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Science News for March 4, 2004


Internet program and videos net nutritional benefits for kids

Researchers used an interactive internet program and short videos to reduce fat intake and increase exercise levels among low-income seventh graders. The study showed that students who attended at least half of the sessions increased their physical activity and reduced dietary fat.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·DateMar 4, 2004

'T-ray' devices with perfect imaging abilities move a step closer

Scientists develop materials that respond magnetically to THz, infra-red, and visible radiation, enabling applications in biological and security imaging. The discovery marks a significant step towards creating perfect lenses that can focus features smaller than the wavelength of light.

SourceImperial College London·JournalScience·DateMar 4, 2004
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Researchers discover 1.2 million new genes in Sargasso Sea microbes

The discovery of 1.2 million new genes in Sargasso Sea microbes has significant implications for carbon sequestration and alternative energy production. The genes are part of the larger Genomics: GTL program, which aims to develop innovative solutions to address national energy needs.

SourceDOE/US Department of Energy·JournalScience·DateMar 4, 2004

Thursday, March 4, 2004 news tips

A new study found that only 4% of women with coronary heart disease met all four lifestyle goals, including non-smoking status and exercise. Researchers say the findings underscore the need for more effective interventions to improve compliance among high-risk women.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·DateMar 4, 2004

Rice bioengineer wins international design contest

A Rice bioengineer has won the 'Create the Future' design contest with a device that uses acoustic waves to measure bone structural integrity. The OsteoSonic TM system offers advantages over existing radiological diagnostics and is currently undergoing testing.

SourceRice University·DateMar 4, 2004

NASA research shows heavy smoke 'chokes' clouds

Heavy smoke from the Amazon River basin causes significant reduction in cloud cover, leading to increased surface warming and altered climate. This study reveals a new mechanism of aerosol-driven global climate change, challenging current models.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·JournalScience·DateMar 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.

America's teens: Growing up and out

A study found that obesity rates among US teens have increased significantly since the 1970s, with total cholesterol and blood pressure strongly correlated to weight gain. The rate of weight gain during the teen years has roughly doubled, posing a significant risk for diabetes, strokes, and heart disease later in life.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·DateMar 4, 2004

Statins could reduce stroke risk by a third

A recent five-year study found that simvastatin therapy significantly reduces the incidence of ischemic strokes by 30%, while having no adverse effect on hemorrhagic strokes. The study also shows a substantial reduction in combined major vascular events among patients with cerebrovascular disease.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateMar 4, 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.

Discoveries reveal that gene regulation is bipolar

Researchers found that gene regulation is bipolar, with a small set of genes relying on the TATA box for proper function, while most genes rely on the TFIID complex. This discovery provides clues about how to understand gene function and regulation in yeast and potentially applicable to human genetics.

SourcePenn State·JournalCell·DateMar 4, 2004

Visualizing the central dogma

Scientists have developed a method to simultaneously track gene transcription, RNA splicing, and protein translation in living cells. The technique reveals fundamental information about how genes are switched on and off in the context of living cells.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalCell·DateMar 4, 2004

First silicate stardust found in a meteorite

Researchers analyze over 59,000 grains from Acfer 094 meteorite and identify nine specks of silicate stardust. The discovery provides information about stellar sources, nuclear processes, and the physical and chemical compositions of stellar atmospheres.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalScience·DateMar 4, 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.

New evidence suggests early oceans bereft of oxygen for eons

Scientists have discovered that early oceans were devoid of oxygen for billions of years, with a team developing a method to detect signs of ancient oxygen in rocks. The study sheds light on the history of our planet's oceans and could have significant implications for understanding evolution and the origins of life.

SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·DateMar 4, 2004

Early treatment confirmed as key to stroke recovery

A study found that early treatment with thrombolytics can significantly improve stroke recovery rates, with patients treated within 90 minutes of symptom onset showing the most improvement. The study also suggests that t-PA given up to 4 hours after symptoms may be beneficial, but the effect diminishes later.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke·JournalThe Lancet·DateMar 4, 2004

Obese children less physically fit

Researchers found obese children had shorter treadmill times and lower endurance compared to non-obese peers. Obesity also increases the risk of type 2 diabetes, joint problems, and atherosclerosis in adolescents.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·DateMar 4, 2004
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.

