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Science News Archive November 2004


Page 2 of 13

Brain remapping may be key to recovery from stroke

Studies using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) show that individuals with brain deficits can relearn matching visual input with sensory input. This study used fMRI and a cyber glove to demonstrate the effectiveness of remapping motor commands, a crucial step in stroke recovery.

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.

Imaging technology solves 400-year-old mystery

Researchers used MDCT to analyze the skeletal remains of early colonists, revealing evidence of scurvy and confirming the ages of the deceased. The study created a digital archive of the skulls and bones, providing valuable insights into the lives of those who settled on Saint Croix Island.

Humble Planaria worm offers ideal model for drug withdrawal research

The Planaria worm is an attractive study subject due to its simple biochemistry, brain, and spinal cord, allowing researchers to study the effects of multiple drugs on withdrawal. The worms respond to dopamine, opioids, cocaine, and cannabinoids, making them a promising model for understanding complex drug interactions.

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.

Finding could improve safety of stem cell transplants

A lipid called ceramide helps eliminate potentially harmful cells during brain development, improving the safety and efficacy of stem cell transplants. Researchers found that adding ceramide to embryonic stem cells reduces the risk of teratoma formation, a type of tumor.

Third Williams student in recent years wins Apker award in physics

Two Williams students, Nathan Hodas and Gerke, have won the prestigious Apker Award in physics, showcasing their exceptional academic records and research potential. The college's emphasis on student-faculty research has been credited with producing high-caliber physics majors.

Smokers' lung cancer risk identified in CT screening study

A new study found that smokers who start screening at age 50 or older have a risk for developing lung cancer similar to those who smoked heavily for many years. Annual CT screening can identify high percentages of Stage I diagnoses, the most curable form of lung cancer.

Using celebrities to market drugs and diseases: what’s the problem?

The use of celebrities to market drugs and diseases is a practice that raises concerns about public health and transparency. According to investigative reporter Ray Moynihan, this practice can lead to a lack of balance in the public debate about major health problems, as well as a failure to disclose potential conflicts of interest.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Disoriented T cells cause liver disease

T cells activated during IBD found in PSC livers, re-routed by aberrant attractant protein. Long-lived memory cells may explain delayed liver disease onset after IBD resolution.

Computer program helps doctors diagnose lung cancer

A computer program reads CT scans and combines with radiologist's judgment to detect lung cancer, improving detection rates. The system analyzes size, texture, density, and change over time of nodules to determine cancer likelihood.

Flight commemorates first explorer to reach South Pole

The U.S. National Science Foundation commemorates Charles Byrd's groundbreaking 1929 flight, opening the South Pole to scientific research. Today, NSF maintains three year-round stations in Antarctica, including one at the geographic South Pole.

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.

Bomb book wins top honour

Dr Jeff Hughes wins Watson Davis and Helen Miles Davis Prize for his book on the Manhattan Project, challenging widely held beliefs about the expansion of scientific projects. The book offers a broader narrative on 'Big Science' from the early 20th century to its collapse in the 1990s.

A new species of amyloid peptide

Researchers have identified a new species of amyloid β-peptide, Aβ46, which is 46 amino acids long and produced by γ-secretase at a novel cleavage site. This discovery may provide new insights into the mechanism of Alzheimer's disease and open up avenues for treatment and prevention.

The lost genetic legacy of American gray wolves

Historic US gray wolves lived in Ice Age environments with rich genetic diversity, suggesting past ecosystems were dominated by the species. Current restoration goals of a few hundred wolves are deemed inadequate, reflecting political and economic concerns over biological reality.

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.

Science survey ranks top biopharma employers

A Science magazine survey has identified top biopharma employers across two industries, with scientists in biotech and pharmaceuticals ranking highest for work-culture values alignment. The ranking takes into account 42 characteristics and attributes in seven categories, rating companies based on employee treatment, respect, and more.

Could Abu Ghraib happen again?

Researchers argue that factors like peer pressure, superiors' expectations, and social interactions play a significant role in shaping behavior, not just individual psychology. Fisk suggests that preventing abuse requires understanding these conditions and promoting positive contact between groups.

Scientists generate human islet precursor cells in culture

Researchers discovered human islet-derived precursor cells that reproduce easily and can differentiate into hormone-producing cells. The findings may eventually have implications for islet transplantation, an experimental treatment for type 1 diabetes.

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.

Insomnia poorly understood by medical profession

Effective management of insomnia begins with recognition and adequate assessment by healthcare providers. Non-pharmacological treatments like stimulus control and sleep restriction are effective for conditioned aspects of insomnia, leading to durable long-term improvement in sleep.

4 million more health workers required to improve global health

The Joint Learning Initiative proposes that strengthening human resources for health is crucial in combating health crises and building sustainable health systems. To achieve the required health improvements and millennium goals, an estimated 4 million extra health workers worldwide are needed, with a focus on tripling human resources ...

Ugandan study highlights best drug combinations for treating malaria in Africa

A Ugandan clinical trial has identified the most effective drug combinations for treating malaria in Africa, with amodiaquine+sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine proving to be a highly efficacious and economical option. The findings highlight the need for continued research into artemisinin-combination therapies in African field conditions.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

Emory chemists create unprecedented metallic molecule

Researchers at Emory University have successfully created a unique metallic molecule, breaking the record for stable metal-oxo species. The breakthrough enables new insights into improving existing technology, particularly in automobile catalytic converters and fuel cells.

