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Science News Archive December 2004


Page 4 of 12

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.

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...

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

New monkey discovered in Northeastern India

The Arunachal macaque is a new species of macaque found in India's Northeast, with its name meaning 'deep-forest monkey' in local vernacular. Further studies will determine if it should be included on the IUCN Red List and protected under Indian law.

American Thoracic Society Journal news tips for December 2004 (second issue)

A study of high-risk asthma patients shows that hospitalization can lead to a rapid decrease in prescribed medication use. Another study finds that inhaled corticosteroids may contribute to reduced bone density, particularly in individuals with COPD. Researchers also identify occupational exposure to insecticides and moldy environments...

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Rural roads in Southeast are deadliest in nation

The Southeast's rural two-lane highways are the deadliest roads in the nation, according to a recent Georgia Institute of Technology study. The most frequent crashes occurred on these highways, especially in wooded areas where drivers ran off the road and hit trees.

National study finds second cesarean section safer than normal delivery

A national study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that vaginal birth after a cesarean section (VBAC) is more dangerous for mothers, with higher rates of uterine rupture and endometritis. However, the risk remains small, and researchers recommend thorough counseling for women considering VBAC.

Researchers find circulating tumor cells in long-term cancer survivors

A recent study by UT Southwestern Medical Center found that one-third of long-term disease-free breast cancer patients have circulating tumor cells (CTCs), which are often associated with a higher risk of recurrence. However, the presence of CTCs in these patients after 20 years post-mastectomy is notable due to their low risk of recur...

Canadian researchers' important discovery in HIV research

Researchers from CANVAC, a Canadian network of immunology and virology experts, have developed a new method to assess thymus function using only blood samples. They found that HIV-infected individuals experience decreased thymic function in the first months after infection, leading to lower T-lymphocyte production.

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.

NASA picks two IU devices to go to Mars

Indiana University geologists David Bish and Juergen Schieber will join NASA's Mars Science Laboratory, a rover mission set to launch in 2009. The rover will explore a local region as a potential habitat for past or present life, shedding light on the Martian surface's composition.

Loss of fruit fly retina protein delays blinding light damage

Researchers found that engineered fruit flies with resistant rhodopsin protein retained vision twice as long as normal flies, but eventually developed blindness due to delayed decay of rhodopsin. The study suggests that degradation of visual proteins contributes to vision loss and may help reduce blindness severity in rare individuals.

Microbe's genome reveals insights into ocean ecology

The study of Silicibacter pomeroyi's genome reveals that marine bacterioplankton use inorganic compounds for energy, enabling efficient carbon use in low-nutrient oceans. The research also shows the microbe's adaptability to ocean hot spots, rich areas of organic matter.

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.

New route to Parkinson's found in cells' 'garbage disposal' system

Researchers discovered that BAG5 protein enhances dopaminergic neuron death and inhibits parkin activity, leading to increased neuronal death. Inhibiting BAG5 increases neuronal survival, suggesting a potential therapeutic target for neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson's.

Laser scalpel opens way for nerve regeneration studies in worms

A new laser scalpel allows for precise cutting of nerves in worms, enabling researchers to study the basic mechanisms of nerve regeneration. The technique involves making mutations in genes believed to be involved in nerve regeneration and observing the effects on regeneration following laser severing of the nerves.