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Science News Archive April 2005


Page 2 of 14

Patronizing behavior can negatively affect women employees' performance

A study led by Penn State University assistant professor Theresa Vescio found that patronizing behavior, characterized by giving subordinates praise while withholding resources, can lead to negative performance outcomes for women. This subtle form of sexism may allow discriminatory practices to go unnoticed.

AGU journal highlights - 27 April 2005

New research models long-term climate cycles like El Nino, finds molten rock makes big earthquakes bigger, and sheds light on Yellowstone's volcanic activity. A computer simulation produced El Nino-like climate cycles, while another study found that melted rock accelerates plate movement during earthquakes.

Chemical signatures for bioforensics

The research aims to determine a biological sample's origin by identifying markers, such as metal and protein changes. The Department of Homeland Security's Science and Technology Directorate funds the project.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Programmable cells: Engineer turns bacteria into living computers

Scientists have successfully programmed E. coli bacteria to respond to signals and form complex patterns, opening doors for biological computing and medical diagnosis. The breakthrough could lead to applications such as detecting chemicals or organisms in laboratory tests and guiding stem cells for tissue engineering.

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.

ASGE Foundation to hold first Crystal Awards Dinner

The ASGE Foundation's first Crystal Awards Dinner will pay tribute to recipients of the Society's highest honors, including Rudolf Schindler Award, Master Endoscopist Award, Distinguished Educator Award, and more. The event also raises funds for gastrointestinal endoscopy-related research and public education.

Herbal medicine may alter cell response to cancer therapeutic agents

A study found that commercially available extracts of black cohosh increased cell killing by two of four drugs used in cancer therapy for breast cancer patients. However, the herb also decreased the effectiveness of one drug. Further research is needed to understand why these effects occur.

'Live fast, die young' true for forests too

A USGS study reveals that the world's most productive forests, which add new growth each year, have lower birth and death rates. However, if these rates suddenly stop or double, tree numbers would halve in just 30 years. The study suggests that environmental changes considered beneficial to forests may bring about unexpected changes.

CyberWalk - unconstrained walking in virtual worlds

The CyberWalk project aims to create a fully immersive virtual environment that allows people to walk freely without restrictions. This will enable researchers to study human behavior patterns under controlled conditions. The platform, called the CyberCarpet, features thousands of pivoted spheres propelled by a treadmill.

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.

Harvard scientists create high-speed integrated nanowire circuits

Researchers create high-performance electronic devices using low-temperature fabrication and nanowires, outpacing comparable ring oscillators by a factor of 10,000. The technique paves the way for more complex nanoelectronics and could enable ubiquitous computing devices with improved speed and reduced costs.

NYU's Dalton Conley is the first sociologist to win NSF's Waterman Award

Dalton Conley, a prominent NYU sociologist, has been recognized as one of the nation's top young sociologists by the National Science Foundation. His research focuses on how socioeconomic status and advantage are transmitted through generations, leading to social inequality, and explores how biological and social factors interact to pr...

'Surprising' findings reported about iron overload

A massive study of 100,000 individuals found that Caucasians have the highest prevalence of hemochromatosis/iron overload due to a specific gene mutation. In contrast, Asian and Pacific Islanders have high blood iron levels despite lower genetic mutations, suggesting a different underlying cause.

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.

How the environment could be damaging men's reproductive health

Studies suggest that environmental pollutants like POPs can change sperm distribution and contribute to male reproductive disorders. A Swedish study found a slight increase in Y chromosome-bearing sperm in fishermen exposed to persistent organochlorine pollutants.

OHSU study finds ginkgo beneficial for MS symptoms

A recent OHSU study suggests that ginkgo biloba may improve attention in MS patients with cognitive impairment, with minimal side effects. The study found that patients taking ginkgo performed better on a test measuring attention and executive functions compared to those receiving a placebo.

Wisconsin researchers identify sleep gene

Scientists at the University of Wisconsin-Madison have identified a key gene involved in regulating sleep duration, which could lead to new approaches to treating sleep irregularities. The study found that mutations in this gene affect the amount of sleep individuals need and can even impact life span.

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.

Innovative fountain pen writes on the nanoscale

Scientists have created a Nanofountain Probe that enables sub-100 nanometer molecular writing, a capability previously unattained. The device employs a volcano-like dispensing tip and capillary-fed solutions to achieve high-resolution direct writing.

Permitting workers to carry weapons ups the chance that they will be killed

Researchers found that permitting workers to carry guns on the job significantly increases the risk of homicide, with a nearly seven-fold increase in worker fatalities compared to workplaces where no firearms are allowed. This finding highlights the need for employers to reassess their policies on workplace gun permits.

Romond heads up study and reduces breast cancer recurrence

A recent study, led by Dr. Edward Romond, found that adding trastuzumab to chemotherapy significantly improves prognosis for women with aggressive HER-2 positive breast cancer. The study involved over 3,300 patients and demonstrated substantial benefits of combining trastuzumab with chemotherapy.