Important priorities for prevention and treatment of HIV/AIDS

Key findings highlight the need for renewed public health strategies, especially in high-risk groups, to prevent sexually transmitted HIV. Experts emphasize the importance of abstinence, fidelity, and condom use, as well as providing contraception to women on antiretroviral drugs, particularly in Africa.

Young stars poised for production of rocky planets

Researchers used VLT interferometer observations to study infrared spectra of dusty discs around three young stars, finding abundant crystalline silicate grains and processed dust near the star. This suggests that building blocks for Earth-like planets are present in circumstellar discs from the start.

Study highlights importance of pesticide worker dermal exposure

Researchers found that dermal exposure accounts for a substantial portion of total exposure among pesticide workers, with some workers absorbing more pesticide through the skin than inhaled. The study's results underscore the need for improved methods to assess worker exposure and protect health.

Planning for extreme events by understanding risk

A study by the University of Pennsylvania's Wharton School found that preparing for extreme events depends on a complex interplay between risk assessment, perception, and management. Understanding cumulative effects can increase people's willingness to take actions to mitigate risks.

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.

Leukemia patients survive with stem cell transplant

A study found that cord blood stem cells can be used in transplants for leukemia patients without a matched relative or donor, resulting in high survival rates. The availability of umbilical cord blood provides a logical choice for doctors and patients when a matching bone marrow donor cannot be found.

UCLA study points to evolutionary roots of altruism, moral outrage

A UCLA study uses evolutionary game theory to model human behavior in small social groups, finding that cooperation in the context of public goods can be sustained when freeloaders are punished through social exclusion. This suggests a possible explanation for the evolution of altruism and moral outrage.

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.

New project takes measure of plastic electronics

A new five-year project at NIST seeks to create standardized measurement methods and diagnostic probes for organic electronics. The goal is to accelerate the development of practical plastic microchips, which could enable large-area applications like wall-sized electronic murals.

Depression treatment boosts employee productivity

A two-year depression treatment program improved employee productivity by an average of 6% and reduced absenteeism by 22%. Consistently employed patients benefited the most from enhanced treatment, making significant gains in productivity while reducing symptoms of depression.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

Female condoms overlooked in fight against spread of HIV/AIDS

Researchers argue that female condoms are a vital method of protection against HIV/AIDS but have been dismissed due to cost and esthetics. Advocates need to reposition the product as an empowering way to approach reproductive health, emphasizing its benefits in reducing transmission of AIDS.

Purdue researchers align nanotubes to improve artificial joints

Researchers at Purdue University have developed a method to align carbon nanotubes and filaments, similar to collagen fibers in real bones. This alignment improves cell adhesion and growth, potentially leading to better artificial joints that last longer and attach more securely to human bones.

Miniature generator has enough juice to power mobile electronics

A new microgenerator has been successfully developed by Georgia Tech researchers, capable of producing useful amounts of electricity and powering small electronic devices. The device's high-speed spinning magnet produces 1.1 watts of power, a significant advancement in microengines that could replace conventional batteries.

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.

Federal funds given for regenerative medicine center

The National Center for Regenerative Medicine will enable groundbreaking research discoveries using non-embryonic stem cells to treat thousands of patients annually. The center's education programs will train personnel in performing innovative research and delivering world-class patient care.

Hold the stuffing: Low-glycemic diet may help keep weight off

Researchers found that low-glycemic-load diets resulted in smaller decreases in resting energy expenditure and less hunger compared to standard low-fat diets. The study also showed significant improvements in insulin resistance and risk factors for cardiovascular disease.

Pharmacists want role in drug importation, study shows

A study of 401 US pharmacists found that they are concerned about the safety and quality of imported prescription medications. Pharmacists generally favored regulatory actions to decrease counterfeiting and believed that US pharmacy oversight could mitigate safety risks if importation is allowed.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

Genetic discovery paves way to decode sense of smell in mammals

Researchers discovered two proteins that chaperone odorant receptors to the surface of olfactory nerves in mice, enabling them to match nearly 1,000 different mouse odorant receptors with specific chemicals. This breakthrough opens up new possibilities for understanding the mechanisms underlying our sense of smell.

Obesity appears to be modifiable risk factor for atrial fibrillation

A recent study found that obesity is a modifiable risk factor for atrial fibrillation, with obese individuals having a significantly higher risk of developing the condition. The study examined data from the Framingham Heart Study and found that age-adjusted incidence rates for AF increased across BMI categories in men and women.

UGA researchers explain recent decline in Georgia's blue crab population

Researchers from UGA found that Georgia's recent drought, combined with an opportunistic parasite, led to the decline in blue crab numbers. The study reveals that the delicate balance of saltwater and freshwater in coastal estuaries is disrupted during droughts, creating a favorable environment for the parasite to thrive.

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.

Visualizing the end of the human genome

Researchers have discovered the structure of human POT1, a protein that caps the ends of chromosomes and regulates telomere length. The protein binds to a ten-nucleotide sequence, protecting the telomere from erosion, and its structure suggests that telomerase activity is regulated by this complex.

Decline in cardiovascular disease reported in patients with diabetes

Adults with diabetes have experienced a 50% reduction in the rate of incident CVD, while those without diabetes saw a 35% reduction. Patients with diabetes have benefited from similar declines as those without, with substantial room for further progress to reduce high CVD event risks.

What colour is that sound?

Professor Daphne Maurer's research found that infants perceive sounds as colors and associate certain feelings with tastes. As individuals develop, these connections are often inhibited, leading people with synesthesia to experience the world differently.