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Science News Archive April 2005


Page 5 of 14

LLNL physicist dates lifetime of solar nebula at 2 million years

Researchers have refined the estimated lifetime of the solar nebula to roughly 2 million years, based on analysis of chondrules and Calcium Aluminum-rich inclusions found in the Allende meteorite. This finding suggests that oxygen was evolving rapidly during this period.

Football players are sportsmen most at risk of injury

A UK study found that football players are most at risk of injury, with over half sustaining an injury between 1990 and 2000. Elite young athletes competing at international levels had the highest rate of injuries, highlighting the need for proper training and prevention measures.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Cerebral navigation: How do nerve fibers know what direction to grow in?

A study published in Neuron reveals that inhibitory cues affect nerve fiber growth by activating proteins that repel or steer the axon. The findings identify possible targets within axons to block inhibitory signals, enabling damaged axons to regenerate and potentially restoring nerve function.

Scientists develop technology to detect cancer

Researchers have developed a new technology that uses DNA methylation profiling to detect cells in the lung likely to become cancerous. The method combines high-powered microscopes with the capability of analyzing many samples at a time, providing a breakthrough in identifying high-risk individuals.

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.

General Motors wins prestigious 2005 Informs Edelman Award

GM's innovative use of operations research has saved the company over $2 billion by improving productivity at 30 assembly plants worldwide. The award recognizes outstanding implemented operations research that has had a significant positive impact on GM's performance.

Brain-injury rehabilitation depends on acetylcholine circuitry

Researchers identify basal forebrain cholinergic system as essential substrate for cortical plasticity and functional recovery after focal cortical injury. The study found that rats lacking a cholinergic system recovered only about 18% of their reaching ability after rehabilitation training.

Scientists propose new method for studying ion channel kinetics

Researchers propose new method for studying ion channel kinetics using independent open-to-closed transitions. The new approach allows molecular biologists to simplify models uniquely, distinguishing between different states and enabling better understanding of biological processes.

Mercury levels and cognitive function investigated in adults

Researchers found that mercury levels were not consistently associated with adverse performance on a broad range of tests, except for improved performance on motor speed and eye-hand coordination tests. The study suggests that the aging population may be more sensitive to toxic chemicals.

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.

Turning viruses into allies against cancer

Researchers have developed oncolytic viruses that can infiltrate and destroy tumor cells while leaving surrounding healthy tissue intact. These 'cancer-killing' viruses are being tested in patients with various tumor types, including melanoma, breast, head and neck, and colorectal cancer.

Technique may speed drug production, reduce costs and waste

Researchers develop new chemical reaction to simplify indole synthesis, reducing the number of steps from six to three and minimizing toxic by-products. The technique could lead to significant cost savings and reduced environmental impact in pharmaceutical manufacturing.

Next-era targeted therapy overcoming Gleevec's shortcomings

Scientists have developed a new compound, AMN107, that shows promise in overcoming resistance to Gleevec, a highly successful leukemia treatment. In studies, AMN107 was found to be at least 20 times more potent than Gleevec against most resistant mutants, offering a potential cure for patients with acquired drug resistance.

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.

Biomarkers isolated from saliva successfully predict oral and breast cancer

Researchers at UCLA isolated biomarkers from saliva that accurately predicted oral squamous cell carcinoma in 90% of cases. These biomarkers, known as salivary transcriptomes, also showed promise for detecting head and neck cancers. The study's findings suggest a potential breakthrough in early disease detection.

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.

Chemokines orchestrate more than migration for immune cells

Researchers found that chemokines CCL19 and CCL21 induce DC maturation and enhance T-cell proliferation. Mice lacking these chemokines showed partially activated DCs, highlighting their crucial role in full maturation and proper T-cell activation.

Anammox bacteria produce nitrogen gas in oceans' snackbar

Researchers discovered anammox bacteria in Atlantic Ocean, removing ammonium and releasing nitrogen gas, contradicting decades-long theory. The new findings have significant implications for the global nitrogen cycle, models of climate predictions, and marine ecosystems.

Mitochondrial DNA variants linked to renal, prostate cancer

Scientists at Emory University have discovered that mitochondrial DNA variants are associated with a two-fold increase in prostate cancer risk and up to two-and-a-half times the risk for renal cancer. The U haplogroup, found among 9.6% of Caucasian Americans, is linked to an increased risk, particularly among those from northern and Ea...

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.

Spontaneous ignition discovery has ORNL researcher fired up

Scientists have discovered a novel method to achieve spontaneous ignition and sustained combustion at room temperature using nanometer-sized particles of platinum. This breakthrough has significant implications for distributed power generation and military defense, offering a potential solution to the energy crisis with higher efficien...

Readers of genome decipher signatures of cancer patient outcomes

Researchers have discovered gene portfolios that can define a patient's likelihood of developing cancers, responding to treatment, and fending off malignancies. These 'Death from Cancer Signature' portfolios provide opportunities for early identification and targeted therapies, potentially improving five-year survival rates.

