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Science News for December 21, 2004


Holidays, birthdays and postponement of cancer deaths

A study analyzing cancer death records from 1989-2000 found no correlation between cancer mortality and holiday events like Christmas or birthdays. However, it did reveal a slight increase in cancer deaths among certain populations, such as black Americans before Thanksgiving and white women on their birthdays.

SourceOhio State University·JournalJAMA·DateDec 21, 2004
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Nanotubes form along atomic steps

Nanotubes form along atomic steps due to iron nanoparticles' attraction to local fields created by the steps. The orientation and form of these steps can be controlled, enabling the production of different nanowire arrangements.

SourceAmerican Committee for the Weizmann Institute of Science·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateDec 21, 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.

Race may be factor in doctor-patient communication style

A study by Johns Hopkins researchers found that doctors talk more to white patients than black patients during medical visits, leading to less engagement and participation. This difference in communication style contributes to health disparities among African-American patients.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateDec 21, 2004

Human see, human do

Researchers at UCL found that brain activity increases in areas known as the 'mirror system' when experts view movements they've been trained to perform, compared to non-experts. This fine-tuned system may enable professionals to simulate skills without moving and maintain movement ability despite injury.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalCerebral Cortex·DateDec 21, 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.

Researchers discover a stem-cell switch lurking within leukemias

A team of researchers led by Gary Gilliland discovered that certain leukemia oncogenes can reactivate self-renewal programs in mature white blood cells. This finding has significant implications for understanding and treating chronic myeloid leukemia, a disease fueled by a small population of cancer stem cells.

SourceHoward Hughes Medical Institute·JournalCancer Cell·DateDec 21, 2004

Need a solution? In your dreams

Researchers found that dreams up to a week after a memorable emotional event often reflect problem resolution and positive emotions. This suggests that dreams can serve as a treatment for working through personal difficulties.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalJournal of Sleep Research·DateDec 21, 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.

New technique provides insights into gene regulation

A new technique developed by the University of Toronto team enables accurate measurements of individual exons that make up different mRNAs, opening doors to understanding more about some diseases. This process, known as alternative splicing, is a cellular process that acquires the ability to control genetic messages.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalMolecular Cell·DateDec 21, 2004

Violent ocean motion no magic potion for reefs

Researchers study the impact of hurricanes on coral reefs in South Florida, finding a temporary removal of invasive seaweed. However, experts caution that without addressing nutrient pollution and its root causes, reefs will remain vulnerable to similar problems.

SourceHarbor Branch Oceanographic Institution·DateDec 21, 2004

Detoxification in nation's jails falls short

A study found that only 12% of jails continued methadone treatments for withdrawal, while 48% failed to provide appropriate detoxification methods. The lack of coordination between jails and community clinics is a major concern.

SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical Center·JournalJournal of Urban Health·DateDec 21, 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.

Journal of Dental Research: New editor, new content, new look, new access

The Journal of Dental Research (JDR) is now featuring manuscripts from Critical Reviews in Oral Biology & Medicine, enhancing its content and Scientific Impact Factor. The journal will also be made freely available online after 12 months.

SourceInternational Association for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research·JournalJournal of Dental Research·DateDec 21, 2004