Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News Archive October 2004 - Page 7


Page 7 of 13
GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.

Weight loss surgery can help reduce metabolic syndrome in obese patients

A study found that surgical weight loss programs significantly improved metabolic syndrome symptoms, with a 95.6% resolution rate for patients with the condition. Laparoscopic gastric bypass surgery resulted in greater weight loss and better blood lipid profiles compared to vertical banded gastroplasty.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Surgery·DateOct 18, 2004

Annals of Internal Medicine tip sheet for Oct. 19, 2004

A study found that antibiotics are ineffective in treating chronic prostate pain (CP/CPPS) but a-receptor blockers may provide relief for extended periods. Simple exercises improved dizziness in adults, while survivors of childhood cancer are at increased risk for breast cancer.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateOct 18, 2004

Minimally invasive surgery for heart rhythm abnormality proven effective

Researchers developed a new, less invasive approach to treat atrial fibrillation, a condition affecting over 2 million Americans. The procedure uses bipolar radiofrequency ablation and achieved similar success rates as traditional surgery, but with significantly shorter operative times.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalJournal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery·DateOct 18, 2004

Zebrafish may offer researchers powerful new tool for studying innate immunity

Researchers have sequenced all 36 genes of novel receptors in zebrafish, which may be related to human natural killer cell function and provide insights into the transition from innate to adaptive immunity. This discovery could lead to a better understanding of infectious diseases and certain cancers.

SourceUniversity of South Florida (USF Health)·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 18, 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.

Insulin pumps effective for children with diabetes

A clinical trial found that insulin pump therapy was safe and well-tolerated in preschool-aged children with type 1 diabetes. Parents were also satisfied with the devices, with 95 percent continuing use after a six-month study. The benefits of insulin pump therapy are still being evaluated in terms of flexibility and convenience.

SourceIndiana University·JournalThe Journal of Pediatrics·DateOct 18, 2004

2000 years of North American drought

Researchers have created a North American Drought Atlas CD-ROM, mapping year-by-year occurrences of droughts over the last 2005 years. The atlas provides essential paleoclimate data with applications to science, policy, education, and history.

SourceColumbia Climate School·DateOct 18, 2004

Nevirapine is better than efavirenz at raising 'good' cholesterol

Researchers found that nevirapine significantly increases HDL cholesterol levels more than efavirenz, making it a preferable option for HIV-infected adults with increased cardiovascular risk. This study suggests that considering individual factors beyond cardiovascular risk can lead to more personalized treatment decisions.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateOct 18, 2004
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.

Manipulation of epigenome turns off as many genes as it turns on

A recent study found that demethylation agents not only restart cancer-suppressing genes but also knock methyl groups off other genes, turning hundreds more off. The research raises concerns about the impact of these agents on gene expression and their potential to exacerbate cancer development.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalCancer Cell·DateOct 18, 2004

Whites more likely to misidentify tools as guns when linked to black faces

Researchers at Ohio State University conducted experiments showing that white Americans are more likely to misidentify tools as guns when shown a picture of an African American before seeing the tool or gun. In contrast, they were less likely to make this mistake when shown a picture of a white person. The study suggests that unconscio...

SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of Experimental Social Psychology·DateOct 18, 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.

Mouse model of osteoarthritis

A mouse model of osteoarthritis has been developed, revealing that bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signaling is essential for the maintenance of healthy articular cartilage. The study found that inactivating BMP signaling in mice led to severe arthritis, mimicking human osteoarthritis conditions.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateOct 18, 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.

NYU Child Study Center researcher receives award from NARSAD

Dr. Rachel Klein receives the prestigious Ruane Prize from NARSAD for her extensive research on child psychiatric illnesses. Her work has authored over 200 articles and seven books, advancing our understanding of ADHD, anxiety, and other severe psychiatric disorders.

SourceNew York University Child Study Center·DateOct 18, 2004

A nanowire with a surprise

Scientists discovered that increasing OPE wire length triggers variable resistance, which can be beneficial for electronic devices. The researchers also found that substituting a methyl hydrocarbon group onto the middle unit significantly increases electron transfer rate.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateOct 18, 2004

Oats not safe for all patients with celiac disease

A recent study published in PLoS Medicine found that oats can cause intolerance in some patients with celiac disease, triggering a similar molecular reaction as wheat, barley, or rye. This means that not all patients with celiac disease may be able to safely include oats in their diet.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateOct 18, 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.

