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Science News for July 30, 2004


Parents are top influence on soft-drink consumption among kids

Research found that parents' regular soft drink intake relaxes rules for their kids, leading to higher consumption rates. Soft drinks are also strongly associated with TV time and availability at home or school.

SourceAmerican Dietetic Association·JournalJournal of the American Dietetic Association·DateJul 30, 2004

Ottawa's leadership in biomedical and health research has paid off

The federal government's investment in Canadian biomedical and health research has yielded significant results, including a 50% increase in licenses, 200% increase in income, and 40% increase in new spin-off companies. The funding has also led to increased international recognition and participation in global projects.

SourceMcGill University·JournalEMBO Reports·DateJul 30, 2004

Free electron laser reaches 10 kW

The US Navy has successfully upgraded its free electron laser to a record-breaking 10 kW power level, enabling new possibilities in manufacturing, medical research, biology, and basic physics. The upgrade marks a significant milestone in the FEL program's development and opens doors to various applications.

SourceOffice of Naval Research·DateJul 30, 2004
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Cancer survival in Africa

In Harare, Zimbabwe, cancer survival rates are disturbingly low, with black patients facing significantly lower survival rates than white patients. The study's findings highlight the need for better access to early detection and treatment methods.

SourceWiley·JournalInternational Journal of Cancer·DateJul 30, 2004

Blood pressure hormone may inhibit growth of lung cancer

Researchers found that angiotensin-(1-7) significantly slows the growth of three human lung cancer cells in laboratory tests. The hormone is thought to regulate cell growth by reducing rapid proliferation and increasing cancer cell death, offering a potential new treatment approach for lung cancer.

SourceAtrium Health Wake Forest Baptist·JournalCarcinogenesis·DateJul 30, 2004

APS/IUPS launch PHYSIOLOGY bimonthly

Physiology aims to appeal to a broader audience with innovative features and artwork, showcasing the most up-to-date physiological research. The journal's design and editorial team are committed to making the content more accessible and readable.

SourceAmerican Physiological Society·JournalPhysiology·DateJul 30, 2004

A new advance in gallium nitride nanowires

Researchers at Berkeley Lab have successfully controlled the directional growth of single-crystal gallium nitride nanowires, enabling precise tuning of their physical properties. This capability has significant implications for the development of high-performance optoelectronic devices.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature Materials·DateJul 30, 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.

Scientists able to harness 'plankton power'

Researchers have successfully harnessed energy from plankton using a new type of fuel cell, generating up to 10% of the energy associated with plankton decomposition. This technology could extend survey missions for months or years without battery replacements.

SourceOregon State University·DateJul 30, 2004

Catching a falling star

Astronomers at ESO's Very Large Telescope (VLT) recorded the spectrum of a bright meteor in 2002, providing insights into meteor emissions and atmospheric chemistry. The spectrum revealed telltale emissions of oxygen and nitrogen atoms and molecules, as well as constraints on the role of atmospheric chemistry when life started on Earth.

SourceESO·JournalMeteoritics and Planetary Science·DateJul 30, 2004

Isolated soy protein shown to benefit type 2 diabetics, study indicates

A new study shows that consuming isolated soy protein can slow down the progression of diabetic kidney disease and improve coronary heart disease in patients with type 2 diabetes. The study found a significant reduction in urinary albumin levels and an improvement in HDL cholesterol levels among participants who consumed soy protein.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalJournal of Nutrition·DateJul 30, 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.

NIST's new way of 'seeing': A neutron microscope

Researchers developed a novel imaging process using neutrons, providing better resolution and penetration than visible light. The microscope has potential applications in biology, particularly with samples containing hydrogen.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateJul 30, 2004

Iron can have negative side effects on people with kidney disease

A new study suggests that iron therapy given to patients with kidney disease may have negative side effects, including exacerbating progressive renal damage. The study found that the level of toxicity depends on the type of iron formula used, highlighting a need for safer alternatives in treatment.

SourceBlackwell Publishing Ltd.·JournalKidney International·DateJul 30, 2004

New study to investigate demise of coral reef ecosystems

A new project led by Newcastle University aims to examine the ecosystem consequences of bleaching on coral reefs. The research team will analyze changes in reef fish assemblages over five to 15 year time scales at sites in the Western Indian Ocean and Australia.

SourceNewcastle University·DateJul 30, 2004

Ancient life form may help create newest technologies

Researchers at Oregon State University have discovered a way to produce germanium nanocomposite materials using diatoms, single-celled algae found in ocean water. The method operates at room temperature and could lead to more efficient and cost-effective production of electronic devices.

SourceOregon State University·DateJul 30, 2004