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Science News for December 16, 2004


Model simulates dynamics of heart rhythm disorders

A researcher created a model to simulate the dynamics of heart rhythm disorders, including ventricular tachycardia and fibrillation. The model revealed that only six spiral waves are present in the heart during fibrillation, contradicting previous assumptions about its chaotic nature.

SourceNetherlands Organization for Scientific Research·DateDec 16, 2004

LCD as a molecular magnifying glass

Researchers have created a surface that can align liquid-crystal molecules, enabling the construction of LCDs and opening up the possibility of biosensors. The aligned liquid crystals can detect the presence of certain types of DNA without additional equipment.

SourceNetherlands Organization for Scientific Research·DateDec 16, 2004

Drinking without food may set you up for high blood pressure

A study of 2,609 participants found that drinking outside of meals significantly increases the risk of hypertension. The research also showed that the volume of alcohol consumed played a more important role in the relationship between drinking and high blood pressure than how often a person drank.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·DateDec 16, 2004

NASA study finds tiny particles in air may influence carbon sinks

A recent NASA study reveals that tiny particles in the air can have a significant effect on how much carbon is transferred from the atmosphere to below-ground carbon sinks. The research found that aerosols, not clouds, tend to scatter sunlight, allowing more radiation to penetrate to leaves and increasing photosynthesis rates.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateDec 16, 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.

Emory biochemist writes lead essay describing Nobel Prize research on ubiquitin protein

Dr. Keith Wilkinson's Nobel Prize-winning research on ubiquitin has provided detailed information about cell survival and death, shedding light on the ubiquitin system's role in regulating protein turnover rates. The discoveries present opportunities to develop highly selective drugs targeting various aspects of the ubiquitin pathway.

SourceEmory University Health Sciences Center·JournalCell·DateDec 16, 2004

Colonoscopy most reliable method for detecting colon cancer

A study comparing the relative sensitivity of colonoscopy, ACBE, and CTC found that colonoscopy detected 98% of large and 99% of small lesions, outperforming ACBE and CTC. The results have important implications for clinicians considering colon imaging tests and potentially for colon cancer screening programs.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateDec 16, 2004
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.

A new twist on an old nebula

Astronomers have discovered a quadra-polar nebula with two disks formed at different times, challenging the companion-star-only model. The study, led by C. Robert O'Dell, used sharp new images from the Hubble Space Telescope to reconstruct the 3D structure of the Helix Nebula.

SourceVanderbilt University·DateDec 16, 2004

Scientists study fish oil diet in bid to cut heart attack risks

Researchers are conducting a study to examine the effects of fish oil supplements and increased fish consumption on blood vessel function in men. The study aims to investigate whether fish oil supplementation can counteract the negative effects of smoking on heart health.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·DateDec 16, 2004

Few Americans aware they have chronic kidney disease

A study found that only 9% of adults with moderately decreased kidney function reported being told they had weakened or failing kidneys, highlighting a need for increased awareness and diagnosis. The researchers suggest that control of diabetes and hypertension are critical in reducing the rate of progression and complications of chron...

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateDec 16, 2004
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Researchers present Cassini findings at Saturn

Researchers have discovered Cassini findings on Saturn's rings, dust impacts, and radio rotation rate variations. The study found that Saturn's lightning is one million times stronger than Earth's, with some signals linked to storm systems.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalScience·DateDec 16, 2004

Saturn System driven by ice, says University of Colorado researcher

Scientists have found that Saturn's system is composed of ice and oxygen atoms, which are produced by collisions between small icy moons and the planet's magnetosphere. The research suggests that these collisions have been occurring for millions of years, adding fresh material to the ring system.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalScience·DateDec 16, 2004
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.

TWAS, illycaffè launch Trieste Science prize

The TWAS Trieste Science Prize recognizes outstanding scientists from developing countries, aiming to increase their visibility and contributions to global science. The prize carries a US$50,000 cash award and will be awarded annually in various fields.