Brain Centre gives Wales a world lead

The new centre will combine functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and magnetoencephalography (MEG) to study brain processes involved in everyday mental tasks. Research at the centre may lead to improved treatments for conditions like strokes, multiple sclerosis, and schizophrenia.

SourceCardiff University·DateMar 4, 2004

2005 global tuberculosis targets may be out of reach

The World Health Organization's (WHO) global tuberculosis control strategy, DOTS, is facing challenges in meeting its 2005 targets. A significant case-detection gap exists between estimated annual incident cases and reported cases under the DOTS strategy. The WHO recommends four key actions to address this issue, including equipping na...

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateMar 4, 2004

NETs protect against pathogenic bacteria

Neutrophils can produce NETs, a net-like structure that binds, disarms, and kills bacteria. This novel defense mechanism was discovered by researchers at the Max Planck Institute for Infection Biology.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalScience·DateMar 4, 2004

Family discipline, religous attendance cut levels of later violence among aggressive children

The study found that protective factors such as high academic achievement and strong community ties can foster pro-social behaviors and prevent antisocial behavior. Additionally, good family management practices were shown to significantly reduce the likelihood of violence among aggressive youth.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalJournal of the Society for Social Work and Research·DateMar 4, 2004

Faulty DNA replication linked to neurological diseases

A study by Sergei Mirkin and Maria Krasilnikova found that faulty DNA replication causes the sequence to become unstable when it exceeds 40 repeats, leading to symptoms such as muscle weakness and heart disease in neurological diseases like Friedreich's ataxia.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalMolecular and Cellular Biology·DateMar 4, 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.

Design of composite materials that detect terahertz discovered

A team of physicists and engineers created metamaterials that respond magnetically to terahertz radiation, extending their properties to the terahertz range. This discovery has the potential to enable new applications in areas like weather guidance, security, and biomedical imaging.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalScience·DateMar 4, 2004

Depressed moms want pediatricians to hear them

Research suggests that pediatricians can play a crucial role in addressing postpartum depression among mothers. A study found that mothers are open to discussing their mental health concerns with pediatricians, but a trusting relationship must be established first.

SourceUniversity Hospitals of Cleveland·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateMar 4, 2004
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

Search for macular degeneration genes narrows

Researchers have confirmed three previously suggested loci and identified two new ones for potential AMD genes on chromosomes 1, 2, 5, 9, 22. The study used high-resolution genome scans to narrow the search for AMD-related genes.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·DateMar 4, 2004

Pain medication safe and effective for the elderly

A study by Casa Colina Centers for Rehabilitation found that elderly patients experienced decreased pain intensity and improved sleep disturbances with once-daily Kadian dosing. The trial, KRONUS-MSP, showed a lower incidence of side effects compared to other opioids, making it an ideal option for managing chronic pain in older adults.

SourceCasa Colina Centers for Rehabilitation·DateMar 4, 2004

Hopkins researchers find MRI useful tool in diagnosing inflammatory bowel diseases in children

A study published in Inflammatory Bowel Diseases found that gadolinium-enhanced MRI (G-MRI) was highly accurate in diagnosing inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in children, with 92% accuracy for ulcerative colitis and 96% accuracy for Crohn's disease. This non-invasive diagnostic tool could replace conventional tests like colonoscopy.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalInflammatory Bowel Diseases·DateMar 4, 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.

Genome of first fungal pathogen unveiled

The sequencing of Ashbya's genome has shed light on the evolution of Saccharomyces cerevisiae and provided insight into fundamental features responsible for fungal disease. The fungus' compact genome contains 4,718 protein-coding genes, with over 90% similarity to yeast.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalScience·DateMar 4, 2004

Study looks at cost of high blood pressure therapy

A study analyzing physician office data and pharmacy surveys found that the cost of high blood pressure therapy increased by $12 billion between 1990 and 2002. The primary contributors to this increase were higher prices for expensive ACE-inhibitors and ARBs, as well as a decline in diuretic prescriptions.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·DateMar 4, 2004

Computer-based program provides personal colon cancer risk data

A new computer-based program, HCCRACT-R, provides personalized colon cancer risk data and helps individuals make informed decisions. The tool, developed by Dr. Weinstein, takes into account both modifiable and unchangeable risk factors, and has been shown to correct misconceptions about risk perception in over 75% of participants.

SourceAmerican Medical Association·JournalJournal of Health Communication·DateMar 4, 2004
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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