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Science News Archive December 2004


Page 10 of 12

Immigration & psychiatric disorders

A new study found that immigration status significantly increases the risk of psychiatric disorders among US-born individuals compared to foreign-born counterparts. The study analyzed data from over 43,000 US adults and revealed a higher lifetime rate of psychiatric disorders among US-born Mexican Americans and non-Hispanic Whites.

Impulsive behavior may be relict of hunter-gatherer past

Research suggests that impulsive behavior in animals, including blue jays, may be an evolutionary adaptation to foraging in the wild. The study found that birds prioritized immediate rewards over delayed ones, as they would often forget about food and continue foraging. This impulsiveness may have been beneficial for survival but is no...

Sleep loss boosts appetite, may encourage weight gain

Research subjects who slept only four hours a night experienced an 18% decrease in leptin and a 28% increase in ghrelin, leading to a 24% increase in appetite. The study also found that sleep-deprived individuals tend to crave more sugary and salty foods.

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.

Two-thirds of school-age children have an imaginary companion by age 7

A study found that having an imaginary companion is common among school-age children, with 31% playing with one at age 7. The companions varied widely in form and function, including invisible humans and animals. Imaginary play appears to be an ongoing process that helps children develop social understanding and emotional regulation.

Dec. 7 tip sheet Annals of Internal Medicine

A study of 1,718 people found that COX-2 inhibitor rofecoxib was associated with a higher risk of heart attack compared to celecoxib and older non-selective non-aspirin non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NANSAIDs). In contrast, those who used NANSAIDs had a decreased risk for myocardial infarction.

Scientists discover key egg enzyme for blocking sperm entry after fertilization

Researchers at Brown University have identified an enzyme called Udx1 that generates hydrogen peroxide to block sperm entry and protect the fragile embryo. The discovery sheds light on a century-old mystery of how eggs defend themselves against sperm, with potential implications for understanding fertilization and early development.

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.

TV ads during sports depict unsafe behavior and violence

A study found that nearly one in five commercials during televised major sporting events show unsafe behavior, with bicycles ridden without helmets being depicted frequently. The study also revealed that 14% of commercials showed unsafe behavior, while 6% displayed violence, mostly in movies and TV programs.

A new tiger subspecies?

A new tiger subspecies has been identified through a genetic analysis of over 130 tigers, suggesting six living subspecies rather than the traditional five. The study provides valuable data for conservation strategies and captive breeding programs to combat the decline of wild tiger populations.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Human gland probably evolved from gills

Researchers suggest that the parathyroid gland evolved from the gills of ancestral marine creatures to regulate calcium levels in land-living animals. The discovery supports the idea that humans and other tetrapods share a common evolutionary history with fish.

MIT, Columbia begin new energy experiment

The Levitated Dipole Experiment (LDX) at MIT and Columbia University is conducting basic studies of confined high-temperature matter and investigating plasma for potential fusion energy. Scientists are using powerful magnets to initiate, sustain, and control plasma in a process that releases large amounts of energy.

NHLBI stops sickle cell anemia transfusion study

The NHLBI halted a clinical trial on periodic blood transfusions for patients with sickle cell anemia due to the treatment's proven effectiveness in preventing strokes. However, the trial also highlighted potential long-term side effects such as iron overload and the need for ongoing monitoring.

New drug sidesteps Gleevec resistance in human trials

The new compound BMS-354825 successfully overcomes Gleevec resistance in patients with chronic myeloid leukemia, showing an 85% success rate in phase I clinical trials. Researchers believe the drug's unique mechanism of action may provide a solution to this common problem.

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.

Prediction of gene function in mammals

Researchers from the University of Toronto developed a new method for predicting mammalian gene function by analyzing RNA expression patterns. They used a support vector machine algorithm to analyze over 40,000 known mouse mRNAs and predicted functions for thousands of genes, with high accuracy.

Novel drugs help solve Gleevec resistance

Researchers have discovered that BMS-354825 and AMN107 can effectively treat patients with leukemia who are resistant to Gleevec therapy. The studies found remarkable activity in these novel compounds, with high response rates and improved survival outcomes.

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.

Low platelet counts linked to decreased survival in HIV-infected women

Research from the Women's Interagency HIV Study found that HIV-infected women with low platelet counts had a five-fold increased risk of dying due to any cause. The study also revealed that highly active antiretroviral therapy, such as HAART containing zidovudine, can boost platelet counts back to normal.

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.

Farnesyl transferase inhibitor can help patients at high-risk for developing AML

A new oral therapy, Zarnestra, has shown benefit in improving blood counts and preventing leukemia development in patients with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS). The drug, a farnesyl transferase inhibitor, produces responses in about one-third of patients, offering hope for those at high-risk for developing acute myelogenous leukemia (AML).

