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Science News Archive 2005


Page 67 of 165

Tough new probe developed for nanotechnologists

Scientists from Northwestern University and Argonne National Laboratory have created a new type of atomic force microscopy (AFM) probe made from ultra-nano-crystalline diamond, exhibiting properties similar to single-crystal diamond. The development enables improved durability and scalability for high-resolution imaging.

Some really are better with names than faces, study shows

Researchers discovered that children with Nonverbal Learning Disability (NLD) struggle to recognize faces, particularly immediately after seeing them. The study's findings open up new avenues for research into this condition, which affects less than 1% of the population.

Molecular mechanism of feather formation found

Researchers have identified a key role for two proteins, SHH and Bmp2, in the development of barbs on feathers. The dynamic signaling interaction between these proteins supports an activator-inhibitor mechanism, which explains how feather patterning is achieved.

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.

Rubble-pile minor planet Sylvia and her twins

Astronomers have discovered a triple asteroid system, with minor planet 87 Sylvia and its twin moons Romulus and Remus. The asteroids were found using the NACO instrument at ESO's Very Large Telescope Array in Chile, revealing details about their orbits and composition.

Promising therapies for haemophilia & heart disease

Researchers have discovered a promising new treatment option for haemophilia and heart disease by targeting the P-selectin protein. Infusion of P-selectin could provide an affordable and effective means of achieving clotting to stop bleeding incidents in haemophiliacs.

Standardized guidelines improve outcomes in stroke care

Researchers found improved rates of optimal treatment after implementing standardized stroke care guidelines, including administration of tPA within three hours and cholesterol-lowering medications at discharge. The study showed a significant increase in the percentage of patients receiving optimal treatment from 44% to 63%.

International research team announces finished rice genome

The completed rice genome provides a roadmap for agricultural researchers to develop new varieties of rice with increased yields and resistance to disease. With its finished sequence, scientists can identify genes responsible for fundamental processes such as flowering and disease resistance.

NIST demonstrates better memory with quantum computer bits

NIST demonstrates improved quantum memory capabilities, enabling qubits to maintain superpositions over 1 million times longer. This advance significantly reduces the computing resources needed to correct memory errors in fault-tolerant quantum computers.

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.

Worm studies give researchers new perspective on embryo formation

Scientists have developed a detailed view of early embryo development in Caenorhabditis elegans, revealing molecular interaction networks that drive growth and specialization. The 'molecular machines' identified by the researchers coordinate proper development, with potential roles for unstudied genes.

Exercise aside, genes may ultimately dictate seniors' mobility

A study by University of Florida researchers found that certain gene variants interact with physical activity to affect mobility in seniors. Those with specific genes, such as the DD genotype, were more likely to remain mobile and experienced less decline, even among those who exercised regularly.

Sticky mutant proteins implicated in Lou Gehrig's disease

Research reveals that sticky mutant proteins in patients with inherited ALS cause the disease by promoting abnormal interactions with other proteins or membranes. The study suggests that understanding how tissues handle these protein forms could lead to new treatments for some forms of ALS.

Nitrogen in the air feeds the oceans

A USC oceanographer's long-term study confirms that the marine food chain depends largely on atmospheric nitrogen, which nourishes teeming life near the surface. The finding also demonstrates the oceans' substantial role in absorbing greenhouse gases, including carbon dioxide.

Retail utopia

Researchers uncover how utopian meanings are constructed in retail environments through the lens of a transformed 18th-century home. The study reveals the dynamic qualities of these spaces and their role in both escaping crass commercialization and fostering consumer resistance.

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.

Researchers discover new tumor defense system

Tumors secrete fatty acids that block cytotoxic T lymphocytes' ability to kill cancer cells, reducing the efficacy of anti-cancer therapies. This discovery raises possibilities for new therapeutic targets and monitoring tumor aggressiveness through free fatty acid levels.

