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Science News Archive August 2005


Page 2 of 15

Supersizing the supercomputers: What's next?

Researchers envision future supercomputers with heterogeneous architectures, incorporating smaller CPUs, vectors, and FPGAs. Experts in computational science and mathematics will collaborate to develop software that optimizes performance on specific architectures.

Further research needed on HIV and aging

The article highlights the need for further research on HIV and aging, citing concerns over delayed diagnoses and inadequate treatment. Older patients with HIV may experience increased mortality rates and unique side effects from HAART treatment due to age-related factors.

Metal-based medicine could treat diseases in the body

Chemists at Ohio State University have successfully tested molecules against HIV and Hepatitis C virus RNA, mimicking natural enzymes to break apart target molecules. The complexes could produce fewer side effects and combat drug resistance, potentially leading to the development of multi-functional drugs

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.

IT program hopes to foster better security checklists

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has developed a program to facilitate the development and sharing of security configuration checklists. The program provides guidelines for creating more effective checklists and includes an easy-to-use repository of existing checklists.

Improving security of handheld IT devices

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has developed innovative authentication mechanisms for handheld devices, including proximity beacons and mobile device authentication. These mechanisms use location-based authentication to secure sensitive information on these devices.

Bird flu claims critically endangered mammal

The discovery of avian flu in a new family of mammals highlights the possibility that the virus may be capable of infecting other mammal species. Critically endangered civet cats in Vietnam are at risk due to lack of screening, prompting concerns for biodiversity hotspots.

Sports doping explored during half-day symposium, Aug. 30

Experts discuss scientific and regulatory aspects of sports doping, including 'gene doping' that uses genetic elements to enhance athletic performance. The U.S. Anti-Doping Agency is also highlighted as a key player in fighting sports doping through testing, education, and research.

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.

Blood flow to brain may be clue to certain dementias

Researchers found that patients with late-onset dementia had lower cerebral blood flow and more brain damage compared to healthy young individuals. The study suggests that decreased blood flow may cause some types of dementia.

Screening for security

The active millimeter-wave technology rapidly scans individuals and produces a high-resolution 3D image, eliminating the need for physical searches. This innovative technology can be used in various public areas to minimize delays and indignity.

Tobacco-related cancer: How does it happen?

Researchers explore specific tobacco cancer biochemistry and epidemiology, shedding light on why some smokers develop lung cancer while others do not. Key findings include the role of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in forming lesions that lead to gene mutations.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

SPF may not be enough to protect against skin cancer

Researchers tested various sunscreens and methods on volunteers from multiple countries to establish a standard method for determining IPF. However, the study found that high SPF sunscreens may not provide sufficient protection against immunosuppression, potentially increasing skin cancer risk.

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.

Detecting anthrax proteins at ultralow concentrations

Researchers create lab method to detect active anthrax proteins in blood samples with extremely low levels of concentration. The new system produces unambiguous results in about an hour, significantly faster than current methods.

Teenage drug use can lead to adult addiction and heart attack

Research by Dr Andrew Lawrence and Cameron McPherson found adolescent rats exposed to amphetamine had a more sensitised reaction when re-administered as adults, increasing the risk of heart attack. The study suggests teenage experimentation with drugs may have long-term effects on brain function.

Study reveals who is really considering plastic surgery

A study of 644 people considering plastic surgery found that almost 30% had average household incomes under $30,000 and 85% were Caucasian. The majority (75%) wanted to gain physical benefits, such as improved appearance, while also expecting emotional and psychological improvements.

Unusual antibiotics show promise against deadly 'superbugs'

New antibiotics mimic bacterial cell wall components to deactivate key defense mechanism, potentially effective against vancomycin-resistant MRSA and other bacterial strains. More studies needed to verify mechanism and determine its potential as a new line of defense against antibiotic resistance.

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.

Cancer therapies during childhood can damage developing teeth

A study found that high-dose anticancer chemotherapy and total body irradiation can cause a lack of permanent teeth and microdontia in children. The study, conducted by Päivi Hölttä, suggests that these treatments can have long-term effects on dental development.

A step closer to a malaria vaccine

Researchers have identified a promising protein, AMA1, as a potential component for a malaria vaccine. The protein is produced in two critical stages of the parasite life cycle and has slight structure variations called polymorphisms that impact its development.

Statin treatment within first 24 hours after heart attack cut mortality by half

A new study published in the American Journal of Cardiology found that early statin therapy can significantly reduce mortality and other complications in heart attack victims. Patients who received statins before or within 24 hours of hospitalization had a 54% lower risk of in-hospital mortality, compared to those not on statin therapy.

Thyroid hormone, brain development, and behavior

Reduced thyroid hormone signaling during development leads to extreme anxiety and memory impairments in adulthood. Dietary supplementation with thyroid hormone can suppress anxiety and improve memory in adult mice.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Montreal researchers probe the genetic basis of memory

Researchers in Montreal have made a groundbreaking discovery about the genetic basis of memory. They found that the GCN2 protein inhibits long-term memory storage, preventing new information from being stored for extended periods.

Finding a way to test for dark energy

Physicists Eric Linder and Robert Caldwell separate dark energy scenarios through satellite searches, offering a way to distinguish among dark energy possibilities. The Joint Dark Energy Mission experiments may be able to determine which scenario is correct.

Some children facing bone marrow transplant risk

A study of 259 children undergoing bone marrow transplantation found that tooth decay was the most common dental problem, often caused by neglected oral hygiene and poor nutrition. Children with dental abnormalities were more likely to develop therapy-related caries if they underwent immunosuppression as part of their treatment.

