried the greatest risk. The study suggests that replacing uncarpeted concrete flooring with carpeted wooden surfaces could reduce hip fractures by up to 80%.

Study: New neurons can get out of spinal cord

Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have successfully coaxed new motor neurons out of embryonic stem cells and into the spinal cords of paralyzed rats. The study, funded by various organizations, aims to overcome a major hurdle in clinical therapy for motor neuron diseases like ALS and SMA.

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.

Molecule pumped directly into brain improves Parkinson's disease symptoms

A new study found that infusing a molecule called glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) directly into the brain improved Parkinson's disease symptoms in 41% of patients. The GDNF infusion resulted in significant increases in dopamine production and was sustained for at least two years, according to the research.

Sodium channel gene mutation identified in case of familial epilepsy

A novel mutation in the SCN1A gene has been discovered in a family with generalized epilepsy with febrile seizures plus (GEFS+), a condition characterized by unusual brain activity. This finding may lead to improved diagnoses, treatments, and genetic counseling for affected individuals.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

Mexican Americans at greater risk for stroke than non-Hispanic whites

A population-based study in Nueces County, Texas found that Mexican Americans experience a substantially greater ischemic stroke and intracerebral hemorrhage burden compared to non-Hispanic whites. The crude annual total cerebrovascular event rate was 64 per 10,000 in Mexican Americans, nearly 30% higher than in non-Hispanic whites.

Dental X-rays during pregnancy associated with low birth weight babies

Research found that women who received dental x-rays during pregnancy had a higher risk of having low birth weight infants, especially term low birth weight (TLBW) infants. The study suggested that eliminating all dental radiography during pregnancy could reduce the prevalence of TLBW infants by up to five percent.

Hormone may offer hope for treating some behavioral disorders

A recent study found that secretin alters amygdala responsiveness to affective stimuli, providing a potential treatment avenue for conditions like schizophrenia, depression, and autism. The ability to detect and measure secretin's effects in the brain has important implications for studying both brain and behavioral effects.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Future blood tests may use tiny bar-codes to speed disease diagnosis

A new bio-bar-code amplification test could provide a comprehensive disease profile from a single drop of blood, making it ideal for resource-poor settings. The test has already shown promise in detecting anthrax and prostate cancer, with the potential to be ready for marketing within one year.

Improved mood tied to better language ability

Researchers found significant improvement in language function and mood in patients with non-severe fluent aphasia treated with fluvoxamine maleate, a selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitor. The study used a double-blind crossover design and showed no significant improvement with nilvadipine.

Parkinson's disease cell loss starts years before diagnosis

Researchers analyzed brains of deceased men with Parkinson's disease and found a significant decrease in neurons compared to those without the disease. The study suggests that neuron loss starts approximately 13 years before diagnosis, paving the way for potential preclinical intervention.

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.

Botulinum toxin can help musicians with dystonia

A study by the American Academy of Neurology found that botulinum toxin injections significantly improved musicians' playing ability and performance, with 69% reporting a positive response. The treatment was particularly effective for highly accomplished performing artists, who often face devastating career-ending symptoms.

University of Minnesota to lead national effort in food bio-security

The University of Minnesota has been awarded a $10M grant to lead a national effort in food bio-security. The grant aims to enhance the nation's capabilities to anticipate and prevent deliberate contamination of the food supply, which could have devastating effects on human health and the economy.

Preliminary results are promising in Alzheimer's gene therapy trial

A Phase I study conducted at UCSD showed promising early indications of reduced disease advancement in patients with early-stage Alzheimer's disease. The subjects who successfully completed the surgery showed a 50% reduction in their annual rate of decline on one of the measured cognitive scales.

APOE gene linked to Parkinson's disease

A new study has found that the APOE-2 form of the gene increases the risk of developing Parkinson's disease by 20 percent compared to other forms of the gene. The study analyzed data from 22 studies and 9,988 participants, providing strong evidence for the link between the APOE gene and Parkinson's disease.

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.

Diagnostic method based on nanoscience could rival PCR

A new nanoscience-based diagnostic method called bio-bar-code amplification (BCA) has been developed, rivaling PCR in sensitivity and selectivity. BCA can detect as few as 10 DNA molecules in a sample in minutes, making it suitable for point-of-care diagnostics at various locations.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.