Novel drug-antidote strategy provides greater control of drug action

Researchers at Duke University Medical Center have created a novel drug-antidote strategy that provides greater control of drug action. The breakthrough enables the development of matched drug-antidote pairs at the beginning of the drug development process, allowing for more precise treatment.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateOct 17, 2004

Hepatitis C virus linked to non-Hodgkin's lymphoma

Research in British Columbia found a seventeen-fold higher risk of diffuse large B-Cell lymphoma in HCV-infected patients. The study confirmed the viral-cancer link, previously suspected in studies from other regions with higher hepatitis C prevalence.

SourceAmerican Association for Cancer Research·DateOct 17, 2004
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Diabetes hikes risk for liver, pancreatic cancers

Researchers found a three-fold increased risk of liver cancer among diabetic patients, which rose to almost four-fold when medication was used. Diabetes did not increase risks for other types of cancer, such as melanoma or colon cancer.

SourceAmerican Association for Cancer Research·DateOct 17, 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.

Major missile defense study published

A new study published by the American Physical Society finds that boosting-phase defense systems have significant limitations, making them impractical against many potential threats. The report highlights issues with timing and range, limiting the effectiveness of boost-phase defenses.

SourceAmerican Physical Society·JournalReviews of Modern Physics·DateOct 15, 2004

Magnetic stars

Researchers found stable ring-shaped magnetic field configurations in magnetic A-stars, White Dwarf stars, and neutron stars, supporting the 'fossil field' hypothesis. These fields can persist for hundreds of millions of years, surviving the star's life span.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature·DateOct 15, 2004

Normal cells in tumors may aid cancer growth

A recent study published in Cancer Research found that genetic damage in stromal cells within tumors can play a crucial role in tumor development. This discovery may provide new targets for anti-cancer drugs and present a novel strategy for treating and preventing cancer.

SourceOhio State University·JournalCancer Research·DateOct 15, 2004

New study demonstrates co-administration

Researchers found that taking Welchol, a bile acid sequestrant, with TriCor, a fibrate, resulted in no significant interaction. The study involved 30 healthy volunteers who received different treatment regimens involving the two drugs, showing that co-administration is safe and effective.

SourceHill and Knowlton·JournalClinical Pharmacokinetics·DateOct 15, 2004

Mini-Mouse is a bad mom

A team of scientists at the University of Rochester Medical Center discovered that mice without the TR4 gene are born smaller, less fertile, and have poor parenting skills. The miniature mice exhibit reduced nest-building, nursing, and offspring care, resulting in high pup mortality rates.

SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 15, 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.

Multi-species herbivore outbreak follows El Niño drought in Panama

A multi-species herbivore outbreak occurred in Panama following an El Niño drought, causing moth larvae to devour 250% more leaf material than usual. The short-lived event was brought under control quickly by natural predators and diseases, but highlights the potential impact of climate change on forest ecosystems.

SourceSmithsonian Tropical Research Institute·JournalJournal of Tropical Ecology·DateOct 15, 2004

S1P1 essential for tumor growth and is blocked by RNA interference

Researchers found that S1P1 plays a crucial role in tumor angiogenesis, which is the formation of new blood vessels to supply nutrients to growing tumors. The study used RNA interference to block S1P1, demonstrating its importance in tumor growth and progression.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateOct 15, 2004

Research gaining momentum by silencing genes

Scientists from VIB are using RNAi technology to study the function of genes in Arabidopsis thaliana, a model plant with 29,000 genes. The goal is to identify the function of all genes, which will shed light on biological processes in plants and humans.

SourceVIB (the Flanders Institute for Biotechnology)·JournalGenome Research·DateOct 15, 2004

Sniffing out the culprits of dust allergies

A team of scientists has developed a novel method to detect the culprits behind dust allergies, using PNA-encoded protease substrate microarrays. This innovative approach reveals the specific proteins responsible for triggering allergic reactions in humans, providing new insights into the mechanisms underlying dust allergy.

SourceCell Press·JournalChemistry & Biology·DateOct 15, 2004

Scientists explain how morphogens work

Researchers have discovered that morphogen molecules move across cells via diffusion, a finding that could lead to new strategies for treating organ defects and cancers. The study used the fruit fly model to demonstrate how TGF beta family molecules function as morphogens.

SourceCincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center·JournalCell·DateOct 15, 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.

