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Science News Archive July 2004 - Page 6


Page 6 of 10

Los Alamos pressure process makes pure zirconium glass

Researchers at Los Alamos National Laboratory have successfully formed pure zirconium metal into glass at temperatures one-third of its melting point and pressures over 50,000 times atmospheric pressure. This breakthrough could lead to the development of stronger materials for various applications.

SourceDOE/Los Alamos National Laboratory·JournalNature·DateJul 15, 2004

Listeria can persist in stores and processing plants

A study by Cornell University researchers found Listeria bacteria on foods in 47 out of 50 retail food stores, with 34% showing persistent strains after re-inspection. The bacteria were also found in seven food-processing plants, highlighting the need for improved control measures to prevent food contamination.

SourceCornell University·JournalJournal of Food Protection·DateJul 15, 2004
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

New drug shows promise against Gleevec resistance in mice

Researchers have identified a new compound, BMS-354825, that successfully sidesteps the problem of Gleevec resistance in some patients. The compound prolongs survival of mice with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) and inhibits the proliferation of bone marrow progenitor cells resistant to Gleevec.

SourceHoward Hughes Medical Institute·JournalScience·DateJul 15, 2004

Protective mechanism exploited by tumors may provide new cancer treatment

Researchers have identified a way to exploit the body's natural protective mechanisms used by tumors to evade the immune system. By targeting an immunosuppressive enzyme called IDO, scientists may be able to create new cancer treatments that make tumors more vulnerable to the immune response.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJul 15, 2004

Battling the bulge in adolescents

A study found that adolescents who used a web-based intervention to learn about healthy eating had higher self-efficacy for healthy eating and more dietary knowledge compared to those in traditional classes. The results suggest that technology-based activities can be an effective way to promote lifelong healthy eating habits.

SourceBlackwell Publishing Ltd.·JournalJournal of Nursing Scholarship·DateJul 15, 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.

Homeland security mapping tool improves incident planning and response

The Geographic Tool for Visualization and Collaboration (GTVC) has improved incident planning and response for law enforcement and emergency management officials during the G-8 Summit. GTVC provided real-time information sharing, enhanced mapping capabilities, and secure encryption for communications.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology Research News·DateJul 15, 2004

NIST standard adopted for across-the-road radar

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has adopted a new NIST standard for across-the-road radar systems, which can detect vehicles traveling above a predetermined speed without requiring an operator. These systems are more reliable and less prone to being detected by speeders, providing enhanced safety for motorists.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·DateJul 15, 2004

Study: Dementia often undiagnosed in clinical settings

A study published in the Journal of Gerontology: Medical Sciences confirms that dementia is often misdiagnosed or left undiagnosed in clinical settings. Researchers found that nearly 60% of patients with mild cognitive impairment and over 70% of those with moderate-to-severe impairment experienced adverse events, yet only a small perce...

SourceOregon Health & Science University·JournalJournal of Gerontology·DateJul 15, 2004

JCI Table of Contents, 15 July 2004

Researchers discovered that human stem cells can replenish muscle fibers in mice with Duchene muscular dystrophy, offering a potential treatment. In contrast, elevated cyclic AMP levels halted egg maturation in females, while HIV protease inhibitors impaired osteoclasts leading to bone loss.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJul 15, 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.

Scientists identify molecular link driving spread of skin cancer

Researchers discovered a synthetic peptide that mimics a protein linkage crucial for melanoma cell migration and angiogenesis. The peptide inhibits this interaction, significantly deterring tumor cell growth and formation of new blood vessels.

SourceAmerican Association for Cancer Research·JournalCancer Research·DateJul 15, 2004

Method tests strength of advanced thin films

A new method developed at NIST measures the strength and stiffness of thin-film samples in under 2 seconds, providing quantitative results for definitive comparisons. This technique has applications in evaluating materials for semiconductors, solar cells, fuel cells, coatings, magnetic storage devices and nanotechnology devices.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalNature Materials·DateJul 15, 2004

New database to help develop AIDS drugs

The HIV Structural Reference Database will aid in developing strategies to inhibit HIV protease activity and understand mutations that make the virus resistant to certain drugs. The database contains annotated structural data from published literature and laboratory contributions.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·DateJul 15, 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.

Oregon optics center to build new laser lab

The university's new Laboratory for Quantum Control will enable original experiments at an internationally competitive level, focusing on controlling atoms and molecules using ultrashort light pulses. The lab aims to lead to increased computer capability, improved optical-fiber communications, and new forms of electronics.

