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Science News for June 4, 2004


A quantum mechanical 'tune up' for better measurement

Scientists at NIST effectively turn atoms into better frequency sensors by entangling them, allowing for faster and more accurate measurements in atomic clocks. This technique could reduce the time needed to measure atomic clock ticks from weeks to months.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalScience·DateJun 4, 2004

Regulatable gene therapy may advance treatment of Parkinson's disease

Researchers developed a regulatable gene therapy that can be turned on and off using doxycycline, offering potential for treating Parkinson's disease. The treatment uses the glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) protein to promote survival and differentiation of dopamine neurons.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalGene Therapy·DateJun 4, 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.

Proteins transform DNA into 'molecular velcro'

Researchers found that condensin proteins cause DNA to extend in stepwise 'clicks' like Velcro unzipping, with the process reproducing identically every time. The energy-containing molecule ATP plays a regulatory role, allowing the bound protein to recondense DNA when tension is lowered

SourceHoward Hughes Medical Institute·JournalScience·DateJun 4, 2004

'Imagination' helps older people remember to comply with medical advice

Researchers found that older adults who pictured testing their blood sugar were 50% more likely to do so regularly compared to those using other memory techniques. The study's findings suggest that imagination may be a powerful and inexpensive technique for improving medication adherence in older adults.

SourceNIH/National Institute on Aging·JournalPsychology and Aging·DateJun 4, 2004

Questions on outdoor recreation not seen the same by men & women

A study found that men and women have distinct answers when asked about their favorite outdoor activities, with women often citing family-oriented pursuits. This suggests that traditional questionnaire structures may not account for differences in how men and women interpret questions about outdoor recreation preferences and behavior.

SourcePenn State·DateJun 4, 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.

ASCO honors M. D. Anderson Cancer Prevention head

Dr. Bernard Levin, a colorectal cancer expert, is honored by ASCO for his significant contributions to preventing and managing cancer. He will deliver an acceptance lecture on June 6, highlighting his leadership in multidisciplinary programs in research, service, and education.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·DateJun 4, 2004

Maybe not so sweet, after all…

A study found that fructose consumption can lead to decreased insulin and leptin levels, increased triglycerides, and lower ghrelin levels, all contributing to weight gain and obesity. The results suggest that frequent fructose consumption may contribute to the development of cardiovascular disease.

SourceMonell Chemical Senses Center·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateJun 4, 2004