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Science News Archive March 2004


Page 2 of 14

Carnegie Mellon University announces 'one-step' method to make polymer nanowires

The 'one-step' chain growth method enables the design and synthesis of various highly conductive polymers. Regioregular polythiophenes can be formed into nanowire sheets or create a plethora of new conducting polymers by varying the chemical cap. This research has significant implications for applications in devices like transistors.

Minimally invasive breast cancer treatment shows promise

Researchers successfully treated 21 small breast cancers with RF ablation, destroying malignant tissue with no adverse effects. However, surrounding tissue was not removed, limiting the procedure's effectiveness as a standalone treatment.

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.

March/April 2004 Annals of Family Medicine tip sheet

Research highlights the potential risks of high-protein diets, parental happiness impacting birth weight, and frequent medical errors in family physician offices. Simple dietary restrictions may reduce mortality risk associated with high transferrin saturation, while maternal report of partner happiness can predict birth weight.

Single cocaine exposure boosts both drug craving and avoidance

A recent study published in PNAS found that single cocaine exposure can increase both morphine preference and kappa-opioid receptor agonist aversion in rats. This suggests the existence of opposing brain circuits involved in drug craving and avoidance, with potential implications for treating addiction by modulating these pathways.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

New therapeutic approach for sickle cell disease

Researchers have developed a novel approach to modify alpha globin, potentially providing more effective treatments for sickle cell disease. Genetically engineered mice with the disease showed improved blood counts and extended lifespan after producing zeta globin.

UA lunar experts testify before congressional subcommittee April 1

Lunar experts from the University of Arizona will testify about the benefits and challenges of an extended human presence for scientific exploration and mining. The hearing will focus on using water as a resource for propulsion, life support, and fueling return trips to Earth.

Chemists seek light-activated glue for vascular repair

Virginia Tech researchers are creating biocompatible adhesives that can be activated with light to mend vascular tissue. The novel polymer has been shown to have promising properties for laser-assisted vascular repair, potentially speeding up the healing process and reducing complications.

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.

Antarctic fish study may aid cardiac research

Scientists studying an Antarctic 'cod' are gaining insights into how its unique physiology helps it survive in icy waters. By understanding how the fish adapts to environmental change, researchers hope to develop new treatments for human heart conditions.

Making the most of stem cells

Researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison have developed a new storage method that increases stem cell survival rates by over 20 times, allowing for more efficient and reliable research. The technique uses a gel matrix with trehalose to protect cells from freezing and thawing damage.

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.

Bird's song may be linked to speech disorders

A UCLA study finds that FoxP1 and FoxP2 genes shared by humans and songbirds may play a critical role in human speech and speech disorders. The study suggests that understanding these genes could lead to new medications for speech disorders.

ERI patents treatments for insulin resistance in diabetes accompanying obesity

Researchers at the Eleanor Roosevelt Institute have patented a new treatment for type II diabetes, focusing on regulating insulin resistance by manipulating melanocyte-stimulating hormone (MSH) levels. The approach has shown promise in genetically engineered mice and may offer a new direction in understanding and treating the disease.

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.

Damania of UNC receives Elion cancer research award

Dr. Blossom A. Damania has been awarded the $50,000 Gertrude B. Elion Cancer Research Award for her research on tumor virology and Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV). This award recognizes her groundbreaking work in deciphering how the virus can transform cells into malignancies.

Electronic paper, wound dressings among novel uses for bacterial cellulose

Researchers are developing bacterial cellulose-based products for various uses, including artificial blood vessels for microsurgery, electronic paper displays, and bioengineered wound dressings. These innovative materials have the potential to improve healing rates, reduce pain, and enhance medical outcomes.

Sedative may offer new direction in colon cancer treatment

Researchers have found that Nembutal, a sedative, can suppress the growth of colon cancer cells by inhibiting gamma-aminobutyric acid receptors. The study suggests a novel approach to treating cancers with neurotransmitter receptors on their surfaces.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Purdue engineers design 'shape-search' for industry databases

A new shape-search system developed by Purdue engineers allows employees to search huge industry databases using sketches of parts or selecting similar-shaped parts. The system reduces design time by up to 80% by indexing parts based on their geometry and features, providing valuable background information about part production costs.

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.

How minerals react in the environment depends on particle size

The study reveals that nanoparticles are 30 times more efficient at promoting manganese oxidation than bulk material. This discovery challenges the long-held assumption that manganese oxidation requires bacteria, suggesting particle size may play a key role.

Increasing the risk of cancer

A study found that the anti-inflammatory drug nimesulide triggered angiogenesis and increased pancreatic cancer cell growth in COX-2 negative tumor cells, but inhibited tumor growth in COX-2 positive cells. Researchers plan to test other COX-2 inhibitors for similar effects.

Streamlining the 'pythagorean theorem of baseball'

Researchers developed a simplified formula to predict team winning percentages, using only addition, subtraction, and multiplication. The new linear function works almost as well as the original Pythagorean theorem in predicting team performance.

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.