SourceUniversity of Oregon·DateJul 15, 2004

Cell study leap forward for tissue engineering, diseases

A team of researchers has made a groundbreaking discovery that sheds light on the intricate process of morphogenesis, a crucial step in embryonic development. By studying convergent extension in frog embryos, they found that a single mechanism controls both cell differentiation and tissue elongation.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalNature·DateJul 15, 2004

Rutgers chemist uses NMR to elucidate protein-DNA interaction

Researchers have made significant progress in understanding how proteins interact with DNA. Using NMR spectroscopy, Rutgers chemist Babis Kalodimos determined how proteins find their specific sequences among millions of non-functional ones. This breakthrough offers valuable insights into protein-DNA interaction and gene expression.

SourceRutgers University·JournalScience·DateJul 15, 2004

A safer way to make metal nanospheres

The new method produces uniformly sized metal nanospheres with improved safety compared to current production technologies. The solution contains a metal compound, water, and a solvent like methanol or ethanol, reducing the risk of fire or explosion.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·DateJul 15, 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.

Fire on the 'Vomit Comet'

Solid fuel particles may be a safer alternative to gaseous fuels for use in hazardous environments on Earth, as they burn more efficiently in microgravity. Researchers used the NASA 'Vomit Comet' aircraft to simulate weightlessness and measure burning characteristics of various solid fuel particles.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·DateJul 15, 2004

Sponge substance works well with yew derivative to thwart cancer cell proliferation

Researchers find that combining discodermolide and paclitaxel inhibits human lung cancer cell growth by 41 percent, while alone the drugs exert only 9.6% or 16% growth inhibition. The combination also induces programmed cell death in cancer cells, suggesting a potential therapeutic approach for reducing undesirable side effects.

SourceAmerican Association for Cancer Research·JournalCancer Research·DateJul 15, 2004
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.

Hormone helps fish to mate, may affect human hearing

Research found that altering steroid hormone levels enhances a complex auditory system in female midshipman fish. The discovery suggests that estrogen hormones may play a role in shifting the sensitivity of the auditory system to prioritize social stimuli.

SourceCornell University·JournalScience·DateJul 15, 2004

NIST study shows computerized fingerprint matching is highly accurate

A comprehensive NIST study found that commercially available fingerprint matching systems can accurately identify individuals at a rate of over 99% in various tests, including single-finger and multi-finger matches. The accuracy of these systems improves with additional fingerprints and high-quality prints.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·DateJul 15, 2004

Gene expression patterns may help predict risk and progression of prostate cancer

Researchers identified 671 genes with altered expression in prostate cancer tissue, revealing a high degree of similarity between benign adjacent tissue and cancerous tissue. The study found that genetic alterations occur throughout the gland, even in seemingly benign areas, providing new insights into prostate cancer progression.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Medical Center·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateJul 15, 2004

Experimental compound battles Gleevec resistance

A study published in Science reports the effectiveness of a new compound, BMS-354825, against Gleevec-resistant Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML) cells. The compound targets secondary mutations that allow cancer to evade therapy, offering hope for patients who have relapsed on Gleevec.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalScience·DateJul 15, 2004

Twisting the light away

Researchers at Chiral Photonics Inc. have developed a new class of devices called chiral gratings that can filter light, sense temperature and pressure changes, and transmit information via powerful and inexpensive lasers. The devices were created with support from NIST and the National Science Foundation.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalScience·DateJul 15, 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.

Patients' cells from tumors, the immune system merged for customized cancer therapy

Researchers developed a novel vaccine by fusing patients' tumor cells with their immune system dendritic cells, resulting in increased T cell response against tumor cells. The treatment showed promise in reducing tumor growth and metastasis in late-stage cancer patients, with some experiencing significant regression of tumors.

SourceAmerican Association for Cancer Research·JournalClinical Cancer Research·DateJul 15, 2004
Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

Fauci to present research update at World AIDS Conference in Bangkok

Dr. Fauci is scheduled to deliver a lecture on the pathogenic mechanisms of HIV disease, highlighting the paradoxical nature of immune cell activation and viral replication. He will present new data on how immune cells can inadvertently facilitate virus persistence.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·DateJul 15, 2004

'It is time to stop putting children second in the UK and USA'

The UK House of Lords amendment ignores evidence linking corporal punishment to aggressive behavior, mental illness, and child abuse. The editorial argues that children worldwide have the right to be protected from fear of physical abuse and receive access to proper healthcare.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateJul 15, 2004

UK cervical screening programme saves 5000 lives a year

The UK national cervical screening programme has saved approximately 5,000 lives annually by reversing the rising trend in cervical cancer deaths among women under 35. The programme's success has also led to a significant reduction in costs, with a cost per life saved of less than £40,000.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateJul 15, 2004
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

