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Science News Archive January 2005 - Page 7


Page 7 of 11

New theory chalenges current view of how brain stores long-term memory

Researchers at Northwestern University propose a new theory that challenges the widely accepted model of long-term memory storage. According to this new theory, memories are stored through a dynamic and meta-stable process, rather than permanent representation in the brain.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalTrends in Neurosciences·DateJan 14, 2005
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.

Floating films on liquid mercury

Researchers discovered three distinct scattering patterns as alky-thiol density increased, indicating different degrees of molecular order. The tilted phase exhibits crystalline patterns despite the disordered liquid nature of the underlying mercury.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·DateJan 14, 2005

Thinking small: Texas A&M team creates lab-on-a-chip

Researchers at Texas A&M University have successfully levitated micron-sized fluids using small magnets on a postage-stamp sized chip. This innovation enables the control of tiny droplets and crystals, opening up possibilities for future research in DNA manipulation, nanotubes, and other areas.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateJan 14, 2005
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Study finds more than one-third of human genome regulated by RNA

A recent study published in the journal Cell has found that over 30% of human genes are controlled by RNA molecules, providing new insights into gene regulation. The researchers used computational methods to identify microRNAs that target specific genes, revealing a vast network of regulatory interactions.

SourceWhitehead Institute for Biomedical Research·JournalCell·DateJan 14, 2005

Found: Missing sequence of the human Y chromosome

Researchers have identified a previously unknown sequence on the human Y chromosome, containing eight potentially active genes. This discovery suggests that segmental duplications in pericentromeric regions may be underrepresented in current genome sequences.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalGenome Research·DateJan 14, 2005

Mitochondrial DNA mutations play significant role in prostate cancer

Researchers found mitochondrial DNA mutations in 12% of prostate cancer samples and 7.8% of general population controls, with increased tumor growth and oxygen radical production in mutant cells. These findings suggest a causal link between mtDNA mutations and prostate cancer development, particularly in African men.

SourceEmory University Health Sciences Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 14, 2005

Uncovering secrets of abalone body armor

Researchers at UCSD have discovered a unique structure in abalone shells that can provide the basis for lightweight and effective body armor. The shells' layered structure, made of calcium carbonate tiles held together by protein adhesive, is theoretically the toughest arrangement possible.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalMaterials Science and Engineering A·DateJan 14, 2005

NYU researchers simulate molecular biological clock

Researchers at NYU developed a mathematical model that replicates the complex network of molecular interactions within a cell's circadian clock. The study found that rapid binding and unbinding of regulatory molecules is crucial for accurate timekeeping, contradicting the notion that more molecules lead to better accuracy.

SourceNew York University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 14, 2005
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Uncalculated risks in some pesticides, UCR study finds

Researchers found that chiral compounds, including organophosphates and synthetic pyrethroids, pose previously uncalculated toxic risks due to their biologically different behaviors. Using just the active isomer can achieve similar pest control with reduced chemical use and environmental benefits.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 14, 2005

New network of gastrointestinal immune cells discovered

Researchers found an extensive system of dendritic cells throughout the intestinal tract that take up bacteria and other antigens. This discovery could lead to a better understanding of conditions like Crohn's Disease and ulcerative colitis, as well as the development of new vaccines.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalScience·DateJan 13, 2005
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.

Researchers to put changing public services under the microscope

The 'Public Services' programme will examine costly and complex services such as healthcare and education, with a focus on quality, performance, and delivery. Researchers aim to use scientific analytical research to understand the realities of public services and their unintended effects.

SourceEconomic & Social Research Council·DateJan 13, 2005

Surprising study reveals how cancer-causing protein activates

A new study by Brown University researchers has discovered a chemical modification that activates the STAT3 protein, which is important for embryonic growth and development. This continuous activation causes breast and prostate cells to develop and move through the body, leading to cancer. The research team found that acetylation, anot...

SourceBrown University·JournalScience·DateJan 13, 2005

Number of adults with high blood pressure set to soar by 2025

The global prevalence of high blood pressure is expected to increase from a quarter to a third by 2025, totaling over 1 billion adults. Developing countries are projected to bear the brunt of this increase, with three-quarters of the world's population with high blood pressure in these regions.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateJan 13, 2005

Researchers map genome of deadly fungus

Researchers have mapped the genome of Cryptococcus neoformans, a fungus that causes severe inflammation of the brain in people with HIV and those taking chemotherapy or steroid treatments. The study identified 30 new genes involved in the fungus's biosynthesis, offering potential targets for treatment.

SourceSaint Louis University·JournalScience·DateJan 13, 2005

New insight into link between homocysteine and stroke

Researchers used Mendelian randomization to investigate the link between homocysteine levels and stroke risk. They found that individuals with a specific genetic variation had higher homocysteine levels and increased stroke risk, suggesting a potential role for folic acid and B vitamins in preventing strokes.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateJan 13, 2005
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

LSU researcher solves ancient astronomy mystery

Astronomer Dr. Schaefer has discovered a long-lost star catalog of Hipparchus, an ancient Greek astronomer, on the Roman statue Farnese Atlas. The catalog, which dates back to 129 B.C., was previously thought to be lost and its accuracy questioned.

