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Science News for June 22, 2004


As stem-cell debate heats up, public still uninformed and undecided

A recent study found that the public's opinions on stem-cell research are heavily influenced by poll questions and messaging, with support for embryonic research being lower than expected. The study suggests that the debate is ongoing, with supporters seeking to capitalize on recent events like Ronald Reagan's death.

SourceOhio State University·JournalPublic Opinion Quarterly·DateJun 22, 2004

The space simulator –– modeling the universe on a budget

The Space Simulator, a $500,000 Beowulf cluster, has achieved remarkable performance in astrophysics simulations, calculating the evolution of the Universe and studying massive star explosions. Its low cost and scalability make it an ideal tool for specific research applications.

SourceDOE/Los Alamos National Laboratory·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateJun 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.

Rapid urbanization in China warming region's climate faster than other areas

A new study by Georgia Institute of Technology researchers found that China's rapid urbanization has led to a significant increase in the region's surface temperature, with a mean rise of 0.09 degrees Fahrenheit per decade since 1979. The nighttime low temperatures have also risen faster than daytime high temperatures, resulting in an ...

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology Research News·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 22, 2004

Jefferson researchers develop microchip to track genetic signature of cancer and normal tissue

Researchers at Thomas Jefferson University have developed a microarray chip that can track the genetic signature of cancer and normal tissue by analyzing miRNA gene expression patterns. This technology has the potential to provide new targets for drug development and improve our understanding of cancer phenotypes.

SourceThomas Jefferson University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 22, 2004

Energy conservation targets hit by notions of 'comfort'

A study found that people increasingly expect standardised temperatures and levels of ventilation, driving industry trends towards air conditioning. Design decisions early on shape future comfort regimes, suggesting a need for changes throughout the design process to promote sustainable environments.

SourceEconomic & Social Research Council·DateJun 22, 2004

UK small firms pay lip service to green issues

A study found that UK small firms often prioritize short-term gains over sustainability, with many believing it's not a priority for customers. The research suggests regulatory measures may be necessary to drive change within the sector.

SourceEconomic & Social Research Council·DateJun 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.

PET provides non-invasive index of carotid plaque inflammation

Researchers discovered a correlation between FDG uptake in PET scans and degree of plaque inflammation in patients with moderate to high-grade carotid stenoses. The study's findings offer hope for improving stroke risk prediction and developing new plaque-stabilizing drugs.

SourceSociety of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging·DateJun 22, 2004

NCAR releases new version of premier global climate model

The Community Climate System Model version 3 (CCSM3) predicts higher global temperatures if societies continue to emit large quantities of carbon dioxide. With improved accuracy, CCSM3 will be used to study climate patterns and chemical processes, shedding light on the impacts of climate change.

SourceNational Center for Atmospheric Research/University Corporation for Atmospheric Research·DateJun 22, 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.

To understand innate immunity, silence the genome

Researchers Edan Foley and Patrick O'Farrell silenced over 7,000 Drosophila genes to investigate the Immune deficiency pathway, revealing new molecules involved in signaling. Their findings provide insight into complex molecular interactions underlying innate immunity.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateJun 22, 2004

UW Health Sports Medicine Center weighs in on body fat

A new study by UW Health Sports Medicine Center uses a four-component model to measure body composition and predict minimum weight for athletes. The findings have important implications for high school and college wrestlers, as well as the national fight against pediatric obesity.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalMedicine & Science in Sports & Exercise·DateJun 22, 2004
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

Web searchers don't tune in with radio buttons

A study analyzing 3 million records from Alta Vista in 2002 found that consumers who used the interface had fewer queries per session and used fewer terms per query. The researchers suggest that radio buttons can help with information overload, but widespread adoption is hindered by technical issues and lack of individual site use.

SourcePenn State·DateJun 22, 2004

Inadequate vaccines can help breed more vicious malaria strains

A laboratory-based study suggests that inadequate vaccines could lead to the emergence of more virulent malaria strains, potentially making them more dangerous to non-immunized populations. The research found that immunity accelerates the evolution of virulence in malaria parasites, even after mosquito transmission.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateJun 22, 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.

