Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News Archive March 2004 - Page 4


Page 4 of 14

Report shows 'unequivocal evidence' that media violence has significant negative impact on children

A recent report by the Association for Psychological Science reveals that media violence consistently shows a link to aggressive behavior in children. The short-term exposure to violent media can increase aggression, while long-term exposure can produce lasting increases in aggressive thought patterns and emotions.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science in the Public Interest·DateMar 25, 2004

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.

SourceEuropean Molecular Biology Laboratory·JournalScience·DateMar 25, 2004
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

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.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalMolecular Biology and Evolution·DateMar 25, 2004

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.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalBlood·DateMar 25, 2004

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...

SourceAmerican Geophysical Union·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateMar 25, 2004

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.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalInfection and Immunity·DateMar 24, 2004

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.

SourceTexas A&M AgriLife Communications·JournalInsect Biochemistry and Molecular Biology·DateMar 24, 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.

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.

SourceResolute Communications·DateMar 24, 2004

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.

SourceEconomic & Social Research Council·DateMar 24, 2004

Southern Californians commonly misinformed about beach water quality, study finds

A study found that California's beach warning system incorrectly notifies the public about coastal water quality up to 41% of the time. The research identified tidal outlets as major contributors to pollution along the shore, suggesting a need for improved warning systems and approaches to managing storm runoff.

SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateMar 24, 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.

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.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalNature·DateMar 24, 2004

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.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMar 24, 2004

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.

SourceHoward Hughes Medical Institute·JournalNature·DateMar 24, 2004

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.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateMar 24, 2004

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.

SourceCell Press·JournalNeuron·DateMar 24, 2004
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.

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.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateMar 24, 2004

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.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalJournal of the American College of Nutrition·DateMar 24, 2004

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.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalJournal of Environmental Quality·DateMar 24, 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.

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.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences·JournalEnvironmental Health Perspectives·DateMar 24, 2004

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.

SourceCell Press·JournalNeuron·DateMar 24, 2004

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.

SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of Materials Research·DateMar 24, 2004
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.

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.

SourceAeras·DateMar 24, 2004

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.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalGeology·DateMar 24, 2004

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.

SourceCornell University·DateMar 24, 2004
GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.

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.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateMar 23, 2004

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.

SourceOhio State University·JournalThe Journal of Supercritical Fluids·DateMar 23, 2004
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.

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.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·DateMar 23, 2004

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.

SourceUnited Nations University·DateMar 23, 2004

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.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMar 23, 2004

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.

SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical Center·DateMar 23, 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.

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.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·DateMar 23, 2004

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.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalNeurosurgery·DateMar 23, 2004

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.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalNature Materials·DateMar 23, 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.

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.

SourcePenn State·JournalObesity Research·DateMar 23, 2004

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.

SourceOhio State University·JournalHeart & Lung·DateMar 23, 2004

Almost half of rural North Carolina Adults report using 'home remedies'

A study found that nearly half of rural North Carolina adults use home remedies for various health conditions. The most common remedies used were honey-lemon-vinegar-whiskey for respiratory issues, herbs for cardiovascular conditions, and teas for general well-being.

SourceAtrium Health Wake Forest Baptist·JournalComplementary health practice review·DateMar 23, 2004

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.

SourceOregon Health & Science University·DateMar 23, 2004
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.

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.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·DateMar 23, 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.

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...

SourceVirginia Tech·DateMar 23, 2004

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.

SourceHarbor Branch Oceanographic Institution·JournalCopeia·DateMar 23, 2004

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.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateMar 23, 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.