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Science News for August 30, 2004


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.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·DateAug 30, 2004

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.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalOccupational and Environmental Medicine·DateAug 30, 2004

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.

SourceThe Translational Genomics Research Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 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.

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.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·DateAug 30, 2004

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.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateAug 30, 2004

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.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateAug 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.

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.

SourceMcGill University·JournalCell·DateAug 30, 2004

Preschoolers eat better but still get too much sugar and juice

Preschoolers' diets have improved with increased servings of fruits, vegetables, and dairy products, but also saw a rise in added sugar and juice intake over the past 21 years. Children with healthier diets are less likely to be sick or overweight.

SourcePenn State·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateAug 30, 2004
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.

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.

SourceAmerican Physiological Society·DateAug 30, 2004

Study supports aggressive treatment of heart patients with cholesterol-lowering medication

A study published in The Journal of the American Medical Association found that treating patients with recent acute coronary syndromes with higher doses of statins soon after experiencing heart-attack symptoms leads to a reduction in subsequent death, congestive heart failure, and other cardiac events compared to delayed treatment with...

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalJAMA·DateAug 30, 2004

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.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 30, 2004

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.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalNature·DateAug 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.

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.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·DateAug 30, 2004

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.

SourceMayo Clinic·DateAug 30, 2004

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.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·DateAug 30, 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.

Tiny writing: researchers develop improved method to produce nanometer-scale patterns

Scientists have created a new technique to write nanometer-scale patterns onto surfaces, extending the capabilities of dip pen nanolithography. The thermal dip pen nanolithography (tDPN) method uses solid inks and special AFM probes with built-in heaters to control ink flow, allowing for precise patterning in vacuum environments.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology Research News·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateAug 30, 2004
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.

Winner of 2004 EMBO Science Writing Prize announced

Matthew Bottomley, a researcher at the European Molecular Biology Laboratory, has won the 2004 EMBO Science Writing Prize for his captivating article on bioluminescent squid. The prize of 1,500 Euro will be presented to him at the EMBO Members Meeting in October this year.

SourceEuropean Molecular Biology Laboratory·DateAug 30, 2004

Welfare-to-work system challenged to serve new areas of need

A recent study by Scott W. Allard found that the welfare-to-work system is struggling to meet the needs of growing areas of poverty, which are increasingly geographically dispersed. The mismatch between service providers and populations in need may worsen under work-first welfare policies.

SourceBrown University·DateAug 30, 2004

Study highlights long-term efficacy of angina drug

A new study highlights the long-term efficacy and safety of the angina drug nifedipine GITS, showing it can be used safely for the treatment of patients with coronary disease. The trial found similar mortality rates among those receiving the medication and a placebo, but lower incidence of heart failure and coronary interventions.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateAug 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.

Time isn't money

A study by University of Washington researchers found that people are less certain about the value of their time compared to money. Consumers tend to rationalize negative experiences when paying with time, but not when using hard-earned cash.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateAug 30, 2004

Supercool! Model unscrambles complex crystallization puzzle

Researchers have developed a simulation tool to predict the microstructures that form as complex liquid mixtures cool and solidify. The model accurately predicts how impurities and process differences affect crystal formation, enabling manufacturers to design new products with improved strength and durability.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalNature Materials·DateAug 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.

Analysis of biological clock may lead to greater understanding of human disease

Researchers analyzed the fruit fly's circadian rhythm to understand its complex dynamic behavior and hierarchical control scheme. They found that the system's architecture determines robustness and fragility, shedding light on how disease can be a failure of a robust biological system.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 30, 2004

Lighting the way to better nanoscale films

Researchers at NIST have developed a new method for studying ultrathin polymers, enabling the visualization of defects and structure. The technique uses near-field scanning optical microscopy to analyze the crystal structure and strain in thin-film crystals of polystyrene.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateAug 30, 2004