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Science News Archive September 2004


Page 2 of 12

Cardiac arrest may hinder ability to learn certain tasks

Research suggests that cardiac arrest can cause structural changes in neurons, leading to memory deficits and behavioral changes. The study found that mice with a heart attack had difficulty learning new spatial tasks compared to healthy mice.

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.

DNA lends scientists a hand, revealing new chemical reactions

Researchers led by Harvard University's David R. Liu report a highly efficient system for reaction discovery using DNA-templated synthesis, allowing a single researcher to evaluate thousands of potential chemical reactions in just two days. The technique taps the unique assembly power of nucleic acids to address fundamental challenges ...

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.

Caffeine withdrawal recognized as a disorder

Researchers validated five clusters of common withdrawal symptoms: headache, fatigue, dysphoric mood, difficulty concentrating, and flu-like symptoms. A stepwise approach can eliminate severe withdrawal symptoms by gradually reducing caffeine consumption.

UT Southwestern biochemist honored with NIH Director's Pioneer Award

Steve McKnight's research on gene regulation and the body's internal clock has led to discoveries that may help understand and treat insomnia and depression. The NIH Pioneer Award recognizes his innovative work in taking creative risks and achieving groundbreaking accomplishments.

Plants will not save us from greenhouse gases

Researchers led by Graham Bell discovered that increased carbon dioxide concentrations negatively impact algae growth, disproving the notion that plants absorb extra CO2. The study's findings have implications for all plant species, including agricultural ones, as fossil fuel emissions continue to rise.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Award winning researchers reveal potential new role for Glivec

A Phase II study has shown that the drug imatinib is active against a rare type of cancer called DFSP, achieving complete control in eight out of ten patients. The research team believes molecular analysis can predict patient response to treatment based on genetic profiles.

Bacteria's 'glue valve' surprises scientists

Researchers discovered that the HMW1B protein forms a tetramer structure, unlike previously thought monomers, which creates an active pore for substance movement across cell membranes. This finding may lead to new targets for drugs to treat H. influenzae infection.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Laser wakefield acceleration: Channeling the best beams ever

Researchers at Berkeley Lab develop a technique to channel laser-powered plasma waves, creating high-quality beams with particles over 80 MeV in energy. By optimizing plasma channel conditions and laser parameters, they achieve unprecedented beam intensity and suppress electron capture.

Alzheimer's disease is not accelerated aging

A review article suggests that age-associated executive function decline is due to frontal-striatal circuit changes, while medial temporal lobe memory system decline is more closely linked to Alzheimer's disease. Changes in white matter and neurotransmitter depletion also play a role.

Genetic differences might help distinguish thyroid cancers

Researchers at Ohio State University have identified five genes that can distinguish between papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) and follicular thyroid carcinoma (FTC), two types of thyroid cancer with different behaviors and treatments. The study's findings may lead to a valuable diagnostic tool, improving patient outcomes.

Brain-scanning life's memories yields new insights

Researchers created new memories in subjects and studied their recall in the laboratory using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). They found that recalling autobiographical memories activated similar brain areas as laboratory memories, but also distinct self-referential processing regions. This study provides new insights int...

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

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Pacific Northwest team unveils largest virus proteome to date

A team from Pacific Northwest National Laboratory and Oregon Health & Science University has discovered a record number of proteins for the highly infectious human cytomegalovirus, doubling the previously identified amount. The study reveals that HCMV may express as many as 200 proteins at various points in its life cycle.

Pack-MULEs are toting a new look at plant evolution

Researchers find that transposable elements, called Pack-MULEs, copy themselves prolifically and rearrange genes, making them newly discovered players in evolution. The discovery elevates these little-considered elements to potentially major players in the process of evolution.

Studies strengthen kidney and heart disease link

Two studies strengthen the connection between chronic kidney disease (CKD) and cardiovascular disease, showing that reduced kidney function increases the risk of death, heart disease, and hospitalization. Early detection and treatment are crucial to slow CKD progression and prevent these complications.

New surface chemistry may extend life of technology for making transistors

Scientists at the University of Illinois developed a new surface chemistry method to control defects in silicon wafers, extending the life of transistor technology. This technique uses nitrogen-containing gases to saturate dangling bonds and remove interstitials, resulting in shallower active regions and enhanced dopant activation.

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.

The UK's productivity gap: The latest evidence from economic research

The UK's productivity gap with the US, France, and Germany is substantial, driven by factors such as capital investment, skills, and innovation. Research suggests that improving competition, investing in physical and human capital, and enhancing management skills can help bridge the gap.

E-learning attracts the 'usual suspects'

The Adult Learning@Home project found that e-learning is often associated with the same factors that determine school-leaving age, such as sex and socio-economic background. Despite universal access to ICTs, actual use is limited to just over half of the adult population.

Good vibrations in the nanoworld

Carbon nanotubes' electronic and mechanical properties are highly dependent on the presence of defects, which alter their vibrational modes and affect electrical conductivity and heat transport. The study demonstrates the importance of understanding these effects for optimizing nanoscale devices.

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.

Researchers use semiconductors to set speed limit on light

Scientists have successfully slowed down the group velocity of light in semiconductors, achieving speeds of about 6 miles per second. This breakthrough could lead to faster optical networks and higher performance communications, enabling applications like 3-D graphics transmission and high-resolution video conferencing.

Microscopic miracles

The development of nanomedicines has led to significant advances in the diagnosis and treatment of disease. Thousands of patients are already benefiting from products used to treat conditions such as cancer, AIDS, and arthritis.

