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Science News Archive March 2004


Page 4 of 14

Mosquitoes vs. malaria: How we can win the fight

Researchers have discovered two mosquito proteins, TEP1 and LRIM1, that kill the malaria parasite. Eliminating these proteins could block the parasite-mosquito cycle, potentially decreasing malaria prevalence.

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.

NIST-led research de-mystifies origins of 'junk' DNA

The study analyzed data for 10 families of protein-coding genes in multi-celled organisms, resolving a debate over the timing of intron emergence. It found that most modern introns appeared subsequent to gene creation, contradicting the 'introns-early' view.

Sickle cell sufferers living longer, dying less from their disease

A recent study by UT Southwestern Medical Center found that children with sickle cell disease are now living up to 18 years longer than comparable statistics from 30 years ago. Modern treatments, including prophylactic penicillin and hydroxyurea, have significantly improved survival rates.

AGU Journal highlights - 25 March 2004

Researchers made new discoveries about the Earth's magnetic field, Mars rover data, and post-earthquake ground movement. A thin layer in the Earth's magnetic field was observed, while a Martian rover's landing site may be coated with iron oxide, affecting water detection. GPS technology also revealed ground movement after an 8.0-magnit...

Mouse model mimics real-world plague infection

Researchers have successfully tested a new plague vaccine in a real-world mouse model, showing promising results. The vaccine was tested in a natural transmission setting, where infected fleas fed on vaccinated mice, and showed protection against 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.

A&M researcher studying genes of mosquitoes

Researchers are cloning mosquito genes to understand the hormone-controlled mechanism of diuresis, a fast process by which mosquitoes excrete waste. This study aims to develop new, selective insecticides targeting the hormone receptor, potentially controlling vector-borne diseases like dengue fever.

First global approval for FOSRENOL (lanthanum carbonate)

FOSRENOL, a lanthanum carbonate-based treatment, has been approved for reducing phosphate risk in dialysis patients with end-stage renal failure. The treatment has shown effectiveness and well-tolerability in studies, improving bone disease outcomes.

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.

Is the future of the welfare state really a human rights issue?

A UK study suggests that working-age adults and social services professionals acknowledge people's interdependency and fundamental human rights, yet favor individual responsibility for support from the state. The Human Rights Act's impact on the welfare state is also explored.

Myosin mutant points to human origins

Researchers discovered a myosin gene mutation that correlates with anatomical changes in early hominid fossil record, including smaller jaw muscles and larger brain size. The mutation, estimated at 2.5 million years ago, may have lifted an evolutionary constraint on brain growth in early humans.

Genetic mutation linked to infant lung disease

A genetic mutation in the ABCA3 gene is linked to severe surfactant deficiency in infants, leading to fatal lung disease. Researchers found mutations in 16 infants, with 15 dying from their illness, and discovered a potential mechanism for the defective transport of phospholipids critical for surfactant function.

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.

New RNA libraries can selectively inactivate human genes

Researchers have created new RNA libraries that can selectively inactivate human genes, enabling efficient screening for genetic defects. The libraries, made widely available to the research community, will greatly aid in understanding human biology and disease.

Land cover changes affect US summer climate

Research found that changes in land cover, particularly vegetation, have impacted regional temperatures and precipitation in the US. Land cover changes produced a significant cooling effect of more than one degree Fahrenheit in parts of the Great Plains and Midwest.

Odorants enhance survival of olfactory neurons

Olfactory sensory neurons can adapt to odorant stimulation, but the ability to enhance long-term survival after stimulation has been unclear. Researchers found that odorants stimulate the Erk/MAP kinase/CREB pathway, leading to cell survival and dynamic long-term adjustment to sensory information.

Study points to possible cause of asthma exacerbations

A study suggests that viral infections like RSV can increase the expression of Toll-4 receptors on airway cells, leading to a heightened response to endotoxin exposure and potentially causing asthma exacerbations. This increased sensitivity could also make airways more responsive to other environmental exposures.

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.

Germany starts clinical development of a new tuberculosis vaccine

A consortium has launched a programme to develop a TB vaccine, with the Max Planck Institute for Infection Biology developing a highly promising candidate. The vaccine aims to improve upon the existing BCG vaccine, which lacks effectiveness against pneumotuberculosis.

Soft drinks not linked to decreased calcium intake

A study found that adolescent girls and boys drink fewer soft drinks than perceived, with an average of one can per day. Despite this, younger children and African-American children have lower calcium intakes. The study suggests increasing milk consumption and calcium supplements to improve dietary habits.

Antibiotics in the environment

Researchers developed a simple method for ultra trace determination of chlortetracycline and tylosin antibiotics in animal manures and surface/ground waters. Tests showed high concentrations of these antibiotics in swine manure samples, highlighting potential environmental pollution risks.

Study shows benefits to newborns from federal ban on insecticides

Researchers measured blood levels of chlorpyrifos and diazinon in umbilical cords before and after the ban and found a significant reduction in birth weights and lengths in infants with high pesticide exposure. The study confirms developmental impact of insecticides on human health.

The human brain and comparative judgments

A new study published in Neuron reveals that the brain processes continuous dimensions such as size and luminance in distributed regions of the cortex. The researchers observed that there is considerable overlap between local brain regions and no single region uniquely selective for one particular stimulus.

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.

Awards honor Alt's three decades of genetic cancer research

Awards honor Alt's groundbreaking discoveries on genomic instability, leading to new directions in cancer prevention. His work has sparked extensive additional research and transformed our understanding of oncogene amplification and translocation.

