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Science News for February 25, 2004


A new step in spintronics

Researchers at University of Utah developed switch-like valves made from organic materials, increasing electrical current flow by 40%. The innovation paves the way for new electronic devices, including computer chips and sensors.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalNature·DateFeb 25, 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.

New tool measures children's own health perceptions

A new tool, CHIP-CE, assesses child health from their own perspective, predicting future healthcare use. The questionnaire is designed for ages 6-11 and has been shown to be reliable and valid in diverse areas of the US.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalMedical Care·DateFeb 25, 2004

Study shows drug can heal, reduce recurrence of fistulas in Crohn's disease

A study led by Massachusetts General Hospital found that infliximab can heal and reduce the recurrence of fistulas in Crohn's disease patients. The treatment, which targets tumor necrosis factor, showed significant benefits in closing fistulas and improving quality of life.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateFeb 25, 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.

Scientists find HIV-blocking protein in monkeys

Researchers at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute have identified a protein, TRIM5-alpha, that blocks HIV replication in monkey cells. This discovery opens new avenues for intervening in early HIV infection and provides critical insights into viral uncoating, a little understood step in the viral lifecycle.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalNature·DateFeb 25, 2004

Large diamonds made from gas are the hardest yet

Researchers at Carnegie Institution grow synthetic brilliant cut single-crystal diamonds with ultrahigh pressures, breaking measuring equipment. The crystals are up to 50% harder than conventional diamonds, offering a breakthrough in materials science.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·DateFeb 25, 2004

Researchers discover new family of Atlantic corals in groundbreaking study

A groundbreaking study reveals a previously undetected divergence between Pacific and Atlantic corals, finding that about one-third of Atlantic corals constitute their own unique family. This discovery highlights the need to reconsider current conservation efforts due to the severe threats faced by this distinct group.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNature·DateFeb 25, 2004
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.

Dana-Farber scientists discover natural blocker of HIV-1 virus

Researchers have identified TRIM5-alpha as a natural blocker of the HIV-1 virus, which could lead to new strategies for preventing infection that causes AIDS. The protein is found in human cells but is less effective than the monkey version, and its potency may vary among individuals.

SourceDana-Farber Cancer Institute·JournalNature·DateFeb 25, 2004

Adolescent brains show reduced reward anticipation

Researchers found adolescents exhibit lower activation in brain regions motivating behavior toward rewards, but similar responses to obtaining gains. The study resolves debates about adolescent reward processing and may explain why many young people struggle with long-term goals.

SourceNIH/National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism·DateFeb 25, 2004
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Embryonic pig cell transplants halt rat diabetes

Scientists successfully transplanted embryonic pig pancreas cells into rats with diabetes, halting the disease without immune suppression drugs. The breakthrough could lead to a new treatment option for humans, bypassing challenges associated with human insulin-producing cells.

SourceWashU Medicine·DateFeb 25, 2004

Astonishing discovery over the Amazonian rain forest

Researchers found that isoprene emitted by forest vegetation forms hygroscopic compounds affecting cloud formation, rainfall, and climate. The discovery demonstrates a link between isoprene emissions and water-soluble fine particles.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalScience·DateFeb 25, 2004

Purdue chemists 'put the twist' on protein building block

Researchers at Purdue University have precisely determined the energies needed to twist a molecule called tryptamine, which is closely related to serotonin and melatonin. This breakthrough could provide new insights into protein folding and lead to new approaches to develop computer memory devices.

SourcePurdue University·JournalScience·DateFeb 25, 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.

Marine sponges provide model for nanoscale materials production

Researchers have discovered a way to harness biomolecular mechanisms in marine sponges to produce semiconductors and photovoltaic materials. The discovery represents a low-temperature, environmentally friendly route to nanostructural fabrication of valuable materials.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalChemistry of Materials·DateFeb 25, 2004

Turtles indeed in danger

A study quantifying incidental catch of loggerheads and leatherbacks in the global pelagic longline fishery reveals alarming bycatch rates. The authors estimate that thousands of hooked turtles die from longline takes each year, posing a significant threat to Pacific turtle populations.

SourceBlackwell Publishing Ltd.·JournalEcology Letters·DateFeb 25, 2004