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Science News Archive February 2005


Page 11 of 13

Why North America is not a rhythm nation

Research reveals that North American adults have difficulty perceiving rhythmic patterns in non-Western music, while infants can adapt to various rhythms. The study found that exposure to a single type of rhythm during childhood affects this ability.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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Former UNC students report mindfulness meditation helps relationships

A study conducted by Dr. James Carson and his wife Kimberly found that mindfulness meditation can help couples reduce interpersonal stress and boost their satisfaction with each other by 50%. The eight-week training sessions taught couples how to become more aware of the present moment and direct positive feelings toward their loved ones.

Aetiology of congenital heart disease explained

Researchers identified a specific antibody causing congenital heart block, targeting the p200 part of the Ro protein. The level of this antibody in mothers correlates with the degree of damage to the heart, highlighting a potential marker for high-risk pregnancies.

Improving computer-supported work through scenario-based evaluation

Researchers developed a new method to evaluate complex systems, finding four types of benefits: measurable, tangible, intangible, and unrealized. The scenario-based evaluation (SBE) approach encourages consideration of contextual factors and provides rich recommendations for system redesign and organizational initiatives.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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Children's taste sensitivity and food choices influenced by taste gene

Researchers found that genetic variation in the TAS2R38 gene affects bitter taste sensitivity in children, influencing their food preferences. Children with a bitter-sensitive allele prefer sweeter tastes, while those with two bitter-insensitive alleles tend towards vegetable consumption.

When does a mole become a melanoma?

Researchers genetically engineered zebrafish to develop black-pigmented moles with mutated human BRAF and p53 genes. The study shows that BRAF mutations are necessary for mole development, but insufficient for cancer. The model provides insights into how gene mutations contribute to melanoma

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Birth size and adult cancer risk

A Swedish cohort study found that larger babies had a higher risk of certain adult cancers, including lymphatic and digestive cancers. Women who were large at birth were also more likely to develop breast cancer before age 50.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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Clues on cancer from a zebrafish model of melanoma

Researchers have developed a zebrafish model that shows human BRAF mutations can induce dramatic black pigmentation and aggressive melanomas. The study also found that p53 deficiency is crucial for melanoma development, providing new insights into melanoma genetics and drug development.

Sexual frustration and learning in fruit flies

Researchers found that Drosophila males can be trained to avoid certain female pheromones associated with past failures in mating. This study demonstrates a complex learning mechanism involving hydrocarbon olfactory cues and memory consolidation.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

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Intermetallic mystery solved with atomic resolution microscope

Researchers from Brown University and Oak Ridge National Laboratory have discovered detailed atomic arrangements in Laves phases, a class of intermetallics that shatter easily. The study reveals the accepted dislocation model does not apply to these complex materials, shedding light on their brittleness.

Tiny superconductors withstand stronger magnetic fields

Researchers created high-quality superconducting wires with molecular dimensions, showing that theories apply to molecular-scale superconductors. The nanowires showed a remarkably weak effect on magnetic fields, contradicting previous expectations.

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer

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Finland tops environmental scorecard at World Economic Forum in Davos

The 2005 Environmental Sustainability Index (ESI) ranks countries on 21 elements of environmental sustainability. Finland scores highest, performing well on issues like air pollution and global-scale environmental efforts, while the US ranks 45th due to weaker performance on waste generation and greenhouse gas emissions.

Non-lethal weapons focus of research study

A large multicenter study will record injuries from non-lethal weapons like Tasers and bean bags, with a focus on documenting the severity of these injuries. The study, led by Wake Forest Baptist, aims to rate the safety of less-lethal weapons for the first time.

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)

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PET/MRI scans may help unravel mechanisms of prenatal drug damage

The study used combined PET and MRI to track cocaine pharmacokinetics in pregnant nonhuman primates. The results showed that cocaine accumulated at the highest levels in the liver, and to a lesser extent in the brain, suggesting a unique anatomy of fetal circulation.

Cricket's finicky mating behavior boosts biodiversity

The Laupala cricket's unique courtship songs play a crucial role in its rapid speciation, resulting in the formation of new species. This phenomenon sheds light on the role of individual choices in shaping species evolution and biodiversity.

Infectious agent linked to mad cow disease found in organs other than the brain

A study published in Science found that prions, the infectious agents behind mad cow disease, can accumulate in organs such as the liver and pancreas in animals with chronic inflammation. The discovery suggests that the current risk classification for farm animal organs may need to be reassessed in animals suffering from inflammation.

