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Science News Archive June 2004


Page 4 of 12

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.

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.

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.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Partial breast radiation procedure may benefit cancer patients

A new partial breast radiation procedure using balloon brachytherapy has shown promising results in reducing treatment time and improving cosmetic outcomes. The study found that women treated with this method experienced quick recovery, good cosmetic results, and no evidence of cancer recurrence during a 1-2 year follow-up.

Scientists discover two new interstellar molecules

Researchers discovered two new aldehyde molecules, propanal and propenal, in an interstellar cloud near the Milky Way Galaxy. These findings provide insights into the formation chemistry of complex molecules in space.

Targeting cancer

Researchers developed a new cancer treatment combining radioimmunotherapy with conventional chemotherapy, achieving complete remission in 72% of patients with follicular non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. The approach may improve treatment outcomes by targeting remaining cancer cells after chemotherapy.

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.

After amnesia, brain lesions appear

A recent study using diffusion weighted imaging found small brain lesions appearing on MRI scans of amnesiac patients within hours and days of onset. The lesions were all located in the hippocampus, a key area for memory functions, suggesting a possible cause for transient global amnesia.

Tracking Alzheimer's

Researchers use 18F-FDDNP-PET to measure tangles and plaques in brain, providing valuable information on disease status. The technique accurately separates AD patients from control subjects, offering opportunities for early diagnosis and monitoring treatment effects.

Detecting infection

Researchers in Japan used PET to differentiate between infected and non-infected vascular grafts, confirming its accuracy in diagnosing graft infections. The study's findings suggest that PET studies can safely and specifically identify patients who need treatment for graft infection.

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.

Probing the world of alien abduction stories

A study published in Psychological Science found that people who claim to have been abducted by aliens show strong physiological responses when recalling their experiences, similar to those evoked by genuinely traumatic memories. The researchers suggest that a person's reaction to a memory is not indicative of its authenticity.

Environmental toxins can cause a model of Parkinson's disease in rats

Researchers have found that proteasome inhibitors can cause a model of Parkinson's disease in rats, mirroring symptoms such as slowness of movement and tremors. The study suggests that environmental factors, including exposure to toxins, may contribute to the development of Parkinson's.

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.

CU-Boulder satellite instrument to provide new details on ozone

The CU-Boulder satellite's HIRDLS instrument will provide a clearer picture of the ozone layer's recovery and greenhouse gas distribution. With finer horizontal resolution and increased sensitivity, the instrument is expected to produce valuable data on climate change.

NASA research helps highlight lightning safety awareness week

Researchers use the North Alabama Lightning Mapping Array to monitor storm weakening and strengthening, improving severe weather detection. NASA's satellite technology provides near real-time data on severe weather and lightning strikes worldwide, aiming to reduce false alarms and improve forecasting accuracy.

Stem cells commit to a future of fat with one signal

Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine discovered that adding a single protein, BMP4, induced mouse stem cells to become fat cells. The study suggests that a similar signal is likely involved in humans, too, paving the way for new treatments for obesity and related diseases.

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.

Link discovered between Earth's ocean currents and Jupiter's bands

Researchers have found stable alternating bands of current on Earth that resemble those on Jupiter, both resulting from underlying turbulent flows. This similarity may hold clues to understanding planetary and oceanic circulations, with implications for climate research and future space observational studies.

Scientists discover new role for tiny RNA in plant development

Researchers at Rice University and MIT found that microRNA miR164 plays a crucial role in regulating gene expression and controlling basic organ development in plants. The study reveals abnormal development of leaves and flowers when miR164 regulation is absent or overexpressed.

Mouse shows how Rituximab removes human B cells

Researchers used mouse models to study how Rituximab removes human B cells, revealing that antibodies allow recognition by macrophages, which carry antibody receptors. This discovery may lead to the development of better therapies for lymphoma and autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis.

Virtual reality significantly reduces pain-related brain activity

Researchers found that virtual reality significantly reduces pain-related brain activity, with drops of up to 97%. The study used specialized magnetic resonance imaging to track brain activity and showed a significant change in conscious perception of pain when virtual reality was used.

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.

Half of head and neck cancer patients disabled by treatment

A study published in Archives of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery found that 52% of employed head and neck cancer patients reported work-related disability after treatment. Chemotherapy, neck surgery, and pain were linked to increased disability risk.

Two scans are better than one

A new study using combined PET/CT imaging has effectively diagnosed diabetes-related osteomyelitis of the foot. The technique provides a precise location of infection, enabling easier treatment strategy definition and improved patient outcomes.

Physicists reveal first 'nanoflowers'

Researchers at Cambridge University have successfully grown nanometer-scale wires into flower-like structures, which can be used as water-repellent coatings and a base for new solar cells. The unique nanostructures are created by controlling the growth process of silicon-carbon materials using liquid metals.

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.

One-stop shopping

A new technique using hybrid scanners combines PET and CT to diagnose coronary artery disease, providing a precise picture of the heart's function. This method is more accurate than traditional diagnostic methods and may relieve patients from invasive procedures.

Stanford researchers eye new chip's potential as an artificial retina

Researchers at Stanford have developed a chip that uses chemicals to stimulate neurons, offering new possibilities for treating age-related macular degeneration. The device has the potential to deliver small amounts of drugs precisely where they're needed and enable real-time chemical analysis of living tissues.

