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Science News for November 17, 2004


URI physical oceanography combine numerical models to improve hurricane research

The study combined three computer models to investigate the effect of surface waves and wind on hurricane dynamics. The team found a new characterization of the effect of surface waves on air-sea momentum under hurricane wind forcing, which is necessary for accurate predictions of track and intensity.

SourceUniversity of Rhode Island·JournalJournal of the Atmospheric Sciences·DateNov 17, 2004

Study identifies molecular complex vital to creation of miRNAs

A new study from The Wistar Institute identified a microprocessor complex essential for miRNA production, linking it to DiGeorge syndrome and potentially schizophrenia. The discovery provides insights into the processing mechanisms of miRNAs and may lead to future investigations into these disorders.

SourceThe Wistar Institute·JournalNature·DateNov 17, 2004

Computer reads heart condition from X-ray images

A statistical model was developed to automatically determine heart contours from X-ray images, reducing time and variability in observer interpretations. This technology has been incorporated into a commercial software application used by physicians and surgeons to improve diagnosis and treatment of heart conditions.

SourceNetherlands Organization for Scientific Research·DateNov 17, 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.

Dutch culture translated into English

The Netherlands Organization for Scientific Research published five English-language books examining Dutch culture from 1650 to 2000. The books cover topics such as science, art, music, literature, education, religion, and urbanization.

SourceNetherlands Organization for Scientific Research·DateNov 17, 2004

Endurance running may be key to evolution of human body form

The discovery suggests that strong selection for running fueled the growth of the human brain by relaxing constraints on protein and fat acquisition. Running has substantially shaped human evolution, with features like detached shoulders, springy tendons, and well-defined buttocks emerging to enable efficient long-distance running.

SourceHarvard University·JournalNature·DateNov 17, 2004
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Smoking is in the genes

A recent study found that genetic variation can predict an individual's likelihood of taking up smoking and their nicotine dependency. Chromosomes 6, 14, and 10 contain regions associated with smoking behavior. Researchers used a large twin study to investigate the role of genetics in smoking.

SourceNetherlands Organization for Scientific Research·DateNov 17, 2004

Women taking breast enhancement pills swallow empty promises

The American Society of Plastic Surgeons warns that breast enhancement pills can be dangerous and interact with prescribed medications. Many women may place their health at risk by taking these pills, which are sold as herbal supplements and lack FDA scrutiny.

SourceAmerican Society of Plastic Surgeons·JournalPlastic & Reconstructive Surgery·DateNov 17, 2004

No getting around RET

Researchers at RIKEN Center for Developmental Biology challenged the view that RET-independent GFRá1 signaling plays a significant physiological role in either development or regeneration. Studies on mice lacking RET-independent GFRá1 revealed no developmental defects, suggesting that this receptor complex is not essential.

SourceRIKEN Center for Developmental Biology·JournalNeuron·DateNov 17, 2004

Elephants in space

The Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) is using high-tech satellite maps to count and track endangered species, including elephants and giraffes. The project aims to help conserve wildlife populations living in hard-to-reach locations, such as the Serengeti and South America.

SourceWildlife Conservation Society·DateNov 17, 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.

Cocaine addicts show reduced brain structure that underlies judgment

Researchers found a significant reduction in amygdala volume in cocaine addicts compared to nonaddicts, suggesting a possible predisposition to addiction. The study's findings indicate that the condition may pre-exist addiction and could be linked to difficulties in identifying potential negative outcomes.

SourceCell Press·JournalNeuron·DateNov 17, 2004

How receptors govern inflammatory pain

Researchers found that AMPA receptors play a crucial role in regulating nerve cell responses to pain stimulation during inflammatory conditions. The study showed that mice with increased or decreased permeability of AMPA channels exhibited distinct pain responses to heat and mechanical pressure on inflamed paws.

SourceCell Press·JournalNeuron·DateNov 17, 2004

A puzzle posed by black-headed ducks yields to persistent biologists

Researchers found that black-headed duck eggs are often rejected from host nests of red-gartered and red-fronted coot species, which employ defenses against their own species' brood parasites. This rejection is due to coots' adaptations to counter intraspecific brood parasitism, leaving the ducks evolutionarily stranded.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Cruz·JournalNature·DateNov 17, 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.

Ultrasound-aided therapy better than stroke drug alone, trial finds

A recent study found that combining ultrasound with tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA) therapy significantly improves outcomes for patients suffering from ischemic strokes. The results show a 49% increase in dramatic clinical improvement and significant blockage reduction compared to traditional t-PA treatment alone.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateNov 17, 2004

Researchers discover new way to boost grain crops' drought tolerance

A team of UCR researchers led by Daniel R. Gallie found that reducing ethylene production through ACC synthase increases drought tolerance in corn plants. The study suggests a promising approach to help farmers adapt to changing environmental conditions.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalThe Plant Journal·DateNov 17, 2004

All chronic sinusitis is not created equal, study finds

Researchers identified four severity classifications of chronic rhinosinusitis, including patients with polyps and high levels of eosinophils having the worst disease. The study suggests using a 'fingerprint of inflammation' obtained from a simple blood test to categorize patients and guide treatment.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·JournalThe Laryngoscope·DateNov 17, 2004

MRI identifies cause of salt damage in cultural heritage

Researchers used MRI to study salt crystallisation in model systems and found that it causes damage in materials with small pores. The study provides new insights into the mechanism behind salt damage in building materials and stones.