SourceAbdus Salam International Centre for Theoretical Physics·DateDec 16, 2004

Greenland ice cores offer glimpse of weather system history

Researchers analyzed eight Greenland ice cores to uncover the history of the North Atlantic Oscillation, a weather system controlling climate patterns in Europe and the eastern US. The study found that one core site matches historic records, providing a potential record of NAO behavior centuries earlier.

SourceOhio State University·DateDec 16, 2004

Science names Mars discovery Breakthrough of the Year

The Mars rover mission has discovered evidence of prolonged presence of salty, acidic water on Mars' surface, making it a potential habitable place. The findings suggest that conditions were suitable for life to exist in the past.

SourceCornell University·JournalScience·DateDec 16, 2004

Poison digs its own grave

Botrytis cinerea, a major problem in horticulture and viniculture, uses ABC transporters to pump toxic substances out of the fungus. The research reveals that this mechanism is comparable to multiple drug resistance in humans, with the protein BcatrB playing a key role.

SourceNetherlands Organization for Scientific Research·DateDec 16, 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.

Conquerors' hopes dashed

A new study on the Lienzo de Quauhquechollan painting reveals that it depicts a campaign of conquest through Guatemala by Spanish conqueror Jorge Alvarado in 1527-1529. The indigenous map provides a unique perspective on the Spanish conquest, challenging the traditional European bias in historical accounts.

SourceNetherlands Organization for Scientific Research·DateDec 16, 2004

OTC treatment for acne as good as antibiotics

A randomized trial involving over 650 participants found that OTC acne treatments were as effective as oral antibiotic tablets. Benzoyl peroxide was identified as the cheapest and most cost-effective treatment, with a significant difference in cost-effectiveness between regimens.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateDec 16, 2004

Screening for genetic disorders: Need to avoid anxiety

A unique three-year project found that genetic screening can lead to uncertainty and anxiety among individuals at risk, while those with symptoms face difficulties in diagnosis and treatment. Researchers call for urgent attention from health policymakers to address these issues and ensure accessible care.

SourceEconomic & Social Research Council·DateDec 16, 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.

Research finds genetic link to antidepressants

Researchers found a genetic variation in the CRH gene associated with a 70% greater reduction in anxiety and 30% greater reduction in depression in response to certain antidepressants. This discovery shows promise in helping physicians tailor prescriptions to specific people, offering a more targeted approach to treating depression.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateDec 16, 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.

Hummingbirds lose power at high altitudes

Researchers found that hummingbirds' lifting ability declines with altitude, leaving less reserve power for quick bursts of flight. The study also revealed a clear correlation between power margin and elevation, with birds dominating territories at lower elevations.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 16, 2004

Major step forwards for vaccine against cervical cancer

A vaccine against cervical cancer has been developed by Dutch researcher Laura Bungener. The vaccine induces an immune response to proteins from human papillomavirus (HPV), rendering it harmless and preventing the growth of tumors. Laboratory animals with existing tumors could also be treated with this vaccination.

SourceNetherlands Organization for Scientific Research·DateDec 16, 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.

NYU chemists create DNA translation machine

Researchers have developed a DNA translation machine that imitates the ribosome's translational capabilities. The device uses an arbitrary code to construct specific DNA sequences, potentially leading to new synthetic polymer materials and advancements in DNA-based computational methods.

SourceNew York University·JournalScience·DateDec 16, 2004

McGill researchers identify new way to reduce cholesterol levels

A new study found that combining plant sterols with exercise can significantly improve cholesterol levels in previously sedentary adults. The combination therapy favourably altered lipid profiles by decreasing total cholesterol and increasing high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels.

SourceMcGill University·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateDec 16, 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.

Paper of the Year 2004

The Lancet's Paper of the Year 2004 exposed flaws in pharmaceutical companies and highlighted the need for an international register of randomized clinical trials. The paper also mentioned notable contributions from Richard Doll and Salim Yusuf.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateDec 16, 2004

CALIPSO monitors pulse of Soufriere Hills volcano

The CALIPSO project is the first volcano monitoring system of its type installed at an andesitic volcano. By comparing measurements with a computer model, researchers can understand what's happening beneath the surface. The goal is to measure magma reservoir size, magma inflow, and magma characteristics.

