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Science News Archive June 2004 - Page 5


Page 5 of 12

Researcher issues caution on live virus vaccines

Researchers warn that live flavivirus vaccines can recombine, resulting in new microbes with undesirable properties. The use of these vaccines requires international approval due to safety concerns, including increased virulence, disease development in compromised individuals, and birth defects.

SourceNew York Medical College·JournalThe Lancet·DateJun 18, 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.

New thermodynamic theory will help engineers 'go with the flow'

A new thermodynamic theory, Constructal Law, enables designers to balance flow resistances in complex systems, leading to more efficient designs. The law provides a mental vision of design evolution and helps engineers make informed decisions about resources and money.

SourceDuke University·JournalInternational Journal of Heat and Mass Transfer·DateJun 18, 2004

Researchers show 'clot-busting' at stroke site is viable option

A recent study published in Neurosurgery found that administering clot-dissolving medication directly to the site of blockages resulted in a 50% success rate in reducing neurological disability, compared to 39% with IV treatment. The intra-arterial therapy showed better results in re-opening blood vessels and improving stroke outcomes.

SourceOhio State University·JournalNeurosurgery·DateJun 18, 2004

Protein stops blood-vessel growth, holds promise as cancer therapy

Researchers have identified a protein, fibulin-5, that inhibits the sprouting of new blood vessels, which is crucial for cancer tumor growth. The findings suggest that fibulin-5 may be an effective cancer therapy and could also serve as a diagnostic tool to detect cancer status.

SourceNational Jewish Health·JournalDNA and Cell Biology·DateJun 18, 2004
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Tumour suppression

The study reveals that mice lacking the Mus81 protein are fertile and can help monitor health more closely. Researchers explore whether the mutation is tied to human tumour formation, allowing for targeted treatment strategies.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalScience·DateJun 17, 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.

Natural, man-made mix promises biggest landscape plant growth

A recent study found that adding natural mycorrhizal fungi to synthetic fertilizers can significantly improve plant growth while reducing pesticide use and water consumption. Researchers at Texas A&M AgriLife Communications discovered this inexpensive additive makes better use of fertilizers, saving money and improving the environment.

SourceTexas A&M AgriLife Communications·JournalJournal of the American Society for Horticultural Science·DateJun 17, 2004

Printable silicon for ultrahigh performance flexible electronic systems

Researchers at University of Illinois have developed a technique to print single-crystal silicon objects onto flexible plastics, enabling high-performance thin-film transistors. This approach separates silicon processing from component fabrication, allowing for integration with various materials and large-area formats.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateJun 17, 2004

Who is responsible for adolescent health?

The editorial emphasizes the importance of adolescent participation in identifying problems and devising strategies for improving health. Key findings include slow progress in specialist health services for adolescents, but also highlight the need for non-judgmental information, education, and accessible services tailored to their needs.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateJun 17, 2004
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.

Gold-tipped nanocrystals developed by Hebrew University

Researchers at Hebrew University create gold-tipped nanocrystals that offer a solution to problems of building nanoscale transistors and electronic circuits. These nanodumbbells provide strong chemical bonds between the gold and semiconductor, leading to good electrical connectivity.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalScience·DateJun 17, 2004

Rock 'face' mystery baffles experts

Archaeologists have found three unusual markings carved into rocks near Rothbury, Northumberland, including a small heart shape and a stylised human face. The origin and meaning of these marks remain unknown, with experts speculating they could be as young as 100-250 years old.

SourceNewcastle University·DateJun 17, 2004

Scientists learn how adjuvant makes vaccines effective

Researchers found that alum triggers the accumulation of Gr1 cells in the spleen, which prime B cells and facilitate their response to vaccines. The discovery sheds light on how adjuvants like alum enhance vaccine effectiveness.

SourceNational Jewish Health·JournalScience·DateJun 17, 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.

New tests for nut allergens

Researchers have developed new tests that can detect trace amounts of common tree nut allergens, such as almonds, cashews, and walnuts. These tests could lead to more accurate food labeling and reduced risk of cross-contamination in processed foods.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of the Science of Food and Agriculture·DateJun 17, 2004

American Thoracic Society Journal news tips for June 2004 (second issue)

A six-year study found that early therapy for moderate to severe COPD exacerbations hastens recovery time, reduces hospitalization rates, and boosts health-related quality of life. British researchers' prospective study demonstrated the importance of timely treatment on COPD exacerbation outcomes.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateJun 17, 2004

Asthma drugs pose respiratory, cardiac dangers

A meta-analysis of 33 trials found that continuous use of asthma drugs increases airway inflammation and decreases bronchodilator response, while also posing cardiac risks for patients with chronic obstructive lung disease. The studies suggested that pharmaceutical company sponsorship may be a factor in the conflicting results.

