Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News for October 24, 2004


New study ranks graduate decision programs

The study ranked prescriptive graduate decision programs based on the quality of their contributions to education and research. The highest-rated programs include Duke, Harvard, Stanford, Carnegie Mellon, University of Chicago, and University of Pennsylvania.

SourceInstitute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences·DateOct 24, 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.

Mothers have brains primed for care

Research finds that mothers respond better to their own infant cries, exhibiting increased brain activity in various regions. Nurturing behaviors also improve social difficulties in offspring related to poor parenting.

SourceSociety for Neuroscience·DateOct 24, 2004

Calorie restriction leads to some brain benefits but not others in mice

A study published in Neuroscience found that calorie restriction had mixed effects on the brains of mice, improving grip strength, coordination, and flexibility, but having no effect on cognitive performance. The researchers suggest that free radical damage may contribute to age-related cognitive impairments, which could be prevented o...

SourceWashU Medicine·DateOct 24, 2004
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

High-fat diets hammer memory, more than a waistline worry

Recent animal studies suggest that high-fat diets can impair memory and cognitive function, increasing the risk of age-related cognitive impairment. Diets rich in saturated fats and sugar may worsen cognitive losses due to stress and sleep apnea.

SourceSociety for Neuroscience·DateOct 24, 2004

New technologies shed light on schizophrenia

Researchers used DTI scans to analyze the movement of water molecules in brain fibers, finding abnormalities in neural pathways related to verbal memory and executive functioning. The study suggests that schizophrenia may result from differences in neural connections rather than single component faults.

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·JournalNeuropsychology·DateOct 24, 2004

Deciphering an autism mystery

Researchers have identified a specific gene, EN2, that contributes to autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Variations in this gene may affect brain development and behavior. The study also found changes in neurotransmitter systems, including acetylcholine and serotonin, which may disrupt communication between cells.

SourceSociety for Neuroscience·DateOct 24, 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.

Infection, not lack of oxygen, plays larger role in premature infant brain injury

A study published in American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology found that infections occur around birth are associated with an increased risk of periventricular leukomalacia (PVL), a condition causing brain tissue death. PVL is the most common form of brain injury in premature infants, resulting in cerebral palsy.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology·DateOct 24, 2004

New hope for ALS seen with genetic techniques, growth factors

Researchers have discovered new approaches to treating ALS using genetic techniques and growth factors. A study found that implanting cells to support motor neurons can help stave off the disease, while another team used RNA interference to silence a toxic mutant gene. VEGF was also shown to rescue motor neurons attacked by ALS.

SourceSociety for Neuroscience·DateOct 24, 2004

Olfactory bulb stem cells and Lou Gehrig's disease

Researchers transplanted adult olfactory bulb stem cells into genetically engineered mice with ALS, showing a significant delay in disease symptoms and improved functional outcomes. The study suggests these stem cells may hold potential for treating ALS, but further laboratory work is needed.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·DateOct 24, 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.

New protein associated with aggressiveness in breast and ovarian cancer

A new protein, Rab25, has been associated with increased aggressiveness in both breast and ovarian cancers. Low levels of Rab25 protein expression were found to be linked to better clinical outcomes, with patients experiencing higher survival rates when tumors expressed low levels of the protein.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalNature Medicine·DateOct 24, 2004

Promise of stem cells amplified

Scientists have successfully used stem cells to restore movement in paralyzed rats by transplanting oligodendrocytes, a type of cell that insulates nerve signals. Additionally, researchers have delivered GDNF, a factor aiding neuron survival, to patients with Parkinson's and Huntington's diseases using genetically modified astrocytes.

SourceSociety for Neuroscience·DateOct 24, 2004

Secret tobacco industry documents show Philip Morris worked to preserve ties with academic medicine

Researchers analyzed secret internal tobacco industry documents to show how Philip Morris used similar arguments to oppose divestment at Johns Hopkins University and Yale University. The company emphasized its financial contributions while suggesting investments in tobacco stock profits to maintain research funding.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalAcademic Medicine·DateOct 24, 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.

PITT, OHSU: When early life stress occurs determines its impact later

Research using non-human primates reveals that early life stress exposure timing affects brain development and behavior in adulthood. The study found that monkeys separated from their mothers at different ages displayed distinct behavioral patterns, with those separated earlier showing reduced social skills and increased anxiety.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Medical Center·DateOct 24, 2004