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Science News Archive June 2004


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In young women, depression can mean literal heartbreak

A national health survey found that depression in young women is associated with an increased risk of developing the metabolic syndrome, a cluster of factors linked to heart disease. The study also suggests that depression can cause physiological changes that increase the risk of heart disease.

SourceCenter for Advancing Health·JournalPsychosomatic Medicine·DateJun 28, 2004

Highlights of the July Journal of the American Dietetic Association

A study by The Pennsylvania State University found that girls who were at risk for excess weight at age 5 had higher rates of dietary restraint and body dissatisfaction by age 9. Parents play a crucial role in preventing childhood obesity by encouraging healthy eating habits and regular physical activity.

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

To grow, stars and planets need space dust . . . and formaldehyde?

Researchers at Ohio State University have discovered a formaldehyde-based chemical in interstellar dust clouds, suggesting that organic molecules may play a more prominent role in star and planet formation. The findings could change ideas about how these molecules form in the universe.

SourceOhio State University·DateJun 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.

Telephone counseling helps snuff users kick the habit

A new study published in the American Journal of Health Behavior found that telephone counseling significantly increased quit rates among male snuff users. Six months after the intervention, 40% of those who received phone calls had quit using snuff, compared to 25% of those who received a manual-only manual.

SourceCenter for Advancing Health·JournalAmerican Journal of Health Behavior·DateJun 30, 2004

Gene alteration points to longevity, thinness

Researchers at the Medical College of Georgia have identified a gene called Indy that plays a critical role in delivering energy to cells, which may contribute to aging. By altering the activity level of this gene, they found that tiny worms lived longer and were thinner, raising hopes for potential human benefits.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·JournalScience·DateJun 30, 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.

Bacteria spill their guts to aid researchers in quest for new antibiotics

Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have refined the description of a bacterial protein that regulates salt and solute flow. By understanding how this protein functions, scientists may be able to design new antimicrobial agents by manipulating its gating mechanism.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 30, 2004

Technology Confidence Index reflects steady global optimism

The Global Technology Confidence Index (GTCI) report shows business confidence soaring for North America, but remaining flat for the world at large. Confidence in emerging technologies and products improves future company performance, with executives anticipating increasing technologists employed over the next year.

SourceStevens Institute of Technology·DateJun 30, 2004

Bacterial protein recycling factor possible key to new class of antibiotics

Scientists visualize bacterial ribosome recycling factor (RRF) structure using three-dimensional cryo-electron microscope, shedding light on its role in protein synthesis. RRF is a promising target for designing new antibiotics as it differs between eukaryotes and prokaryotes.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 30, 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.

EU enlargement could lead to fertility tourism from West to East

Eastern European countries like Slovenia and Hungary are achieving high IVF success rates comparable to the West, making them attractive options for fertility tourism. The availability of affordable treatment options has increased due to cheaper drugs, bringing costs down.

SourceEuropean Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology·DateJun 30, 2004

Electronic game use is associated with childhood obesity

A study of 872 Swiss children found that playing electronic games and watching TV were independently associated with obesity. The findings suggest that limiting electronic game use may help prevent childhood obesity.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·JournalObesity Research·DateJun 30, 2004

Race, regular exams influence elderly vaccination rates

Older black and Hispanic Americans are less likely to receive flu vaccinations due to reduced access to healthcare and poorer general health. Regular exams play a significant role in determining vaccination rates among the elderly population, with white individuals more likely to get vaccinated after receiving medical check-ups.

SourceCenter for Advancing Health·JournalAmerican Journal of Health Behavior·DateJun 30, 2004

Canada's first space telescope finds stellar 'Flat Liner'

The MOST team discovered that star Procyon shows no pulsations, overturning 20 years of previous research and forcing future space missions to revise their strategies. The tiny satellite measured brightness variations more precisely than any other instrument, revealing a new perspective on the stars in our Galactic backyard.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalNature·DateJun 30, 2004
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.

New $9 million NSF grant to fund creation of center at LSU

The new Center for BioModular Microsystems at LSU will focus on micro- or nano-fabrication for biology and medical purposes. The center aims to develop state-of-the-art equipment and facilities, bringing together an interdisciplinary research team with expertise in various fields.

