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Science News for April 30, 2004


Bacterial infection may cause or worsen asthma attacks in children

A recent study suggests that mycoplasma bacterial infections may cause or exacerbate asthma attacks in children. The research found that nearly half of children experiencing their first asthma attack were infected with mycoplasma. Testing for mycoplasma infection in asthmatic children could help prevent future attacks.

SourceInfectious Diseases Society of America·JournalClinical Infectious Diseases·DateApr 30, 2004

American Thoracic Society Journal news tips for May 2004 (first issue)

A study found that furosemide inhalation alleviated severe breathlessness in patients with moderate to severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Additionally, researchers developed a new model for neonatal bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) using nasal continuous positive airway pressure (nCPAP) therapy.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateApr 30, 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.

John Alderete honored with 2004 William A. Hinton Award

John Alderete, a renowned microbiologist, has been recognized with the 2004 William A. Hinton Research Training Award for his tireless efforts to promote diversity in science. He is celebrated for mentoring dozens of graduate students and underrepresented minority groups, offering valuable advice and career opportunities.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·DateApr 30, 2004

Marian Johnson-Thompson wins 2004 Alice C. Evans Award

Johnson-Thompson is recognized for her dedication to mentoring and increasing diversity in the field of microbiology. She has initiated various outreach initiatives, including a poster highlighting the contributions of women microbiologists.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·DateApr 30, 2004
GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.

Kiratisin wins 2004 Dade MicroScan Young Investigator Award

Kiratisin's work introduces a novel technique for identifying viridans group streptococci, which can be misclassified by traditional methods. His research has essential clinical implications, particularly in treating infections caused by these organisms.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·DateApr 30, 2004

In male monkeys, too much soy has adverse effects

Researchers found that long-term consumption of high amounts of isoflavones can alter patterns of agonistic and social behavior in primates, including increased aggressive and submissive behavior. The study suggests careful attention must be taken to balance beneficial and potentially adverse effects of soy consumption.

SourceAtrium Health Wake Forest Baptist·JournalHormones and Behavior·DateApr 30, 2004

Solving the mystery of the dancer mice, and cleft lip too

A team of researchers discovered a specific genetic mutation, Tbx10, responsible for causing cleft lip and palate in mice. This finding suggests that similar mutations may exist in humans, shedding light on the complex development of facial features.

SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 30, 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.

Missing chemical important to air pollution estimates

Researchers at Penn State have found a missing chemical that plays a significant role in ozone and aerosol production in the lower atmosphere. The discovery was made through a two-year study of hydroxyl radical reactivity in a forested area, which found that a temperature-dependent chemical was reacting with the hydroxyl radical.

SourcePenn State·JournalScience·DateApr 30, 2004

Betty Ann Forbes wins 2004 ASM Founders Award

Betty Ann Forbes has made significant impacts in clinical microbiology and education through her extensive research, publication programs, and editorial work. Her leadership roles in the American Board of Medical Microbiology and esteemed journal publications have earned her a respected reputation among microbiologists nationwide.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·DateApr 30, 2004

Scientists report how protons induce water cages

Researchers at Yale University confirm the formation of dodecahedral water cages but find no evidence of the Eigen species. The study uses experimental techniques and supercomputers to determine how water molecules interconnect to form these cages, which play a crucial role in biological processes.

SourceYale University·JournalScience·DateApr 30, 2004

John Sherris receives 2004 Abmm/Abmli Professional Recognition Award

John Sherris is recognized for his tireless advocacy and leadership in clinical microbiology, including development of standardized susceptibility testing. He also holds an honorary medical degree from Karolinska Institute and has published a highly regarded textbook on medical microbiology.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·DateApr 30, 2004
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Leslie Ann Schiff wins 2004 Carski Foundation Award

Schiff's dedication to undergraduate education has led to numerous student awards and publications, as well as her election to the University of Minnesota's Academy of Distinguished Teachers. Her commitment to excellence in teaching and mentoring is recognized through the Carski Foundation Award.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·DateApr 30, 2004

Jennie Hunter-Cevera wins 2004 USFCC/J. Roger Porter Award

Jennie Hunter-Cevera is a renowned microbiologist who has made significant contributions to the field through her innovative techniques for isolating and screening microorganisms. Her work has led to the discovery of new species, enzymes, and products, including antimicrobial, anticancer, and novel herbicidal properties.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·DateApr 30, 2004

Historian reveals identity badges, not cards, were compulsory in the 1600s

In the 16th century, identity badges were issued to the poor as a stamp of approval and to prevent begging. The badges were designed to distinguish those deemed deserving from unworthy individuals. By the late 17th century, badging became compulsory in England, with penalties for those who refused to wear them.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalCultural and Social History·DateApr 30, 2004

Ferré-D'amaré wins 2004 Eli Lilly and Company Research Award

Ferré-D'Amaré's groundbreaking research on RNA crystallization and ribozymes has significantly advanced the understanding of molecular structures in living organisms. He developed new techniques to obtain RNA crystals, enabling detailed studies of RNA-protein interactions and biochemical functions.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·DateApr 30, 2004
Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

Research links magnetism, gamma-ray burst phenomenon

The study reveals that strong magnetic fields accelerate particles near the speed of light, radiating as gamma rays. The research suggests a new mechanism for gamma-ray burst formation, potentially resolving long-standing scientific debates.

SourceRice University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateApr 30, 2004

Discovery helps explain how cells package DNA

Researchers at Ohio State University have made a breakthrough in understanding how cells package DNA, with implications for cancer research and new therapies. A newly discovered protein, Hif1p, works with an enzyme complex to add histone proteins to DNA, forming chromatin.

SourceOhio State University·JournalMolecular Cell·DateApr 30, 2004

Campbell wins 2004 Abbott-ASM Lifetime Achievement Award

Campbell's work on bacteriophage lambda demonstrated the relationship between its genome and host, leading to key findings in genetic and biochemical studies of site-specific recombination. His extensive contributions also include discovery of nonsense mutations, bacterial gene regulation, and microbial population dynamics research.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·DateApr 30, 2004
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.

Alice S. Weissfeld wins 2004 bioMérieux Sonnenwirth Award

Weissfeld's work on policy issues has had a significant impact on the profession of clinical microbiology. She chairs ASM's Professional Affairs Committee and serves on various committees reviewing legislation affecting microbiology laboratory practice.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·DateApr 30, 2004

Enoxaparin prevents stillbirth in pregnant women with clotting disorder

A study of 160 pregnant women with genetic risk factors for thrombophilia found that enoxaparin significantly reduced pregnancy loss compared to low-dose aspirin. Women taking enoxaparin had a normal live birth rate of 86% and healthy newborns, while those on aspirin suffered more pregnancy losses.

SourceAmerican Society of Hematology·JournalBlood·DateApr 30, 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.

Children's eating patterns show 'striking' changes in two decades

A study reported in Journal of the American Dietetic Association found that between 1973-74 and 1993-94, the percentage of children eating a school lunch declined from 89.7% to 78.2%, while eating dinners prepared outside the home increased from 5.4% to 19%.

SourceAmerican Dietetic Association·JournalJournal of the American Dietetic Association·DateApr 30, 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.