Titania nanotube hydrogen sensors clean themselves

Researchers developed self-cleaning hydrogen sensors using titania nanotubes that can recover from contamination by exposing them to ultraviolet light. The sensors' photocatalytic properties allow for efficient removal of contaminants, enabling real-world applications with minimal sensor error.

Aeras partners with Crucell to develop TB vaccine

The collaboration aims to improve the BCG vaccine, which offers protection against serious forms of TB in childhood but loses efficacy over time. A new vaccine is crucial to combating the disease that kills over two million people globally per year.

Martian mystery explained

Researchers found that heating and cooling alone can create spiral patterns on Mars, contrary to previous theories. The model suggests that differential melting and refreezing cause the spirals' unique shape and spacing.

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.

Workplace drinking and gender harassment linked

A study by Cornell University's R. Brinkley Smithers Institute found a significant link between workplace drinking and gender harassment. Women experienced a more-than-twofold increase in incidents of gender harassment when men consumed additional alcoholic drinks during work hours.

Human rights abuses common in southern Iraq between 1991 and 2003

A study of 1,991 Iraqi men and women found that human rights abuses were common, with 47% reporting torture, killings, or other forms of abuse. The Baath party regime was identified as the primary perpetrator of these abuses, with 95% attributed to Baath party-affiliated groups.

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.

Study: Carbon dioxide may find new use in producing medical implants

Engineers at Ohio State University used compressed carbon dioxide to embed protein molecules in plastic, creating a process for developing implantable drugs. The technology could be used to release medicines into the body, improving medical treatment and reducing environmental impact.

Another twist in the field of superconductivity

Researchers observed electronlike excitations at temperatures above the transition temperature in cobaltate materials, suggesting a novel mechanism for high-temperature superconductivity. This discovery opens up new avenues for understanding the phenomenon of high-temperature superconductivity.

Estimated one in five people worldwide lack enough zinc in diet

A report by the International Zinc Nutrition Consultative Group finds that zinc deficiency affects millions worldwide, particularly in developing countries. It highlights methods for assessing population zinc status and potential strategies for controlling nutritional deficiencies through supplements and public education.

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.

Physicists see golden needle in a micro-cosmic haystack

The experiment detected three events consistent with the rare K meson decay, which occurs once in every 7 billion decays. The result suggests a possible departure from the Standard Model, but further analysis is needed to confirm or rule out the discrepancy.

Rochester, BCM test bird-flu vaccine in humans

A study led by Baylor College of Medicine and the University of Rochester Medical Center is testing a vaccine against H9 bird flu, which infected several people in Hong Kong in 1999. The goal is to prepare for potential transmission of the virus from person to person.

Making smart drugs that deliver the right kind of punch

The U-M group uses lab-made dendrimers as the backbone of their delivery system, which can attach targeting agents to recognize cancer cells and deliver lethal doses while leaving normal cells unharmed. Early results show that nanoparticle drugs effectively treat cancer with fewer side effects than conventional chemotherapy.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Human studies show feasibility of brain-machine interfaces

Researchers at Duke University Medical Center have demonstrated the feasibility of brain-machine interfaces (BMIs) in humans, using arrays of electrodes to record brain signals and control external devices. The study showed that patients with Parkinson's disease and tremor disorders could use BMIs to play a hand-controlled video game.

University of Toronto scientists light a path for new nerve cells

Researchers at the University of Toronto have created a new gel-like substance that guides neural cells through channels, providing a greater surface area for neural stimuli transmission. This breakthrough could lead to stronger signals in regenerated nerves, paving the way for regenerative medicine applications.

Be picky when served large portions

A study published in Obesity Research found that customers who were served larger portions of high-calorie foods consumed significantly more calories, often without noticing. The study's findings suggest that portion size can have a significant impact on food consumption and weight management.

A little music with exercise boosts brain power, study suggests

A recent study from Ohio State University found that listening to music during exercise improves verbal fluency test scores in cardiac rehabilitation patients. The study also revealed that participants reported feeling better emotionally and mentally after working out regardless of whether they listened to music.

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.

Oregon Stem Cell Center result of OHSU research strides

The Oregon Stem Cell Center aims to develop therapies using adult stem cells for human diseases through a rapid approach from basic research to animal trials and human studies. The center's focus will be on the liver and pancreas, building on OHSU's existing expertise in cell therapy.

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.

University of Maryland professor honored at chemists' luncheon

Professor Sandra C. Greer was recognized for her dedication to encouraging women in chemistry, with over half of her Ph.D. students being female. She has supervised 14 Ph.D. dissertations and chaired the University of Maryland Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry.

Trio wins American Chemical Society polymer education award

The Virginia Tech trio of Tom Ward, James McGrath, and Garth Wilkes has been awarded the Paul J. Flory Polymer Education Award by the American Chemical Society Division of Polymer Chemistry for their long-term efforts in educating students in polymer science and engineering. The award recognizes the trio's creation of an interdisciplin...

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.

There be dragons: New deep-sea predator species discovered

A new species of deep-sea predatory fish, dubbed Eustomias jimcraddocki, has been discovered by Dr. Tracey Sutton at the Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institution. The species exhibits unique bioluminescent features and varying barbel patterns, challenging previous assumptions about its functionality.

Artificial prions created

Scientists have identified amino acid sequences that allow prions to aggregate and replicate, leading to the creation of an artificial yeast prion. This breakthrough sheds light on the mechanisms behind diseases like mad cow disease and Alzheimer's, potentially paving the way for new treatments.