Floods policy is more than a knee-jerk response to crisis

Research finds that flood policy shifts are often driven by prevailing attitudes, technological resources and social values, not just crisis responses. Policymakers must consider these complex influences when planning for future events.

SourceEconomic & Social Research Council·DateJun 22, 2004

Use of estrogen does not reduce risk of dementia in older women

Research suggests that estrogen therapy does not reduce the risk of dementia in older women. The study found a 76% increased risk for probable dementia among those taking estrogen compared to placebo. Hormone therapy also increased the risk of mild cognitive impairment and decline in global cognitive function.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateJun 22, 2004

Next best thing: wood chip bedding for cattle

Researchers found that wood chip bedding had less nitrogen loss during composting, reducing volatile losses and improving air quality. Greenhouse gas emissions were similar to those of traditional straw bedding, making it a viable option for beef cattle.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalJournal of Environmental Quality·DateJun 22, 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.

Brick chimneys can double as strong-motion sensors in earthquakes

A new study suggests the Seattle fault played a role in causing damage to unreinforced brick chimneys in West Seattle and Bremerton after the 2001 earthquake. The research found that areas with heavy chimney damage experienced stronger shaking, indicating the fault may have acted as a megaphone to amplify seismic waves.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalBulletin of the Seismological Society of America·DateJun 22, 2004

Researchers induce temporary blindness to learn more about vision

Researchers induced temporary blindness in six volunteers with normal vision to study how the brain processes visual information for basic eye movements. The results show that part of the older visual system still functions by encoding visual information unconsciously.

SourceRice University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 22, 2004

Controlling ADHD

Researchers used SPECT imaging to measure dopamine transporter binding in 18 adult ADHD patients. Those with high levels of binding showed significant improvement on Ritalin, while those with reduced binding did not respond to the drug.

SourceSociety of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging·DateJun 22, 2004

Common 'signature' found for different cancers

Researchers found a common genetic signature consisting of 67 genes that are abnormally expressed in all cancers. These genes are involved in cell cycle and proliferation, making the discovery logical despite its difficulty.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 22, 2004

Seafloor surface geometry may determine volcanic activity

Scientists at Columbia University's Lamont Doherty Earth Observatory have made new discoveries about the formation of underwater mountains along the Mid-Ocean Ridge. They found that the height and width of these mountains are highly correlated to the direction the ridge and connecting plates move across the planet's surface.

SourceColumbia Climate School·JournalNature·DateJun 22, 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.

Infertility treatment affects oral health

A study suggests that women undergoing infertility treatment who have periodontal disease may experience higher levels of gingival inflammation and bleeding, which could impact the success of fertility treatments like ovulation induction medication. Maintaining good oral hygiene is crucial to prevent these issues.

SourceAmerican Academy of Periodontology·JournalJournal of Periodontology·DateJun 22, 2004

Wireless nanocrystals efficiently radiate visible light

Researchers developed wireless nanocrystals that emit visible light by pumping them with a nearby quantum well, improving efficiency over traditional fluorescent bulbs. The process produces white light through varying the size of quantum dots, paving the way for more efficient white-light-emitting diodes.

SourceDOE/Sandia National Laboratories·JournalNature·DateJun 22, 2004

Estrogen therapy does not reduce dementia risk

A study found that estrogen alone did not reduce the risk of dementia in older women, doubling the risk compared to placebo. Global cognition also showed no improvement and was even adversely affected in some cases.

SourceAtrium Health Wake Forest Baptist·JournalJAMA·DateJun 22, 2004

RIT launches partnership with fuel cell industry targeting life-cycle strategies

The Rochester Institute of Technology is developing a new effort to provide logistics, guidance, and information sharing on direct methanol fuel cells for the portable electronics market. CIMS will analyze environmental impacts, life-cycle economics, and develop end-of-life strategies to reduce costs and improve sustainability.

SourceRochester Institute of Technology·DateJun 22, 2004

Why white light is best for our town centres

Research led by Professor Tadj Oreszczyn found that half as much white light as yellow is needed for facial recognition, with significant energy savings. The study also highlighted the link between crime fear and age, recommending a change to UK urban lighting standards.

SourceEconomic & Social Research Council·DateJun 22, 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.