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Science News Archive July 2005


Page 10 of 13

NASA satellites measure and monitor sea level

NASA's new satellite measurements provide a reference for changes in ocean height, allowing scientists to better predict sea level rise and its causes. The data suggests that ice melting is the largest likely factor in global sea level change.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Early prostate cancer screening may reduce mortality rate

A population-based case control study found that PSA screening of asymptomatic men significantly reduces the risk of metastatic prostate cancer. The researchers discovered a 35% protective effect, even among men not screened regularly.

APS physics tip sheet #49

Physicists propose new class of time machines that avoid difficulties inherent in other models. Researchers also analyze lateral vibrations to control friction and crack propagation in thin films. The horizontal Brazil nut effect is studied, showing grain migration to center or edge based on size and density.

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.

Scientists use X-rays to measure how deep 'Deep Impact' was

The 'Deep Impact' collision released tens of thousands of tons of material, enough to bury a football field under 30 feet of comet dust. Scientists are analyzing X-ray data to better understand the evaporation process on comets and their interaction with solar wind.

Bad cholesterol: Genes make the difference

Researchers analyzed identical male twin pairs with differing lifestyles to study the impact of diet and exercise on LDL cholesterol. The study found a strong correlation between twins' responses to diet changes, highlighting the importance of genes in determining individual responses to dietary fat.

UIC researchers show how cancer-preventing foods work

Researchers identified a specific amino acid modification in Keap1 as the critical step that triggers increased Nrf2 and protective protein production, potentially leading to cancer prevention. The study's findings suggest that targeting this amino acid could lead to new cancer-fighting drugs.

Computers: Poor placement does not compute in medical exam rooms

Doctors with poor communications skills struggle to engage patients due to computer placement, whereas those with good skills use eye contact and posture. The study emphasizes the importance of placing computers on moveable arms for optimal eye contact between doctors and patients.

Protein amplification in melanoma is possible drug target

Gene amplification is a common process in cancer cells that can lead to increased production of genes like MITF, which regulates tissue development and tumor progression. Researchers found an over-expression of MITF in melanoma tissue microarrays using the AQUA technology, correlating with decreased patient survival.

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.

NASA offers a real-time 3-D look at the inside of hurricanes

Scientists at NASA have developed a way to process radar data from the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) satellite, providing 3D snapshots of hurricanes. This allows forecasters to access information on heavy rainfall rates and cloud heights within three hours, helping them make more accurate forecasts.

Baseball food and drink: Healthy chemistry scores a surprise hit

Researchers found that sunflower seeds release a compound that may lower blood pressure, while moderate beer drinking reduces heart attack risk. Sauerkraut contains anti-cancer compounds, and onions help prevent bone loss. Meanwhile, regular hot dogs taste better than low-fat ones due to slower-releasing aroma compounds.

Retina adapts to seek the unexpected, ignore the commonplace

The retina's dynamic adaptation allows it to prioritize unusual features over routine ones, improving predictive coding and enhancing the ability to pick out new information. This process occurs rapidly, often within a few seconds of exposure to a novel environment, and is observed in both salamanders and mammals.

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.

Acupuncture offers short-term benefit for arthritis

A large study found that acupuncture significantly improves symptoms in patients with osteoarthritis of the knee. However, its effectiveness when compared to standard treatment remains uncertain, and further research is needed to confirm its benefits.

Stepping up therapy for stroke and other CNS disorders

G-CSF has potent cell protective effects on mature neurons, driving neuronal differentiation of adult neural stem cells. It doubles hippocampal neurogenesis even in normal animals, making it a potential treatment for stroke and neurodegeneration.

How HIV disables the cells' call for help

Scientists discover how HIV protein fragment FP shuts down immune response in T cells. Researchers found that FP locks onto proteins involved in invoking large-scale immune response, effectively shutting them down.

Did humans cause ecosystem collapse in ancient Australia?

Researchers found a sudden shift in plant type after humans arrived in Australia, leading to extinctions of large birds like Genyornis. The study used ancient wombat teeth and bird eggshells to analyze carbon isotopes, showing that human-induced vegetation change was the best explanation for the ecological transition.

AIDS is not a problem for Africa alone

Global HIV/AIDS cases are increasing worldwide, with Africa being only one of the regions affected. The Lancet study highlights the need for international cooperation and resource allocation to address this growing epidemic.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Deep-sea jelly uses glowing red lures to catch fish

A new species of deep-sea jelly has been discovered that attracts small fish with hundreds of glowing red lures. The lures are used as deception to capture prey in an environment where fish are scarce, forcing scientists to reevaluate the role of red light in the deep sea.

Ancient diets of Australian birds point to big ecosystem changes

A new study by University of Colorado at Boulder-led researchers found that ancient birds in Australia's interior changed their diet drastically after human arrival, pointing to large-scale ecosystem changes. The shift was linked to the extinction of large terrestrial mammals and other species.

Identical twins may have more differences than meet the eye

Researchers found that identical twins may have more differences than expected due to epigenetic changes. The study analyzed epigenetic changes in 40 pairs of twins and found that those with greater health differences had higher methylation levels, which could impact cancer development.

Bottom quarks reveal something of their identity

Researchers investigated bottom quark creation in high-energy collisions using D zero experiment data. Wijngaarden's measurements showed the angle between two bottom quarks can be smaller than predicted, indicating a more complex description of the strong nuclear force is needed.

JCI table of contents August 1, 2005

Researchers uncover HIV fusion peptide's dual role in mediating immunity and downregulating T cell responses. Additionally, a novel connection is made between fat cells, cholesterol metabolism, and PPAR gamma regulation.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

How a red lady becomes black and white

Researchers found that vermilion particles first turn black, then white through a two-step degradation process, challenging the prevailing view of simultaneous color development.

