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Science News Archive November 2004


Page 4 of 13

Study emphasizes importance of women in cardiac research

The Multicenter UnSustained Tachycardia Trial found significant differences in characteristics, treatment, and outcome between men and women with coronary artery disease. Women were more likely to have experienced angina and had lower rates of atrial fibrillation than men.

Riders on the storm

The CBLAST-Hurricane project is using new ocean probes to collect data on water conditions before, during, and after hurricanes. This information helps scientists develop better models to predict a hurricane's development, which can inform the size of storm surges that pose a threat to ships in port.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

LSU computer scientist helping to develop 'virtual lab'

A $2.8 million NSF grant will create a virtual laboratory for earth and planetary studies, allowing researchers to share data and conduct simulations using computer visualization techniques. Karki's expertise in scientific computing and visualization makes the project a natural fit for his research interests.

Ultrafast laser speeds up quest for atomic control

Researchers at JILA have developed an efficient method to measure and control atomic energy levels with extremely high accuracy. The technique uses ultrafast pulses of laser light to record in real-time the energy required to boost atoms' outer electrons, enabling fine-tuning with lower power lasers.

New fossil may be closest yet to ancestor of all great apes

A new fossil discovery in Spain reveals a 13-million-year-old ape species, Pierolapithecus catalaunicus, that shares key features with modern great apes. The species' unique adaptations for climbing and its relatively complete skeleton suggest it may have been the last common ancestor of all great apes.

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.

HHS awards $10.4 million to fight AIDS on three continents

The US government has awarded grants to support HIV/AIDS research and treatment in resource-limited countries, including Cambodia, Peru, Thailand, and Russia. The grants aim to develop clinical research centers and evaluate new treatments for co-infections with tuberculosis.

Futuristic 'smart' yarns on the horizon

The development of spun carbon nanotube yarns has the potential to revolutionize engineered fabrics due to their excellent strength, toughness, and electrical/thermal conductivities. The new material is being explored for production of vests, soft body armor, medical devices, and other applications.

Genetic science inspires opera

A chamber opera project, 'Hidden States,' explores parallels between alchemy and contemporary genetic science, featuring a sequence of five monologues on sequencing and cloning. The project has been funded by the Wellcome Trust's Engaging Science Programme to raise awareness of biomedical research.

Proposed addiction treatment successful, safe in second small trial

A small-scale study of GVG, a drug approved for epilepsy in Mexico, found that it can help patients with methamphetamine and cocaine addiction stay abstinent for up to four weeks without visual side effects. The results are promising, but more large-scale studies are needed to confirm the treatment's efficacy.

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.

NASA research shows wetland changes affect Florida freezes

A NASA study found that conversion of wetlands to agricultural lands can lead to more severe freezes in south Florida. The researchers analyzed data from the Landsat 5 satellite and weather records to simulate three freeze events, concluding that land-use changes can enhance damage inflicted upon agriculture.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

How the sea urchin grows new spines

Researchers observed sea urchins growing new spines by depositing amorphous calcium carbonate before it crystallizes. This process reveals intricate growth patterns controlled by the template of the old spine.

Scientists explore atomic mysteries of ancient pigment

Researchers at Los Alamos National Laboratory have discovered a rare state of matter, Bose-Einstein condensation (BEC), in the ancient pigment Han Purple when subjected to intense magnetic fields. This finding represents a significant breakthrough in quantum physics and has implications for advanced computing technologies.

Ubiquitination in real-time: A world first at the Université de Montréal

At Université de Montréal, researchers demonstrated real-time monitoring of ubiquitination on living cells using the BRET technique, shedding new light on the role of ubiquitin in protein degradation. This breakthrough has significant implications for understanding health and developing targeted therapeutic molecules.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Capsules may be effective in treating bipolar disorder

Researchers found that extended-release carbamazepine capsules improved symptoms in patients with bipolar disorder, including those experiencing mania and mixed episodes. The treatment was generally well-tolerated, with few adverse events reported.

Not finding life? Dig deeper.

A team of Arizona scientists, led by Raina Maier, found microbial life in the Atacama Desert's core, which is one to two inches below the arid surface. The discovery contradicts a previous study that claimed the region was sterile, highlighting the importance of searching beyond the surface.

