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Science News for November 16, 2004


Study in Royal Society journal on evidence for impact of global warming on bird populations

A study published in the Royal Society journal explores the impact of global warming on common bird populations. The research demonstrates that the force distributions in random materials can be accurately described by an analogue of the Second Law of Thermodynamics, revealing new applications for this fundamental principle.

SourceRoyal Society·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society of London·DateNov 16, 2004

No link found between pneumonitis in breast cancer patients and taxane-based chemotherapies

A recent study by the University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center has found no link between taxane-based chemotherapies and pneumonitis in breast cancer patients. The research, led by Tse-Kuan Yu, analyzed 189 breast cancer patients who received either radiation therapy or chemotherapy followed by radiation.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateNov 16, 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.

Army-funded effort examines androgen's role in bone loss

A four-year project aims to understand how androgen influences the skeleton, with potential implications for stress fracture prevention and treating osteoporosis. The study examines the effects of androgen therapy on bone health in both men and women.

SourceOregon Health & Science University·DateNov 16, 2004

Researchers call for studies on role of BRCA1 mutations in chemotherapy response

BRCA1 mutations are found in only 5% of breast and ovarian cancers, but loss-of-function mutations can significantly increase cancer risk. Researchers review preclinical and clinical evidence to determine if BRCA1 function can predict chemotherapy response, highlighting the need for prospective studies.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateNov 16, 2004

Penn State receives funds to investigate mine voids

Penn State researchers are conducting a project to develop a technique for detecting mine voids using seismic signals. The initiative aims to locate and record voids near existing coal mine tunnels, which could help prevent flooding incidents like the Quecreek disaster.

SourcePenn State·DateNov 16, 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.

New protein identified in development of lung cancer

Researchers at Ohio State University have identified a new protein, Pirh2, that diminishes the activity of p53, a powerful tumor suppressor. Overexpression of Pirh2 was found in 84% of human lung cancers and 93% of mouse tumors, suggesting its potential role in cancer development.

SourceOhio State University·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateNov 16, 2004

Muscle loss from space travel, prolonged inactivity linked to two genes

A study by Kandarian found that muscle atrophy caused by prolonged disuse requires the involvement of nfêb1 and bcl3 genes. The researchers also discovered that NSAIDs like aspirin may partially moderate atrophy, offering a potential therapeutic approach to prevent muscle loss.

SourceBoston University·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateNov 16, 2004
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Study links ozone, mortality in urban areas

A large-scale study conducted from 1987 to 2000 found a strong link between short-term changes in ground-level ozone and mortality in 95 urban areas, covering 40% of the US population. The study suggests that reducing daily ozone levels by 10 parts per billion could save up to 4,000 lives annually.

SourceYale University·JournalJAMA·DateNov 16, 2004

Other highlights in the November 17 JNCI

A new study suggests that increased selenium levels in the blood are associated with a lower risk of developing colorectal adenoma recurrence. The research pooled data from three randomized trials and found that participants in the highest quartile for blood selenium levels had a 34% decreased risk of developing a new adenoma.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateNov 16, 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.

Building a tree of life needs less 'wood'

Researchers constructed a phylogenetic tree using only 16,000 protein and DNA sequences from green plants, demonstrating the power of data-driven approaches in biology. By leveraging sequence databases, scientists can now refine their understanding of biodiversity with greater precision.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalScience·DateNov 16, 2004

Multipurpose nanocables invented

Researchers at UC Davis have developed multipurpose nanocables that can detect the quantity of toxins in a sample, allowing for more accurate measurements. These nanocables also enable the creation of large surface area arrays, which could be used to efficiently capture sunlight and improve solar cell efficiency.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateNov 16, 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.

Pediatricians wary about recommending complementary therapies

A survey of pediatricians found that only a few were knowledgeable about complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) therapies, with most citing concerns about side effects or delays in seeking medical care. Despite this, 87% of patients had asked their pediatrician about CAM therapies in the past three months.

SourceAtrium Health Wake Forest Baptist·JournalAmbulatory Pediatrics·DateNov 16, 2004
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 shows how takeover bids change stock prices of firms

Researchers found that about one-quarter of stock prices rise above the initial bid price, suggesting investors are savvy in pricing target firm stocks. The study also showed that market speculation spreads can predict deal duration and final prices.

SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of Corporate Finance·DateNov 16, 2004

Brain's nicotine receptors also target for anti-depressants

Research suggests that nicotine receptors in the brain play a crucial role in antidepressant medication's effectiveness. The study found that blocking these receptors can accelerate emotional relief, particularly for patients who are suicidal or unresponsive to current treatments.

SourceYale University·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateNov 16, 2004

Ground-level ozone linked to increased mortality

A study of 95 US cities found that ground-level ozone is associated with a 0.52% daily increase in deaths, with an average daily ozone level of 26ppb. A 10ppb reduction in daily ozone could save nearly 4,000 lives.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalJAMA·DateNov 16, 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.

Earthquake simulation network launched

The UC Davis Center for Geotechnical Modeling has been upgraded with a 30-foot radius centrifuge, enabling researchers to simulate pressures deep in the ground and study soil liquefaction during earthquakes. The network allows for remote collaboration and data sharing among researchers across the country.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·DateNov 16, 2004

Compound in apples may help fight Alzheimer's disease

A study suggests that consuming antioxidant-rich foods, particularly apples, may reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease. Quercetin, found in apples' skin, has shown stronger protective effects against neurotoxicity compared to vitamin C.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateNov 16, 2004

Academic research leaders meet with NIH's Zerhouni

Academic leaders express frustration with restricted access to research, citing difficulties in accessing articles from NIH-funded science. A six-month delay is seen as sufficient to address concerns about publishers' costs, while a compromise between the academy and publishing industry is proposed to ensure open access.

SourceWiteck Combs·DateNov 16, 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.

Computer assisted standing orders improve adult immunization rates

A new study found that computer-assisted standing orders for nurses resulted in significantly better adult immunization rates compared to traditional physician reminders. The study showed that 42% of patients in the standing order group received influenza vaccine, while only 30% in the physician reminder group did so.

SourceIndiana University·JournalJAMA·DateNov 16, 2004

Geological demolition derby

Geologists challenged the idea that the Tibetan plateau is losing elevation as it spreads out over India. Instead, new research suggests the plateau is being compressed between the Indian subcontinent and the North China block, causing Tibet to split like an orange squeezed by a vise.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalGeology·DateNov 16, 2004