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Science News Archive August 2004 - Page 11


Page 11 of 12

Jumping gene plays pivotal role in reproduction

A jumping gene called mUtp14b has been found to affect fertility in mice, with a mutation leading to sterility. Researchers believe this gene may play a role in male infertility in humans and are investigating its potential impact.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 2, 2004

Two enzymes key to calorie-burning, Brown research shows

Researchers at Brown Medical School have discovered two key enzymes, PC1 and PC2, that play a crucial role in processing the precursor of thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) and regulating calorie-burning. This finding will aid in the understanding and treatment of obesity, which affects nearly 68 million adults in the United States.

SourceBrown University·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateAug 2, 2004

Mount Sinai nursing leader awarded national fellowship

Dr. Capitulo has been recognized for her leadership and research in nursing education and patient-centered care. Her national fellowship includes a $30,000 grant to develop a model for navigating industry changes, building on her experience leading major redesign projects and creating patient-focused care models.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·DateAug 2, 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.

MSU group reviews Berkeley venture into brave new science funding world

A Michigan State University group examined the impact of a $25 million research agreement between UC-Berkeley and Novartis, recommending safeguards to prevent industry influence. The review highlights concerns over credibility, conflict of interest, and institutional accountability in public higher education.

SourceMichigan State University·DateAug 2, 2004

Exposure to influenza during pregnancy may increase risk of schizophrenia in offspring

A new study found that prenatal exposure to influenza may increase the risk of schizophrenia in offspring years later, with a threefold increased risk when exposure occurred during the first half of pregnancy. The study analyzed archived sera from pregnant women and their children born between 1959-1966.

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalArchives of General Psychiatry·DateAug 2, 2004

Wolf reintroduction reshapes Yellowstone ecology

The study suggests that the fear of wolves among herbivores influences vegetation growth in Yellowstone. Restoration goals should focus on recovering natural processes, rather than managing specific species. The findings have implications for other regions with similar ecological dynamics.

SourceAmerican Institute of Biological Sciences·JournalBioScience·DateAug 2, 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.

Leptin has layers of control

Research finds that leptin controls hypothalamic prohormone convertases 1 and 2, influencing thyrotopin-releasing hormone production. This regulation plays a key role in energy balance and may lead to novel treatments for obesity and thyroid axis disorders.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateAug 2, 2004

Lung function worsens for some children with mild and moderate asthma

A study of children with mild to moderate asthma found that a significant number experienced a decline in lung function over four to six years. Children who were male, younger, and had shorter duration of asthma were more likely to experience this decline, regardless of treatment.

SourceNational Jewish Health·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateAug 2, 2004

Family meals appear to be associated with adolescent's well-being

Regular family meals are associated with better nutritional intake, lower substance use, and improved emotional health among adolescent girls. The study found that frequent family mealtimes can be a protective factor against various negative outcomes, including suicidal involvement.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine·DateAug 2, 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.

Involvement in bullying linked with poor psychosocial adjustment

A study of over 113,000 adolescents from 25 countries found that involvement in bullying was associated with poor physical health, emotional adjustment, school performance, peer relationships, alcohol use, and carrying weapons. The researchers also observed a significant overlap between bullies, victims, and bully-victims.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine·DateAug 2, 2004

New diagnostic technology helps justify earlier cataract surgery

A new study using wavefront diagnostic equipment has shown that different types of cataracts produce identifiable results, allowing for accurate measurement of visual errors and improved treatment. This technology can help reduce the number of patients unable to receive early treatment due to inadequate or outdated testing methods.

SourceAmerican Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery·JournalJournal of Cataract & Refractive Surgery·DateAug 2, 2004

Another key for the p53 door

YY1 regulates p53 at multiple levels, decreasing its amount in cells and blocking its interaction with cofactors. This discovery offers new targeting options for therapies to prevent transcription factors from interacting with other proteins.

