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Science News for October 6, 2004


Viruses found in untreated city water

A study by Marshfield Clinic and USGS revealed that untreated city water in La Crosse contains various types of gastrointestinal viruses, including enteroviruses, rotavirus, hepatitis A virus, and norovirus. The presence of these viruses poses a risk to the drinking water supply, particularly in shallow sand and gravel aquifers.

SourceMarshfield Clinic·JournalApplied and Environmental Microbiology·DateOct 6, 2004

$12.5 million in subcontracts awarded for fusion experiment at Princeton

The U.S. Department of Energy's Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory has awarded subcontracts worth $8 million and $4.5 million to manufacture major components for the National Compact Stellarator Experiment (NCSX), a fusion energy project aiming to advance basic science and explore innovative concepts.

SourceDOE/Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory·DateOct 6, 2004

Bovine genome assembled

The first draft of the bovine genome sequence has been deposited into free public databases, making it available for researchers to study and analyze. The completed genome will aid in medical breakthroughs, disease management, and nutritional enhancement of beef and dairy products.

SourceNIH/National Human Genome Research Institute·DateOct 6, 2004

Researchers find chemosignal that encourages women's sexual desire

A team of researchers at the University of Chicago found a chemosignal in breastfeeding compounds that encourages women's sexual desire. Women with regular partners experienced a 24% increase in sexual desire after two months of exposure, while those without partners saw a 17% boost in sexual fantasies.

SourceUniversity of Chicago·JournalHormones and Behavior·DateOct 6, 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.

Sopping salts could reveal history of water on Mars

Researchers found that different magnesium sulfate salts contain varying amounts of water, which could provide insight into Mars' history. The proportion and distribution of these salts may hold clues about past climate changes and water presence on the planet.

SourceIndiana University·JournalNature·DateOct 6, 2004

Gene from 1918 virus proves key to virulent influenza

Researchers discover that adding a single gene from the 1918 virus to a benign strain of influenza can transform it into a highly virulent form. This finding supports the idea that the 1918 Spanish flu virus was inherently more dangerous and provides insight into its transmission among humans.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalNature·DateOct 6, 2004

Endoscopic approach best for repairing bone defect between brain, nasal cavity

According to the study, the nasal endoscopic approach was successful in treating cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea, with 92% of patients experiencing long-term success. The procedure involves using small cameras and monitors to operate with minimal trauma, reducing the risk of complications.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·JournalThe Laryngoscope·DateOct 6, 2004
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Old bones unearth new date for giant deer's last stand

Eurasian giant deer were found to have survived until 7,000 years ago, according to a recent study published in Nature. The discovery pushes back the previously believed extinction date for the species by 3,000 years, leaving scientists to question what ultimately led to their demise.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalNature·DateOct 6, 2004

A watch that's smarter than you?

A smart watch system prototype has been developed at the University of Washington, utilizing RFID tags to provide proactive reminders and track essential items. The system aims to seamlessly integrate technology into daily life, making it more convenient for busy individuals.

SourceUniversity of Washington·DateOct 6, 2004
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Carnegie Mellon researchers challenge popular decision-making theory

Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University challenge the somatic marker hypothesis, a widely-held theory on decision-making. The study suggests that bodily states may not be as influential in guiding decisions as previously thought.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 6, 2004

Brain circuit may permit scientists to eavesdrop on memory formation

Researchers found that the temporoammonic (TA) projection is crucial for the dialog between the hippocampus and cortex after learning, suggesting a window of vulnerability for memory consolidation. The study opens up new avenues for exploring the role of sleep in memory formation.

SourceHoward Hughes Medical Institute·JournalNature·DateOct 6, 2004

Astronomers tackle 400-year-old heavenly mystery

Using the Spitzer Space Telescope, Hubble Space Telescope, and Chandra X-ray Observatory, researchers observed the Kepler's supernova remnant, uncovering a bubble-shaped shroud of gas and dust expanding at 4 million miles per hour. The observations revealed distinct features, including heated interstellar dust and regions of hot gas.

SourceJohns Hopkins University·DateOct 6, 2004

$25 million funds health promotion studies at UT School of Public Health

The UT Prevention Research Center will continue its work in translating research into practice, with a focus on Texas youth and communities. The center's programs, including Coordinated Approach to Child Health and Familias, aim to prevent health-related problems such as diabetes and asthma.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at Houston·DateOct 6, 2004
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.

For some TV apparel shoppers, program hosts may help lead to impulse buys

Researchers found that viewers develop close relationships with TV shopping program hosts and are more likely to buy clothing impulsively. The study suggests that these relationships can lead to impulsive purchases, highlighting the need for consumers to be vigilant when making purchasing decisions.

SourceOhio State University·JournalClothing and Textiles Research Journal·DateOct 6, 2004

Livermore scientists predict novel melt curve of hydrogen

Researchers propose new experimental measurements to verify existence of maximum melting temperature and transformation of solid molecular hydrogen to metallic liquid. Calculations predict quantum fluid at around 4 million atmospheres of pressure, contradicting intuitive expectations.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory·JournalNature·DateOct 6, 2004
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Next step to the quantum computer

Researchers at the University of Bonn have successfully built a quantum register using neutral atoms, enabling the storage and manipulation of quantum information. The achievement marks a significant milestone in the development of quantum computing, which could potentially solve complex problems beyond current computer capabilities.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateOct 6, 2004

The PSA bounce – Does it have clinical significance?

Researchers found that younger men and those with increased disease recurrence risk experience more frequent PSA bounces, but without additional treatment, their survival rates are comparable to those without a bounce. The large-scale study provides evidence that a PSA bounce may not automatically dictate hormone therapy.

SourceFox Chase Cancer Center·DateOct 6, 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.

One in 6 chronically ill adults skip Rx drugs due to cost

A study found that one in six chronically ill adults skip medication due to cost, with those paying more out-of-pocket or having no coverage being the most likely. The researchers estimate that this skimping leads to over a million Americans using less medication and 1.6 million missing doses.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateOct 6, 2004

New study will tackle three major killer diseases

A new study, ORCADES, will investigate the roles of inheritance and environment in causing three major killer diseases. The study aims to identify genes that predispose individuals to illness and understand the impact of lifestyle factors on disease development.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·DateOct 6, 2004

Is Interleukin-6 the 'holy grail' of exercise mediation?

Research reveals Interleukin-6 has various roles in metabolic gene activation, lipolysis, insulin resistance inhibition and TNF suppression. The cytokine's diverse effects make it a promising therapeutic target for treating obesity, type 2 diabetes and other metabolic disorders.

SourceAmerican Physiological Society·DateOct 6, 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.

Biologists ID molecular block for social 'cheaters'

Researchers found that pleiotropy plays a crucial role in preventing 'cheaters' from exploiting their neighbors in slime mold colonies. The study reveals a molecular block to cheating and its link to the essential function of reproduction.

SourceRice University·JournalNature·DateOct 6, 2004

Men with advanced, incurable prostate cancer can benefit from docetaxel

Researchers found that docetaxel administered every three weeks significantly improved survival, pain relief, and quality of life for patients with advanced hormone-refractory prostate cancer. The treatment increased life expectancy by an average of three months.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateOct 6, 2004