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Science News Archive October 2004 - Page 2


Page 2 of 13
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Development of working memory, allowing voluntary control of behavior, defined

Working memory develops and improves with maturity, allowing voluntary control over behavior. Adults rely on a third brain area for optimal performance, whereas children and adolescents use different regions of the brain. This study informs understanding of thinking processes and may lead to new treatments for psychiatric illnesses.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Medical Center·DateOct 27, 2004

Stellar survivor from 1572 A.D. explosion supports supernova theory

A new discovery by Pilar Ruiz-Lapuente and colleagues identifies a clear path for Type Ia supernovae to form in binary star systems. The research found that the companion star is similar to our sun, but slightly older and with high heavy-element content, supporting the theory that Type Ia supernovae originate from these systems.

SourceESA/Hubble Information Centre·JournalNature·DateOct 27, 2004

Research on 'holes' may unearth causes of superconductivity

Scientists discovered a rigid, ordered arrangement of holes in a copper oxide compound called SCO. The hole crystal is believed to be linked to another charge arrangement, known as stripes, which may contribute to superconductivity. Researchers plan to study the relationship between the two arrangements further.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalNature·DateOct 27, 2004

Old dogs, new tricks?

A new study finds that adult dyslexics can improve their reading skills with a phonological intervention program, revealing potential for late-life literacy gains. The brain scans also showed activity changes in specific regions, including the right hemisphere, as a way to compensate for deficiencies.

SourceGeorgetown University Medical Center·JournalNeuron·DateOct 27, 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.

From pulp to polymers

Researchers are developing new technologies to extract hemicelluloses from wood chips, which can be converted into fuel ethanol, industrial polymers, and composite products. The goal is to create an integrated forest products biorefinery that increases paper production while reducing costs.

SourceUniversity of Maine·DateOct 27, 2004

Adults with dyslexia can improve with phonics-based instruction

Researchers found that adults with dyslexia who received phonics-based instruction showed significant improvements in reading ability, including gains of 6-23% in text reading and phonetic awareness. The study also revealed changes in brain activity associated with phonetic processing.

SourceAtrium Health Wake Forest Baptist·JournalNeuron·DateOct 27, 2004

Genetically endowed worm may substitute for rodents in some toxicology testing

Researchers are exploring the use of genetically endowed worms to replace rodent studies in toxicology testing, potentially saving millions of dollars. The C. elegans worm has a unique biology that makes it an ideal model for testing chemicals, with its short lifespan and transparent body allowing for direct monitoring of internal organs.

SourceDuke University·DateOct 27, 2004

Cognitive behavioral therapy combined with antidepressant effective in treating adolescent OCD

A recent study published in JAMA found that a combination of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and antidepressant medication is effective in treating adolescent obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). The study, conducted at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, involved 112 children aged 7-17 who were randomly assigned to r...

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalJAMA·DateOct 27, 2004

Location of body fat important in predicting heart attack risk

A new study published in the American Journal of Epidemiology found that intra-abdominal fat is a significant predictor of heart attack risk. Researchers discovered that as people age, fat tends to accumulate in the abdomen more than other areas, increasing the risk of heart attacks.

SourceAtrium Health Wake Forest Baptist·JournalAmerican Journal of Epidemiology·DateOct 27, 2004
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.

New analysis links breastfeeding to reduced risk of childhood leukemia

A new analysis has found a link between breastfeeding and lower risks of both acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and acute myeloblastic leukemia (AML) in children. The study suggests that even short-term breastfeeding may be protective, particularly during the first few months.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalPublic Health Reports·DateOct 27, 2004

Physical inactivity costs millions in health care expenses

Researchers found that physical inactivity leads to higher medical costs, with heart disease being the most expensive outcome. The study estimated $83.6 million in medical expenditures related to physical inactivity among 1.5 million adult members of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota.

SourceCenter for Advancing Health·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateOct 27, 2004

WSU scientists convert baby powder chemical for use as light emitting source

Researchers at Wright State University have discovered a way to convert zinc oxide, commonly used in baby powder, into a light-emitting source. This breakthrough has the potential to replace traditional lighting with a more efficient and cost-effective option, resulting in significant power savings of up to $12 billion per year.

SourceWright State University·DateOct 27, 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.