SourcePenn State·DateDec 16, 2004

Shots fired at Bayonne range prove smart gun technology works

Researchers at New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT) have successfully tested a smart gun that can distinguish between authorized and unauthorized users. The technology uses dynamic grip recognition, which measures the size, strength, and reflexive way a person acts when squeezing the trigger.

SourceNew Jersey Institute of Technology·DateDec 16, 2004

Nevada seismology researchers develop model that estimates impact of large earthquake in Los Angeles

Researchers at the University of Nevada, Reno developed a model that estimates the impact of a large earthquake in Los Angeles by studying an earthquake in Kern County. The study found that the hanging-wall side of thrust-fault earthquakes experiences more extreme motion and damage than the footwall side.

SourceUniversity of Nevada, Reno·JournalBulletin of the Seismological Society of America·DateDec 16, 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.

Research in yeast yields missing link in DNA maintenance machinery

The study found that a protein complex called INO80 plays a crucial role in loosening histone grip on DNA, allowing DNA repair machinery to access damaged areas. The researchers discovered a specific form of histone protein, gamma-H2AX, acts as a code directing DNA repair proteins to breaks.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalCell·DateDec 16, 2004

New desalination technology taps waste heat from power plants

Researchers at the University of Florida have developed a technology that can harness waste heat from electrical power plants to produce millions of gallons of fresh water daily. The system, which employs mass diffusion, reduces energy costs compared to traditional desalination methods.

SourceUniversity of Florida·JournalJournal of Energy Resources Technology·DateDec 16, 2004
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Crochet some chaos for Christmas

Dr. Hinke Osinga and Professor Bernd Krauskopf from the University of Bristol have created a crochet pattern for a chaos model, known as the Lorenz manifold, which helps understand complex systems like chemical reactions and weather patterns. The pattern consists of 25,511 stitches and took over 85 hours to complete.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalThe Mathematical Intelligencer·DateDec 16, 2004

Report on health insurance coverage of Iowa children shows gaps

The Iowa report found that nearly one in eight children were without health insurance at some point in 2000, with 90,000 children uninsured annually. The study also revealed that many eligible children were not enrolled in Medicaid or hawk-i programs due to inadequate enrollment.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·DateDec 16, 2004

MIT creates new model of cancer syndrome

Researchers at MIT have created a new mouse model of cancer syndrome by introducing point mutations in the tumor suppressor gene p53. The study shows that these subtle mutations can lead to a broad range of tumors in mice, potentially providing insights into treating cancers with similar genetic profiles.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalCell·DateDec 16, 2004
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.

Rapid progress reported in emerging field of molecular electronics

Researchers have reported rapid progress in molecular electronics, with logic gates, memory circuits, and rectifiers demonstrated to work. The UCLA/Caltech team has achieved significant advancements in harnessing molecule-based switches for electronic circuitry.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalScience·DateDec 16, 2004

Hidden fault may contribute to Bay Area earthquake risk

A hidden fault under Marin County, California, could significantly increase the earthquake risk in the San Francisco Bay Area. Researchers believe that a blind thrust fault, which is difficult to detect until an earthquake occurs, may be transferring motion from the northern Hayward fault to the San Andreas fault.

SourcePenn State·DateDec 16, 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.

Surprise! Cells have second source of phosphate

Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have identified a second source of phosphate in cells, inositol pyrophosphate (IP7), which modifies proteins without ATP's help. IP7's role in regulating brain chemicals and protein synthesis suggests new potential treatments for neurodegenerative diseases.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalScience·DateDec 16, 2004

Iceberg poses no threat to Antarctic personnel

The massive iceberg B-15A poses no obstacle to the resupply ships at McMurdo Station, with the U.S. Coast Guard icebreaker Polar Star on track to clear a channel through the sea ice. NSF has arranged for a backup icebreaker to assist if necessary.

SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·DateDec 16, 2004