Are hurricanes increasing? Ask a Georgia pine tree

Researchers have developed a new technique using oxygen isotopes in tree rings to identify past hurricanes. By analyzing late-season growth, they found records of all known hurricanes that hit the Southeastern US over the past 50 years, and even back as far as 1450 AD.

Ecology must be part of research on renewable energy

A review highlights the need for ecological consideration in renewable energy development, particularly offshore wind farms. Environmental impacts of construction, operation, and decommissioning of these projects could harm coastal species and ecosystems. However, offshore renewables also offer opportunities to enhance local biodiversity.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

NYU biologists map out early stages of embryo formation

Researchers at NYU's Center for Comparative Functional Genomics have developed a diagram for the early stages of embryo formation in C. elegans, suggesting a core set of less than 1,000 genes are required for coordination. This finding may provide new insights into human embryogenesis and cancer research.

Cancer link with hormone therapy known since 1930s, say researchers

Researchers argue that the pharmaceutical industry and medical professionals colluded to promote the view that menopause is a 'deficiency disease' for which women needed long-term treatment. This has led to increased risk of cancer, cardiovascular health issues, and other adverse effects.

$3.4 million directed to key UW-Madison MS study

Researchers at UW-Madison are developing cell transplant techniques to repair damaged myelin and protect nerve fibers in multiple sclerosis. The $3.4 million grant will support the use of human stem cells and minocycline, an antibiotic with anti-inflammatory properties.

$15.6 million awarded for nervous system repair in multiple sclerosis

Researchers have been awarded $15.6 million to develop tools for repairing nervous tissue damage in multiple sclerosis (MS), a promising step forward for this debilitating disease. The funds will support international collaborations of leading scientists and physicians working to protect against and repair MS-related nerve damage.

Are consumers receiving the information they need to choose stocks?

A study published in Journal of Consumer Research found that consumers tend to buy past winners and sell past losers in the stock market, violating the normative rule of buying low and selling high. This bias may make it easier for advertisers to negatively influence consumer decisions.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Consumer study explores the continued popularity of 'Reality' TV

The study found that reality TV's appeal stems from its unique blend of fantastic and indexical elements, allowing viewers to compare their lives to those of the show's participants. This authenticity-driven engagement is a reflection of modernist nostalgia for genuine experiences among consumers.

Harry: The wizard of DVT

A new study involving 30,000 people worldwide will investigate travel-related DVT and its prevention. Professor Harry Büller's research has made significant advances in diagnosing and treating blood clots, with 90% of patients now able to be treated outside hospital

First triple asteroid system found

Astronomers have discovered the first triple asteroid system, 87 Sylvia, consisting of a large asteroid and two smaller moons, Romulus and Remus. The discovery reveals that the asteroids may be formed from debris left over from collisions between larger asteroids.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Revelations of rice

The University of Arizona team successfully mapped and sequenced the rice genome, unlocking the secrets of over 37,500 genes. This breakthrough will enable researchers to identify desirable traits such as drought tolerance and pest resistance, leading to improved rice varieties for global food security.

Back-to-back use of two drugs shows strong osteoporosis benefit

A new study shows that combining parathyroid hormone and alendronate for a year followed by a year increases bone density significantly more than other treatments, providing sustained gains. The treatment has the potential to offer the largest gains in bone density yet available at a lower cost than using parathyroid hormone alone.

Feeding the world

The completed rice genome sequence provides a raw material for studies aimed at improving the agricultural yield of the world's most important food source. The sequence reveals some 37,500 genes on the 12 chromosomes of rice, closely related to other major cereal grasses.

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.

Immune system discovery offers hope for cancer, AIDS patients

Scientists have discovered a way to regrow the thymus, which produces T cells required to fight infection, through inhibiting sex steroids. This breakthrough offers new hope for treating cancer, AIDS, and other immunodeficiencies by improving T cell responses and recovery following bone marrow transplants.

Volcanoes inner workings disclosed when the Earth moved

Researchers studied tiltmeter data from the Soufriere Hills Volcano to understand its behavior and inner workings. They found that pressure is centered around a half mile below the dome or nearly 2.5 miles above the magma chamber, suggesting a more extensive region involved in pressurization.

