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Science News for December 22, 2004


'Jumping gene' helps explain immune system's abilities

Researchers discovered a jumping gene called Hermes, which creates changes in DNA similar to those created by the process behind antigen recognition. This discovery provides evidence that genetic processes behind antigen diversity may have evolved from the activity of a jumping gene.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalNature·DateDec 22, 2004

National Evolutionary Synthesis Center launches in Durham, North Carolina

The National Evolutionary Synthesis Center (NESCent) has been established in Durham, North Carolina, with a $15 million grant from the National Science Foundation. The center aims to unify the biological sciences by promoting cross-disciplinary studies and synthesizing evolutionary knowledge for policymakers, educators, and society.

SourceAmerican Institute of Biological Sciences·DateDec 22, 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.

Chromosome 16 publication fulfills DOE's human genome commitment

The US Department of Energy has fulfilled its commitment to sequence the human genome, publishing data on Chromosome 16. The completed chromosome includes 880 genes linked to various diseases, such as breast and prostate cancer, Crohn's disease, and adult polycystic kidney disease.

SourceDOE/Joint Genome Institute·JournalNature·DateDec 22, 2004

HydroGlobe acquired by Graver Technologies

HydroGlobe's patented water-filtration technologies will be licensed to Graver Technologies, treating potable water supplies at home and municipal levels worldwide. Stevens President Harold J. Raveché validates the acquisition as a major recognition of pioneering work in environmental technology innovation.

SourceStevens Institute of Technology·DateDec 22, 2004

World's most powerful infrared camera opens its eyes on the heavens

The Wide Field Camera (WFCAM) is the world's most powerful infrared survey camera, detecting objects one hundred times fainter than existing surveys. It has captured stunning images of the Orion nebula, revealing thousands of young stars and dramatic clouds of gas and dust.

SourceScience and Technology Facilities Council·DateDec 22, 2004

Small band of nurses plays key role keeping germ threats at bay

At the University of Rochester Medical Center, a team of nurses led by Diane O'Brien and John Treanor developed a system to inoculate over 200 volunteers with an experimental flu vaccine. The study aimed to assess the safety and effectiveness of the vaccine in preventing another flu vaccine shortage.

SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical Center·DateDec 22, 2004
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

MSI reveals invention for detection and precise quantification of molecules

The invention uses protein-DNA chimeras to detect and count small numbers of molecules, offering exquisite sensitivity and dynamic range. Methods based on these molecules are designed to work with existing PCR machines, making them useful for human disease diagnosis, environmental monitoring, and pathogen detection.

SourceMolecular Sciences Institute·JournalNature Methods·DateDec 22, 2004

Evidence for sun-climate link reported by UMaine scientists

Researchers found that increased solar radiation affects calcium and sodium deposition in Antarctica, indicating a link between solar activity and climate. This discovery sheds light on the Earth's climate system without accounting for human impacts.

SourceUniversity of Maine·JournalAnnals of Glaciology·DateDec 22, 2004

Immune system contributes to evolution of a new fluorescent protein

Researchers used somatic hypermutation to evolve a red fluorescent protein with improved stability and color emission properties. The new protein, mPlum, was created by allowing B cells to mutate the gene at a rate of roughly a million times that of the genome. This process enabled the production of multiple mutations in a single cycle.

SourceHoward Hughes Medical Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 22, 2004

New test possible aid to overcoming barriers to colon cancer screening

A new stool DNA test has been found to detect a significant proportion of colorectal cancers, potentially overcoming barriers to screening among unwilling individuals. The test, which analyzes tumor-specific DNA, detected 52% of cancers in average-risk asymptomatic individuals.

SourceIndiana University·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateDec 22, 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.

Cells don festive holiday colors

Scientists have developed a range of new fluorescent proteins with unique colors, allowing them to track the effects of multiple genetic alterations in a single cell. These monomeric proteins retain fluorescent properties while being less toxic than their multimeric counterparts, enabling precise cellular analysis.

SourceHoward Hughes Medical Institute·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateDec 22, 2004

Needling chromosomes yields insights into cell division

A team of researchers from Duke University has successfully used micromanipulation to study the separation of sister chromatids in cell division. Their experiments revealed that chromatids are initially attached but then separate at their centers, with linkages playing a crucial role in their separation.

SourceDuke University·JournalCurrent Biology·DateDec 22, 2004

'Casanova' field crickets - live fast, die young

Male crickets fed high protein diets engage in more sexual calling and die sooner than those on low protein diets. This is because they spend extra resources on mating behavior, shortening their lifespan. In contrast, males on low protein diets tend to delay calling until later in life, maintaining their body weight for longer.

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalNature·DateDec 22, 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.

McMaster researchers develop test for rare bleeding disorder

The McMaster researchers developed a detailed bleeding history questionnaire to discriminate between patients with QPD and those without. The tool helps identify higher likelihoods of bleeding that leads to lifestyle changes, bruises or bleeding in joints, providing valuable clues for doctors diagnosing the condition.

SourceMcMaster University·JournalBlood·DateDec 22, 2004