Weight-loss and exercise study compares center- and home-based programs

A University of Central Florida study compared two weight-loss and exercise programs, one conducted at a center and the other at home. The results showed that women who followed the home-based program lost an average of 23 pounds and experienced significant improvements in blood sugar and cholesterol levels.

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Controlling protein diversity

Hormones like estrogen and progesterone regulate protein production in cells by recruiting coactivators that enhance RNA production and alter splicing. This controlled process results in different proteins being made, leading to diverse protein diversity.

States find alternate routes to health coverage

States are finding alternative routes to expand health insurance coverage, including new revenue sources and private-sector partnerships. Medicaid's role is being reevaluated to make programs more affordable and sustainable, with a focus on addressing underlying cost increases and increasing access for vulnerable populations.

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

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Migraine-sparked vision loss may increase stroke risk in women; Migraine

Researchers found that women who experience vision loss during a migraine are 70% more likely to have a stroke. Migraines without visual symptoms do not significantly increase stroke risk. The study's findings suggest that women with migraines and aura should address other stroke risk factors, such as smoking.

Stat5 protein inhibits spread of breast cancer cells

The research found that active Stat5 suppressed invasive tumor cell activities and aggregated breast cancer cells into clusters resembling healthy cells. Loss of Stat5 stimulated invasion, supporting its potential as a biomarker to predict risk and outcome in early-stage breast cancer patients.

Bacterial spread all down to chance: Some strains 'just the lucky ones'

Research from Imperial College London finds that bacterial communities mirror human social life, with close contacts more likely to share infections. Despite potential advantages like antibiotic resistance, the variation in pathogen strains' ability to spread is largely explained by chance.

Substance protects resilient staph bacteria

A substance called poly-gamma-DL-glutamic acid (PGA) has been shown to protect Staphylococcus epidermidis bacteria from natural human defenses. The discovery could lead to new treatments for S. epidermidis infections, which can cause serious conditions like sepsis and endocarditis.

Experiments prove existence of atomic chain 'anchors'

Physicists at NIST have proven the existence of atomic chain 'anchors' with lower energy levels than inner atoms. This discovery may help scientists design one-dimensional nanostructures, such as electrical wires, with tailored electrical properties.

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter

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Effective cancer treatments follow the clock

Researchers found that a genetic component of the body's internal clock affects immune cells' sensitivity to cyclophosphamide, an anti-cancer drug. The study's findings may lead to more effective and less toxic cancer treatments.

New study suggests race fear isn't hard wired

Researchers at Princeton University found that automatic vigilance happens mainly when people categorize others, but this reaction can be controlled. The study used fMRI to measure activity in the amygdala and showed that participants only exhibited activation when they categorized faces by age, not racial characteristics.

Biology in four dimensions

Scientists at EMBL have developed a new model for protein-complex interactions in yeast, revealing that key components are produced ahead of time and assembled as needed. This discovery sheds light on the dynamic behavior of cellular machines and offers potential applications in studying human and animal biological systems.

Using global warming to create conditions for life on Mars

Researchers suggest harnessing atmospheric interactions similar to Earth's surface temperature warming trends to create a biologically hospitable environment on Mars. Introducing man-made greenhouse gases, such as fluorine-based compounds, could melt carbon dioxide and ice on the planet, potentially reviving dormant life.

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

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Older people get the big picture faster, and they are less inhibited

Researchers found that older adults excel in visual processing tasks when the stimuli are large and high-contrast, whereas younger individuals struggle. This study provides evidence for changes in brain inhibition mechanisms as people age, shedding light on why older adults may perform better on certain visual tasks.

Satellites see Siberian fires most common near people

A new study using NASA satellites found that Siberian fires burned mostly near people, particularly in areas with roads, towns, and cities. The research used Terra MODIS data to map fire hotspots over three years, revealing a strong link between human presence and fires.

The research assessment exercise is damaging UK medicine

The RAE's focus on funding has compromised training of medical students and high-quality translational research. The authors propose abolishing the RAE, recommending efficient peer-review mechanisms to recognize research excellence without compromising clinical academics.

Lost tolerance is a grave Omenn

Researchers found that Omenn syndrome patients have greatly reduced autoimmune regulator (AIRE) expression in their thymuses, which leads to a lack of central tolerance. This results in the survival of autoreactive T cells, causing increased autoimmunity risk.

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.