NIH awards 1,400 new student loan repayment contracts

The NIH has awarded $68 million to 1,407 new student loan repayment contracts in Fiscal Year 2004. These programs provide up to $35,000 of qualified educational debt repayment for health professionals pursuing careers in clinical, pediatric, contraception and infertility, or health disparities research.

SourceNIH/Office of the Director·DateOct 27, 2004

Cruise ships -- An alternative to assisted living facilities for the elderly?

A new study suggests that cruise ship living could be an attractive option for seniors who enjoy travel and require some assistance with daily activities. The research found that cruise ship living results in higher quality care over a 20-year period, despite being $2,000 more expensive than traditional assisted living facilities.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateOct 27, 2004
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.

Watts from wastewater: New device produces power while treating sewage

A new microbial fuel cell technology can produce up to 72 watts per square meter, generating electricity from organic matter. The device has the potential to power small wastewater treatment plants and treat waste from animal farms and food processing industries.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateOct 27, 2004

Exercise for special populations, sensory research, factors impacting rehabilitation top issues

Regular exercise improves physical and psychological well-being among people with spinal cord injuries, as well as older adults and nursing home residents. Exercise also promotes stability and ease of movement for lower-limb amputees, while correcting visual impairments can improve rehabilitation effectiveness.

SourceVeterans Affairs Research Communications·JournalThe Journal of Rehabilitation Research and Development·DateOct 27, 2004

NSF gives 'teeth' to biomaterials research

Clemson University receives a $600,000 NSF grant to support biomaterials research and the growth of an advanced materials industry cluster. The grant aims to facilitate technology transfer between academia and private industry, promoting economic development in South Carolina.

SourceClemson University·DateOct 27, 2004

Humans and dolphins: If brain size is a measure, we're not that different

Dolphin brains are significantly larger than expected for their body size, with some species having brain sizes comparable to those of modern humans. This study suggests that cetaceans may possess cognitive abilities similar to those of great apes, challenging traditional views of human exceptionalism.

SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·DateOct 27, 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.

'Going through the motions' to better treat dementia

A team is using technology to monitor and analyze patients' daily activities, providing a more accurate picture of their condition. The study compares traditional methods with high-tech devices, aiming to develop better ways to support those with dementia.

SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical Center·DateOct 27, 2004

U.Va. Health System adds new cancer treatment center

The U.Va. Health System's new TomoTherapy system provides precise radiation therapy with 3-D imaging, reducing high-dose exposure to healthy tissue and potential side effects for cancer patients. The technology also enables faster treatment times and improved accuracy in targeting tumors.

SourceUniversity of Virginia Health System·DateOct 27, 2004

Multi-rate laser pulses could boost outdoor optical wireless performance

Researchers develop a new method that embeds data in ultra-short pulses of laser light, shaped via fractal modulation as wavelets, to improve communication reliability. The system achieves higher average bit rates than conventional optical wireless links and ensures on-the-fly operation without significant electronic processing.

SourcePenn State·DateOct 27, 2004

New Italian research links migraine and endometriosis

A new Italian study found that women with endometriosis have a significantly higher prevalence of migraine, but no link to attack frequency or pain intensity. The study also suggests that investigating headaches in women with endometriosis is crucial for proper diagnosis and treatment.

SourceEuropean Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology·JournalHuman Reproduction·DateOct 27, 2004
Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.

Evidence that learning is consolidated during sleep

Researchers discovered that brain activity in the hippocampus, a key learning center, correlates with improved memory performance after sleep. Spatial memories were found to be strengthened during slow wave sleep, suggesting that sleep plays a crucial role in consolidating recent memory traces.

SourceCell Press·JournalNeuron·DateOct 27, 2004

Military hazards are greater for Native Americans, according to sociological research

A new study by researchers finds that Native American lands are disproportionately located near extremely dangerous military sites contaminated with unexploded ordnance. The research, published in the American Sociological Review, examines the role of militarism in environmental inequalities affecting Native Americans.

SourceAmerican Sociological Association·JournalAmerican Sociological Review·DateOct 27, 2004
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.

New software judges quality of scanned fingerprints

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has released a new software program that judges the quality of scanned fingerprints. The software assigns a quality level ranging from 1 for high-quality prints to 5 for unusable prints, helping ensure accurate matches.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·DateOct 27, 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.

