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Science News for September 14, 2004


Chemical sensor could enable new ways to monitor pollutants

Researchers at Ohio State University have developed a new chemical sensor that can detect NOx pollutants with enhanced accuracy and rapid detection. The sensor uses an innovative filter to remove interference from carbon monoxide, allowing it to pick out specific gases from combustion exhaust.

SourceOhio State University·DateSep 14, 2004

Study published in Mayo Clinic Proceedings finds risk of ADHD greater in boys

A new study published in Mayo Clinic Proceedings found that males are at a higher risk for ADHD than females, with low maternal and paternal education levels increasing the risk. Researchers analyzed birth certificates of children born between 1976 and 1982 and identified those with ADHD using medical and school records.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalMayo Clinic Proceedings·DateSep 14, 2004

Understanding celiac disease

Researchers found that IL15 induces a series of biochemical changes in NKG2D signaling pathway converting CTL cells into Lymphokine-Activated Killer Cells. MICA molecules are present in elevated amounts in celiac patients' intestinal cells, providing a target for immune cell attacks

SourceCell Press·JournalImmunity·DateSep 14, 2004
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Galactic ballet captured by Gemini

The Gemini Observatory has released a breathtaking image of Stephan's Quintet, capturing the intricate interactions between five galaxies. The image showcases sweeping arches of gas and dust, tracing the ongoing dance of gravitational forces that have warped their structures over millions of years.

SourceScience and Technology Facilities Council·DateSep 14, 2004

Use of beta-blockers associated with decreased risk for fractures

A large case-control analysis found that use of beta-blockers, alone or combined with thiazide diuretics, is associated with a significantly decreased fracture risk. Long-term users showed a 29% lower risk of fractures, particularly in men, while women exhibited a weaker association.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateSep 14, 2004

'I, RoboNet' - intelligent telescopes survey the violent skies

Astronomers launch RoboNet, a global network of robotic telescopes using intelligent software to rapidly observe sudden changes in astronomical objects. The project aims to discover Earth-like planets and study Gamma Ray Bursts, exploiting the large size of the telescopes and sensitive instrumentation.

SourceScience and Technology Facilities Council·DateSep 14, 2004

Byproduct of water-disinfection process found to be highly toxic

A recent study by the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign has discovered a highly toxic byproduct in chloramines-treated water. Iodoacids have been found to be DNA-damaging and more toxic than previously regulated DBPs, raising health concerns and prompting calls for a delay in EPA's Stage 2 rule.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateSep 14, 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.

Youth drinking trends stabilize, consumption remains high

According to a recent study, youth drinking rates have stabilized in the US since the early 1990s, with over 80% of adolescents consuming alcohol by age 12th-grader. The stable prevalence rates are concerning, highlighting the need for continued efforts to prevent underage drinking.

SourceNIH/National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism·DateSep 14, 2004

Scientists tame 'hip hop' atoms

Researchers use custom-built microscope to manipulate cobalt atoms on a copper lattice, observing and controlling atomic motion. The 'hip hop' sound effect is generated by converting electronic signals into audio, allowing real-time monitoring of atom position.

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

Racial segregation in daily flux in Los Angeles

A Dartmouth College study found that groups are less segregated at work than at home in greater Los Angeles, with interracial contact increasing during the workday. Notably, African Americans remain highly segregated both at work and home, while immigrants from Mexico and whites disperse more during the day.

SourceDartmouth College·JournalAnnals of the Association of American Geographers·DateSep 14, 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.

Scientists at UCSB make important discoverythat increases understanding of multiple sclerosis

UCSB researchers have discovered that changes in lipid composition of myelin lead to the unraveling of MS. The study shows how myelin basic protein acts as a patch to fill holes and maintain insulation from the sheath. This new knowledge may suggest methods for treating MS before it progresses.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 14, 2004

Study looks at quality of life five years after prostate cancer diagnosis

A new study found that prostate cancer treatment can significantly impact men's quality of life, with both radical prostatectomy and radiotherapy causing declines in sexual function, urinary incontinence, and bowel issues. The study, which followed over 1,100 men with clinically localized prostate cancer, suggests that the treatments d...