Barkcloths demonstrate women's importance

Anna-Karina Hermkens' research on the Maisin people highlights the crucial role women play in ceremonial exchange systems, challenging traditional anthropological perspectives. The study reveals how barkcloths, made from paper mulberry trees, are intertwined with ideas about gender and sexuality.

Trio of plant genes prevent 'too many mouths'

A trio of plant genes have been found to play a crucial role in regulating the density of microscopic pores called stomata, which are essential for photosynthesis. By understanding how these genes function, scientists can gain insights into how plants evolved to survive on land and how they adapt to changing environmental conditions.

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.

42 biomedical scientists worldwide named HHMI international research scholars

The Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) has selected 42 biomedical scientists from around the world to receive international research grants. These awardees will contribute to advancing global health and medical innovation through their research projects, with a focus on infectious diseases, parasitology, and immunology.

Nanotubes inspire new technique for healing broken bones

Researchers have developed a new technique using carbon nanotubes to mimic the role of collagen in bone tissue, leading to improved mechanical strength and flexibility for artificial bone grafts. This breakthrough could lead to a new type of bone graft for fractures and potentially even treat osteoporosis.

DNA from feathers tells tale of eagle fidelity

Researchers from Purdue University confirmed that eagles from central Asia are monogamous, with no adult straying from its mate. The study used non-invasive DNA analysis on feathers to track individual birds over a six-year period, providing valuable insights for conservation biologists.

Stephen P Goff awarded inaugural Retrovirology Prize

Stephen P Goff, a prolific scientist with over 250 publications, was recognized for his outstanding research and mentorship. He developed the Moloney murine leukemia virus as a genetic system and made significant contributions to the development of antitumor drug Gleevec.

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.

Older footballers more likely to 'do a hamstring'

Researchers found that senior players aged over 27 were more likely to suffer further hamstring injuries. The study also discovered that flexibility had no impact on the risk of such injuries in elite footballers, who account for 13% of all AFL player injuries.

UF study: Child raising toughest on young grandmothers

A University of Florida study examines psychological distress in households where grandparents are raising grandchildren. Younger grandmothers are more susceptible to depression and experience emotional distress due to feelings of failure as a parent and financial strain.

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.

Fundamental limitation to quantum computers

Researchers discovered that quantum coherence in qubits spontaneously disappears, even without external influences. This process is linked to quantum mechanical spontaneous symmetry breaking, which could limit the development of quantum computers.

Could exercise protect older people from hip fracture?

A study found that the cortical zone of the upper femoral neck becomes thinner with age, reducing its ability to absorb energy before buckling. Exercise may be a potential solution, as it can load this region differently than walking, which is the primary source of load on older adults.

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.

Melanoma research receives a massive funding boost

The Sydney Melanoma Unit has been awarded a National Health and Medical Research Council Program Grant, providing $7.8 million to support its vital research. The grant aims to identify molecular factors that determine an individual's risk of melanoma and develop more effective treatments.

Notch protein signaling directs early T-cell development

Notch protein plays a crucial role in directing early T-cell development in the thymus, a small organ under the breastbone near the heart. This study provides new insights into the process, shedding light on how Notch signaling contributes to T-cell differentiation and potentially improving outcomes for transplant patients.

Higher precision analysis doesn't yield pentaquark

A high-energy photon beam search at Jefferson Lab's CLAS collaboration found no evidence of a pentaquark, contradicting earlier reports. The new analysis, which boasted improved statistics and background understanding, revealed a much weaker signal than initial results, leading researchers to re-evaluate their findings.

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.

Australia to develop world leading internet cancer trials technology

A $1.84 million NHMRC grant will enable the development of a secure, efficient national online database for cancer clinical trials. This system aims to revolutionize data management and increase patient access to trials, ultimately saving lives by accelerating evidence-based treatments.

Bioethics journals should not publish industry-funded articles

Bioethicists who accept funding from pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries may be more likely to prescribe industry drugs, even if they believe it has no influence. Researchers argue that stronger measures are needed to ensure independence and credibility in bioethics scholarship.

Heart Health Conference to promote heart plan for Europe

The European Commission's Heart Health Conference aims to promote cardiovascular disease (CVD) prevention measures across Europe. The conference concluded with key actions for member states and the EC to implement to improve cardiovascular health in Europe, emphasizing the need for a long-term approach through public health strategies.

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.

Enzyme affects hypertension by controlling salt levels in body

Researchers at UT Southwestern discovered that WNK1 activates SGK1, leading to sodium ion channel activation and increased blood pressure. The study suggests that genetic factors may play a role in salt-sensitive hypertension., Genetic factors may contribute to hypertension in certain population groups.

Cancer comes full circle

Researchers show that matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) promote carcinogenesis by breaking down tissue organization and damaging genomic DNA. Treatment with MMP-3 leads to expression of Rac1b, which stimulates the production of reactive oxygen molecules, causing cancer.

Geological finding shows Mars to be a complex planet that continues to evolve

A new study by Arizona State University reveals Mars' surface minerals using THEMIS and TES data, yielding surprising results in localized areas. The findings show that Mars has evolved and continues to evolve beneath its surface, similar to Earth, with diverse igneous mineral types rivaling those found on our planet.

Whisky fans can drink to crop research

A £1.8m UK project aims to identify genes that improve barley quality for whisky production, benefiting growers, producers, and drinkers, while supporting the Scottish agricultural economy.

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.