US tech firms bullish on re-election of Bush

The Global Technology Confidence Index post-election survey found that US tech firms are optimistic about the re-election of President Bush, with over half believing it will benefit their industry. The report also revealed mixed views on business and technology confidence, with some regions experiencing a sharp decline in optimism.

New study discovers why 'persister' cells never say die

A recent study published in Journal of Bacteriology has identified the HipA gene responsible for making persister cells resistant to antibiotics. Biofilm infections, which can cause fatal lung infections, periodontal disease, and other serious health issues, are notoriously difficult to treat.

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.

Study: Eat leafy green veggies to help prevent cataracts

Lab experiments showed lutein and zeaxanthin, found in leafy greens, protected human lens cells from UV damage, nearly 10 times more powerful than vitamin E. Nearly 20 million US citizens suffer from cataracts, a costly condition treated with surgery.

Nursing homes register 41 percent drop in residents' pain

Researchers at Brown Medical School and Quality Partners tested a rapid-cycle quality improvement model to address persistent pain in nursing home residents. The study showed a significant reduction in pain, with 44% of homes using appropriate pain assessments and 82% using non-drug pain treatments.

Wobble hypothesis stands up, NC state researcher finds

A study published in Nature Structural and Molecular Biology reveals that cellular modifications to tRNA enhance its ability to decode genetic information at the atomic level. The research supports Agris' Modified Wobble Hypothesis, suggesting that modified nucleosides enable tRNA to decode more than one DNA code.

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.

Revisiting the vertebrate invasion of the land

New discoveries have increased resolution on vertebrate morphological sequence, documented rapid tetrapod appearance, and sparked controversy over environmental factors. Research highlights adaptations that enable fish survival on land, including air-breathing organs and biochemical strategies.

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.

Chandramouli and partners use US Air Force STTR grant

Chandramouli and his team developed a platform-independent Rapid Steganographic Detection Suite (RSDS) to scan for hidden information in digital files, images, and emails. The software framework uses steganalytic tools and techniques to detect and analyze steganographic content, allowing users to identify potential security threats.

Quantum memory for light

Researchers successfully transfer the quantum state of a light pulse onto a set of atoms, demonstrating quantum memory. The experiment achieved a 70% coincidence rate, which is higher than what can be obtained by measuring the polarization of the photons directly.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

The impact of body weight on the progression of knee osteoarthritis

A study published in Arthritis & Rheumatism found that weight gain significantly increases the risk of disease progression in knees with moderate malalignment, but has no impact in neutrally aligned or severely malaligned legs. Researchers suggest targeting weight loss efforts for patients with moderate malalignment to slow disease pro...

New method measures emotional quality of daily experience

A new method reconstructs people's previous day experiences to capture their emotions, revealing intimate relations as most enjoyable activities. The study found taking care of children was less enjoyable than expected, while general life circumstances had a limited impact on daily feelings.

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.

Obesity gets you where you live, UH study finds

A UH study reveals that lack of fresh produce in lower-income neighborhoods contributes to weight and health problems among these populations. The research highlights the need for improved access to healthy food options in underserved communities.

Save up your energy reserves for a longer life!

Scientists found that animals with extra copies of the AMP-1 enzyme lived 13% longer than controls, while environmental stressors activating AMP-1 also led to longer lives. The study's findings have broad implications for understanding human aging and potentially extending lifespan through exercise and therapeutics.

November/December 2004 Annals of Family Medicine tip sheet

The article highlights three key findings: depression severity impacts functioning and quality of life more dramatically in elderly patients than other chronic medical conditions. Rural blacks have significantly worse diabetes and hypertension control, while 42% of clinic appointments are no-shows due to issues of disrespect by the hea...

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.

Bosons crystallize in 2-D traps

Researchers at Georgia Tech discovered that bosons placed in two-dimensional harmonic traps will crystallize when their repulsive interactions are increased. Theoretical simulations showed six bosons forming a polygonal crystal with one boson in the center.

USC-led team of scientists recreates DNA-mending pathway in test-tube

A team of scientists led by Michael Lieber has successfully recreated the mammalian nonhomologous DNA end joining (NHEJ) pathway in a test tube. This breakthrough could lead to the development of new cancer drugs that target this pathway, which is also essential for repairing radiation damage and maintaining immune function.

Replicating an eel's nerve circuitry may aid paralyzed people

A team of researchers led by Johns Hopkins University is developing a neuroprosthetic implant that could restore locomotion in patients with spinal cord injuries. The device mimics the signals sent by the brain and stimulates dormant control centers to send movement instructions to muscles.

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

Good results with only one egg in in-vitro fertilization

A study of 661 women found that transferring only one embryo during IVF resulted in fewer multiple births and higher pregnancy rates. The single-embryo group had a significantly lower proportion of deliveries with twins or more siblings compared to the two-embryo group.