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Science News for January 22, 2004


One type of carbon so resilient it skews carbon cycle calculations

Researchers found that graphitic black carbon resists conversion to other forms, such as combining with oxygen to form carbon dioxide. This resistance affects carbon cycle calculations, leading to significant overestimates of burial of combustion-derived black carbon in marine sediments.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalNature·DateJan 22, 2004

Doubling of steroid before severe asthma attack ineffective

A recent study published in The Lancet found that doubling the dose of inhaled corticosteroid before a severe asthma attack does not provide additional benefits. The research involved 390 patients who monitored their asthma for up to one year and received either an extra inhaler or placebo when control deteriorated.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateJan 22, 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.

UF research adds to evidence that unborn children hear 'melody' of speech

Researchers at the University of Florida found that human fetuses likely hear mostly low-frequency rather than high-frequency sounds, suggesting they hear vowels rather than consonants. The study's findings may have implications for premature babies exposed to a range of frequencies in their nursery environment.

SourceUniversity of Florida·DateJan 22, 2004

Multiple sclerosis not as progressive or disabling as once thought

A new study published by the Mayo Clinic research team found that many MS patients experience mild disability over time, with 71 of 99 walking unassisted in 1991 still doing so in 2001. The study also showed that only 20% of patients who didn't need a wheelchair in 1991 required one 10 years later.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalNeurology·DateJan 22, 2004

A blood test may reveal systemic factors that relate to periodontal disease, especially in men

A blood test may reveal systemic factors that relate to periodontal disease, especially in men. The study found a significant relationship between CRP and periodontal diseases in women, but not in men. Males were reported to have more serious symptoms of periodontal diseases than females of the same age group.

SourceAmerican Academy of Periodontology·JournalJournal of Periodontology·DateJan 22, 2004
Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.

Protein data bank opens new era with broader support

The Protein Data Bank has expanded to accommodate nearly 24,000 proteins and other macromolecules, providing a comprehensive resource for biologists worldwide. The bank's growth is expected to revolutionize structure-informed research, driving breakthroughs in medicine and scientific discovery.

SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·DateJan 22, 2004

Researchers develop computer application to 'read' medical literature, find data relationships

A new software application called IRIDESCENT allows researchers to easily identify commonalities in research data and relate them to their studies, saving time and speeding discovery. The system emulates the scientific thought process and can compile diverse facts to present a list of 'hypotheses' for finding hidden knowledge.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalBioinformatics·DateJan 22, 2004
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Many men would rather cope with STDs than use condoms

A study found that two-thirds of men with a primary partner and one-third without said they were not ready to use condoms consistently. Men in more intimate relationships reported the least confidence in condom use. Despite being at risk, many men opt for secondary prevention over preventive behavior like consistent condom use.

SourceCenter for Advancing Health·JournalAmerican Journal of Health Behavior·DateJan 22, 2004

Study calls for end to age thresholds for prenatal genetic testing

A study published in The Lancet suggests that prenatal genetic testing should be offered to all pregnant women, regardless of age or risk, as it is cost-effective. The researchers found that the benefits of early testing outweigh the costs, particularly for high-risk pregnancies.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateJan 22, 2004

Avian influenza: The threat looms

A recent avian influenza outbreak in Vietnam underscores the importance of veterinary science and animal husbandry in preventing human pandemics. The article emphasizes that animal experts must receive adequate funding and resources to combat emerging diseases.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateJan 22, 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.

Enrollment in cancer trials not linked to better health outcomes

A review of 26 studies found that cancer patients enrolled in clinical trials did not have significantly better health outcomes compared to those not participating. The studies highlighted the importance of clinical trials in advancing treatment and improving options for patients with cancer.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateJan 22, 2004

Ultrasound-guided liposomes boost imaging, target drug/gene therapy

Researchers developed ultrasound-guided liposomes to boost imaging and target drug/gene therapy. The technique directs liposomes to specific targets, such as atherosclerotic plaques or blood clots, and releases drugs with ultrasonic pulses, improving visualization and diagnosis of arterial conditions.

SourceNorthwestern University·DateJan 22, 2004

Heart patients want more information from their doctors

Patients want more information about managing their heart conditions, particularly regarding diet, high cholesterol, and exercise. Despite a clear preference for sharing decision-making with doctors, patients reported feeling moderately well-informed and wanting more information.

SourceCenter for Advancing Health·JournalPsychosomatic Medicine·DateJan 22, 2004

U. Chicago study overturns conclusion of historic human genome data

A new study overturns previous findings on sex-related genes, showing that they escape from the X chromosome during germline cell division. The research team proposes two explanations for this phenomenon, which contradicts the conventional theory of the X chromosome being a 'hot bed' for sex-related genes.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalScience·DateJan 22, 2004
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

New research technique provides clues into cell growth

The study reveals N-WASP activity in unexpected cellular compartments, including ruffles on the cell membrane and the nucleus. The team's new technique allows for visualization of protein activation and its integration with cellular signaling processes.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 22, 2004

Scientists grow neurons using nanostructures

Researchers at Northwestern University have successfully grown nerve cells using an artificial three-dimensional network of nanofibers, a technique important in regenerative medicine. The innovative scaffold directs cell differentiation, driving neural progenitor cells to become neurons and not astrocytes.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalScience·DateJan 22, 2004

Small-molecule inhibitors of anthrax lethal factor identified

Researchers have discovered a common pharmacophore that can be used to develop more potent and selective lethal factor inhibitors. This breakthrough holds promise for developing new anthrax therapies, particularly in cases where antibiotics are not effective.

SourceUS Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases·JournalNature Structural & Molecular Biology·DateJan 22, 2004

Postnatal depression: A personal view

Postnatal depression is a severe mental illness with long-term effects, responding to treatment and requiring multidisciplinary care. The Lancet article shares a personal account and highlights the importance of recognition, support groups, and medical community response.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateJan 22, 2004