Short sugar chains-­a future drug for Alzheimer's?

A study found that short heparansulfate chains trigger amyloid deposits, which are associated with Alzheimer's disease. The research suggests that short segments of sugar chains may be useful in developing new drugs for the condition.

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.

Nanomagnets bend the rules

Researchers find nanomagnets exhibit 'upturn' in magnetization due to Bose-Einstein condensation, challenging Bloch's temperature law. This new understanding can predict high rate of saturation magnetization in ferromagnetic nanocomposites.

Alcohol-impaired driving on the increase, study shows

A recent study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine reveals a concerning trend: alcohol-impaired driving episodes are increasing, with four out of five cases linked to binge drinking. The researchers stress that new strategies are needed to address this issue, including reducing binge drinking and implementing deter...

Findings about anti-cancer agent could make it more effective

Research reveals that the compound damages DNA by targeting two enzymes: thymidylate synthase and topoisomerase. This understanding could enable combination therapies for greater effectiveness and better patient outcomes. The compound has been shown to be 300-400 times more effective than fluorouracil at killing cancer cells.

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.

Heart failure drug associated with higher risk of death

A new meta-analysis shows patients treated with nesiritide had an 80% increased risk of death compared to traditional drugs, highlighting the need for a randomized clinical trial. The study's authors argue that nesiritide is likely associated with important risks and suggest diuretics and vasodilators as safer alternatives.

Other highlights in the April 20 JNCI

Research investigates associations between male breast cancer, human papillomavirus (HPV) infections, and genetic variants in DNA repair genes. Ionizing radiation exposure is linked to higher male breast cancer incidence among atomic bomb survivors, while HPV detection is strongly associated with HIV status. Genetic polymorphisms in DN...

Are rice and wheat behind China's population boom?

Recent archeological research discovered that rice was the prevalent food source in northern China, alongside millet and wheat. The sophisticated knowledge of growing rice demonstrated by ancient Chinese farmers helped explain China's huge population today. The findings shed new light on China's agricultural history.

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.

Increasing benefit seen in novel drug that treats Gleevec resistance

Researchers have reported encouraging results with the novel drug AMN107, which is showing an increasingly strong benefit as doses are raised. Over 90% of patients with earlier stage Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML) have achieved a hematologic response, and over 70% of those in advanced stages have also benefited.

Scientists infuse rat spinal cords with brain-derived human stem cells

Researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison successfully infused rat spinal cords with brain-derived human stem cells that secrete neuron-protecting protein GDNF. This approach has shown promise in protecting healthy neurons and prolonging life in ALS-ridden rats, paving the way for potential treatment of other diseases.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

U of T research examines nursing home quality of care

Researchers from U of T examined approximately 40 nursing home comparisons between 1990 and 2002, revealing that not-for-profit homes generally offer better patient care than their for-profit counterparts in the US. In contrast, the Canadian study found limited data on nursing home quality, highlighting the need for further investigation.

Novel gene-silencing nanoparticles shown to inhibit Ewing's sarcoma

Researchers have developed a novel delivery system that uses siRNA to silence the growth-promoting gene EWS-FLI1 in tumor cells, effectively inhibiting cell replication by 80%. The nanoparticles are designed to target specific tumor sites and avoid degradation, making them a promising treatment option for Ewing's sarcoma.

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.

Paramedics need help to revive marriages: U of T study

A U of T study found that paramedics' traumatic experiences can have a ripple effect on their families, leading to increased stress and family breakdown. Family members need support to cope with the emotional impact of their loved one's work.

Researchers identify marker of heart disease in low-birthweight babies

A new study published in JAMA found that low-birthweight infants have elevated levels of apolipoprotein C-1, a biomarker associated with an increased risk of heart disease. Infants born at 28 weeks or earlier and weighing less than 3.4 pounds were more likely to have high apo C-1 levels.

Women more collaborative in workteams: Study

A study by University of Toronto researchers found that teams with mostly women became more egalitarian over time, while teams with mostly men continued to follow hierarchical structures. This led to better grades for the latter teams, highlighting the importance of equal participation in creative project teams.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

Drugs targeted at muscle cells

Researchers have discovered two new experimental drugs that target peroxisome proliferators-activated delta receptors (PFAARä) in muscle cells, increasing glucose absorption and boosting energy production. The findings offer a potential alternative to insulin therapy for patients with Type 2 diabetes.

NSAIDs provoke a specific portfolio

A portfolio of 173 genes is differentially expressed in patients with hereditary nonpolyposis colon cancer (HNPCC) treated with celecoxib, suggesting the drug may suppress colon polyp formation and early colon cancer.

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.

Combination of Lipitor® and Celecoxib

A low-dose blend of celecoxib and Lipitor significantly reduces invasive and non-invasive colon adenocarcinomas by 95% in laboratory animals. The combination targets different molecular pathways to prevent colon cancer development, suggesting a promising approach for maximizing anti-cancer efficacy while minimizing toxicity.