SourceCornell University·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateJun 17, 2004

Georgia Tech helps provide foundation for new justice information sharing initiative

The Global Justice XML Data Model, released in Version 3.0, enables efficient data sharing between federal, state, and local agencies. By providing a common language and vocabulary, the model allows for automatic translation of information across different systems, facilitating faster response to potential criminal and terrorist activity.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology Research News·DateJun 17, 2004

A celestial surprise: Comet Wild 2 unlike any other body in solar system

Scientists discover a comet with broad mesas, craters, pinnacles, and canyons on its surface, contrary to expectations of a dark dust-covered comet. The surface's unique features suggest that most impacts were absorbed or vented into space, making it possible to clearly see the crater formations.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalScience·DateJun 17, 2004
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.

CO2 fertilization is slowing global warming

A study suggests that CO2 fertilization may be transferring enough carbon from the atmosphere to the soil to balance the global carbon budget. Kevin Harrison's research found a CO2 fertilization factor of 1.18 for a white oak ecosystem, which could have significant implications for understanding the impact of climate change.

SourceBoston College·DateJun 17, 2004

Comet's dust clouds hit NASA spacecraft 'like thunderbolt'

The Stardust mission encountered a swarm of large and small particles as it passed within 146.5 miles of the comet's nucleus, exceeding its goal of collecting at least 1,000 samples measuring one-third the width of a human hair or larger.

SourceUniversity of Chicago·JournalScience·DateJun 17, 2004

Study highlights burden of environment on child health in Europe

A new study highlights the significant burden of environment on child health in Europe, with outdoor and indoor air pollution, inadequate water and sanitation, lead exposure, and injuries causing substantial deaths and disabilities. The findings emphasize the need for interventions to reduce children's exposure to unsafe environments a...

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateJun 17, 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.

Improved nutrition could prevent more than half of the world's child deaths annually

A new study reveals that improved nutrition can prevent over half of the world's child deaths every year. Researchers found that even mild undernutrition increases a child's risk of dying from diarrhea, pneumonia, malaria, and measles by two-fold. Investing in child nutrition interventions could save millions of young lives.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateJun 17, 2004

UK researchers develop way of predicting a woman's 'reproductive' age

A new method developed by UK researchers allows for accurate prediction of a woman's remaining reproductive life-span based on ovarian volume measurements. The technique uses mathematical models and computer analysis to estimate follicle numbers, providing a direct assessment of ovarian reserve.

SourceEuropean Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology·JournalHuman Reproduction·DateJun 16, 2004

Mammoths stranded on Bering Sea island delayed extinction

New radiocarbon dates show that mammoths became stranded on St. Paul Island about 13,000 years ago due to rising sea levels. The island's small size limited the ability of mammoths to sustain a permanent population, contributing to their eventual extinction.

SourceUniversity of Alaska Fairbanks·JournalNature·DateJun 16, 2004

New obesity research highlighted at ENDO 2004

Recent studies have highlighted promising new treatments for obesity, including rimonabant's effectiveness in treating the condition. Additionally, researchers have discovered a lack of gut hormone PYY3-6 in obese individuals, leading to increased food intake and potential health risks associated with obesity.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·DateJun 16, 2004

Polycystic ovary syndrome treated with new approach in Stanford study

Researchers have discovered a promising treatment for polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) using rosiglitazone, an insulin sensitizer that reduces excess androgen levels and improves menstrual cycles. The study showed significant benefits in insulin resistance and ovarian function, offering new hope for women with PCOS.

SourceStanford Medicine·DateJun 16, 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.

How many squares, Mr. Franklin?

Maya Ahmed developed methods to construct Franklin's squares and others of the same type, with applications in computer programming. She discovered a way to reconstruct Franklin's three original squares and created new ones that obey the same rules.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalAmerican Mathematical Monthly·DateJun 16, 2004

Assisted reproduction can't compensate for waiting too long to start a family

Researchers found that women over 35 have limited chances of conceiving naturally, with only half the number of births made possible through assisted reproduction. The study suggests that women under 35 should be patient, while those over 35 should consider more aggressive fertility treatments.

SourceEuropean Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology·JournalHuman Reproduction·DateJun 16, 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.