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateSep 14, 2004

Other highlights in the September 15 JNCI

Researchers found no clear association between atrazine exposure and cancer in a large cohort study. Additionally, studies on alcohol consumption and gastric cancer incidence revealed mixed results, while an animal study demonstrated the potential of mammaglobin-A immunotherapy as breast cancer treatment.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateSep 14, 2004

A simpler design for x-ray detectors

Researchers have developed a simpler design for x-ray detectors that offers 30 times better energy resolution than existing detectors, enabling more accurate identification of elements. The new design combines normal and superconducting metals into one layer, reducing fabrication steps and increasing sensor stability.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateSep 14, 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.

Peering inside the body, with a new spin—literally

Researchers develop 'slow MAS' technique to study metabolism, diagnose diseases and observe cell physiology without harming animals. The non-invasive method uses pulsed radio waves to separate signals from unwanted spinning side bands.

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·DateSep 14, 2004

URI oceanographers to build laboratory to study subseafloor life

A new portable field laboratory will enable researchers to sample subsurface life from diverse marine environments, including estuaries and deeply buried sediments. The facility will aid in the training of young scientists and enhance existing research on extremophilic communities.

SourceUniversity of Rhode Island·DateSep 14, 2004

Certain components of the brain's 'executive functions' are compromised early in abstinence

Heavy alcohol consumption can compromise multiple domains of executive functioning early in abstinence. This study found significant differences between male veterans with and without a history of heavy drinking on cognitive tests such as abstract reasoning and memory discrimination. Researchers suggest that developing therapies to cap...

SourceAlcoholism: Clinical & Experimental Research·DateSep 14, 2004

Science of perception

A novel experiment revealed that experts in fine visual distinctions can process faces and other objects using the same neural networks, contradicting previous theories. This discovery has implications for our understanding of autism, national security, and expert recognition abilities.

SourceBrown University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 14, 2004

Eliminating disparities in children's health care will require broad quality improvement effort

Eliminating disparities in children's healthcare will require a broad quality improvement effort involving federal oversight, increasing public insurance coverage, data collection, and workforce diversity. Key areas of focus include improving care for children in public programs, community health centers, and private physicians' practi...

SourceCommonwealth Fund·JournalHealth Affairs·DateSep 14, 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.

Energy drink Red Bull® does not maintain alcohol's buzz

A recent study published in Alcoholism: Clinical & Experimental Research found that energy drinks like Red Bull do not improve physical performance when consumed with alcohol. The researchers surveyed Brazilian nightclub-goers and found that the combination of energy drinks and alcohol did not reduce depressant effects or increase stim...

SourceAlcoholism: Clinical & Experimental Research·DateSep 14, 2004

Emergency 'shoelacing' for fractured phone systems

The 'shoelacing' technique allows for quick activation of emergency phone service by connecting surviving phone system links and Internet links. By the end of the ATP project in Spring 2005, TeleContinuity plans to develop an enhanced version with advanced Web-based controls.

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

Simian virus 40 not associated with non-Hodgkin lymphoma, study shows

A population-based case-control study found no association between SV40 exposure and increased risk of NHL. SV40 seropositivity was detected in 7-10% of patients and less than 2% of controls, indicating a possible cross-reactivity with related human polyomaviruses.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateSep 14, 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.

A liking for sweets, combined with novelty seeking, may predict alcoholism

Research suggests a combination of sweet liking and novelty seeking can predict alcoholism in individuals, particularly children of alcoholic fathers. Sweet likers with high novelty seeking are more likely to develop alcoholism due to related brain function and sensitivity to rewarding effects.

SourceAlcoholism: Clinical & Experimental Research·DateSep 14, 2004

Genetically modified bacterium as remedy for intestinal diseases

A genetically modified bacterium, Lactococcus, has been engineered to produce a therapeutic protein that protects the epithelium and heals intestinal tissues. The bacteria shows great promise in treating both acute and chronic intestinal inflammation, including Crohn's disease.

SourceVIB (the Flanders Institute for Biotechnology)·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateSep 14, 2004

Work together, live apart: Study shows racial divide in America's cities

Researchers found that racial segregation patterns diverge between home and work life, with blacks being the most segregated, while whites and Mexican immigrants work over wider areas. Workplace diversity is increasing due to immigration, potentially leading to reduced residential segregation in the future.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalAnnals of the Association of American Geographers·DateSep 14, 2004