SourceLouisiana State University·DateJun 30, 2004

Antioxidant controversy: Scientists seek measurement standards

A multidisciplinary group of scientists will now begin working together to set standards on the methodology used to measure antioxidants. The goal is to identify the most reliable values for antioxidant measurements, which are thought to reduce the risk of cancer and heart disease, as well as fight aging and related diseases.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateJun 30, 2004

Engineering progress could cut pollution

Researchers at Cardiff University have developed new combustion processes that could significantly reduce pollution, thanks to a collaborative project with the University of Adelaide. The project uses advanced laser diagnostics to improve models for alternative fuel mixes.

SourceCardiff University·DateJun 30, 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.

On-screen smoking by movie stars leads young teens to smoke, says Moores UCSD Cancer Center study

A study by the Rebecca and John Moores UCSD Cancer Center found that on-screen smoking by popular actors encourages young girls to smoke, with a 80% increase in smoking likelihood. In contrast, boys showed little influence from on-screen smoking due to their preference for action films with lower levels of star smoking.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateJun 29, 2004

It's better in the shade

Scientists Mas and Dietsch examined publicly available criteria for shade-grown coffee certification programs, finding that some distinguish farms with beneficial levels of shade for biodiversity conservation. The study suggests setting specific realistic conservation goals based on habitat use and forest fragment protection.

SourceEcological Society of America·JournalEcological Applications·DateJun 29, 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.

Herpes tool allows researchers to customize Alzheimer's vaccine

Scientists at the University of Rochester Medical Center created an Alzheimer's vaccine with a customizable immune response using a harmless form of the herpes virus. The modified vaccine proved safer while still causing a 20-percent decline in amyloid plaque in the brain, offering new hope for developing a safe and effective vaccine.

SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical Center·JournalNeurobiology of Aging·DateJun 29, 2004

Sound with space and motion

A new method of recording sound uses multiple microphones spaced around a head-sized ball to capture cues for direction, distance and movement. The system reproduces what the listener would hear in reality, including ambient sounds and echoes in different spaces.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·DateJun 29, 2004

Single embryo transfer - a new understanding of factors for success

A randomized study of 661 patients found single embryo transfer (SET) had a similar pregnancy rate as double embryo transfer (DET), with an ongoing pregnancy rate of 39.7% and 43.5%. The study highlights the importance of proper embryo selection and freezing program management in SET.

SourceEuropean Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology·DateJun 29, 2004

New milestones on the path to conquering HIV drug resistance (AIDS)

Researchers have made progress in understanding the mechanisms of HIV drug resistance, particularly with tenofovir and the DAPY compounds. These drugs approach the problem of resistance in different ways, targeting reverse transcriptase enzyme or molecular machine used by the AIDS virus.

SourceRutgers University·JournalNature Structural & Molecular Biology·DateJun 29, 2004
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.

Identifying children at risk of abuse

A study found that implementing child safety questionnaires significantly increased the detection of domestic violence, with 73% of cases identified. This led to an estimated 40+ cases per year of domestic violence being missed without active screening.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Medicine·DateJun 29, 2004

Basic RNA enzyme research promises single-molecule biosensors

Researchers have developed a way to study single molecules of RNA enzymes, also known as ribozymes. They found that modifications anywhere on the molecule affect catalysis rates, even far from the active site. This discovery may lead to practical applications in designing biological sensors for various purposes.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 29, 2004
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.

Young gay men experience high rates of anti-gay violence and harassment

A study of 1,248 gay and bisexual men aged 18-27 found that young men were more likely to experience anti-gay violence and harassment, with rates higher for those under 21. The study highlights the need for empowerment programs to create safe social settings.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateJun 29, 2004

Researchers win Green Chemistry Award from US EPA and ACS

Charles Liotta and Charles Eckert developed benign tunable solvents that couple reaction and separation processes, reducing waste and allowing recycling of catalysts. Their sustainable technology uses near-critical water, supercritical carbon dioxide, and other eco-friendly methods.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology Research News·DateJun 29, 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.