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.

NCI scientists create model that predicts follicular lymphoma survival

Researchers analyzed 191 untreated follicular lymphoma patients and developed a model that divides patients into four groups with disparate average survival rates. The model uses gene expression patterns from non-malignant immune cells to predict patient risk, suggesting new therapeutic approaches.

Trace gases are key to halting global warming

Reductions in carbon dioxide and non-carbon dioxide trace gases can stabilize the climate with warming less than 1°C at 520 ppm CO2 levels. The Montreal Protocol is effective in reducing ozone-depleting gases, but needs extension to address other trace gases.

Ventricular regulation may be key to preventing heart failure

A new study published in the Journal of Cardiovascular Electrophysiology suggests that rapid ventricular pacing is a key factor in developing heart failure. The research found that goats subjected to high atrial and ventricular rates developed end-stage CHF, while those with low ventricular rates remained healthy.

A 'repulsive' protein guides blood vessel development

Researchers found that Semaphorin 3E (Sema3E) and plexin-D1 proteins work together to control vascular patterning in the developing embryo. Sema3E was shown to exert a 'repulsive' force, guiding blood vessels along their proper course and preventing abnormal growth.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Six reporters reach the 'Pinnacle of Excellence'

The six winners of the 2004 AAAS Science Journalism Awards are recognized for their exceptional storytelling and dedication to science reporting. Amy Ellis Nutt's series on killer germs defeating antibiotics and Melinda Burns's story on Polynesians sharing sea-faring skills with the Chumash people were among the notable entries.

New protein 'stop sign' alters blood vessel growth

A research team at Johns Hopkins Medicine has discovered a new protein pair that stops blood vessels' growth in developing mice, shedding light on tumor development and nerve regeneration. The study, published in Science, reveals a unique mechanism of action for the protein Sema3E, which works differently from other semaphorins.

Back to basics

Researchers at Northwestern University have developed a new metal alloy, BlastAlloy-160, with enhanced strength and resistance to blast damage. This breakthrough design could lead to improved safety in various industries, including construction and transportation.

Shedding light on a microscopic world

LSU Assistant Professor Mette B. Gaarde has been awarded a National Science Foundation CAREER Award for her groundbreaking research on attosecond pulses of light. These pulses, produced in the interaction between intense laser pulses and atoms, can capture electrons as they rearrange during chemical bonding events.

Study shows stem cells can preserve vision

Researchers have found that stem cells can preserve vision in mice with damaged retinas, holding hope for treatments of macular degeneration and other retinal diseases. The transplanted cells were found to migrate to the damaged area and regain or retain function in cone cells.

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.

Tiny plant a model for commercially important trees

Researchers at Virginia Tech have identified key genes that regulate wood development using the small plant Arabidopsis. By analyzing the expression of over 25,000 genes, they were able to narrow down the number of potential wood formation genes to less than 500, with a focus on transcription factors.

Were zoo workers infected with cancer-causing animal virus?

A study found that 23% of zoo workers handling primates showed reactivity to the SV40 virus, but most reactions were likely due to cross-reactivity with other polyomaviruses. The study suggests occupational exposure to SV40 among those working closely with nonhuman primates.

Pain relief could be easy with a simple injection

A study found that sympathetic injections showed significant improvement in 20 patients with complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), particularly those with allodynia. Patients who experienced initial improvement were more likely to have long-term success, highlighting the potential of this procedure for targeted treatment.

African children with HIV would benefit from daily doses of cheap antibiotic

A randomized trial found that daily doses of cheap antibiotic co-trimoxazole nearly halved the mortality rate compared to placebo among HIV-infected children in Zambia. The study suggests that all children with clinical features of HIV infection in Africa should receive co-trimoxazole prophylaxis, regardless of age or CD4 count.

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.

Scientists develop 'electronic eye' for the blind

Researchers have created a system that detects pedestrian crossings in front of a person using a single camera, measuring road width and traffic light color to ensure safe crossing. The device uses projective geometry and 'projective invariant' calculation to accurately detect crossings in images.

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.

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 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.

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.

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.