SourceLudwig Institute for Cancer Research·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 2, 2004

Annals of Internal Medicine, tip sheet, August 3, 2004

A study of 2,220 patients with acute coronary artery disease found that early invasive treatment showed a benefit in preventing heart attack or death, especially for older patients. A survey also revealed significant salary disparities between female and male medical faculty members in the US.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateAug 2, 2004

Proportion of Tennessee children using antipsychotic medications up significantly

The proportion of Tennessee children using antipsychotic medications for conditions other than psychosis nearly doubled between 1996 and 2001, with significant increases in ADHD and affective disorders. The study suggests an urgent need for well-controlled clinical studies to weigh the benefits against the risks.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine·DateAug 2, 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.

Virginia Tech's 'Centuria' wins NASA aircraft design competition

The Virginia Tech/Loughborough University team designed Centuria, a plane that can replace single-engine general aviation vehicles. The team successfully created a new jet engine optimized for low flight speeds at low altitudes, meeting the needs of thousands of pilots who fly below 10,000 feet and 250 knots.

SourceVirginia Tech·DateAug 2, 2004

Adherence to treatment guidelines improves early breast cancer survival

Researchers found that adherence to St-Gallen guidelines improved overall survival at 7 years, especially for those at moderate risk of recurrence. Women whose treatment conformed to guideline recommendations experienced better survival and lower recurrence rates compared to those with non-guideline therapy.

SourceAmerican Society of Clinical Oncology·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateAug 2, 2004

New research explains lag in onset of common type of vertigo

A team of researchers developed a mathematical model to explain the 5-second delay between head motion and vertigo attacks, suggesting that tiny particles called otoconia may be responsible. The study used hydrodynamic models to show that loose otoconia can cause disruptions in the inner ear, leading to dizziness.

SourceHarvard University·JournalJournal of Biomechanics·DateAug 2, 2004

Matter-antimatter: Discovered new, striking difference

Researchers at BaBar Collaboration have discovered a new way in which matter-antimatter asymmetry occurs, known as CP direct violation. The study found a significant difference in decay rates between B mesons and their antimatter counterparts.

SourceNational Institute for Nuclear Physics (INFN)·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateAug 2, 2004
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Stroking up cellular therapy

Researchers found that administering CD34+ cells to mice with stroke damage led to increased new blood vessel growth and improved neural regeneration through the production of growth factors. The findings provide direct evidence for the importance of angiogenesis in repairing stroke damage.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateAug 2, 2004

MayoClinic.com receives top honors

MayoClinic.com empowers people to manage their health with useful and up-to-date information and tools from a team of over 2,000 physicians and scientists. The site is owned by Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research and serves as a dependable source of health information.

SourceMayo Clinic·DateAug 2, 2004

Pocket gophers serve as 'ecosystem engineers'

Researchers find that pocket gophers' underground activities increase plant diversity and productivity by loosening soil and aerating it. This discovery has implications for restoring native habitats in California.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·DateAug 2, 2004

Wasting away in muscle-ville

Researchers identified myosin heavy chain as a selective target in cancer cachexia, a condition characterized by muscle wasting. The study found that TNF-a/IFN-g-dependent loss of myosin heavy chain occurred through different mechanisms depending on the model used.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateAug 2, 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.

'Smart gene therapy' protects against damage from heart attack

Researchers have developed a novel gene therapy that combines a therapeutic gene with a genetic sensor to protect the heart from damage caused by reduced blood flow. The therapy, which was tested in rats, showed a significant reduction in tissue death and damage compared to untreated animals.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 2, 2004

Malignant cancer cells generate mice through cloning

Researchers successfully cloned mice from malignant cancer cells using nuclear transfer. The study reveals that the epigenetic elements of cancer can be reversed, whereas genetic mutations are not.

SourceWhitehead Institute for Biomedical Research·JournalGenes & Development·DateAug 2, 2004

How strongly does the sun influence the global climate?

