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Science News Archive August 2004


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ESC Congress: Converting cells into heart muscle

Bone marrow derived stem cells can give rise to heart muscle cells through transdifferentiation, a process that has sparked debate and potential applications in heart repair and transplantation. The concept challenges traditional dogma of tissue specific stem cell differentiation in adults.

ESC Congress 2004: Diabetes and the heart

The Euro Heart Survey on diabetes and the heart found abnormal glucose regulation is common in patients with coronary artery disease. Patients with diabetes face a dismal prognosis, but those without known diabetes can benefit from improved treatment standards.

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.

NASA satellites detect 'glow' of plankton in black waters

Researchers used NASA's MODIS instruments to study dark water patches off the Florida coast, detecting glowing phytoplankton blooms. The findings suggest a connection between rivers and the ocean ecosystem, highlighting the need for coordinated efforts to mitigate black water events.

IEA GHG Weyburn carbon dioxide monitoring & storage project

The IEA GHG Weyburn project, a $40 million research initiative, involved 24 organizations in Canada, Europe, and the US, producing over 470 deliverables. The project's findings demonstrate the feasibility of large-scale CO2 capture and storage.

NIGMS funds Center for Quantitative Biology

The Center for Quantitative Biology aims to tackle complex biological questions using advanced computing, microscopy, and gene chips. It will train future research leaders through a new undergraduate and graduate curriculum.

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.

Cancer burden seen even many years after diagnosis

A recent study found that cancer survivors experience significant long-term burdens, including lower quality of life and lost productivity, persisting even beyond 10 years after diagnosis. The burden varies by cancer type, with those diagnosed with shorter-survival cancers reporting greater impacts.

Short term memory's effectiveness influenced by sight, sound

A study by Daphne Bavelier and her team found that visual information is less effective at holding seven items in short term memory compared to auditory information. However, a new test design revealed that both sight and sound are equally important for cognitive ability.

Protein involved in childhood disorder linked to cancer

Researchers have identified a crucial function for microcephalin, a protein involved in primary microcephaly, a rare neurological disorder. The discovery links microcephalin's function to DNA damage responses that prevent cancer development, suggesting potential therapeutic applications.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Evidence supports treatment of systolic high blood pressure in older persons

Studies found strong evidence supporting treatment of systolic hypertension in older persons with SBP of at least 160 mm Hg. Treatment guidelines recommend thiazide diuretics and long-acting calcium channel blockers as first-line therapy for SH. Despite effectiveness, poor control of SH among patients is increasing.

Rehab improves survival after heart attack by over 50 percent

A study led by Mayo Clinic cardiologist Veronique Roger found that cardiac rehabilitation can improve survival rates for heart attack patients by almost 50%. However, women and elderly patients were less likely to participate in exercise programs due to factors such as lack of transportation and support networks.

New guidelines emphasize important changes in HIV care

The new guidelines cover prevention and early diagnosis of chronic conditions, such as diabetes and heart disease, and provide evidence-based primary care interventions for people living with HIV. The guidelines also focus on caring for women and children with HIV, making them a valuable resource for a wide range of healthcare providers.

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.

Molecular motor myosin VI moves 'hand over hand,' researchers say

Researchers used an extremely sensitive measurement technique to study myosin VI's movement. They found that it walks in a 'hand-over-hand' mechanism, causing part of the protein to come undone. This challenges the long-held inchworm motion theory for this molecular motor.

Virginia Tech professor honored with DeLaval Award

Nebel was recognized for his outstanding contributions to the dairy industry through his research on electronic heat detection, leading to the development of the Heatwatch system. He is a renowned expert in reproductive efficiency and Extension specialist with over 400 published articles.

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.

Smoking, obesity, poor eating highest among young people

A recent survey found that young people are more likely to smoke and have poor eating habits, with rates of obesity increasing across all ethnic groups. Despite some improvements in older adults, these unhealthy behaviors are expected to have serious consequences for future generations.

Modest climate change could lead to substantially more and larger fires

Researchers found that summer temperature is the most important variable in predicting fire extent, with increases expected in Montana, Wyoming, and New Mexico. Global warming could lead to more frequent and extensive fires, reducing old forests and habitat corridors for threatened species.

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.

ESC Congress 2004: Cardiologists should care about glucose

The study found that approximately 1 in 5 subjects had previously undiagnosed diabetes, while over 1 in 4 had impaired glucose tolerance. Lifestyle changes and medication may help prevent the progression of impaired glucose tolerance to full-blown diabetes and its associated complications.

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.

Women with breast cancer detected by mammography screening have better outcomes

A study published in JAMA Network found that women with breast cancer detected by mammography screening have better estimated 10-year distant disease-free survival rates compared to those without screening. The researchers also discovered that tumors detected through screening had a lower risk of distant recurrence, suggesting that mam...

