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Science News for May 7, 2004


Software corrects chip errors early

The new software equips SEMs with a model library of possible line measurements, enabling accurate determination of circuit feature shapes and sizes. This reduces measurement errors from tens of nanometers to just a few nanometers, increasing reliability and efficiency in semiconductor manufacturing.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·DateMay 7, 2004

UNC study may help predict premature infants at risk of total blindness

A new UNC study identifies specific eye features that can predict when premature infants are at risk of developing retinal detachment and total blindness. The study found that certain blood vessel growth patterns and vitreous cloudiness may indicate the need for surgical intervention to prevent progressive stage 4 ROP.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalRetina·DateMay 7, 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.

Vanderbilt students take HHMI fellowships

Vanderbilt University Medical Center students James Peacock and Olga Weinberg have been awarded HHMI fellowships to pursue research in immunology and estrogen receptors. The fellowships will enable them to conduct academic-year-long research projects culminating in the Meeting of Medical Student Fellows.

SourceVanderbilt University Medical Center·DateMay 7, 2004

Cannabinoids spell relief in colon inflammation

Max Planck researchers discovered that the body's own cannabinoid receptor acts as a protective system against colon inflammation. The study found that mutant mice lacking this receptor are more prone to inflammatory responses, but treatment with cannabinoids can alleviate inflammation in wild-type animals.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMay 7, 2004

Deaf-blind woman deafer than deaf-blind man

Researchers found female patients with Wolfram syndrome have significantly worse hearing than male patients. The study also discovered that USH2a patients' hearing loss gradually deteriorates over time.

SourceNetherlands Organization for Scientific Research·DateMay 7, 2004

Superconducting R&D wire achieves major milestone

The company has achieved an industrial world record by producing second-generation superconducting wires with high amperage electrical current and virtually no resistance. This technology can increase the efficiency of large electric motors by up to 50% and enable smaller, more powerful magnetic resonance imaging machines.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·DateMay 7, 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.

Rx pain medicines hard to find in pharmacies serving minority neighborhoods

A University of Michigan team found that only half of pharmacies in non-white areas had a sufficient supply of opioid painkillers. Pharmacies in wealthier ZIP codes tended to have better supplies, while those in poorer areas were less likely to carry the drugs due to perceived threats of robbery and street value.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·DateMay 7, 2004

Tobacco plant refuses cowpea mosaic virus

Researchers discovered that certain tobacco plant species are resistant to the cowpea mosaic virus. The virus spreads through a plant's vascular system, causing damage and death, but the specific channels it uses to transmit the virus were identified. This knowledge could lead to strategies for creating virus-resistant crops.

SourceNetherlands Organization for Scientific Research·DateMay 7, 2004

New data shows Seroquel achieves remission in bipolar mania

A new study shows that Seroquel achieves remission in bipolar mania, with a significant increase in remission rates over time. The medication has been shown to be effective in reducing symptoms of racing thoughts, reckless behavior, and decreased sleep.

SourceShire Health International·DateMay 7, 2004

Closing in on treatment for Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease?

Scientists have identified genetic mutations in heat shock proteins linked to Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, a debilitating disorder affecting peripheral nerves. The study's findings hold promise for developing new therapies and improving diagnosis.

SourceVIB (the Flanders Institute for Biotechnology)·JournalNature Genetics·DateMay 7, 2004
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Eating disorder behaviors linked to suicide risks

A study by Gabriella Milos and colleagues found that women with anorexia were more likely to have suicidal thoughts than those with bulimia or other disorders. The researchers also discovered a link between purging behaviors and increased suicide risk, suggesting a possible connection to lack of impulse control.

SourceCenter for Advancing Health·JournalGeneral Hospital Psychiatry·DateMay 7, 2004

Losing a job near retirement age significantly increases risk of stroke

Researchers at Yale University found that losing a job near retirement age significantly increases the risk of stroke. The study, which analyzed data from six years of the national Health and Retirement Survey, identified 457 workers who were either laid off or left jobless due to a plant shutdown.

SourceYale University·JournalAmerican Journal of Industrial Medicine·DateMay 7, 2004

Uncertainty in clinical tests raises health care costs

A study by RTI International and the Mayo Clinic found that calibration errors in calcium laboratory tests can add up to $89 per patient, affecting approximately 3.55 million patients and increasing healthcare costs.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·DateMay 7, 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.

American genetic abnormality also discovered in the Netherlands

A researcher has identified a genetic abnormality affecting American DFNA9 syndrome patients also present in Dutch families, including BOR syndrome, leading to valuable insights into the progression of diseases. The discovery highlights the importance of gene matching research for identifying new candidate genes.

SourceNetherlands Organization for Scientific Research·DateMay 7, 2004

Sea turtle health linked to contaminants

A new study led by Duke University and NIST found a correlation between sea turtle health and high levels of toxic organic chemicals. The research team analyzed blood and fat samples from 48 juvenile turtles in North Carolina waters, discovering changes in immune function, liver damage, and protein regulation.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalEnvironmental Health Perspectives·DateMay 7, 2004

Old Indian spells unmask centuries-old rituals

Researchers have translated 43 hymns from the Atharvaveda into English, providing insight into centuries-old rituals. The hymns, written in Vedic Sanskrit, were used by priests to venerate gods, heal diseases, and exorcise evil spirits.

SourceNetherlands Organization for Scientific Research·DateMay 7, 2004

Record: Fastest flashing star

Astronomer Steve van Straaten discovered a binary star with a vibrational frequency of 1330 Hz, the highest ever recorded. This finding allows researchers to develop new models for movement in the vicinity of a neutron star.

SourceNetherlands Organization for Scientific Research·DateMay 7, 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.

It's a gamble: Dopamine levels tied to uncertainty of rewards

Research at Vanderbilt University found that dopamine transmission increases in response to uncertain reward scenarios, such as gambling. The study used PET scanners to measure brain activity in nine human subjects and discovered localized regions showing increased or decreased dopamine release.

SourceVanderbilt University·DateMay 7, 2004