High-performance computing may improve combustion efficiency

Researchers used 1,400 parallel processors to simulate octane's heat of formation, achieving a 75% sustained efficiency rate. The calculation took only 23 hours to complete, compared to 3.5 years and 2.5 terabytes for a single processor desktop computer.

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.

Scientists listen to brain patterns of tone-deafness

Researchers found abnormal brain activity in the right half of the brain in people with congenital amusia, a condition affecting pitch perception. Training pitch discrimination abilities may be effective in children but not adults.

'Greener' stain-resistant coatings developed; avoid PFOA

Researchers have created new stain-resistant coatings that use novel short-chain fluorocarbons, reducing the environmental impact of PFOA. The compounds perform as well as conventional coatings and have been filed for patent, offering a potential solution to reduce PFOA in environments.

Expanding complexity of p53

Researchers identify six distinct p53 isoforms in human cells, revealing their potential role in modulating tumor suppressor activity and cell death. These findings may help identify patients at risk of developing aggressive cancer and inform personalized drug therapy.

Blocking a premature aging syndrome with anticancer drugs

A study published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that anticancer drugs can reverse the nuclear structure abnormalities caused by a rare genetic disorder, progeria. The researchers successfully treated cells with progerin, a mutated protein linked to accelerated aging, using farnesylation inhibitors.

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.

'Australian-first' cancer research facility opens at UQ

The ACRF Dynamic Imaging Facility for Cancer Biology will enable cutting-edge research into cancer biology using two technologically advanced microscope systems. The facility is part of the Institute for Molecular Bioscience and aims to improve Queensland's capacity for internationally competitive research.

U of MN researchers develop tests for devastating cattle disease

Researchers at the University of Minnesota have developed new tests for detecting Johne's disease in cattle, enabling faster diagnosis and reducing economic losses. The tests can detect the bacteria in fecal matter or milk and are completed in 72 hours or less with high accuracy.

Fungus helps tall fescue choke out native plants

A recent study found that infected tall fescue grass outcompetes native plants more quickly when herbivores are present. The symbiotic fungus Neotyphodium coenophialum produces alkaloids that harm livestock, but also contributes to the spread of infected fescue.

New findings help to unravel skin cancer's secrets

Researchers have discovered that red hair pigment produces more damaging compounds when exposed to sunlight, increasing the risk of skin cancer. A new topical lotion has also been developed, using a natural protein to repair DNA damage in skin cells.

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.

Wildfires and home prices: Are they related?

A study by the USDA Forest Service found that homes at higher wildfire risk initially sold for more due to desirable views, but later sales data showed a decrease in price. This was largely due to a change in tastes towards less flammable building materials.

Killer microbe may be a lifesaver after all

Researchers are studying the lipopolysaccharide outer membrane of P. aeruginosa to understand its interaction with minerals and heavy metals, which has significant implications for bioremediation applications.

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.

Research sheds new light on cholesterol danger

Cholesterol crystals can expand and burst in arteries, triggering a natural clotting process that shuts down the artery. This discovery adds another dimension to the inflammation theory, suggesting that the crystallization of cholesterol is a key factor in cardiovascular disease.

Anthrax test, developed by army and CDC, receives FDA approval

The US Army's Gamma Phage Assay has been approved by the FDA for human use within the Laboratory Response Network (LRN), enabling early detection of anthrax bioterrorism threats. This test, developed with CDC support, is a classical bacteriological method that uses a virus to identify B. anthracis.

New chemistry method uses 'test tubes' far smaller than the width of a hair

A University of Washington scientist has developed a new method using nanoscale test tubes to conduct chemical analysis and experimentation. The approach captures single cells or small subcellular structures within tiny water droplets, allowing for the study of chemical processes and biochemical information at unprecedented scales.

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.

'Operando' methods for understanding catalysis in hydrogen storage

PNNL scientists employed x-ray spectroscopy to observe the reaction as it occurred, identifying a cluster of four rhodium atoms at the active site. This approach allows researchers to understand catalyst-reactant interactions under practical conditions, shedding light on key catalytic processes.

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.

Most published research findings may be false

Research studies with smaller sample sizes are more prone to false results. Additionally, scientific fields with smaller postulated effects tend to have higher rates of false positive claims. Financial interests and prejudices can also influence the accuracy of research findings.

Tiny rubber balls give plastic bounce

Researchers have developed tiny rubber balls that can be embedded in plastics to improve adhesion and toughness. The core-shell particles are tailored to join with any plastic or ceramic, solving issues of adhesion found with untailored rubber particles.

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.

Study: Brain structures contribute to asthma

Researchers found that specific brain regions are linked to inflammation and lung function in asthmatic patients. The anterior cingulate cortex and insula were found to be hyper-responsive to emotional and physiological signals, influencing symptom severity.

Scientists describe new way to peer inside bacteria

X-ray spectromicroscopy allows scientists to study bacterial cells without staining or sectioning, providing insights into their molecular chemistry and interactions with metals and radionuclides. This technique may help detect weaponized bacteria and prevent disease outbreaks, making it a significant step towards environmental cleanup.

Study shows humans have ability to track odors, much like bloodhounds

Researchers at UC Berkeley found that humans can reliably discern the source of an odor when presented with it through one nostril. The brain's primary olfactory cortex is divided into separate areas for each nostril, allowing for accurate localization. This ability has implications for various fields, including truffle hunting.

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.