Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News for February 12, 2004


Diabetes doubles risk of liver disease and liver cancer

A large cohort study reveals that diabetes significantly increases the risk of developing chronic liver disease and liver cancer. Regular testing of liver enzymes is recommended for patients with diabetes to monitor for potential toxicity.

SourceAmerican Gastroenterological Association·JournalGASTROENTEROLOGY·DateFeb 12, 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.

Immune system's attack dogs kept on genetic leash

A new study by Stanford Peng and colleagues has found that a gene called Foxj1 helps keep immune attack cells inactive. This discovery may lead to the development of new treatments for autoimmune diseases, including lupus and multiple sclerosis.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalScience·DateFeb 12, 2004

European researchers launch 10 million euro collaborative technology project

The EMBL-Hamburg-coordinated project, BIOXHIT, aims to create a common platform for European researchers in biological crystallography. The initiative combines research, networking, training, and mobility to standardize technology and reduce structure-obtaining time, attracting more researchers to the field.

SourceEuropean Molecular Biology Laboratory·DateFeb 12, 2004

Keeping ideology and bureaucracy out of science

The editorial highlights concerns about government over-regulation of science, highlighting the need for transparency and clarity in research funding. It emphasizes that strong and sustainable research cultures are crucial for addressing global health threats.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateFeb 12, 2004
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Diabetes patients skip medications to save money

A study published in Diabetes Care found that nearly half of patients with diabetes use multiple prescriptions, with 29% spending $100 or more per month out-of-pocket. Patients who cut back on medication use had poorer diabetes control, more symptoms, and worse functioning. The researchers recommend better access to prescription drug c...

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalDiabetes Care·DateFeb 12, 2004

Special training may help people with autism recognize faces

A new study suggests that individuals with autism can develop face recognition skills through specialized training. The research found that the fusiform gyrus, a brain region responsible for face processing, is activated in adults with autism, but requires training to function properly.

SourceUniversity of Washington·DateFeb 12, 2004

'Ageing gene' could be passed on via X chromosome

Researchers have found that the inheritance of a parental X chromosome is strongly correlated with similar telomere length between parents and children. This suggests that the process of ageing might be an X-linked trait.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateFeb 12, 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.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Targeting hard-to-kill fungal infections

Researchers have discovered a novel approach to combat Cryptococcus neoformans and Histoplasma capsulatum, two fungi responsible for serious diseases. Radioimmunotherapy (RIT) utilizes designer antibodies coupled with radioactive isotopes to deliver targeted radiation, demonstrating superior efficacy over external gamma radiation.

SourceSociety of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging·JournalJournal of Nuclear Medicine·DateFeb 12, 2004

Geology goes virtual

The Keck Center for Active Visualization in Earth Sciences will enable geologists to build and test large-scale models of the Earth's interior. The facility will allow researchers to interact with their data in a more realistic way, using virtual reality tools developed by UC Davis researchers.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·DateFeb 12, 2004

UCI study reveals why some people may be 'born to smoke'

A study from UCI reveals that individuals with hostile personalities exhibit significant brain activity in response to nicotine, leading to a predisposition for cigarette addiction. Non-hostile individuals show no such reaction.

SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·JournalCognitive Brain Research·DateFeb 12, 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.

HIV treatment as a human right - learning from Thailand's experience

A Thai court case ruled in favor of patients with HIV-1, increasing access to essential antiretroviral drugs. Civil society groups played a crucial role in challenging multinational pharmaceutical industry practices, leading to improved treatment outcomes and increased self-image confidence among people living with HIV/AIDS.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateFeb 12, 2004

UVA researchers make cellular model of Parkinson's disease

Researchers at UVA Health System have developed a cellular model of Parkinson's disease that can be used to study the disease's pathological features and test potential treatments. This model replicates the characteristic Lewy bodies found in brain tissue from patients with advanced Parkinson's disease.

