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Science News for April 5, 2004


Study identifies predictors of Alzheimer's disease longevity

Researchers found that people with Alzheimer's disease survived about half as long as similar-aged individuals without the disease. Poor scores on memory tests predicted shorter survival times after diagnosis, while walking problems, congestive heart failure, and diabetes were also significant predictors of reduced life expectancy.

SourceNIH/National Institute on Aging·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateApr 5, 2004

Genetic trick adapted from viruses makes gene therapy vectors more versatile

Researchers at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital developed a genetic trick adapted from viruses to create gene therapy vectors that can efficiently produce multiple proteins in specific amounts. This technique uses self-cleaving peptides to break down long protein complexes into smaller, functional proteins.

SourceSt. Jude Children's Research Hospital·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateApr 5, 2004
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

HIV finds new way to play hide and seek

Researchers discover HIV mutations that prevent immune system from recognizing protein fragments, allowing virus to replicate and increase in number. This finding highlights the importance of considering nearby regions not recognized by the immune system when designing vaccines.

SourceJournal of Experimental Medicine·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateApr 5, 2004

Physics tip sheet #41 - April 5, 2004

Researchers have made groundbreaking discoveries in carbon nanotubes, with the smallest diameter yet found. Additionally, negative refraction has been observed in liquid surface waves, while a new form of high-density water has been discovered at the interface between ice and silicon dioxide.

SourceAmerican Physical Society·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateApr 5, 2004

Trauma and post-traumatic stress highly prevalent among delinquents

A study by Northwestern University found that over 90% of delinquent youth had experienced at least one traumatic event, with boys reporting higher rates than girls. The researchers recommend improving mental health services for high-risk youth and detecting post-traumatic stress disorder in juvenile detainees.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalArchives of General Psychiatry·DateApr 5, 2004
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Female gluttony blamed on male tick

Female ticks require six to 10 days to engorge fully, a process stimulated by an engorgement factor protein in male seminal fluid. Researchers have identified this protein and developed a vaccine candidate to protect cattle against tick-borne diseases.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 5, 2004

Cultural sensitivity crucial when seeking organ donors

Organ donations from living donors are less common in Canada due to cultural variations. Non-Western cultures perceive death as a more integrated state than Western societies do, making organ donation challenging for some individuals. Healthcare professionals must be aware of these differences and provide respectful care.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalCanadian Journal of Anesthesia/Journal canadien d anesthésie·DateApr 5, 2004

Annals of Internal Medicine, tip sheet, April 6, 2004

A new study of people with newly diagnosed Alzheimer disease found that median survival period was significantly shorter than similar-aged individuals. The severity of cognitive impairment and other factors were strongly associated with decreased survival. Meanwhile, the US Preventive Services Task Force recommends screening for alcoho...

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateApr 5, 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.

Study finds lesbian and bisexual girls are at heightened risk for tobacco use

A study by Children's Hospital Boston found that lesbian and bisexual teenage girls are at a heightened risk for tobacco use, likely due to antigay stigma and harassment. The study suggests that these girls may be more susceptible to nicotine addiction and require targeted prevention efforts.

SourceBoston Children's Hospital·JournalArchives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine·DateApr 5, 2004

Use of guns by teens for threats more likely than for self-defense

A study of 5,800 California adolescents found that gun threats were more common than self-defense instances, with most threats coming from other teenagers. The research suggests that gun use for self-defense often involves hostile interactions between teens with weapons.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine·DateApr 5, 2004

First flavors form a lasting impression

A study found that infants fed protein hydrolysate formula for seven months developed a taste preference for the formula, while those fed standard milk-based formula rejected it. Early flavor exposure influences long-term food choices.

SourceMonell Chemical Senses Center·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateApr 5, 2004

UT Southwestern researchers reveal mechanisms of smooth-muscle contraction

Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have discovered a second chemical pathway that enhances smooth-muscle cell contraction when the primary pathway is limited. This finding has implications for treating conditions such as hypertension and other smooth muscle-related disorders.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 5, 2004

Stretching the imagination

These materials have potential uses in lasers, drug detection, and sensors, offering new possibilities for applications with minimal energy cost. Professor Warner's research has increased interest in liquid crystal elastomers, which could lead to further discoveries.