Researchers at Max Planck Institute for Solar System Research found a moderate correlation between solar activity and climate change. However, their study suggests that the Sun's influence on global warming is relatively small over the last 20-30 years.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateAug 2, 2004
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

New light on how metals change shape at the nanoscale

Scientists have identified a prominent way in which nanocrystalline metals change shape by using dark-field imaging techniques. Researchers report that at very small dimensions, grain boundaries themselves move and slide past one another to allow deformation.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalScience·DateAug 2, 2004

Achieving 'adulthood' is more elusive; transition to adulthood occurring at a later age

The traditional definition of adulthood is shifting, with education, employment, and financial independence becoming key markers. Researchers found that it takes longer for young adults to become self-sufficient, with many living in their parents' homes or requiring financial assistance from their families.

SourceAmerican Sociological Association·Journalسياقات اللغة والدراسات البينية·DateAug 2, 2004

Physicists discover dramatic difference in behavior of matter versus antimatter

The BaBar experiment at SLAC has discovered striking matter-antimatter asymmetry in the decay of B and anti-B mesons. The researchers found a clear signal for direct charge parity (CP) violation, with a preference for B meson decays over anti-B meson decays by 13%. This effect is significantly stronger than observed in kaons.

SourceDOE/SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateAug 2, 2004

Asymmetric feature shows puzzling face for superconductivity

Researchers discovered a significant deviation from expected symmetry in the density of states of excitations in high-temperature superconducting tunnel junctions. The findings suggest that crystals of high-temperature superconductors, with a titanate layer, exhibit intrinsic particle-hole asymmetry.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateAug 2, 2004
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.

How well informed are volunteers giving 'informed consent'?

A study published in BMC Medicine found that using visual aids significantly improved pregnant women's understanding of HIV study information. The researchers suggest that the current informed consent process is inadequate and should be revised to effectively communicate information.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Medicine·DateAug 2, 2004

Adolescents hospitalized for psychiatric disorders experience more emotional distress in adulthood

A 20-year study found that adolescents hospitalized for psychiatric disorders experienced more emotional distress, died at a higher rate, and had limited educational attainment compared to their peers. The researchers emphasize the need for ongoing mental health support and education to mitigate these outcomes.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine·DateAug 2, 2004

Scientists' showdown with soil moisture at the O.K. corral

The Soil Moisture Experiment 2004 aims to understand how much moisture is retained in soils, helping estimate potential flooding or water absorption. By analyzing data from satellites, airplanes, and ground teams, researchers can provide better forecasts for monsoon rainfall and water supply.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateAug 2, 2004

Levels of certain hormones may be increased by stress

Researchers found that acute stress increases levels of DHEA-S in healthy humans and the DHEA-S-cortisol ratio is associated with reduced dissociation symptoms. The study suggests that augmentation of DHEA-S levels before stress exposure may provide a protective effect against stress-induced symptoms.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of General Psychiatry·DateAug 2, 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.

Being overweight when entering kindergarten linked to behavior problems in girls

Research links being overweight in kindergarten girls to a higher risk of behavior problems, including externalizing and internalizing issues. Low family income and maternal depression were strong predictors of these problems, contradicting the common belief that childhood obesity leads to behavior issues for both genders.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine·DateAug 2, 2004

Retreating glaciers spur Alaskan earthquakes

A recent NASA study has found a significant correlation between the retreat of glaciers and an increase in earthquake activity in southern Alaska. As glaciers melt, they lighten the load on the Earth's crust, allowing tectonic plates to move more freely, which can lead to earthquakes.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateAug 2, 2004

American Thoracic Society journal news tips for August 2004 (first issue)

Researchers found that a high-fiber diet from fruits and soy foods reduces the incidence of chronic respiratory symptoms, particularly cough with phlegm production. Additionally, brief exposure to multidrug-resistant tuberculosis can lead to infection, as detected by rapid molecular testing in hospital contacts.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateAug 2, 2004

ASCO releases new technology assessment

The American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) has released a new technology assessment recommending against the use of chemotherapy sensitivity and resistance assays. The assessment found limitations in the literature, including small sample sizes and low yield of assays, cast doubt on their effectiveness in determining treatment.

SourceAmerican Society of Clinical Oncology·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateAug 2, 2004

Antipsychotic drug prescriptions nearly double for kids with ADHD

A study published in Archives of Pediatric Adolescent Medicine found that antipsychotic medication prescriptions for children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) increased dramatically between 1996 and 2001, from 23 per 10,000 to 45 per 10,000. The use of these medications for ASDHD/conduct disorders also rose signific...