On the horizon: A 'rinse' for washing machines that dries clothes

Engineers at the University of Florida have developed a water-shedding compound that reduces water retention in fabrics by up to 20%, resulting in faster drying times for clothes. This innovation has the potential to save consumers $266 million annually and reduce residential electricity consumption by 5%.

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.

NIGMS funds new stem cell centers

The National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS) has funded three new Exploratory Centers for Human Embryonic Stem Cell Research. The centers will establish core facilities to support scientists and advance fundamental knowledge of human embryonic stem cell properties and functions.

Cocoa is the new red wine

Research shows that cocoa's flavinoids can inhibit platelet function, potentially preventing coronary heart disease. In contrast, people with non-O blood types are at increased risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), particularly those carrying the Factor V Leiden variant protein.

Rethinking anti-oxidants

Researchers have discovered a novel probucol-analog that effectively protects against atherosclerosis without the same side effects as its predecessor. This breakthrough compound induces an anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory pathway in blood vessel walls, offering new hope for treating people with or at risk of heart disease.

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.

Genetics may affect how older adults respond to exercise

A new study suggests that a specific gene affecting angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) levels may influence physical function in older adults. Older exercisers with lower ACE production were found to be 45% more likely to experience mobility difficulties compared to those with higher ACE production.

How the brain understands pictures

A Johns Hopkins University study reveals the brain's subconscious process of organizing images into a 'whole' even when focusing on only one part. The research, based on nerve cell recordings in macaque monkeys, suggests that the brain continuously organizes scenes, even when attending to small parts.

Nutrition scientists take a look at cataract prevention

Researchers at the Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy at Tufts University have found that long-term vitamin E supplementation may delay cataract development. Additionally, higher intakes of riboflavin and thiamin were associated with reduced cataract progression in women. However, the study's findings on dietary fat intake...

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 'smart' bio-nanotube

Scientists have developed a novel structure made from cell components that can assemble into nanotubes with controllable open or closed states. This innovation has the potential to deliver drugs or genes where they would be most effective, using the natural properties of cells similar to skin and bone.

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.

Penn physician urges revision of HIV-testing policies

A Penn physician argues that explicit consent is not necessary for HIV testing in critically ill patients, as it can lead to earlier application of life-saving therapies and reduce costs. Alternative methods, such as surrogate consent or court-ordered testing, may be more effective but also pose challenges.

India's smoking gun: Dino-killing eruptions

Researchers have found that the Deccan Traps, a massive lava flow in India, may have released climate-changing gases quickly enough to cause a deadly global climate shift. The team's study suggests that the eruptions could have contributed to the mass extinction event that wiped out the dinosaurs.

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.

Two new lemur species discovered

German and Malagasy primatologists have discovered two new lemur species, Mirza zaza and Microcebus lehilahytsara, highlighting biodiversity patterns among humans' closest relatives. The discoveries shed light on human origins and evolution, with lemurs being crucial to understanding ancient primate lineages.

Reclaimed wastewater

Wastewater can be safely reused for irrigation if pretreated, monitored, and using correct crops, say researchers. The study found that viruses in wastewater could linger in soil for up to a month, but were not detected on spinach leaves.

New discovery blurs distinction between human cells and those of bacteria

Scientists have discovered microcompartments in bacteria that challenge the long-held assumption of their simplicity, revealing a more complex organization than previously thought. The study provides the first structures of these protein shells and sheds light on their function, sparking potential biotechnology applications.

Gene therapy to treat haemophilia

Researchers have achieved a cure for haemophilia in dogs using gene transfer strategies. The study identified key problems to overcome before applying this approach in humans, including mode of delivery.

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.

Plants discriminate between self and non self

Researchers found that plants grow more and longer secondary roots on the non-self side, suggesting a mechanism based on physiological coordination. This coordination might involve internal pulsing of hormonal or electrical signals that desynchronize when plants are separated.