SourceIOP Publishing·DateApr 5, 2004
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.

Too good eyes for living below ground

Researchers found that African mole-rat eyes have anatomically well-developed retinas and a surprisingly high proportion of cones, which is unusual for blind animals. The density of rods, used for night vision, is also lower than expected in subterranean mammals.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalEuropean Journal of Neuroscience·DateApr 5, 2004

Internet2 may change the way scientists conduct research

Scientists can now spend an unlimited amount of time on the bottom of the ocean, sharing observations in real-time with colleagues worldwide. Internet2 technology was tested during a Black Sea expedition, allowing for the transmission of underwater video images and acoustic signals.

SourceUniversity of Rhode Island·JournalEos·DateApr 5, 2004

Comprehensive study: We know little about environmental effects on kids

A new study, led by experts at the University of Rochester Medical Center, explores the effects of environmental agents and toxins on children's health. The report highlights the significant knowledge gap in understanding how environmental factors affect children compared to adults.

SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical Center·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateApr 5, 2004

Atherosclerosis linked to depression in older persons

Research links severe atherosclerosis to increased prevalence of depressive disorders in older adults. Patients with coronary and aortic calcifications are at higher risk of developing depressive symptoms.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of General Psychiatry·DateApr 5, 2004
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.

Newer drugs more effective at curing strep throat than penicillin

A new study finds that cephalosporin drugs are more effective in treating strep throat than penicillin, with a superior bacterial cure rate. First-generation cephalosporin drugs offer the same narrow-spectrum effect as penicillin at comparable costs.

SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical Center·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateApr 5, 2004

Researchers caution against linking strep, neuropsychiatric disorders

Researchers caution against linking strep bacteria to neuropsychiatric disorders like OCD and tics in children. Neurologist Roger Kurlan and Edward L. Kaplan argue that the criteria for establishing a connection between strep and behavioral disorders are too vague, citing a lack of evidence from large, carefully controlled studies.

SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical Center·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateApr 5, 2004

Online IV nutrition calculator reduces medical errors, saves time

The TPN Calculator significantly reduced medical errors and saved time for healthcare providers. With the online calculator, errors decreased by nearly 90%, allowing caregivers to dedicate more time to patient care. The system's development preserved the existing ordering process while improving efficiency and reducing calculation errors.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateApr 5, 2004

UCSD study cites lack of vigorous exercise as primary factor in adolescent obesity

A UCSD study found that adolescents who engaged in less vigorous physical activity were more likely to be overweight or at risk for obesity. The researchers also discovered that fiber intake was closely linked to weight, with normal-weight teens consuming more fibrous foods like whole grains and fruits and vegetables.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalArchives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine·DateApr 5, 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.

Amazon drought now measured from space

Scientists have determined for the first time how drought conditions can be quantified over large forest areas in the Amazon rainforest from space. Using a combination of ground-based and space-based tools, they found that satellite imaging can measure the physiology of the rainforest canopy with high accuracy.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 5, 2004

Three new South American fish identified

Researchers have identified three new Geophagus fish species in South America, shedding light on the region's biodiversity and ecosystem importance. The discoveries add to ongoing efforts to catalog the approximately 4,475 freshwater fish species found in the region.

SourceTexas A&M AgriLife Communications·JournalZootaxa·DateApr 5, 2004

New calculator provides more accurate estimates of colon cancer survival

A new calculator tool, developed by Mayo Clinic researchers, helps physicians estimate colon cancer patient prognosis and aid in treatment decisions. The calculator considers four factors: lymph node status, tumor depth, grade, and age to provide more accurate five-year survival estimates with or without adjuvant chemotherapy.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateApr 5, 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.

USC awarded $3.5 million to study DNA enzyme

The grant will fund studies on how the enzyme, DNA polymerase, accurately copies genetic information, revealing its unique catalytic selectivity and minimizing errors, which could inform cancer research.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·DateApr 5, 2004