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Science News Archive 2005 - Page 155


Page 155 of 165

What does an airline traveler have in common with a glowing fish?

Researchers have created a new tool to investigate the components of the circadian clock in vertebrates using transgenic zebrafish that luminesce in sync with their periodicity. The study reveals that aspects of circadian rhythms develop in specific stages, rather than being hardwired into the embryo.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateJan 31, 2005

New nicotine-like imaging agent holds promise in PET studies, may help diagnose Alzheimer's disease

Researchers have developed a new fluorine-18 labeled imaging agent, nifrolidine, which binds to a receptor involved in cognition and learning. This receptor is also linked to nicotine addiction and lung cancer, making it a potential target for early Alzheimer's disease diagnosis and treatment.

SourceSociety of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging·JournalJournal of Nuclear Medicine·DateJan 31, 2005

Scientists close in on 'superbrakes' for cars

Researchers create a new mathematical model that explains the relationship between friction and motion, suggesting that traditional braking methods may not be the most effective. The findings could lead to improved road safety by optimizing brake performance.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalNew Journal of Physics·DateJan 31, 2005

Physicists discover temperature key to avalanche movement

Researchers have devised a thermometer that can measure granular temperature based on the degree of agitation of its component particles. The discovery could lead to better understanding of powders and particulate materials in industries such as pharmaceuticals, food processing, and construction.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalNew Journal of Physics·DateJan 31, 2005

New insight into regulation of blood stem cells

A new study found that the transcription factor c-Myb regulates hematopoiesis at multiple points, controlling HSC self-renewal and proliferation. This breakthrough has significant implications for developing compounds to regulate stem cell fate decisions, a potential game-changer for stem cell therapy.

SourceCell Press·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateJan 31, 2005

Wine drinkers live longer than beer guzzlers

Substances in wine have been shown to share the characteristics of ethanol, preventing blood clotting and providing cardio-protective effects. Additionally, wine has been found to reduce mortality from cancer compared to other alcoholic beverages, thanks to its antioxidant properties.

SourceBlackwell Publishing Ltd.·JournalJournal of Thrombosis and Haemostasis·DateJan 31, 2005

Northern women: Tough enough

A study of 25 northern British Columbia women reveals three key coping mechanisms: becoming hardy, making the best of the North and supplementing it. These strategies involve self-reliance, spiritual beliefs, outdoor activities and social support networks.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalQualitative Health Research·DateJan 31, 2005

Optical tweezers prove Einstein right

Researchers have successfully measured the back-flow effect in Brownian motion, a phenomenon Einstein predicted but overlooked 100 years ago. The discovery uses optical tweezers technology to detect this effect, confirming a key aspect of Brownian motion theory.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalNew Journal of Physics·DateJan 31, 2005

Please, do disturb

Researchers found that chaos and noise are essential for maintaining marine ecosystems, allowing plankton blooms to flourish even in suboptimal conditions. By adding noise to a system, it can become synchronized and sustained, contrary to previous assumptions.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalNew Journal of Physics·DateJan 31, 2005

More Britons live alone

A study of over 150,000 individuals in England and Wales found that the percentage of those living alone increased by 31% between 1971 and 2023, with men more prone to going solo after age 25. The trend is expected to continue, with younger generations increasingly choosing individual living.

Good medicine, good economics: African-Americans need equal treatment for pain, SLU study finds

A study by SLU researchers found that African-Americans receive less medical care and smaller compensation packages for work-related back injuries, leading to greater dissatisfaction and long-term disability. This disparity can result in increased costs for the system and individuals, highlighting the need for more equitable treatment.

SourceSaint Louis University·JournalPain Medicine·DateJan 28, 2005

Preschoolers not getting enough fiber

A study published in the Journal of the American Dietetic Association found that preschoolers who consumed more fiber had more nutrient-rich diets. Experts suggest increasing fiber consumption through whole-grain products and high-fiber cereals to support healthy growth and development.

SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of the American Dietetic Association·DateJan 28, 2005

Man and mouse share genome structures

Researchers analyzed chromatin structure in human chromosomes and found similar patterns in equivalent regions of the mouse genome, revealing new insights into regulatory functions and potential connections to cancer. This study advances our understanding of how genes are turned on and off, with implications for improving human health.

Article highlights confusion about Homeland Security safety symbols

A North Carolina State University study found that up to 79% of DHS safety symbols are unacceptable for communicating hazard-related information. The researchers recommend using human factors solutions such as testing, iterative comprehension testing, and public awareness campaigns to improve the effectiveness of these symbols.

SourceHuman Factors and Ergonomics Society·JournalErgonomics in Design The Quarterly of Human Factors Applications·DateJan 28, 2005

Cooling lessens brain damage in sick newborn babies

Researchers have found that cooling can significantly reduce brain damage in newborn babies who suffer from oxygen deprivation at birth. The treatment involves lowering the body temperature of the baby for 72 hours after birth using a water-filled cap. This breakthrough discovery has the potential to bring routine treatment to babies s...

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalThe Lancet·DateJan 27, 2005

Auditory screening for newborns can be successful, UT Southwestern researchers report

Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center successfully implemented Universal Newborn Hearing Screening, reducing the number of false positives and increasing follow-up rates. Rescreening infants four hours after birth improved outcomes, while providing outpatient retesting encouraged parents to return for further evaluation.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalThe Journal of Pediatrics·DateJan 27, 2005