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Science News Archive 2005


Page 146 of 165

Biochemical marker aids prognosis in liver transplant patients

Researchers found that adding serum sodium to the MELD score significantly increases its accuracy in predicting short-term mortality among liver transplant patients with advanced cirrhosis. The study showed that hyponatremia was a more accurate marker of poor outcome than serum creatinine.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Looking through the Hubble Space Telescope with an artist's eye

Elizabeth Kessler's research examines how aesthetics influences the presentation of Hubble Space Telescope images, balancing art and science to evoke awe and wonder. Her study reveals how subjective choices in image processing create complex representations of the cosmos that fit within a Romantic landscape tradition.

RHESSI satellite captures giant gamma-ray flare

A massive gamma-ray flare from a magnetar was detected by the RHESSI satellite, emitting as much energy in two-tenths of a second as the sun gives off in 250,000 years. The event's immense power suggests a solution to the origins of short-duration gamma ray bursts.

Heart attack treatment gap may be closing for women

Women with acute coronary syndrome are being prescribed aspirin, beta-blockers, and statins as frequently as men, according to a recent study. However, significant disparities remain in the use of lipid-lowering medications, with women living significantly longer after their hospitalization.

Linguistic research moving in new direction

A new strand of research applies the principle of self-organization to linguistics, suggesting that languages follow a pattern of tendencies rather than universal grammar. The study involves computer simulations where computers develop a common vocabulary and recognize sounds, eventually creating homophones in context.

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.

Missing micronutrients - How best to nourish a child?

Research suggests that adding meat, milk, or energy-rich vegetable oils to cereal-based diets can improve iron, zinc, and vitamin B-12 intake in poor children. Biofortification of crops is also a possibility, but more research is needed to determine its impact.

NASA & National Park Service partner on Earth research

The partnership aims to utilize NASA satellite data to help manage forest resources in Acadia National Park. NPS and NASA will share information and collaborate on training, technical support, and education to benefit each other's goals.

Language development via the internet

The Internet has led to a renaissance in informal writing, with online diaries and blogs increasing expressive range. Professor Crystal argues that concerns about language deterioration are misplaced, as new technology has increased informality in writing.

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.

Climate threshold may alter economic picture of climate change

Researchers warn that economic models of climate change often neglect potential threshold responses, leading to biased policies. The development of observation systems that can detect early warning signals about these events could improve climate policies and have significant economic benefits.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

California researchers help map human genetic variation across populations

Researchers at Perlegen and Calit2 have developed a method to analyze whole-genome data, making it possible for genome-wide association studies to be performed on a reduced budget. The study reveals that most functional human genetic variation is not population-specific, with only 18% of SNPs segregating in one population sample.

Culture-specific exercise sparks interest of older women

A 12-week Tai Chi exercise program showed high completion rates and health benefits among 27 Chinese women with cardiovascular risk factors. The program's success was attributed to cultural relevance, accessibility, and the Yang Style of Tai Chi.

Were bigger brains really smarter?

Neurobiologist William H. Calvin argues that bigger brain size didn't lead to general intelligence improvements in human evolution. However, after a significant burst of creativity around 75,000 years ago, humans made rapid advancements in complex tasks like art and language.

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.

Women in science: Better in Britain?

A recent survey of UK scientists suggests a link between success and encouragement, with women performing better than men in some areas. The UK is working to improve these numbers through initiatives like the Athena Project, which aims to promote women's careers in science, engineering, and technology.

New study highlights universality of public views toward science and technology

A recent meta-analysis of 200 surveys found little cross-cultural variation in public perception of science, highlighting the need for coherent theories to explain public attitudes. The study also explored differences in how diverse cultures regard science, with Americans showing a lack of understanding and acceptance of new technologies.

Foiling fugitive fish

Researchers suggest introducing a new species to balance ecosystem health and mitigate the risk of farmed fish escapes. Dr. Ian Fleming argues that this could be a solution to limit ecological impact.

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.

Component of green tea protects injured livers in mice

The study found that EGCG protected fatty livers from cell damage after I/R injury, reducing necrosis and increasing viable tissue. It also reduced liver fat content by approximately 55 percent and increased hepatic energy stores.

Scripps researchers find clear evidence of human-produced warming in world's oceans

A new study by Scripps Institution uses computer models and real-world data to capture signals of human-produced warming in the oceans. The results show that the warming is likely caused by human activities, with a high degree of confidence exceeding 95%. This finding has significant implications for regional water supplies, including ...

Enzyme shown to help protect genomic stability

A study led by The Wistar Institute discovered that the enzyme Ubp10 plays a crucial role in protecting the genome's telomeric regions from destabilization. This protection may help prevent genetic recombinations that can trigger cancer or accelerate aging.

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 identify target for cancer drugs

Researchers at Whitehead Institute discover mTOR/rictor complex, a crucial component in Akt's activation process. This finding holds promise for developing targeted cancer therapies by blocking the complex and preventing tumor growth.

England is largely invisible to Whitehall after devolution

A new study found that Whitehall departments continue to prioritize devolved nations, leaving England with unclear territorial boundaries. The researchers suggest that a lack of cultural changes and misunderstandings have contributed to these issues.

