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Science News for October 21, 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.

Are yeast cells bringing us a step closer in treating obesity?

Researchers at VIB have discovered receptor proteins in yeast cells that detect and react to glucose and sucrose, which could be good targets for new medicines. This finding raises the possibility of glucose receptors existing in human beings.

SourceVIB (the Flanders Institute for Biotechnology)·JournalMolecular Cell·DateOct 21, 2004

Latin America shows rapid rise in published science and engineering articles

The new NSF report reveals that Latin American countries have made significant strides in publishing science and engineering articles. From 1988-2001, Brazil's output quadrupled and Mexico's more than tripled, while Argentina and Chile produced the most scientific articles per capita. The region's growing influence is reflected in the ...

SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·DateOct 21, 2004

OHSU study: Bacterial switching mechanism key to survival

Researchers at OHSU have determined the structural basis underlying a crucial mechanism that allows gram-positive bacteria to adapt to available energy sources. This finding could lead to the development of new antibiotics that disrupt this mechanism, making bacteria more susceptible to counter-attacks by the human body.

SourceOregon Health & Science University·JournalCell·DateOct 21, 2004
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.

Pediatricians need more training on environmental health

A group of experts recommends incorporating environmental health into pediatric medical and nursing education, citing gaps in current curricula. The study aims to equip healthcare providers with tools to recognize, treat, and prevent diseases related to environmental factors.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences·JournalEnvironmental Health Perspectives·DateOct 21, 2004

Mitochondrial mutation linked to blood pressure and cholesterol problems

A study found that a mitochondrial mutation may contribute to the development of metabolic syndrome, a cluster of disorders including high blood pressure and high cholesterol. Researchers discovered the link in a four-generation family affected by hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, and other conditions.

SourceYale University·JournalScience·DateOct 21, 2004

Techniques for making Barbie dolls can improve health care

Operations research and manufacturing techniques will improve healthcare delivery by reducing costs and enhancing quality. Techniques such as supply chain management and scheduling systems are being adopted in hospitals and blood banks to reduce delays and improve patient care.

SourceInstitute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences·DateOct 21, 2004
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.

Single genetic defect links many risk factors for heart disease and stroke

A single genetic mutation in mitochondrial genes has been found to be associated with multiple risk factors for heart disease and stroke, including hypertension, high cholesterol, and low magnesium levels. The researchers also discovered a link between the mutation and other conditions such as hearing loss and weakened heart muscle.

SourceHoward Hughes Medical Institute·JournalScience·DateOct 21, 2004

Aiding decision making for Baby Charlotte and Baby Luke

The Lancet editorial emphasizes the need for a more compassionate approach to end-of-life medical decisions, particularly in cases where parents and doctors disagree. The article advocates for arbitration as an alternative to court proceedings, citing its potential to resolve conflicts in a more constructive manner.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateOct 21, 2004

Significant pain relief following gastric bypass surgery

A study of 54 patients who underwent gastric bypass surgery found a 52% decrease in musculoskeletal complaints and a 92% reduction in fibromyalgia syndrome pain after 6-12 months. The significant weight loss resulted from stapling the stomach to create a small pouch, leading to improved function and quality of life.

SourceUniversity Hospitals of Cleveland·DateOct 21, 2004

Researchers monitor progression of Parkinson's disease by studying molecular changes in brain

A study by Johannes Schwarz and colleagues tracked molecular changes in brains of Parkinson's patients over 7.5 years using SPECT to measure dopamine transporter binding, revealing a single exponential decline rather than linear loss. This advancement enables the development of individualized treatment for advanced Parkinson's patients.

SourceSociety of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging·JournalJournal of Nuclear Medicine·DateOct 21, 2004
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Molecular mechanism sheds light on neurodegenerative diseases

A Northwestern University team discovered that mutant Huntingtin protein aggregates bind to the proteasome machine, preventing complete degradation of proteins and leading to disease. This interference causes a cumulative negative effect, resulting in the buildup of damaged proteins.

SourceNorthwestern University·DateOct 21, 2004

Strong-flavored onions show promise for fighting cancer

Researchers found that stronger, more flavorful onion varieties have higher antioxidant activity and can fight colon cancer cells more effectively. Shallots were also found to be strong cancer-fighters, outperforming milder-tasting onions.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateOct 21, 2004

ENCODE consortium publishes scientific strategy

The ENCODE project aims to build a comprehensive 'parts list' of human DNA's sequence-based functional elements, including protein-coding genes and regulatory elements. The initiative will analyze the remaining 99% of the human genome using novel methods and technologies.

SourceNIH/National Human Genome Research Institute·JournalScience·DateOct 21, 2004

Parkinson's patients get bilateral benefits with unilateral brain stim

Researchers found that bilateral motor performance improvements were seen in patients with Parkinson's disease, regardless of where the stimulation was applied. The study suggests that unilateral deep brain stimulation could be a more effective and lower-risk treatment option for some patients.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalMotor Control·DateOct 21, 2004
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.

Clues to improving TB treatment

Researchers have discovered a way to disable TB protein when it binds to certain molecules, making bacteria more sensitive to treatment by ethionamide. This finding suggests that combining ethionamide with benzylacetone could reduce the dosage of potent antibacterial compounds and improve TB treatment.

SourceCell Press·JournalMolecular Cell·DateOct 21, 2004

Further evidence showing treatment benefits of beta interferon for MS

Researchers found that beta interferon significantly reduced brain tissue loss and slowed MS progression, with around a third of patients showing improved outcomes. The study's results suggest that beta interferon may be an effective treatment for delaying the progression of multiple sclerosis.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateOct 21, 2004

New genomic method can identify disease-causing genes

A new computational approach helps researchers understand the relationship between trait differences and variations in the mouse genome, moving closer to understanding human genetic differences. The method also has potential to uncover currently unknown genetic factors contributing to various diseases.

SourceRoche Diagnostics·JournalScience·DateOct 21, 2004

Ancient sea spider fossils discovered in volcanic ash

Fossil discovery reveals ancient sea spiders are related to land spiders and scorpions, with the new species Haliestes dasos dating back 35 million years. The preserved specimens provide valuable insights into their unique body form and behavior.

SourceYale University·JournalNature·DateOct 21, 2004
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.

New fiber optic sensors increase range

Researchers at Virginia Tech have developed new fiber optic sensors using UV-induced intrinsic Fabry-Perot interferometers, increasing the range and enabling real-time monitoring of large areas. The technology has the potential to create a nationwide network of sensors for infrastructure monitoring with improved multiplexing capability.

SourceVirginia Tech·DateOct 21, 2004

Mouse study: 'Critical' Down syndrome region isn't

A mouse study challenges the idea that a specific gene region is responsible for Down syndrome's characteristic facial features and traits. Researchers found that mice with only two copies of this region still exhibited shorter bones, contradicting previous assumptions.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalScience·DateOct 21, 2004