SourceLouisiana State University·JournalJournal for the History of Astronomy·DateJan 13, 2005
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.

Sardines may prevent toxic gas eruptions off the California and African coasts

A study by Andrew Bakun and Scarla Weeks found that overfishing sardines can prevent phytoplankton population explosions, which release methane and hydrogen sulfide. The authors warn that areas around California and Africa are at risk of a tipping point, where upwelling processes intensify climate change.

SourceBlackwell Publishing Ltd.·JournalEcology Letters·DateJan 13, 2005

First search in stellar graveyard yields two possible planets

Researchers have discovered two candidate planets orbiting white dwarfs, which are the remnants of dead stars. The team used a combination of telescopes to detect these planets, which could provide clues about the solar system's formation and the presence of life in the galaxy.

SourcePenn State·DateJan 13, 2005

USC/Norris oncologists test new front-line therapy for pancreatic cancer

Researchers are evaluating the effectiveness of BAY43-9006 alone and paired with gemcitabine in a phase II clinical trial for metastatic pancreatic carcinoma. The trial aims to add much-needed treatment options for this aggressive cancer, which affects approximately 27,000 deaths annually in the US.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·DateJan 13, 2005

Spying on black-hole eating habits with LISA

The LISA mission will detect low-frequency gravitational waves from the merger of compact objects like stellar-size black holes and neutron stars. By measuring tiny changes in the motion of freely falling test masses, scientists can study these events with unprecedented precision.

SourcePenn State·DateJan 13, 2005
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.

Researchers identify the link between heart failure and weight loss

A recent study published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation found a significant link between heart failure and weight loss. The researchers discovered that angiotensin II inhibits IGF-1 signaling in skeletal muscle, leading to muscle loss, which is reversed by IGF-1 expression.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJan 13, 2005

Study finds disparity in land protection

Temperate grasslands like the Great Plains suffer from inadequate land protection, with species-rich ecosystems and habitats for imperiled species at risk. Temperate conifer forests in regions like the Northwest U.S. exhibit robust conservation efforts, even amidst relatively low levels of development.

SourceBlackwell Publishing Ltd.·JournalEcology Letters·DateJan 13, 2005

Research identifies promising route for treating age-related hearing loss

Scientists have discovered a gene that acts as a 'brake' on hair-cell regeneration in the inner ear. By deleting this gene, hair cells can proliferate and potentially regenerate, providing new hope for treating age-related hearing loss. This breakthrough opens up new avenues for research and potential clinical applications.

SourceHoward Hughes Medical Institute·JournalScience·DateJan 13, 2005

Marijuana associated with same respiratory symptoms as tobacco

Heavy marijuana smokers face an increased risk of respiratory problems and are more likely to require medical services for these issues. The study suggests that the additive effect of marijuana on lung health is a significant concern for public health.

SourceYale University·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateJan 13, 2005
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.

Dusting for clues: Gemini discovers evidence for recent planet-forming collisions around nearby star

Astronomers using the Gemini South telescope in Chile have observed new details in the dusty disk surrounding Beta Pictoris, showing a large collision between planetary-sized bodies may have occurred as recently as the past few decades. The mid-infrared observations provide evidence for energetic encounters during planetary formation.

SourceScience and Technology Facilities Council·JournalNature·DateJan 13, 2005

Albatross study provides new information vital to their conservation

Scientists at British Antarctic Survey tracked albatross migration patterns using tiny logging devices, revealing that over half of birds made round-the-world journeys in just 46 days. The study provides crucial information for governments and fisheries commissions to implement measures reducing bird deaths by up to 95%.

SourceBritish Antarctic Survey·JournalScience·DateJan 13, 2005
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Heart patients treated by non-cardiologists less likely to receive medications

A study by Northwestern Memorial HealthCare found that non-cardiologists prescribed fewer medications to heart patients, including ACE inhibitors and beta-blockers, than cardiologists. The study suggests that cardiologists are more likely to order diagnostic tests without increasing hospital stays.

SourceNorthwestern Memorial HealthCare·JournalAmerican Journal of Health-System Pharmacy·DateJan 13, 2005

OHSU-led study finds advantages to iron nanoparticles for environmental clean up

A new study by OHSU researchers suggests that two types of iron nanoparticles can effectively degrade carbon tetrachloride, a toxic contaminant in groundwater. The study found that one type of nanoparticle quickly and effectively broke down carbon tetrachloride into harmless products.

SourceOregon Health & Science University·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateJan 13, 2005

Measurements at CERN help to re-evaluate the element of life

Researchers at CERN and European universities have re-evaluated the primary reaction creating carbon in stars, modifying the rate of this process. The findings suggest that the amount of carbon produced in the first stars was twice as fast as previously thought, with implications for element production in supernovae.

