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Science News for December 7, 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.

Less fat makes better process for designing new drugs

Scientists have developed a new method for crystallizing proteins, which could lead to the creation of effective drugs for diseases such as cystic fibrosis and Alzheimer's. The improved method uses a thinner sponge-like structure to bind proteins together more easily.

SourceOhio State University·JournalStructure·DateDec 7, 2004

INEEL honors five scientists as Laboratory Fellows

The Idaho National Laboratory has recognized five scientists, William Apel, James Delmore, Paul Meakin, David Petti, and Herschel Smartt, as its first-ever Laboratory Fellows. They were selected based on their professional knowledge, scientific achievements, and national technical leadership.

SourceDOE/Idaho National Laboratory·DateDec 7, 2004

New technique scans electrical 'brainscape'

The study, led by Dr. Miguel Nicolelis, demonstrates the ability to distinguish patterns of brain activity in awake animals, including fleeting changes during sleep stages. The new analytical technique enables unprecedented insights into the healthy brain and neurological diseases like epilepsy and Alzheimer's.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·DateDec 7, 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.

Obesity in middle age may drastically raise future medicare expenditures

A study by Northwestern University researchers found that average annual and cumulative Medicare charges are significantly higher for obese individuals, with severe obesity resulting in costs of up to $175,000. The study highlights the urgent need for preventive measures to address obesity and reduce healthcare costs among older adults.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalJAMA·DateDec 7, 2004

Protein 'key' could aid search for cancer drugs

Scientists have determined how a specific protein blocks DNA replication, providing a key to designing targeted cancer therapies. By understanding the structure of this protein, researchers may also develop new forms of antibiotics.

SourceRice University·JournalStructure·DateDec 7, 2004

Bulimic teens also likely to suffer from depression

Researchers find that bulimia often co-occurs with dysthymia, a lower-level depression. Chronic low self-esteem and prolonged mood disturbances contribute to the development of bulimia. The study suggests that therapists can assess for dysthymia in bulimic patients and choose targeted treatments to combat both disorders.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalInternational Journal of Eating Disorders·DateDec 7, 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.

Bone marrow fat may indicate bone weakening

A study published in the American Journal of Roentgenology found that increased bone marrow fat is an independent marker of bone weakening. The ratio of bone marrow fat to bone mineral density was higher in healthy individuals and lower in those with signs of bone weakening.

SourceAmerican College of Radiology·JournalAmerican Journal of Roentgenology·DateDec 7, 2004

NIDCR launches unique initiative on oral biofilm

The NIDCR-launched study aims to detect unique patterns of gene expression in oral bacterial communities that predict periodontal diseases. The researchers will store biological information in a searchable online database, allowing for more precise diagnosis and treatment.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research·DateDec 7, 2004

Marine snail study gives insights into human brain

Researchers have discovered that marine snails and humans share identical cellular mechanisms for learning and memory, which could lead to breakthroughs in understanding age-related memory loss and developing interventions for people with memory disorders. The study may also shed light on the role of protein synthesis in long-term memory.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·DateDec 7, 2004
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Tumor size alone not always best for gauging treatment response

Research found a high correlation between tumor responses based on tumor density and biologic changes in gastrointestinal tract tumors. Monitoring only tumor size to judge treatment effectiveness proved unreliable, highlighting the need to evaluate biologic changes as well.

SourceAmerican College of Radiology·JournalAmerican Journal of Roentgenology·DateDec 7, 2004

Newborns with heart defect have low blood flow in brain before surgery

Researchers at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia studied 25 newborns born with congenital heart defects and found significantly lower cerebral blood flow, associated with periventricular leukomalacia, a condition linked to cognitive problems. The study suggests that abnormal neurological conditions may play a role even before surgery.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·JournalJournal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery·DateDec 7, 2004

Minority teens' views of drug use differ from reality

A study found that minority teens perceive their own ethnic groups using more drugs than others, but this perception is influenced by their sense of identity. In contrast, White youth tend to underestimate the prevalence of drug use among other racial groups.

SourcePenn State·JournalHealth Communication·DateDec 7, 2004

Regional recovery more rapid following late Ordovician extinction

Scientists report that marine benthic diversity in Laurentia recovered to pre-extinction levels within 5 million years, nearly 15 million years sooner than suggested by global compilations. This rapid recovery suggests that the region operated differently from the globe as a whole.

SourcePenn State·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 7, 2004
AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.

Add an 'E' to the alphabet for identifying melanoma

Researchers expand the ABCD rule to recognize changing characteristics of early melanomas, especially nodular melanomas. The new guideline aims to improve detection and diagnosis of this aggressive form of skin cancer.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalJAMA·DateDec 7, 2004
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.

Molecular chains line up to form protopolymer

Scientists at Penn State have observed extended chains of phenylene molecules that align and interact without forming chemical bonds, paving the way for controlling growth and assembly of molecules. This discovery could lead to manipulating nanostructured materials with unprecedented precision.

SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateDec 7, 2004

Pharmaceutical marketing tactics hold little sway with prescribing physicians

A study found that pharmaceutical sales representatives have limited influence on physician prescribing behavior, despite significant spending on detailing and free samples. Physicians rely on alternative sources of information, such as scientific papers and colleagues, which outweigh the persuasive power of sales representatives.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalManagement Science·DateDec 7, 2004
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.

December 2004 Ophthalmology journal

The American Academy of Ophthalmology published a comprehensive collection of 60 case studies covering diverse ophthalmic topics including sebaceous carcinoma, refractive errors, glaucoma, and more. The studies provide valuable insights into the diagnosis and management of various eye conditions.

SourceAmerican Academy of Ophthalmology·JournalOphthalmology·DateDec 7, 2004