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Science News for February 18, 2004


UCSF finding advances insight into adult stem cells in human brain

Researchers at UCSF have identified a new source of adult stem cells in the human brain, potentially leading to breakthroughs in neuroregeneration and glioma treatment. The study found that astrocytes in the subventricular zone can function as neural stem cells, producing fresh neurons and oligodendrocytes.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalNature·DateFeb 18, 2004

Phone fibbing is the most common method for untruths

In a study of 30 students, researchers found that phone fibbing is more likely than other forms of communication, with participants lying on average 1.6 times per day. The study suggests that real-time media boosts the opportunity for deception due to the lack of nonverbal cues.

SourceCornell University·DateFeb 18, 2004

Teamwork done right: New study sheds light on how to avoid destructive conflict

A new study by Stevens Institute of Technology researchers Drs. Patricia Holahan and Ann Mooney reveals that constructive conflict can mutate into destructive conflict if not managed properly. The study found that trusting team members, displaying supportive communication norms, and freely sharing information reduce the risk of destruc...

SourceStevens Institute of Technology·DateFeb 18, 2004

Question about fundamental chemistry of water answered

Scientists Y-Z Yue and C.Austen Angell challenge the accepted temperature for water's glass transition, proposing that it crystallizes before softening. This discovery offers a new understanding of water's phases, revealing that glassy water can remain solid at higher temperatures.

SourceArizona State University·JournalNature·DateFeb 18, 2004
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.

Cancer cells can compress blood vessels, block entry of drugs

Researchers from Massachusetts General Hospital found that cancer cells can compress both blood and lymphatic vessels within tumors. This compression limits the delivery of anticancer drugs to tumor cells. New strategies for improving cancer treatment may be developed by normalizing distorted blood supply within tumors.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalNature·DateFeb 18, 2004

Study in worms shows how genes linked to complexity in animals

Researchers found that a specific gene, lin-48, helps Caenorhabditis elegans survive high-salt environments, giving it a key advantage over its relatives. This genetic difference may hold insights into how organ systems in more complex animals evolved.

SourceOhio State University·JournalNature Genetics·DateFeb 18, 2004

UK needs more seafarers

A study by Cardiff University predicts a current annual shortfall of UK ex-seafarers as much as 112. This shortage could lead to higher wage bills for shipping companies, reduced quality of employment, and less incentive to train cadets. The shipping industry has traditionally supplied skilled labor to shore-based industries.

SourceCardiff University·DateFeb 18, 2004

Sepsis drug also protects brain cells

Researchers have discovered that a compound used to treat sepsis also protects vital brain cells from programmed cell death. The finding opens the possibility of creating a new compound with similar effects without increased bleeding side effects.

SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical Center·JournalNeuron·DateFeb 18, 2004

Chemical turns stem cells into beating heart cells

Scientists have discovered a synthetic chemical called cardiogenol that can selectively differentiate embryonic stem cells into beating cardiac muscle cells. This breakthrough could lead to the development of new treatments for heart disease and other degenerative conditions.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateFeb 18, 2004
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Shark guide probes uncharted waters

A new guide, developed by NOAA Fisheries and Rhode Island Sea Grant, aims to increase species-specific identifications without associated mortality. The guide focuses on external characteristics and uses photographs to aid in identification, helping users distinguish among 44 highly migratory shark species.

SourceUniversity of Rhode Island·DateFeb 18, 2004

Drug addiction, learning share common brain protein

Researchers have discovered a molecule that links drug-induced plasticity in one part of the brain to a mechanism underlying learning and memory in another. The study found that a specific protein, PSD-95, plays a crucial role in addiction and may also be involved in learning and memory.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalNeuron·DateFeb 18, 2004

Report finds inactivated influenza virus vaccines effective in children

The study found that inactivated influenza virus vaccines are effective in protecting children against the flu, reducing hospitalization rates comparable to those of elderly people. Vaccinating children can also protect adults from getting infected and save money on treatment costs.

SourceInfectious Diseases Society of America·JournalClinical Infectious Diseases·DateFeb 18, 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.

Same-sex couples plan differently for retirement

Research reveals that same-sex couples who are happier in their relationships plan more for retirement. Lesbians tend to make financial plans with their partners, while gay men plan individually. This highlights the need for improved financial planning resources for LGBTQ+ individuals.

SourceCornell University·DateFeb 18, 2004

GM nation? Public debate: a valuable experiment

A UK public debate on GM food was evaluated as providing valuable lessons for future debates, but failed to engage the uncommitted public. The survey revealed that 36% opposed GM food, while 85% believed more research is needed on its health effects.

SourceCardiff University·DateFeb 18, 2004

Demographics not key to adoption of banking technology

The study found that demographic factors such as age, income, and education level are not key to the adoption of electronic banking technology. Instead, people's personal attitude towards the technology plays a crucial role, regardless of their background.

SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of Consumer Affairs·DateFeb 18, 2004

Research examines treatment goals for acromegaly patients

Researchers found that achieving basal growth hormone levels of less than 2.5 µg/liter and glucose-suppressed GH levels of less than one µg/liter may not minimize cardiovascular risks in acromegaly patients. Instead, these patients are at increased risk for conditions like hypertension, diabetes, and osteoarthritis.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateFeb 18, 2004
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.

New method for converting nitrogen to ammonia

A team of Cornell University researchers has successfully converted nitrogen to ammonia in a laboratory setting, molecule by molecule, using a zirconium metal complex. The process achieves complete fixation at lower temperatures than existing industrial methods, which require high pressures.

SourceCornell University·JournalNature·DateFeb 18, 2004

What are your odds of surviving into your hundreds?

A new study found that people with short variants of the APOB gene region have significantly lower total and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels in their blood. This association may contribute to a protective role of these variants in younger adults, while being detrimental to longevity in older individuals.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Medical Genetics·DateFeb 18, 2004