Other highlights in the September 1 JNCI

Researchers have identified novel compounds that show promise in treating neuroblastoma and glucose-deprived tumors, while also developing new assays to measure the effectiveness of immunotherapy. Additionally, scientists outline best methods for determining the health benefits of diet and exercise.

Crystals in nanofocus

Scientists developed a new near-field microscope that excites local lattice vibrations in polar crystals, allowing for nanoscale mapping of crystal quality. The technique reaches a 100-fold higher resolution compared to conventional infrared microscopes and enables non-destructive chemical analysis, nanoscopic sensors, and optical data...

INEEL scientist selected for congressional fellowship

Loewen, an INEEL scientist, has been selected for a congressional fellowship to share his knowledge of nuclear science and technology with a member of Congress. The fellowship aims to bring a knowledgeable view of nuclear matters to Congress and provide a resource for Congress in science and engineering.

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.

Full-body CT screening increases risk of cancer death

Research finds full-body CT scanning increases cancer mortality risk associated with radiation exposure, posing a significant threat to asymptomatic adults. The effective dose of radiation from a single scan is comparable to atomic-bomb survivors' doses, leading to an estimated lifetime risk of cancer in one in 50 people.

Software difficulties cost builders billions

A recent report by NIST and RTI International estimates software difficulties in the construction industry have significant financial implications. The analysis breaks down data exchange-related losses across design, construction, and operations stages, identifying barriers to improvement.

Professor calls for a new branch of learning

Professor Ken Donaldson proposes the creation of a new discipline, nanotoxicology, to study the potential harmful effects of nanoparticles. The importance of nanotechnology is debated, but its adverse impacts need to be studied to ensure sustainable development.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Researchers improve detection of diverse anthrax strains

The study uses nearly 1000 SNPs to define the genetic and evolutionary types of several anthrax isolates, providing a critical step toward future detection of this potential public threat. The results also establish a model for other biothreat pathogens and common public health-related diseases.

Patented process preserves transplant tissues/organs

A new process, Organ Recovery Systems, preserves transplant tissues/organs at refrigerator temperatures and minimizes damage from ice crystals. This technique reduces toxicity of cryoprotectants and enables long-term storage, potentially increasing organ availability worldwide.

NASA satellites allow USDA to see world’s lakes rise and fall

NASA's TOPEX/Poseidon and Jason-1 satellites offer near-real-time lake water height data for 350 of the world's largest lakes. The US Department of Agriculture uses this information to manage irrigation and forecast crop production, particularly in areas with limited access to traditional water level gauges.

New microfluidic device tackles tough synthesis tasks

A new microfluidic device developed by NIST researchers can be used to make specialty polymers in small amounts or rapidly change polymer ingredients. This allows for systematic analysis of the impact of expensive additives on material behavior, which is crucial for applications in nanotechnology and biotechnology.

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 gene identified in breast cancer

Researchers at McGill University have identified a new gene, beta1-integrin, that plays a crucial role in the growth and development of breast cancer. Blocking this gene's function has been shown to halt tumour proliferation and prevent tumours from growing.

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.

APS awards more than $140,000 to minority students of physiology

The American Physiological Society (APS) has awarded over $140,000 to minority students pursuing careers in physiology. These Porter Physiology Fellows are conducting innovative research projects that aim to improve our understanding of various physiological processes.

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.

Mouse study shows NPAS3 and NPAS1 genes may be linked to psychosis

A mouse study has identified a potential genetic link between NPAS3 and NPAS1 genes and psychosis. The mutated mice displayed deficits consistent with schizophrenia, including impaired social interaction and startle response. Further research is needed to confirm the connection.

How an insidious mutation fools DNA replication

A DNA mutation called 8-oxoguanine can evade detection by DNA replication enzymes, allowing it to persist in the DNA strand and potentially lead to stable incorporation of a lethal mutation. This discovery sheds light on how oxidative lesions affect DNA replication and has implications for cancer risk.

ESC Congress 2004: Competitive sport and cardiomyopathy

The European Society of Cardiology provides recommendations for athletes with cardiovascular disease, balancing risks and benefits of competitive sport. The panel aims to inform physicians and cardiologists about safe sport activities for candidates with cardiovascular abnormalities.

Study suggests immediate statins for heart attack patients

A recent study found that immediate statin therapy in hospitalized heart attack patients significantly reduced the risk of death and additional heart attacks. The study, which involved 3,605 patients at 260 medical centers, confirms earlier findings that early statin treatment is beneficial for heart health.

MIT team explains yin-yang of ginseng

Researchers from MIT and international collaborations found that different proportions of two key ingredients in ginseng promote or hinder blood vessel growth, with implications for wound healing and cancer treatment. The study highlights the need for stronger regulations on herbal drugs due to variable processing methods.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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