NIST demonstrates 'Teleportation' of atomic states for quantum computing

Physicists at NIST have successfully teleported key properties of one atom to another without physical link, achieving a 78% success rate. This breakthrough technique may enable faster computation speeds and increased efficiency in quantum computing applications.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalNature·DateJun 16, 2004

Researchers make promiscuous animals monogamous by manipulating genes

By transferring vasopressin receptor genes into meadow voles, scientists observed a strong preference for current partners, mirroring the behavior of prairie voles. This study provides evidence that changes in a single gene can profoundly impact social behavior in animals.

SourceEmory University Health Sciences Center·JournalNature·DateJun 16, 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.

No medical benefit from liposuction

Removing abdominal fat by liposuction did not improve insulin sensitivity or reduce risk factors for heart disease. However, the procedure was found to be safe for large-volume fat removal.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJun 16, 2004

Long term relief from arthritis could evolve from B-cell targeted treatments

A recent study found that B-cell targeted therapy significantly reduced arthritic symptoms in patients, with improvement lasting over a year and sometimes up to three years. The treatment has shown promise in breaking the cycle driving the disease, but further studies are needed to ensure its safety.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJun 16, 2004

Largest USDA study of food antioxidants reveals best sources

A new USDA study has identified the top sources of antioxidants in food, with fruits like cranberries and blueberries leading the way. The study found that lesser-known foods like Russet potatoes, pecans, and cinnamon also contain high levels of antioxidants.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateJun 16, 2004
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

'VALUE' study results

The VALUE trial found no difference in cardiac disease between valsartan and amlodipine, but patients on valsartan had lower rates of hospitalization for heart failure and type 2 diabetes. Early blood pressure control was associated with improved cardiovascular outcomes.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateJun 16, 2004

Abnormal chromosomes forecast leukemia relapse

Researchers found that AML patients with abnormal chromosomes during remission are more likely to relapse and have a shorter survival. This suggests that routine testing for chromosomal abnormalities may be necessary to predict long-term outcomes in these patients.

SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateJun 16, 2004

Earth has 'blueberries' like Mars

Researchers suggest Martian and Utah rocks formed underground when minerals precipitated from flowing groundwater, providing clues to the origin of 'blueberries' discovered on Mars. The study also sheds light on the search for evidence of past life on Mars.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalNature·DateJun 16, 2004

Ultrasound for cancer treatment

Researchers at UC Davis are developing a new cancer treatment that uses ultrasound to steer tiny capsules carrying cancer-fighting drugs to tumors. This approach aims to reduce the toxic side effects of current cancer treatments by concentrating the drug directly in the tumor.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·DateJun 16, 2004

Manipulating master molecule shown to disrupt vascular environment for tumors in animal models

A study published in Journal of the National Cancer Institute found that blocking hypoxia-inducible factor 1 (HIF-1) significantly impairs tumor growth by damaging the vascular microenvironment. The tumors were smaller and had thin-walled, lumenless blood vessels compared to control mice.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateJun 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.

A gene that keeps species apart

Biologists discover a candidate hybrid compatibility gene that exhibits functional divergence, confirming its status as a true speciation gene. The findings provide new insights into the molecular mechanisms of reproductive isolation, which is crucial for defining species.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateJun 15, 2004

Home visiting program falls short of goal to prevent child maltreatment

A study published in Child Abuse & Neglect found that home visiting programs failed to identify risk factors and connect families with necessary resources, despite showing some positive outcomes. The researchers recommend better training for home visitors and improved coordination with community organizations.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalChild Abuse & Neglect·DateJun 15, 2004

Olfactory system matures in different stages

The study established four principles of olfactory system development: without sensory activity there is no full maturation, a sensitive period influences organization maturation, sensitive periods occur at different times for different receptors, and glomeruli may be innervated by multiple nerves during early development.

SourceYale University·JournalScience·DateJun 15, 2004

Espionage may have driven the evolution of bee language according to UCSD-led study in Brazil

A study by UCSD and Brazilian biologists found that bees can use scent markings from other species to find food. This ability allows aggressive stingless bee species to take over food sources previously discovered by competitors, providing a clear evolutionary advantage in scarce floral resources.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society of London·DateJun 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.

Other highlights in the June 16 JNCI

A new study by Cancer Research UK found that common mutations in genes regulating estrogen metabolism are not associated with breast cancer risk. However, a separate study suggests that inhibition of hypoxia-inducible factor 1alpha (HIF-1alpha) activity may be a target for future gastric cancer treatments.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateJun 15, 2004

Cheaper wastewater-fueled device produces more electricity

The Penn State team has developed a cheaper microbial fuel cell that produces more electricity from wastewater, with the potential to power small devices. The new design uses carbon paper instead of a proton exchange membrane, reducing costs and increasing efficiency.

SourcePenn State·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateJun 15, 2004