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.

Second consecutive UH win puts national spotlight on pharmacy student

Dana Hausmann, a fourth-year UH pharmacy student, won the contest for the second consecutive year, competing against 90 contenders from across the country. The victory highlights the college's emphasis on effective communication with patients, reflecting the quality education students receive from faculty.

Access to mammography may worsen

A 2001-2002 survey of 45 mammography facilities in three states found that 44% did not have enough radiologists on staff, and 46% reported difficulty maintaining qualified technologists. Scheduling delays for diagnostic and screening mammograms were common, with some facilities reporting waits of up to four weeks.

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.

Parent/child businesses stronger than those of cousins and colleagues

Research by Ensley and Pearson found that parent-child businesses exhibit higher levels of shared strategic cognition and lower conflict compared to familial and non-family teams. This suggests that the long-term relationship between family members may lead to stronger business outcomes.

Royal Society study on adaptability of fish to warming oceans

A Royal Society study found that Antarctic fish can compensate for the initial negative impact of elevated temperatures and regain their original performance levels despite being several degrees warmer. The study suggests that rising temperatures do not necessarily have a long-term negative impact on biodiversity.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Pi seems a good random number generator - but not always the best

A study by Purdue University researchers found that pi's randomness is acceptable for data encryption and physics problems, but not always the best. Some commercially available random number generators outperformed pi in certain tests, suggesting that the quality of the algorithm used can impact randomness.

The power of drug advertising: Patients often get what they ask for

The study found that doctors prescribed antidepressants more often when patients asked for them, with 53% of the time when Paxil was requested. This raises concerns about the overuse of antidepressants in mild cases and the impact of direct-to-consumer advertising on healthcare quality.

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.

A frog's life is food for thought

A study by PhD student Rebecca Cramp found that the green-striped burrowing frog can maintain its gut function despite prolonged starvation, allowing it to digest massive meals efficiently. The discovery has implications for human survival during starvation, as humans often experience severe gastrointestinal issues after re-feeding.

Viral protein influences key cell-signaling pathway

A study published in AIDS Research and Human Retroviruses found that the viral protein p12 increases activity of a gene controlling production of p300, a key regulator of cell signaling and proliferation. This could provide insights into how HTLV-1 maintains lifelong infection and impacts immune cell survival.

Women more financially vulnerable post break-up

A study published in the Journal of Marriage and Family reveals that women are more financially vulnerable after a break-up, with a 33.1% drop in household income compared to 10% for men. The percentage of women living in poverty increases from 20% to almost 30%, particularly among African American and Hispanic women.

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.

Moderate alcohol consumption enhances the formation of new nerve cells

Research suggests that moderate drinking enhances new nerve cell formation in adult brains, which may contribute to long-term effects of alcohol on the brain. The study's findings have sparked interest in understanding the role of these new cells in cerebral activity and their potential link to addiction.

Abnormal liver tests in a Mediterranean population

A study of Southern Italian residents found that over 12% had abnormal liver values, with a significant correlation between age, gender, and excessive alcohol consumption. Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease emerged as an important cause of altered liver tests in the region.

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.

'Dead zone' area in Gulf could be increasing, researchers say

Researchers from Texas A&M University have found lower oxygen levels in the dead zone area of the Gulf, which could lead to more severe hypoxia and fish kills if physical conditions continue. The team studied an area between Southwest Pass, La., and the Calcasieu ship channel.

UW-Madison gains two new stem cell programs

The university's new regenerative medicine program aims to translate basic stem cell science into therapies for degenerative diseases. The program will draw on faculty from five Medical School departments and be supported by $700,000 in annual funding.

Pulsating ultrasound enhances gene therapy for tumors

Researchers used pulsed-HIFU to treat tumors in mice with a reporter gene, achieving nine times higher uptake compared to untreated tumors. The technique has potential for enhanced delivery of therapeutic genes across various tissues without scars or needles.

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.

Age is not a limiting factor in combined therapy for lung cancer

A clinical trial found that elderly patients with locally advanced limited stage small cell lung cancer can benefit from combined modality therapy, with similar two- and five-year survival rates compared to younger patients. However, severe pneumonitis was more common in the elderly group.

High risk of second cancers in survivors of childhood soft tissue sarcomas

Children with childhood soft tissue sarcomas have a six-fold increased risk of developing a second cancer, with absolute risks estimated at approximately 3% by age 20. The risk is highest within the first five years post-treatment, particularly for females and those treated with radiation or chemotherapy.

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

Molecular models advance the fight against malaria

Researchers developed disease models using yeast to test resistance to atovaquone and created a practical tool to design new anti-malarial drugs. This study provides the first quantitative explanation for malaria's drug resistance, enabling the development of new treatments within 3-5 years.

CABG in elderly patients

The study found that mortality decreased over time for both young and old patients, but the risk of postoperative stroke remained unchanged among older patients. Older patients undergoing elective procedures may experience similar outcomes to those of younger patients if there is a clinical need for CABG.