A new spin on spirochetes

Researchers have discovered profound differences in the gene content of T. denticola, an oral pathogen associated with gum disease, compared to other spirochetes that cause syphilis and Lyme disease. The study's findings highlight the power of comparative genomics in understanding how related pathogens can cause different diseases.

Nanoparticles from the ocean and vehicle emissions

Research at UC Davis explores the effects of ocean nanoparticles and vehicle emissions on atmospheric conditions. The study aims to develop models for measuring and predicting nanoparticle transients in the atmosphere.

Why fashion-buying is central to the life of high street stores

A study led by Dr Joanne Entwistle highlights the importance of fashion buyers' knowledge in translating market identity into products. The research focused on a large department store's women's wear team, finding that building markets and consumers is essential for success.

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.

An alternative to bone-marrow donation

Researchers found that ES cell lines can restore blood cells, including immune systems, in mice without being rejected. This breakthrough has potential advantages over traditional bone marrow or blood donations, offering a renewable source with low risk of graft-versus-host disease.

Active lifestyle reduces risk of endometrial cancer

A study found that regular exercise, as well as routine activities like walking for transportation or performing household chores, can reduce a woman's risk of endometrial cancer. The research team assessed physical activity from various periods in life and found significant benefits for women with higher levels of physical activity.

Why AL batters get beaned more often

A recent study by mathematicians and economists found that National League pitchers are more likely to throw inside pitches, increasing the risk of hitting batters. This 'moral hazard' theory suggests that the rule's impact is not due to lower costs for NL pitchers, but rather their fear of retaliation when stepping up to bat.

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.

Duke chemists describe new kind of 'nanotube' transistor

Researchers at Duke University have developed a new type of nanotube transistor that uses an electrically conducting polymer gate to reduce power demand and improve device performance. The innovation offers great promise for future electronic devices, including those even smaller than current models.

Caustic soils at Hanford may lock up contaminants fast

Researchers found that caustic soils at Hanford can trap radioactive cesium and strontium, forming stable minerals like zeolites and feldspathoids. This discovery may aid in remediation efforts by slowing down the migration of toxic waste into groundwater.

STN International launches Derwent World Patents Index First View

STN International has launched Derwent World Patents Index First View, providing early access to the latest published patent documents. This new alerting companion file offers a comprehensive and timely overview of global patenting activity when used with Derwent World Patents Index.

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.

Bizarre attractive force found in mayonnaise

Scientists at Rice University have discovered an attractive force in mayonnaise using the phenomenon of negative normal stress. This finding has significant implications for the development of new emulsions and dispersions with practical applications.

Enlisting carbon nanotubes to unmask nerve agents

Researchers developed a disposable sensor using carbon nanotubes and enzymes to detect OP nerve agents. The sensor can detect traces of up to 5 parts per billion, making it a promising tool for identifying toxin exposure.

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.

DNA-binding strands used to create molecular zipper

The team uses heterocycles from DNA to recognize specific complementary groups, creating a reversible surface that can be modified and reused. The new technology has potential applications in body armor and films.

Angiogenesis gene linked to biomarkers in breast cancer

Scientists at Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center have found a link between the HOXB7 gene and increased activity in breast cancer biomarkers. The study shows that the gene is overexpressed in more than 60% of breast cancer cell lines and 90% of primary breast cancers.

Coal source of jet fuel for next generation aircraft

Researchers at Penn State have created a thermally stable coal-based jet fuel, provisionally designated as JP900, which can absorb significant amounts of heat and remain stable up to 900 degrees Fahrenheit. This fuel has potential benefits in reducing engine deposits and improving cold weather performance.

Environmental and dietary influences on cancer risk

Studies show that exposure to environmental carcinogens can cause DNA damage in the womb, increasing cancer risk. The fetus is more susceptible to genetic damage than the mother, highlighting the need for preventive policies.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

Learning how to erase electronic paper

Jeanne E. Pemberton's research reveals that changing the electrical charge on electronic paper affects how well ink sticks, enabling the development of reusable tablets. The study uses the 'emersion' method to analyze molecular interactions at the interface between liquids and solids.

Snake venom may power-out bloodstains from clothes

A study found that a component of snake venom can help remove stubborn bloodstains from clothes, with fibrinolytic enzymes facilitating the breakdown of blood protein fibrin. Researchers successfully tested the enzyme on blood-stained denim swatches, showing significantly fainter stains after treatment.

Surgery cuts cardiac arrests among those with rare heart disorder

A 40-minute surgical procedure called left cardiac sympathetic denervation (LCSD) reduces the risk of cardiac arrest and fainting episodes in people with long QT syndrome, a rare heart disorder. The study found that LCSD surgery reduced cardiac events by 91 percent compared to pre-surgery rates.

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.

Acrylamide in food: Unraveling exposure and risk

New studies examine acrylamide levels in foods such as potato chips, breads and cereals. Researchers have found that cooking conditions influence acrylamide levels, with some foods showing low levels despite popular assumption.

Pesticide detection on a chip

Scientists at UC Davis create a novel fluorescent assay for detecting pesticides on a chip, utilizing lanthanide oxide nanoparticles as a reporter. The approach has the potential to improve pesticide detection in environmental testing and other fields.