Bluesky Facebook Reddit Email

Science News Archive September 2004


Page 7 of 12

Picking prostanoids to provide protection

Researchers found that prostacyclin (PGI) protects against atherosclerosis, while thromboxane A2 (TXA2) promotes its development. TP antagonists and molecules with PG-like activity may aid in atherosclerosis prevention, aligning with previous work on low-dose aspirin therapy.

Brain has center for detecting sound motion

Researchers identified a brain region that processes sound location and motion, with impaired function leading to 'cortical motion deafness'. The study provides evidence of an auditory motion module within the right posterior superior temporal gyrus.

Hardy buoys: Texas A&M project predicts oil spill movements

The Texas Automated Buoy System (TABS) uses nine buoys to predict oil spill movements, saving the state up to $250,000 in cleanup costs. The buoys also aid in locating ship passengers lost overboard and helped retrieve the Ehime Maru, a Japanese vessel sunk by a U.S. submarine.

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.

Earth's best view of the stars – Antarctica's Dome C

Astronomers have successfully taken high-quality images using a ground-based telescope at Dome C, Antarctica, which rivals the capabilities of the Hubble Space Telescope. The site offers excellent seeing conditions and low atmospheric interference, making it an attractive alternative to space-based astronomy.

The machinery of forgetting fears

Researchers found that the amygdala is involved in both fear acquisition and unlearning, while the ventral medial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC) plays a critical role in retaining extinction learning. The study provides evidence that the mechanisms of extinction learning may be preserved across species.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Carbon nanotube oscillator might weigh a single atom

Researchers at Cornell University have created a tiny oscillator that uses a carbon nanotube to vibrate at radio frequencies, enabling mass sensing and gas detection capabilities. The device is so small that it can potentially weigh individual atoms, offering new possibilities for scientific research and applications.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

'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.

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.

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.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

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.

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.

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...

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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...

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.

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.

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.

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.

UBC discovery is gateway to new stroke treatments

Researchers have found that astrocytes play a key role in regulating blood flow within the brain, and may hold promise as a target for new therapies to treat strokes. The study, funded by CIHR and Canadian Stroke Network, could lead to new treatments within 5-10 years.

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.

Many who cut back on Rx drugs to cut costs don't tell doctors

A study finds that two-thirds of chronically ill patients cut back on prescription drugs due to cost concerns, but few inform their doctors. The researchers recommend healthcare providers take the initiative to ask patients about cost issues and educate them on necessary medications. Most patients who spoke up received help through fre...

Lewis and Clark slip through climatic window to the West

The Lewis and Clark expedition successfully traversed the new frontier due to a favorable climatic window that allowed for abundant food sources. If they had traveled during an intense drought, their journey might have been significantly impacted, potentially altering the course of U.S. expansion into the West.

Privacy rule builds biomedical research bottleneck

The Privacy Rule, introduced in April 2003, restricts what health professionals can do with patient information, hindering the recruitment of participants for clinical trials. As a result, researchers must spend months compiling registries or devising alternative approaches to contact potential study subjects.

Mild Alzheimer's leads to errors on driving test

A recent study found that people with mild Alzheimer's disease are more likely to make driving errors during a route-following task, including wrong turns and safety errors. However, those familiar with the area drove safely, suggesting that familiar routes may be exempt from restrictions for drivers with early dementia.

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.

Molecule awakens and maintains neural connections

A team of scientists has identified a protein called Dasm1 that plays a crucial role in regulating dendritic spine growth and synapse maturation. The discovery sheds light on the mechanisms underlying brain development and memory formation, suggesting a potential control molecule for both processes.

Many patients don't tell doctors they won't use prescribed medications

A study of 660 chronically ill adults found that many patients with high medical expenses underuse essential medications, leading to increased emergency department visits and poorer health outcomes. Despite this, healthcare providers often fail to address medication costs, leaving patients vulnerable to financial burden.

Cancer survivors' other medical problems poorly managed

A recent study found that cancer survivors are less likely to receive recommended medical care for their chronic diseases, including diabetes, heart disease, and strokes. The authors conclude that cancer patients' other medical issues may be ignored due to a focus on the prior malignancy.

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.

Can an old gene learn new tricks?

Researchers discovered that the Hmx gene, which was previously thought to only develop the central nervous system in fruit flies, can also direct development of the inner ear and hypothalamus in mice. This suggests that old genes can be repurposed for new functions through regulatory element shuffling, enabling evolutionary advancements.

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.

Hydrocarbons in the deep Earth?

Researchers found that methane formed through reducing carbon in calcite at temperatures and pressures of about 1000 degrees F and less than 70,000 times atmospheric pressure. The study's implications are significant for the ecology and economy of our planet if abiogenic hydrocarbons are produced in the deep Earth.

Inflammatory marker may be early sign of blood vessel blockages

A study by Mayo Clinic researchers found that high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) is associated with the presence of atherosclerotic plaques in the arteries, even if symptoms are absent. Elevated hs-CRP levels may indicate an increased risk of cardiovascular events like heart attacks.

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.