SourceNetherlands Organization for Scientific Research·DateNov 17, 2004

Dinosaur extinction occurred at peak of diversity

Research refutes old idea that dinosaurs were declining in diversity during their time on Earth. Early dinosaur diversity increased dramatically throughout the Cretaceous period, reaching 245 genera.

SourceUniversity of Rhode Island·JournalGeology·DateNov 17, 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.

AGU journal highlights - 17 November 2004

Research papers in Geophysical Research Letters highlight advancements in measuring ocean conveyor belt circulation, tracing large-scale pollution from space, analyzing the energy of strong thunderstorms, and improving space weather predictions using recent satellite data.

SourceAmerican Geophysical Union·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateNov 17, 2004

An apple a day could protect against brain-cell damage

A study by Cornell University researchers found that apple phenolic extracts can protect nerve cells from oxidative stress. Quercetin, a major flavanoid in apples, was shown to be the most effective antioxidant in protecting against neurotoxicity induced by hydrogen peroxide.

SourceCornell University·DateNov 17, 2004

Mutations in a multifunctional protein cause parkinsonism

Researchers found a mutation in the LRRK2 gene that plays a central role in developing Parkinson's disease and other neurodegenerative disorders. The discovery has major implications for understanding mechanisms of these diseases and potentially leading to curative treatments.

SourceMayo Clinic, Jacksonville·JournalNeuron·DateNov 17, 2004
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

Location of body fat may be important in disability risk

Research suggests that abdominal fat is more closely associated with disability than overall body fat, even among normal-weight individuals. The study, which followed over 16,000 participants for nine years, found that high levels of abdominal fat increased the risk of difficulty performing daily tasks.

SourceAtrium Health Wake Forest Baptist·DateNov 17, 2004

To weigh less, eat more

Researchers from Penn State found that eating more water-rich foods and choosing reduced-fat options can lead to significant weight loss. In two studies, obese women who followed low-energy-density diets lost an average of 21 pounds compared to those on restricted fat intake diets.

SourcePenn State·DateNov 17, 2004

Most seniors switch doctors only if forced

A recent study found that nearly 14% of seniors change physicians in a single year, with most doing so involuntarily. Maintaining continuity of care with a primary care physician is associated with better health outcomes at lower costs.

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·DateNov 17, 2004

Grant to study why teens smoke

A multidisciplinary team of investigators will track adolescent smoking patterns and predictors, including emotional well-being and social interactions, to identify factors influencing teen smoking behaviors. The study aims to improve prevention and treatment programs for teen smokers.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·DateNov 17, 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.

Rice engineers demo first T-ray endoscope

Researchers at Rice University developed a new wave guide technology that enables terahertz sensing capabilities in confined spaces. This innovation could aid applications such as explosive detection, cancer screening, and quality control, offering unique advantages over existing technologies.

SourceRice University·JournalNature·DateNov 17, 2004

Researchers find ultrasound helps drug dissolve stroke-causing blood clots

Researchers found that ultrasound therapy increased clot clearance by 26% compared to tPA alone, with 70% of patients experiencing complete or partial clearance. The study used a hand-held extracranial ultrasound device to deliver heavy doses of the clot-busting drug tPA directly to blood clots.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at Houston·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateNov 17, 2004

Tide of new nurses rises but shortages still loom large

A recent study reveals that while there has been an increase in the number of new nurses entering the workforce, the nursing shortage is still far from being solved. The research suggests that a significant expansion in the number of graduates from baccalaureate programs will be needed to meet future demands.

SourceVanderbilt University Medical Center·JournalHealth Affairs·DateNov 17, 2004

How running made us human

Researchers argue that running played a key role in human evolution, favoring the survival of early humans who could cover long distances. The study identified 26 traits that enhanced running ability, such as leg and foot structure and skeletal features that make the body stronger and more stable.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalNature·DateNov 17, 2004

Hong Kong think tank calls for pollution standards

A new study found that fine particulate matter in Hong Kong's air is four times the U.S. standard, with significant contributions from industrial activity in Guangdong Province, China. The think tank recommends implementing emission controls and upgrading vehicle standards to reduce pollution levels.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·DateNov 17, 2004
Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.

Plankton cool the southern hemisphere

Phytoplankton distribution varies between hemispheres, with greater impact on climate in southern hemisphere due to higher DMS flux and species producing more DMS. The effect of plankton on Earth's temperature is small compared to other compounds like carbon dioxide and CFCs.

SourceNetherlands Organization for Scientific Research·DateNov 17, 2004