SourceCERN·JournalNature·DateJan 13, 2005
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.

MGH researchers find way of regenerating cells key to hearing

Hair cell regeneration is a promising approach to treating hearing loss and related neurodegenerative disorders. Researchers have discovered that specific genes, including Rb, play a crucial role in halting the cell cycle, allowing for hair cell regeneration.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalScience·DateJan 13, 2005

January-February GSA Bulletin media highlights

This article discusses distal fluvio-lacustrine volcaniclastic resedimentation in central Japan and its tectonic implications. Additionally, sedimentology on Macquarie Island reveals fossil ridge-transform intersections, while high-resolution C-isotope stratigraphy sheds light on mid-Neoproterozoic climate change in the Grand Canyon. T...

SourceGeological Society of America·JournalACM SIGSAM Bulletin·DateJan 13, 2005

Why does species diversity vary so much?

Species diversity varies greatly across tropical and temperate regions due to differing ecological pressures. Higher rates of evolutionary diversification may contribute to observed gradients in richness.

SourceBlackwell Publishing Ltd.·JournalEcology Letters·DateJan 13, 2005
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.

The exhorbitant price of unmanaged shrimp farming

The study models seasonal distribution of BOD and DIN to identify areas at greatest risk for low water quality. Unmanaged shrimp mariculture development leads to increased BOD and DIN, causing oxygen depletion and harming aquatic life.

SourceUniversity of Rhode Island·JournalJournal of Coastal Research·DateJan 13, 2005

Clam embryo study shows pollutant mixture adversely affects nerve cell development

A scientist at the Marine Biological Laboratory has published a study showing that a combination of pollutants bromoform, chloroform, and tetrachloroethylene can alter nerve cell growth in clam embryos. The study found increased production of an enzyme involved in neural development, which may be linked to neurological disorders such a...

SourceMarine Biological Laboratory·JournalEnvironmental Toxicology and Pharmacology·DateJan 13, 2005

Anti-seizure drugs slow aging in worms

A random screening of 19 approved human medications revealed that anticonvulsants like ethosuximide and trimethadione increased lifespan in C. elegans worms by delaying age-related declines in neuro-muscular activity.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalScience·DateJan 13, 2005
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.

Exposed: Tobacco industrys' efforts to cast doubt

A study reveals tobacco companies' strategies to counteract research linking tobacco smoke to cancer-causing mutations in the p53 gene. The industry supported studies that appeared to cast doubt on this link, raising concerns about conflicts of interest and the integrity of scientific research.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateJan 13, 2005

Research turning up the heat on fowl bacteria

Campylobacter jejuni, a common bacterial cause of diarrhea in the US, exploits human cells for nutrients and causes disease through gene regulation changes. Researchers have identified CJ1461 as a critical protein involved in this process, offering hope for developing treatments and vaccines.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·DateJan 13, 2005

Hubble finds infant stars in neighbouring galaxy

Astronomers have uncovered a population of infant stars in the Milky Way satellite galaxy, the Small Magellanic Cloud, using NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope images. The youngest stars are half the mass of our Sun and still forming from gravitationally collapsing gas clouds.

SourceESA/Hubble Information Centre·DateJan 12, 2005

Complementary & alternative medicine use

A study published in Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine found that the prevalence of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) therapy use remained steady among US adults between 1997 and 2002. The total number of Americans using any CAM therapy remained at 72 million, with changes seen in the choice of therapies used.

SourceHarvard Medical School·DateJan 12, 2005
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.

Rotary blood pump shows promise for pediatric patients

A new study suggests that rotary blood pumps may be effective in children with heart failure, potentially saving thousands of lives by sustaining heart function until recovery or transplantation. Researchers believe the technology has the potential to improve treatment outcomes for pediatric patients.

SourceBlackwell Publishing Ltd.·JournalArtificial Organs·DateJan 12, 2005

Is it all in the mind or is it a medical condition?

The debate focuses on the causes of PE, which can be attributed to either psychological factors or underlying medical conditions. Medical therapies, such as PDE-5 inhibitors and anti-depressants, have shown significant success in treating the condition.

SourceBlackwell Publishing Ltd.·DateJan 12, 2005

Carbon nanotube 'shock absorbers' excel at dampening vibration

Researchers developed carbon nanotube-based composite materials to maximize frictional damping in mechanical systems. The findings show that these materials can effectively reduce vibration and energy dissipation, making them a promising solution for various applications.

SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·JournalNature Materials·DateJan 12, 2005

Dwarf galaxy has giant surprise

Astronomers have discovered a dwarf galaxy surrounded by a gigantic, pristine hydrogen gas disk. The large reservoir of unprocessed matter may hold clues to the early universe's formation.

SourceIndiana University·DateJan 12, 2005
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.