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Science News for May 25, 2004


Study shows that genes can protect kids against poverty

A new study found that genes play a significant role in buffering children against poverty's negative effects on their cognitive and behavioral development. The research, published in Child Development, shows that genetic makeup accounts for 70% of variability in behavioral resilience and 46% of differences in cognitive ability.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalChild Development·DateMay 25, 2004

Nanoscale contact optimizes adhesion

Researchers discovered an optimal shape of nanoscale contact surface that enhances adhesion strength, which becomes insensitive to small variations at a critical size scale of around 100 nanometers. This finding suggests combining size reduction and shape optimization for robust and reliable adhesion.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 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.

White tea beats green tea in fighting germs

A new study by the American Society for Microbiology reveals that white tea extract is more effective than green tea at inactivating bacterial viruses and has an anti-fungal effect on certain fungi. The addition of white tea to toothpastes enhances their anti-microbial properties.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·DateMay 25, 2004

AGU Journal Highlights - 25 May 2004

A study found that planetary waves reflect instead of absorb in the subtropics, affecting weather patterns. Phytoplankton growth in Arctic waters is influenced by sea ice coverage, with polynyas impacting timing and intensity. Carbon dioxide release from underground waterways may predict tectonic activity in central Italy.

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

Full moon exerts no pull on frequency of epileptic seizures

Researchers analyzed 770 seizure records to investigate the possible link between lunar phases and frequency of epileptic seizures. The study found that epileptic seizures were lowest during the full moon and highest in its last quarter.

SourceUniversity of South Florida (USF Health)·JournalEpilepsy & Behavior·DateMay 25, 2004

May/June 2004 Annals of Family Medicine tip sheet

The US Preventive Services Task Force recommends against routine ovarian cancer screening due to no evidence that it reduces mortality. In contrast, they support regular eye exams for children under 5 to detect amblyopia and other causes of visual impairment. Early detection can improve visual acuity and prevent long-term harm.

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateMay 25, 2004

Ecological success?

Research shows that older mothers produce faster-growing and more resilient larvae, while smaller ants disrupt native seed dispersal patterns. Exotic plants also adapt quickly to new environments, and artificial night lighting can harm migrating birds.

SourceEcological Society of America·JournalEcology·DateMay 25, 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.

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.

24/7 economy's work schedules are family unfriendly and suggest needed policy changes

Nonstandard work shifts negatively impact family stability, childcare arrangements, and parent-child relationships, leading to marital unhappiness and divorce rates. Policy solutions such as higher wages for late shifts and childcare subsidies are proposed to mitigate the social and health costs of these schedules.

SourceAmerican Sociological Association·Journalسياقات اللغة والدراسات البينية·DateMay 25, 2004

Viruses clear bacterial contamination in chickens

Researchers used naturally occurring bacteriophage to treat chickens infected with campylobacter, resulting in a significant reduction of bacteria. The effectiveness of the treatment depended on the specific bacteriophage and dose administered.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·DateMay 25, 2004

Study helps satellites measure Great Lakes' water quality

Engineers at Ohio State University determined which computer models perform well for monitoring Great Lakes water quality, aiding studies of global climate change. The study used satellite images to gauge algae levels in Lake Erie and other lakes, enabling scientists to remove atmospheric interference and compare model performance.

SourceOhio State University·DateMay 25, 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.

Radio astronomy gets connected

The e-MERLIN network will use optical fibers to increase data capacity and sensitivity, enabling UK astronomers to make important contributions to advancing our understanding of the Universe. The new system will allow for detailed radio images of stars and galaxies with unprecedented resolution.

SourceScience and Technology Facilities Council·DateMay 25, 2004

Why some diabetics are at greater risk for UTIs

Researchers found that insulin and glucose in type-2 diabetics' urine increases E. coli's adherence, leading to a greater risk of UTIs. Insulin also affects the bacteria's surface characteristics, potentially providing some protection against antibiotics.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·DateMay 25, 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.

Can we restore wetlands and leave the mosquitoes out?

Wetland restoration projects must consider the inevitable creation of mosquito habitats, which can increase exposure to diseases like West Nile virus. Elizabeth Willott suggests explicitly addressing mosquito control in proposals to strengthen project outcomes.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalRestoration Ecology·DateMay 25, 2004

Danger spots identified for threatened grizzly bear

The study identifies areas with high mortality rates among grizzly bears, primarily caused by human activities such as forestry, oil and gas, and mining. The researchers recommend limiting human access to critical habitat sites and increasing education programs to mitigate the impact on the species.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalBiological Conservation·DateMay 25, 2004

Gene at root of urban air pollution's lung effects

A recent study found that the gene TLR4 plays a crucial role in determining the lung's response to environmental toxins, particularly ozone. Mice with a functional copy of the gene were more susceptible to asthma-like symptoms when exposed to high levels of ozone.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateMay 25, 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.

Triple-contrast CT depicts internal injury from gunshot and stab wounds

A study using triple-contrast CT found that it can accurately detect peritoneal damage and injury extent in patients with penetrating torso trauma. The imaging modality achieved an overall accuracy rate of 98 percent, surpassing previous limitations of CT scans for retroperitoneum assessment.

SourceRadiological Society of North America·JournalRadiology·DateMay 25, 2004

Reducing black-white test score gap

A Penn State researcher suggests that the black-white test score gap can be reduced by increasing verbal interaction between parents and children. Research shows that professional parents who spoke more words to their children had better vocabulary knowledge and higher reading performance. Interventions like Early Head Start have shown...

SourcePenn State·Journalسياقات اللغة والدراسات البينية·DateMay 25, 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.

Quasars: Cosmic powerhouses dwelling in humble homes

Researchers used the Gemini telescope to produce sharp infrared images of quasar host galaxies, finding only one convincing detection that was unremarkable in size and brightness. This challenges previous assumptions about the relationship between quasars and their host galaxies.

SourceScience and Technology Facilities Council·DateMay 25, 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.

Computer model shows increased US threat from soybean rust

A new computer model predicts that soybean rust, a highly aggressive form of the disease, has already spread to Brazil and Venezuela, putting the US at high risk. The model suggests that the disease will reach the US within the current growing season or no later than two years.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·DateMay 25, 2004

Friendly bacteria block HIV infection

Researchers identified six Lactobacillus strains capable of binding to the HIV envelope, inhibiting infection and potentially blocking transmission. The bacteria also bound to immune cells, causing them to clump and immobilize any infected cells.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·DateMay 25, 2004

Researchers discover that a protein in grape skins can kill cancer cells

A study published in EMBO Journal found that resveratrol, a compound in grape skins, can starve cancer cells by inhibiting the action of NF-kB. This inhibition leads to apoptosis, or cell death, in cancer cells. Resveratrol's effectiveness against cancer is linked to its ability to block NF-kB's inflammatory response.

SourceUniversity of Virginia Health System·DateMay 25, 2004
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.

Are bacteria turning our own weapons against us?

Researchers discovered that bacteria have acquired a gene from animal immune systems, allowing them to evade host defenses. This finding has significant implications for vaccine development and our understanding of bacterial evolution.

SourceEuropean Molecular Biology Laboratory·JournalGenome Biology·DateMay 25, 2004

Autistic children show outstanding musical skills

Research reveals that autistic children can access and analyze musical details more readily than typically developing children. A subgroup of participants achieved impressive scores, even without prior musical training.

SourceEconomic & Social Research Council·DateMay 25, 2004