New clues add 40,000 years to age of human species

Researchers have re-dated the Omo hominids fossils to approximately 196,000 years old, nearly 40,000 years older than previously thought. The discovery provides new insights into early human evolution and migration patterns.

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.

Stem-cell research hints at better looking cosmetic and reconstructive surgery

Researchers have developed stem-cell generated natural tissue implants that retain their shape and size over time, avoiding issues like implant rupture or cancer detection interference. This approach could eliminate the need for extensive surgery and provide a more natural-looking solution for reconstructive surgeries.

Vaccine may complement conventional treatment for chronic leukaemia

Researchers found that adding a vaccine targeting the Philadelphia chromosome protein can reduce residual disease and increase molecular response in patients with chronic myeloid leukaemia. The vaccine was shown to be effective in combination with imatinib and interferon alfa treatments.

Robots walk with close-to-human efficiency

Researchers at Cornell University and their colleagues have built robots that mimic the human gait, consuming energy comparable to a human walker. The robots use simple control programs, suggesting that steady-state human walking might require only simple control as well.

Purdue proves concept of using nano-materials for drug discovery

Researchers at Purdue University have created a chip with thousands of tiny vessels on top of a material containing pores to mimic synthetic cell membranes. This innovation aims to develop 'laboratories-on-a-chip' that can screen individual drugs and increase the efficiency of drug discovery.

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.

'I had them a moment ago, now where are my glasses?'

Researchers developed a mathematical model that explains how the brain carries out working memory tasks, including loading, holding, and comparing information. The model makes predictions about the neurological basis of working memory.

Miniaturized lab permits saliva screening on the go

Researchers have developed a miniaturized lab that can detect HIV and bacteria in saliva using a portable oral swab kit. The device analyzes samples quickly and accurately, making it useful for rapid response situations such as bioterrorism incidents or emergency room emergencies.

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.

Teams build robots that walk like humans

Three independent teams, including MIT, have developed walking robots that mimic human gait and control. The MIT robot, called Toddler, uses a learning program to adapt to terrain in under 20 minutes. The robots' efficiency and potential applications for robotic prostheses and understanding the human motor system are significant.

Discovery offers cancer prevention, diagnosis, treatment hopes

Researchers at Michigan State University have discovered a gene, oct-4, expressed in normal adult stem cells, which could lead to the development of cancer prevention and diagnosis tools. The study found that adult stem cells with the oct-4 gene are more prone to becoming cancerous than those without it.

JCI table of contents March 1, 2005

Researchers uncover how alpha-defensin-1 inhibits HIV infection in CD4+ T cells and how lubricin protects cartilage surfaces. These findings provide insights into innate immunity against HIV and may lead to the development of defensin-like drugs for prevention and treatment.

Mechanical tension helps shape lung development

Research by Ingber and colleagues found that manipulating mechanical force in developing mouse lungs can slow down or speed up growth, which could lead to novel treatments for lung conditions. This study sheds light on the importance of mechanobiology in understanding normal lung development and potential intervention pathways.

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.

Gene signature can predict breast cancer spread

Researchers identified a 76-gene signature that can predict disease relapse in patients with lymph-node negative breast cancer. The signature showed high sensitivity (93%) but lower specificity (48%) in predicting distant recurrence within five years.

Defensins ward off HIV in two ways

Researchers found that alpha-defensin-1 directly inactivates HIV when serum levels are low, while also acting on vulnerable cells to block infection. The study provides a basis for developing defensin-like drugs to prevent and treat HIV.

Scientists rid stem cell culture of key animal cells

Researchers at WiCell Research Institute and University of Wisconsin-Madison develop method to eliminate need for feeder cells, simplifying culture of human ES cells. The new approach uses protein FGF2 to preserve undifferentiated state and reduce differentiation.

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.

USGS featured at AAAS - Nation's largest science meeting

The USGS showcased its expertise in geospatial data sharing and the intersection of earth sciences with national security. The symposium brought together officials from various government agencies and state governments to discuss future coordination across the homeland security enterprise.

Mayo Clinic study finds obese kidney donors face few increased risks

A retrospective study of over 500 patients found that obese kidney donors experienced similar short-term outcomes to non-obese donors, despite prior cardiovascular disease risks. The study highlights the need for longer follow-up periods to assess potential long-term differences in obese donors.

Small is different

Computer simulations have revealed that gold is an effective catalyst when it's in clusters of eight to two dozen atoms, and electrical charging plays a crucial role. This breakthrough has opened up new avenues for exploring environmental effects on catalysis.

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.

Bipedal bots to star at AAAS media briefing

Researchers unveiled a new breed of energy-efficient bipedal robots with a human-like gait. The robots use passive-dynamic walking devices to reduce power consumption, enabling applications in prosthetic devices and robotic control.

Ali Nayfeh earns Virginia's Lifetime Achievement in Science award

Nayfeh has made significant contributions to the field of nonlinear dynamics, including developing a new methodology for controlling ship motions and analyzing acoustic waves in aircraft engine-duct systems. His work has improved the understanding of complex phenomena such as subharmonic and superharmonic resonances in ships and boats.