Antibiotic identified as potential anti-cancer candidate

A new study identifies actinonin-based antibiotics as a potential treatment for cancer. Human mitochondrial peptide deformylase is found to be a key target in this approach, offering new avenues for cancer research and therapy.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateOct 15, 2004

Panel finds that scare tactics for violence prevention are harmful

The panel found that traditional 'get tough' approaches exacerbate problems, while positive intervention programs like Functional Family Therapy and Multisystemic Therapy show promise in reducing arrests and out-of-home placements. These effective programs focus on developing social competency skills and family involvement.

SourceNIH/Office of the Director·DateOct 15, 2004

Scientists identify new cause of obesity

Researchers identify genetic mutations in the N-terminal domain of the MC4R protein that contribute to obesity, providing a promising new strategy for treating the condition. The study suggests that drugs targeting sustained low-level MC4R activity may be effective in regulating appetite.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateOct 15, 2004

Pushing the envelope to overcome HIV drug resistance

Researchers explored strategies to combat HIV-1 protease resistance, a key factor in treatment failure. The study identified novel approaches to inhibit the enzyme, offering potential solutions to overcome drug resistance and improve treatment outcomes.

SourceCell Press·JournalChemistry & Biology·DateOct 15, 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.

American Thoracic Society Journal news tips for October 2004 (second issue)

A new study shows that a combination of fluticasone and salmeterol can achieve total control in asthma patients, improving symptoms and reducing corticosteroid doses. Testosterone therapy also increases lean body mass and leg muscle strength in COPD patients with low testosterone levels.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateOct 15, 2004

Researchers redrawing the Tree of Life

A $3 million NSF grant is enabling researchers to combine expertise and solve classification problems for flowering plants. The new system has broken up traditional groups and shuffled others, with Amborella forming the base of the tree.

SourceVirginia Tech·DateOct 15, 2004

Biological importance of basal activity of appetite suppressor

The melanocortin-4 receptor's (MC4R) basal activity is essential for maintaining energy balance. The N-terminal domain of the MC4R protein is responsible for this activity. Deletion of this domain impairs the receptor's ability to regulate energy homeostasis.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateOct 15, 2004

Scientists detect two decision-making pathways in human brain

A study published in Science found that humans have competing economic value systems, with the emotional brain prioritizing short-term gratification and the logical brain promoting long-term rewards. This discovery has significant implications for predicting economic and behavioral health patterns.

SourceNIH/National Institute on Aging·JournalScience·DateOct 15, 2004
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Study identifies target for preventing sexual transmission of HIV

Researchers have identified a potential target for preventing HIV transmission through vaginal membranes. A modified chemokine called PSC-RANTES was found to be effective in blocking SHIV transmission in rhesus macaques, offering hope for the development of a topical agent to prevent HIV infection in humans.

SourceAmerican Medical Association·JournalScience·DateOct 14, 2004

Call for randomised criminal-justice trials

The Lancet article advocates for randomized criminal-justice trials to improve evidence-based decision-making in the UK. The proposed approach would involve randomizing offenders between drug treatment and testing order, or alternative sentence, to inform judicial decisions.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateOct 14, 2004

Scientists find new clues underlying mood disorders

Researchers have identified a link between the fibroblast growth factor system and major depressive disorder, with those treated with SSRIs showing smaller changes. The study's findings offer new insights into the biological mechanisms underlying mood disorders and potential avenues for targeted therapeutics.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 14, 2004

Super slow light may help speed optical communications

Physicists at NIST propose new way to slow light down to almost one-millionth its usual speed using a stable pulsed laser in cryogenic gas. This method could help simplify and reduce the cost of high-speed optical communications, enabling faster signal routing and data synchronization.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·DateOct 14, 2004

Perceptual decision-making hub pinpointed in human brain

Researchers at NIMH identified a brain region in the frontal cortex as the site of perceptual decision-making, which weighs competing signals from specialized visual processing areas. The discovery could explain why harder-to-identify images evoke slower responses in this area.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Mental Health·JournalNature·DateOct 14, 2004
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.

Time-lapse movies show brain cells move like a two-stroke engine

Researchers at Rockefeller University discovered that the protein Par6-alpha plays a crucial role in spurring the centrosome to action, allowing brain cells to migrate and form the brain's outer layer. The study overturned long-held assumptions about adhesion as the primary mechanism for neuronal migration.

SourceRockefeller University·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateOct 14, 2004

Low-cost climate-change insurance could help ensure better future

Researchers recommend implementing a carbon tax to protect against long-term climate change, with the goal of buying 'insurance' against future adjustment costs. The study suggests that immediate action can be more cost-effective than waiting and acting later.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalScience·DateOct 14, 2004