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Science News for August 31, 2004


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.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·DateAug 31, 2004

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.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·DateAug 31, 2004
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

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.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateAug 31, 2004

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.

SourcePetroleum Technology Research Centre·DateAug 31, 2004

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.

SourceNIH/National Institute of General Medical Sciences·DateAug 31, 2004
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

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.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateAug 31, 2004

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.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateAug 31, 2004

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.

SourceAmerican Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateAug 31, 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.

Scientists estimate probability of death from breast cancer and other causes following diagnosis

Researchers analyzed data from over 400,000 breast cancer patients to calculate probabilities of death from breast cancer vs. all other causes combined. They found that patients with ER-negative tumors and larger tumors were more likely to die from their cancer than those with ER-positive tumors and smaller tumors.

SourceNIH/National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateAug 31, 2004

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.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateAug 31, 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.

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.

SourceInfectious Diseases Society of America·JournalClinical Infectious Diseases·DateAug 31, 2004

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.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateAug 31, 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.

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.

SourceVirginia Tech·DateAug 31, 2004

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.

SourceCenter for Advancing Health·JournalAmerican Journal of Health Promotion·DateAug 31, 2004

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.

SourceUSDA Forest Service - Pacific Northwest Research Station·JournalConservation Biology·DateAug 31, 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.

Study estimates probability of death after breast cancer diagnosis

Researchers analyzed data from over 400,000 breast cancer patients to estimate the probability of death after diagnosis. The study found that breast cancer patients with ER-negative tumors were more likely to die from their cancer than those with ER-positive tumors.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateAug 31, 2004

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.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·DateAug 31, 2004

Highlights of the September Journal of the American Dietetic Association

A survey of 10th-grade students reveals that many teens have made conscious efforts to lose weight, with girls more likely to diet than boys. The study also explores the impact of calcium-rich diets on girls' weight, finding no significant increase in body weight or BMI.

SourceAmerican Dietetic Association·JournalJournal of the American Dietetic Association·DateAug 31, 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.

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...

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateAug 31, 2004

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.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateAug 31, 2004

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...

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature Materials·DateAug 31, 2004

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.

SourceDOE/Idaho National Laboratory·DateAug 31, 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.

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.

SourceRadiological Society of North America·JournalRadiology·DateAug 31, 2004