USC scientist invents technique to grow superconducting and magnetic 'nanocables'

Chongwu Zhou's new method allows for the creation of dense arrays of ultrafine wires made of magnesium oxide coated with uniform, precisely controlled layers of TMO. The technique enables the production of nanocables with extraordinary properties, including high-temperature superconductivity and magnetic applications.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalNano Letters·DateJul 14, 2004

Acamprosate: potential medication for treating alcoholism

Researchers investigated acamprosate's interactions with alcohol in a six-week study. The findings suggest that acamprosate does not alter the rate of absorption or elimination of alcohol by the body, disrupting effects on performance tasks, or most mood effects. This suggests potential as a medication for treating alcoholism.

SourceAlcoholism: Clinical & Experimental Research·DateJul 14, 2004

Disparity in liver transplantation by race

A study found that blacks were underrepresented on liver transplant waiting lists, with only 8.4% of the list being black despite 13.6% of the population being black. Blacks also had higher mortality rates while waiting for transplants and were less likely to receive transplants within 4 years compared to whites.

SourceWiley·JournalLiver Transplantation·DateJul 14, 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.

'Anti-plume' found off Pacific Coast

A team of scientists has documented a new phenomenon where the seafloor creates a void that sucks in surrounding seawater. This discovery challenges scientific understanding of seafloor spreading and its impact on ocean crust. The researchers believe that the dilation of the ocean crust may lead to changes in water temperatures, chemic...

SourceOregon State University·JournalNature·DateJul 14, 2004

To Mars and beyond: UH researchers participate in rocket research

Researchers from the University of Houston are working on a plasma propulsion system called VASIMR, which aims to improve electric propulsion systems for deep space missions. The team has been studying the physics and engineering behind VASIMR since 1980 and recently received an award for their technical and scientific excellence.

SourceUniversity of Houston·DateJul 14, 2004

Argonne scientists determine structure of staph, anthrax enzyme

Researchers at Argonne National Laboratory have determined the three-dimensional structure of sortase, an enzyme that attaches proteins to bacterial pathogens. This discovery could lead to the development of new drugs targeting this enzyme, which is essential for bacterial survival and iron acquisition.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalStructure·DateJul 14, 2004
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.

A better way to copy DNA

HDA (helicase-dependent amplification) is a new DNA copying technique that mimics nature's method of replicating DNA using a helicase enzyme. This approach eliminates the need for thermocycling and expensive equipment, making it suitable for hand-held diagnostic devices.

SourceEuropean Molecular Biology Laboratory·JournalEMBO Reports·DateJul 14, 2004

Italian research links diet with endometriosis risk

Italian researchers found a 40% relative reduction in endometriosis risk among women consuming higher amounts of green vegetables and fresh fruit. Conversely, high consumption of beef, other red meat, and ham was associated with an increased risk, potentially leading to a 3-4% decrease in prevalence if confirmed by future studies.

SourceEuropean Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology·JournalHuman Reproduction·DateJul 14, 2004
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.

GoPro HERO13 Black

GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.

Vollum scientists find new form of dopamine transmission

Researchers at Vollum Institute found that dopamine molecules are released from midbrain nerve cells in a targeted manner, traveling to receptors within milliseconds. The study's findings suggest new therapeutic targets for Parkinson's disease and substance abuse.

SourceOregon Health & Science University·JournalNeuron·DateJul 14, 2004

System to monitor heat panels could safeguard future spacecraft

Researchers at Purdue University are developing a system to continuously monitor heat panels on future spacecraft for subtle damage, which could lead to accidents if left undetected. The system uses vibration and sound measurements to detect damage in real-time, making it ideal for periods of highest stress during takeoff and reentry.

SourcePurdue University·DateJul 14, 2004

Mouse brain stem cells capable of converting into blood vessel cells

Researchers found that mouse brain stem cells can develop into blood vessel cells, expressing markers associated with endothelial cells. This discovery keeps the possibility open of harnessing adult stem cells from different organs to prevent and treat neurological disorders.

SourceNIH/National Institute on Aging·JournalNature·DateJul 14, 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.

Cell death protein has surprising role in cell migration

Researchers discovered that a cell death protein, IAP, plays a surprising role in restoring cellular movement in fruit fly ovaries. By studying engineered flies with dysfunctional Rac protein, they found that IAP can compensate for the lack of functional Rac, allowing cells to migrate properly and restore fertility.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalCell·DateJul 14, 2004