SourceUniversity of Virginia Health System·JournalJournal of Neurochemistry·DateFeb 12, 2004

Hidden order found in cuprates may help explain superconductivity

Researchers at the University of Illinois have found a hidden pattern in cuprate superconductors that may help explain high-temperature superconductivity. The pattern, which forms when electrons are heated, is a distinct type of movement in which electrons organize into a checkerboard pattern.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalScience·DateFeb 12, 2004

Controlling material structure at nanoscale makes better thermal insulator

Scientists have created a better thermal insulator by introducing structure on the nanometer length scale in materials. The new nanolaminates exhibit a three times lower thermal conductivity than conventional insulators, due to the strong impediment of heat transfer at the interfaces.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalScience·DateFeb 12, 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.

Engineers create chip-size version of widely used detector

Researchers at Purdue University developed a miniature detector using laser liftoff technique, enabling portable instruments for biologists and farmers to test crops for toxins. The device replaces bulky equipment with a centimeter-wide chip, reducing costs and increasing security.

SourcePurdue University·JournalSensors and Actuators·DateFeb 12, 2004

Why don't women run for office? Less confidence and encouragement

Research by Brown University's Jennifer L. Lawless and Richard L. Fox found that women are less likely to run for office due to low self-perceived qualifications and lack of encouragement. Despite equal performance in campaign fundraising and vote totals, women remain underrepresented in U.S. political institutions.

SourceBrown University·JournalAmerican Journal of Political Science·DateFeb 12, 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.

New reactor puts hydrogen from renewable fuels within reach

Researchers at the University of Minnesota have developed a new reactor that can convert ethanol into a form of hydrogen from renewable fuels. This process has the potential to reduce carbon dioxide emissions and increase the efficiency of fuel cells, making it a promising solution for a sustainable energy future.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota·JournalScience·DateFeb 12, 2004

Dyslexics not doomed to life of reading difficulties

Researchers at the University of Washington developed an instructional intervention that helps dyslexic children use the same brain areas as normal readers, leading to better reading ability. The study found improvements in both sound and visual form coding skills, as well as cross-language coding.

SourceUniversity of Washington·DateFeb 12, 2004

Sweet science: Common candies yield physics discovery

Princeton physicists Paul Chaikin and Salvatore Torquato used M&Ms to investigate the physical principles behind particle packing. They found that oblate spheroids can pack up to 68% of the container's space, exceeding the density of perfect spheres.

SourcePrinceton University·JournalScience·DateFeb 12, 2004
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.

'Dynamic pricing' in retail can boost bottom line, research shows

Researchers found that dynamic pricing strategies outperform fixed prices in environments with high market uncertainty. Optimal prices adjust continuously over time and jump upward at the point of sale. Companies can benefit from proactively setting prices to impact revenue and learn from sales observations.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalManagement Science·DateFeb 12, 2004

RNA inner workings partly unveiled in Stanford study

Researchers at Stanford Medicine have made groundbreaking discoveries about the structure of RNA polymerase, a crucial enzyme in gene expression. The team's findings reveal intricate details about the enzyme's interactions with helper molecules and DNA, providing a deeper understanding of transcription and protein production.

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalScience·DateFeb 12, 2004

OHSU researchers hope to prevent childhood asthma with new eczema drug

Researchers at OHSU are conducting a study to investigate whether early treatment with the eczema drug Elidel can prevent asthma in children with a family history of allergic disease. The study aims to enroll 200 infants with eczema and assess whether early intervention reduces the incidence of asthma.

SourceOregon Health & Science University·DateFeb 12, 2004

USAMRIID scientist Peter B. Jahrling elected fellow by AAAS

Dr. Peter Jahrling has been recognized by the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) as a Fellow for his contributions to vaccine development and medical defense against infectious diseases. He is credited with advancing research on filovirus and poxvirus threats.

SourceUS Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases·DateFeb 12, 2004