New technique images gene expression in mice

Researchers used a custom-built small animal imaging system to demonstrate gene expression in mice with cystic fibrosis. The results show promise for novel gene delivery methods and potential treatments for the debilitating disease.

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.

Tip sheet for the June 22, 2004 Neurology journal

Researchers found that seizure-alerting dogs exhibited distinctive behaviors to anticipate seizures, with licking and protective actions being common. The study also highlights the importance of education and research in improving patient care through organizations like the American Academy of Neurology.

New test may provide answers for women with chest pain

Researchers found that blockages in smaller arteries, which can't be spotted on standard tests, might be causing chest pain in women. Women who underwent a new imaging scan showed abnormal levels of phosphates, indicating their heart tissue wasn't getting enough blood.

Saharan people are falsely accused of terrorists acts

The ESRC Social Science Week conference explores the Sahara's past, present, and future, highlighting the impact of Western and local military intelligence services on indigenous peoples. Jeremy Keenan claims increasing evidence shows military agencies fabricate terrorist incidents, putting Tuareg lives at risk.

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.

Flies may taste bitter better, first map of insect 'tongue' reveals

Researchers at Duke University Medical Center found that flies have distinct combinations of bitter-sensitive nerve cells on their tongue, allowing them to discern among different bitter tastes. This unique ability might enable flies to select the best food item among multiple suboptimal choices.

Brain development and puberty may be key factors in learning disorders

A new hypothesis from Northwestern University researchers suggests that brain development and puberty could be key factors in learning disorders. The study found that individuals with learning problems develop more slowly than those without, and their brains stop developing around the time of puberty's onset.

Young adults' stress reaction predicts middle-age blood pressure risk

A study of 5,115 young adults found that those who react to psychological stress with spikes in blood pressure are more likely to develop high blood pressure in their 40s. The research suggests that assessing blood pressure changes in response to stress may be a useful tool for determining future risk.

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.

New designed paclitaxel analog kills more cancer cells than natural product

A team of researchers has successfully enhanced the structure of paclitaxel, a widely used anticancer drug, to make it more effective against cancer cells. The new design, validated by computer modeling and experiments, results in an analog that is 20 times more active than natural paclitaxel in one assay.

How left-handed amino acids got ahead

Researchers at Imperial College London have shown that an amino acid can amplify the concentration of one particular chiral form, a process known as autocatalysis. This discovery may offer insights into the evolution of biological homochirality and could provide a model for how life began.

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.

Echinacea may have no benefit in treating common cold

A study published by Marshfield Clinic found that echinacea had no effect on relieving common cold symptoms. The study involved 128 participants who took either echinacea or a placebo, with no significant difference in symptom relief observed.

Oncological crystal ball

A study using FMISO-PET scans found that high uptake of the tracer correlates with a greater risk of tumor recurrence, while low uptake is associated with a longer survival rate. The technique may enable more precise prediction of therapeutic outcomes and improved patient treatment.

Lifesaving potential of mammograms lost due to underuse

A study found that only 6% of women received ten mammograms, and disparities in usage were seen among Hispanic, African-American, and Asian women as well as those from lower economic status. Regular mammograms significantly reduce breast cancer death risk, highlighting the need for improved screening adherence.

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.

Five years on - no common understanding of 'institutional racism' among police

A study by Professor Simon Holdaway found that chief officers and black police association Chairs have different ideas on 'institutional racism', with a focus on personal experiences of racism. Most minority ethnic officers agree their constabulary is institutionally racist, but the causes and effects differ between groups.

Newly grown kidneys can sustain life in rats

Scientists have grown functional kidneys in rats using embryonic tissue transplants, demonstrating their ability to filter blood and excrete waste. The research marks a critical step towards developing animal-to-human transplants to address chronic organ donation shortages.

How refugees and their families contribute to British life

Experts will argue that refugees and their families contribute significantly to British life, bringing incalculable social and economic benefits. The discussion aims to correct common misconceptions about refugees and highlight their skills and talent.

Denial of AIDS puts sailors and partners at risk

Nigerian naval personnel are putting themselves and their partners at risk by denying the existence of AIDS and engaging in risky sexual behaviors. A recent survey found that nearly half of sailors had sex with a female sex worker without using a condom, despite having good knowledge of AIDS-related information.

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.

The high price of fatigue

A study of 56,000 people from Wichita, Kansas found that Chronic Fatigue Syndrome causes a significant burden on the economy, with lost productivity estimated at $9.1 billion annually. The syndrome affects approximately 450,000 individuals nationwide, resulting in substantial economic losses and reduced household income.

'Blazar' illuminates era when stars and galaxies formed

Researchers found a blazar, an enormous source of energy from a supermassive black hole, which is one billion years old. The discovery sheds light on the formation of stars and galaxies, offering insights into the universe's early evolution.

Drug tested at OHSU prevents MS-like disease in animals

Researchers at OHSU found LGD5552 prevented rats from developing a MS-like disease, showing reduced side effects compared to current treatments. The compound's tissue-selective properties may offer a novel avenue for prolonged use in humans.

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.