Brightness discrimination in the dog

Researchers found dogs needed a greater difference in brightness than humans to discern differences, contrary to expectations given their arrhythmic nature. This suggests a compromise in their visual system to operate under varying light conditions, highlighting the unique perceptual world of dogs.

SourceAssociation for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology·JournalJournal of Vision·DateJun 29, 2004

Deserts and rainforests are equally productive during drought

Researchers found that in the driest years, desert and forest ecosystems exhibit similar growth rates per unit of precipitation, suggesting water scarcity is the primary factor limiting productivity. This study challenges current global models' ability to predict plant production under climate variability.

SourceYale University·JournalNature·DateJun 29, 2004

USC researcher named General Motors Cancer Research Scholar

Dr. Rice received a two-year, $200,000 grant to study chromatin changes contributing to sporadic breast cancers, focusing on epigenetic gene regulation. The GM Cancer Research Scholars Program supports young scientists in cancer research projects.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·DateJun 29, 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.

Blood pressure too high? You probably have cholesterol problems, too

A recent study found that nearly half of adults with hypertension also have high cholesterol, which can be treated with existing medications. However, many individuals are not receiving adequate treatment for their cholesterol problems, highlighting the need for aggressive management of both conditions to prevent cardiovascular disease.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalArchives of Internal Medicine·DateJun 28, 2004

High protein diet may be bad for women trying to conceive

A high-protein diet may disrupt genetic imprinting in mouse embryos, affecting foetal development and implantation rates. Research suggests that women trying to conceive should limit their protein intake below 20% of total energy consumption.

SourceEuropean Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology·DateJun 28, 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.

Leaves of the khat plant harbour a key to improving men's fertility

Researchers have found that compounds in khat plant leaves, specifically cathinone and norephedrine, stimulate final stages of sperm maturation and prevent premature acrosome reactions. This study may lead to the development of over-the-counter fertility products.

SourceEuropean Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology·DateJun 28, 2004

Knee osteoarthritis patients and drug treatments

Patients with knee osteoarthritis prioritize treatment characteristics, such as risk of common adverse side effects and cost, when choosing medication. Non-selective NSAIDs are the least preferred option due to their limited impact on patient preferences.

SourceJAMA Network·DateJun 28, 2004

RSV can increase the risk of asthma, UT Southwestern researchers find

Researchers discovered a link between respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and asthma in mice, showing that an anti-RSV antibody could decrease the risk of developing asthma. The study suggests that treatments against RSV may reduce asthma-related complications in children.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalThe Journal of Infectious Diseases·DateJun 28, 2004

Carnegie Mellon U. imaging study reveals sex-based differences that persist as mice enter adulthood

A recent imaging study at Carnegie Mellon University has discovered persistent sex-based differences in brain structures of mice entering adulthood, as revealed by high-resolution magnetic resonance microscopy. The findings provide a more accurate representation of how circulating hormones affect brain development compared to human ima...

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalNeuroImage·DateJun 28, 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.

ASU plays role in making spacecraft more autonomous

Arizona State University's contribution to the Autonomous Sciencecraft Experiment allows spacecraft to detect changes in ice on Earth, such as freeze-thaw cycles and polar sea ice formation. This enables the spacecraft to respond quickly to important science events and send processed data back to Earth.

SourceArizona State University·DateJun 28, 2004

Measuring blood sugar with a wave of the arm

A new sensor, smaller than a dime, measures blood glucose levels by detecting changes in acidity and frequency. The device requires no internal power supply or connections outside the body, allowing users to wave their hand to get a reading.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalAnalytical Chemistry·DateJun 28, 2004

DOE scientists sample the skies

The NorthEast Aerosol eXperiment (NEAX) aims to evaluate the effects of aerosol pollutants on Earth's radiation balance and climate forcing. The researchers will conduct regional air-sampling flights from Latrobe Airport to study aerosol formation, growth, and distribution.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·DateJun 28, 2004
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.

Posttraumatic stress disorder linked with poor health

Women with PTSD experience more medical conditions and poorer physical health compared to those with depression or no history of mental health issues. The study found that PTSD affects 17% of women under 45, while depression rates are higher in older age groups.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Internal Medicine·DateJun 28, 2004