Supernova warning system will give astronomers earlier notice

The SNEWS system, an international collaboration of neutrino observatories, aims to provide astronomers with a prompt alert for galactic supernovas. This network can electronically compare data to increase scientists' confidence that a neutrino signal is really from a supernova.

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.

Giving computers the jitters helps explain human behavior

A computer program simulated how people who felt threatened would respond to a serial subtraction problem, showing a 25% decrease in performance speed. Increasing knowledge through instruction and practice, or continuously checking results to bolster confidence, can help individuals switch their pre-task appraisal from threatening to c...

Study: Emission of smog ingredients from trees is increasing rapidly

A Princeton University study found that changes in U.S. forests caused by land use practices have increased the emission of smog-producing chemicals from trees, which may have worsened ozone pollution in some parts of the country. The study suggests that intensified tree farming and other land use changes have altered the mix of trees ...

MR imaging during brain surgery improves tumor removal

Intraoperative MRI improved tumor removal by detecting additional tissue that needed to be removed, altering surgical strategy in 27.5% of cases. High-field MRI provides better image quality and reduced scan time, but its high cost is a limiting factor.

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.

Researchers find signs of grain milling, baking 23,000 years ago

Researchers at Harvard University have found evidence of ancient grain milling and baking 23,000 years ago in present-day Israel. The discovery provides insight into the transition from foraging to food production, revealing that humans first developed technologies to process wild grains around 20,000 years ago.

Winning combination to build bone density in children

A study by the University of Wales and the University of Exeter suggests that high levels of calcium intake combined with vigorous daily exercise are crucial for building and retaining bone mass in children. The researchers found that children should engage in at least 25-40 minutes of vigorous activity and consume at least 700-800 mil...

Gene clusters predict atherosclerosis severity, susceptibility

Researchers identified gene clusters that predict severe disease severity and location of atherosclerotic lesions in human aorta samples. The study used DNA microarray analysis to reveal 208 genes associated with severe disease and 28 genes related to disease location, showing promise for personalized medicine approaches.

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.

Far more men than women favor routine paternity testing at birth

A survey of over 700 adults found that 50% of men and only 32% of women supported routine paternity testing. The difference in response remained consistent despite marital and income status. Researchers speculate that women may seek a father's genetic heritage or parental investment, but this practice is rare due to the potential risks.

New guideline evaluates treatments for postherpetic neuralgia

The new guideline suggests tricyclic antidepressants, gabapentin, lidocaine skin patch, and opioids as effective in reducing pain from postherpetic neuralgia. However, the long-term effects of these treatments are not yet supported by sufficient data.

Wisconsin scientists develop quick botox test

The Wisconsin team developed two assays for botulinum toxin, including a real-time test and a cell-based assay that can screen millions of chemicals. The new technology could lead to the development of drugs that act like a prophylactic to confer protection from botulinum poisoning.

DMS offers guidance on educational research

Dartmouth Medical School emphasizes ongoing feedback and mentoring in its educational research environment. The school attributes its success to a supportive faculty culture and rigorous evaluation processes.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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Tracing genes, biologists show lizard migration is traced to Florida

Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis found that genetically distinct populations of brown lizards (Anolis sagrei) introduced to five countries can be traced back to Florida. The study, which analyzed DNA from over 600 individuals, suggests that the Sunshine State is a key site for species migration.

Indiana University, EPA to study airborne PCBs

Scientists at Indiana University and the EPA will study the circulation of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) between the air and Great Lakes, aiming to inform new clean-up policies. Elevated PCB levels have led to fish consumption advisories for all five Great Lakes, with implications for human health.

Big cities and small towns bear similar risks of gun death

The study found that rural counties had over 1.5 times the rate of gun suicides compared to urban counties, while urban areas experienced almost twice the gun homicide rate of rural counties. Gun suicides have outpaced gun homicides in the US, accounting for over half of all firearm deaths.

GoPro HERO13 Black

GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.

Evidence builds for potential new cancer drug target

Researchers at Temple University validated the c-myb gene as a potential cancer drug target by demonstrating its critical role in white blood cell formation. The study found that deleting the gene reduced cell proliferation and the risk of developing cancer, offering hope for future breast cancer treatments.

Chronic opiate use may raise vulnerability to stress

Researchers found that chronic exposure to morphine makes nerve cells more sensitive to stress, leading to increased anxiety and disrupted sleep patterns. The study suggests that this sensitivity may play a role in the cycle of addiction that causes drug abusers to continue seeking drugs.

Trial lawyers and lawsuits -- research shows public doesn't get the whole truth

A study by University of Washington researchers finds that press coverage of lawsuits often portrays plaintiffs winning far more frequently than they do in reality. The distortion is attributed to a combination of factors, including corporate public relations campaigns and the tendency of news media to skim on scientific evidence.

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.

Newly identified master gene key in baby's first breath

Researchers have identified Foxa2 as a master gene controlling lung development and function at birth. The absence of Foxa2 leads to respiratory distress syndrome and death, highlighting its crucial role in stabilizing surfactant production.

DNA barcode finds four new bird species

Researchers discover two distinct COI barcodes in each of four species: solitary sandpiper, eastern meadowlark, marsh wren and warbling vireo. The findings indicate that these species should be split, confirming suspicions among taxonomists.

Vietnam veterans had higher death rates after discharge than other veterans

Over 30 years of follow-up, Vietnam veterans experienced a 7% higher death rate from external causes, including motor vehicle collisions, suicides, and homicides. This excess mortality was limited to the first five years after discharge, but also included higher mortality rates from unintentional poisonings and drug-related deaths.

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.