SourceVanderbilt University Medical Center·JournalArchives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine·DateAug 2, 2004
GoPro HERO13 Black

GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.

Landmark survey reports on the prevalence of personality disorders in the United States

The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) survey found that over 16 million Americans had a personality disorder, with avoidant, dependent, and paranoid disorders more prevalent among females. The study highlights the importance of addressing these conditions to prevent further impairment.

SourceNIH/National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism·JournalJournal of Clinical Psychiatry·DateAug 2, 2004

UCSB professor and director receives two national awards

Jim Reichman has received the Distinguished Service Citation from the Ecological Society of America for his long service to ESA and scientific community. He is also a recipient of the C. Hart Merriam Award of the American Society of Mammalogists, recognizing his contributions to mammalogy and environmental science.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·DateAug 2, 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 shows impact of emotionally healthy fathers when mothers' poor mental health affects children

A new study finds that a father's mental health has a significant impact on a child's behavioral and emotional problems, especially if the mother is struggling with depression. The research suggests that emotionally healthy fathers can substantially reduce the negative influence of a mother's poor mental health.

SourceCincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center·JournalArchives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine·DateAug 2, 2004

Genetic discovery could dramatically reduce need for liver transplants in children

Researchers discovered that inflammatory genes are activated and control bile duct obstruction in biliary atresia, a disease affecting up to 50% of children undergoing liver transplants. Blocking these inflammatory signals may prevent disease progression and increase long-term survival.

SourceCincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateAug 2, 2004

A changing landscape may have dire implications for birds

Researchers found that as rural forests are developed, native bird species face risks due to habitat loss and increased predation. The study suggests that housing density is a key driver of these changes, with some birds benefiting from human activities like feeding stations and nesting boxes.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·DateAug 1, 2004
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.

Clusters of alterations on PIK3CA gene found in brain cancers

Studies identified 13 mutations on the PIK3CA gene in various types of brain tumors, including anaplastic oligodendrogliomas and glioblastomas. The findings suggest a link between PIK3CA mutations and brain cancer development.

SourceAmerican Association for Cancer Research·JournalCancer Research·DateAug 1, 2004

In search of a lean gene

Researchers at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory discovered a lean gene, C/EBPbeta, which helps mice live longer and weigh less. The gene's activation may help jump-start metabolism in fat cells, preventing fat accumulation. Another study found that targeting the JIP1 protein can effectively protect against obesity and insulin resistance.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalGenes & Development·DateAug 1, 2004

Ants protect plants better when jacked up on nectar

Researchers found that when plants supply ants with nectar, it boosts the ants' desire for meat, making them better bodyguards. The most convenient protein packets for ants on plants are often insects that are there to munch on the plant.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·DateAug 1, 2004

Pioneering the basics for new kind of cancer vaccine

Scientists at Mayo Clinic develop novel approach to cancer vaccine that leverages inflammatory cell death to trigger a strong anti-tumor immune response, eradicating skin cancer tumors without triggering autoimmune disease. The breakthrough sheds light on a major obstacle in advancing cancer vaccine research from lab to human trials.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateAug 1, 2004

DNA variations surprise researchers

Researchers using new genome scanning technologies found stretches of DNA varying by hundreds of thousands of chemical bases that were present or absent in healthy individuals' genomes. This challenge long-held beliefs about the limited nature of genetic variation.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalNature Genetics·DateAug 1, 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.

Forest managers can fight invasive species that come with roads

A University of Wisconsin-Madison researcher used historic aerial photographs to track road density and found that invasive species can colonize roads within up to 60 years. Forest managers can employ proactive monitoring and quick action to mitigate the impact of roads on native plant life.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·DateAug 1, 2004

New England forests at greater risk from air pollution

A new study reveals that New England forests are under greater threat from air pollution compared to those in the Southeast region. The research used lichen community composition as an indicator of air pollution and found that nearly one-eighth of the New England area is affected by poorer air quality.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·DateAug 1, 2004