Stimulating nerve cells with laser precision

Scientists at Vanderbilt University have discovered that low-intensity infrared laser light can spark specific nerves to life, exciting a leg or even individual toes without touching the nerve cells. The technique offers greater precision and accuracy than conventional electrical stimulation.

SourceVanderbilt University·DateOct 26, 2004

Toddlers' imitation predicts well-developed conscience

Researchers found that babies who enthusiastically imitate their parents tend to develop a sense of right and wrong earlier, up to two-and-a-half years later. Children who imitated their mothers were more likely to follow rules and show guilt when breaking them.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateOct 26, 2004

GENEPI: a tool to refine and fine-tune radiotherapy treatment for cancer

The GENEPI project aims to predict radiotherapy efficacy and side effects based on genetic, physical, and patient-related factors. It will establish a pan-European database on radiation-related morbidity, enabling researchers to investigate factors influencing individual responses to radiotherapy.

SourceECCO-the European CanCer Organisation·DateOct 26, 2004

Munching microbes could cleanse arsenic-contaminated groundwater

Researchers have discovered a link between sulfate and arsenic levels in groundwater, suggesting that adding sulfate can effectively sequester arsenic. This method could provide a simple yet reliable field test to identify safe drinking water from contaminated sources.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalGeology·DateOct 26, 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.

Nerve navigation findings prompt new direction for spinal cord research

Researchers at Medical College of Georgia have found that an enzyme called focal adhesion kinase plays a crucial role in guiding axons across the midline of the spinal cord during development. This discovery provides new insights into normal nervous system development and offers potential targets for treating spinal cord injuries.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateOct 26, 2004

Scientists zero in on why time flows in one direction

Researchers Sean Carroll and Jennifer Chen suggest infinite entropy, rather than finite, resolves the universe's low entropy, allowing for an eternal cycle of inflation and increasing entropy. This approach resolves a long-standing puzzle in physics, explaining why time flows in only one direction.

SourceUniversity of Chicago·DateOct 26, 2004

Powering the future

The Florida Institute of Technology has launched a hydrogen fuel cell research center with a focus on developing new mainstream energy sources. The center, which brings together faculty from various colleges, aims to pool expertise and solve complex problems in the field.

SourceFlorida Institute of Technology·DateOct 26, 2004
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.

Study: Inadequate physical activity worsens as teenagers become adults

A nationwide study found that only 36% of teenagers achieved moderate to vigorous physical activity weekly, and only 4.4% maintained this level into adulthood. This decline in physical activity contributes to the rising burden of obesity and related health issues in the US.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel Hill·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateOct 26, 2004

Radiotherapy + cetuximab significantly improve disease control and survival in head and neck cancer

Combination therapy of radiotherapy and cetuximab significantly improves loco-regional control, median survival, and overall survival rates in patients with loco-regionally advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the oropharynx, hypopharynx, or larynx. The treatment also showed minimal enhancement of toxicity compared to radiotherapy alone.

SourceECCO-the European CanCer Organisation·DateOct 26, 2004
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

A time to rhyme

A new study found that younger children primarily process words based on phonology, sound, whereas older children and adults process words based on semantics, meaning. Researchers tested the language processing abilities of children aged five, eight, and 11 using a rhyme-based experiment.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateOct 26, 2004

New system 'sees' crimes on audiotape

The NIST real-time audiotape imaging system uses a customized magnetic sensor array to detect and map microscopic magnetic fields on tapes as they are played. This enables the creation of images that correlate sounds with magnetic marks on tape, aiding in the determination of authenticity.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·DateOct 26, 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.

Dr. John Deaton designs for peace

Dr. John Deaton, a renowned human factors specialist, has developedVECTOR, an interactive video game to teach cultural skills for U.S. peacekeepers. The game simulates real-life scenarios, enabling trainees to learn appropriate behavior in diverse situations.

SourceFlorida Institute of Technology·DateOct 26, 2004

Global Tech Confidence slips as China booms, report finds

The Global Technology Confidence Index fell back to its lowest level for a year, with Japan and Europe experiencing significant downturns. In contrast, China's business confidence index showed an upward trend, indicating a surge in sales growth.

SourceStevens Institute of Technology·DateOct 26, 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.