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Science News for March 1, 2005


First ever estimate of cod fishery in 1850s reveals 96% decline on Scotian Shelf

Research estimates cod biomass on the Scotian Shelf was 1.26 million metric tons in 1852, compared to less than 50,000 metric tons today. The decline is consistent with earlier research and suggests that commercially important species biomass is only a small fraction of what existed before industrialized exploitation.

SourceCensus of Marine Life·JournalFrontiers in Ecology and the Environment·DateMar 1, 2005

Becoming an adult takes longer these days

A new book explores how changing social and economic conditions are reshaping the transition to adulthood, with many young people not completing key milestones until their 30s. The authors argue that institutions and policies need to be revamped to provide stronger support for vulnerable groups.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·DateMar 1, 2005
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

UI study examines hazing on college campus

A UI study examining hazing on college campuses found that 6.7% of surveyed Cornell students participated in hazing, while nearly twice as many reported being hazed. The study suggests a gap between students' and universities' definitions of hazing, highlighting the need for education and prevention efforts.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalAmerican Journal of Health Behavior·DateMar 1, 2005

Natural mentors help mold lives of teens, study says

A recent study found that natural mentoring relationships had a significant impact on teens' lives, reducing the likelihood of gang involvement and substance abuse. However, these benefits were often outweighed by other risk factors such as poverty and family relationships.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateMar 1, 2005

Mount Sinai researchers identify key to controlling HIV

Researchers at Mount Sinai School of Medicine discovered that alpha-defensin-1, a protein found in cells, can directly inactivate HIV virus and block infection in vulnerable cells. The findings offer insight into the function of alpha-defensin-1 on both the virus and the cell, potentially leading to new avenues for prevention and therapy.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMar 1, 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.

Gladstone scientists announce new version of bioinformatics software program

The new version of GenMAPP 2.0 incorporates various features to organize and analyze gene expression data on biological pathways, including a flexible format accepting multiple gene ID systems and species-specific databases. This update complements hierarchical clustering methods and enables convenient display of data on web sites.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·DateMar 1, 2005

Boosting blood vessels with BDNF

Researchers found BDNF is as effective as VEGF in inducing growth of tiny blood vessels in organs with TrkB-expressing cells. It recruits blood stem cells that contribute to neo-angiogenesis, providing a novel therapeutic protein for organ-specific angiogenesis.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMar 1, 2005

Licorice licks herpes virus infection

Researchers found that glycyrrhizic acid from licorice can kill cells infected with the Kaposi sarcoma-associated herpesvirus. The compound targets genes required to maintain the virus in a latent state, potentially leading to novel anti-herpesvirus agents.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMar 1, 2005

Parents who quit smoking may influence their offspring to quit as young adults

A study found that parents quitting smoking before their children reached third grade is associated with nearly double the chances of their children quitting smoking in young adulthood. The findings suggest that helping parents quit smoking should be considered in future public-health interventions targeting youth smoking.

SourceFred Hutchinson Cancer Center·JournalAddiction·DateMar 1, 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.

Other highlights in the March 2 JNCI

A new study found that colorectal cancer screening strategies had similar participation rates, regardless of the screening method offered. Tamoxifen use was also associated with an increased risk of endometrial cancer in both pre- and postmenopausal women.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateMar 1, 2005

Internet viruses help ecologists control invasive species

Researchers use network theory to find invasion hubs where invasive species spread fastest, targeting control efforts at these points. The study found Lake Muskoka and two other lakes as potential invasion hubs in Canada.

SourceBlackwell Publishing Ltd.·JournalJournal of Applied Ecology·DateMar 1, 2005

DOE JGI launches IMG public online microbial genome data clearinghouse

The DOE JGI has launched a public online microbial genome data clearinghouse, IMG, to facilitate the analysis and comparison of microbial genomes. The platform offers a comprehensive system for exploring and annotating DOE JGI-sequested genomes, enabling scientists to tap into the diversity of microbial environments.

SourceDOE/Joint Genome Institute·DateMar 1, 2005

Spitzer Space Telescope finds bright infrared galaxies

A Cornell University-led team has discovered a mysterious population of distant galaxies radiating in the infrared spectrum with hundreds of times more power than our Milky Way galaxy. The galaxies are thought to be ultraluminous infrared galaxies powered by massive starbursts or active galactic nuclei, and their discovery is published...

SourceCornell University·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateMar 1, 2005
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.

UNC findings may help explain cause of most common movement disorder

A study involving genetically altered mice has found similarities with essential tremor disease in humans, suggesting that the GABA system plays a role in the condition. The findings may lead to new treatments for essential tremor, which affects an estimated 5 million Americans.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMar 1, 2005

Researchers uncover mutated genes involved in lung cancer; one affects nonsmokers

Mutations in the EGFR gene are more common in people with lung cancer who never smoked, and these mutations may predict a dramatic response to certain drugs. The study's findings suggest two distinct molecular pathways involved in lung cancer formation, one affecting smokers and the other non-smokers.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateMar 1, 2005

New treatment for inflammatory bowel disease

Researchers at University of California - San Diego have made a significant breakthrough in treating inflammatory bowel disease by discovering the molecular mechanism behind IFN-α/β therapy. The study reveals that activated IFN-α/β plays a protective role in colonic inflammation and maintains intestinal homeostasis.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMar 1, 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.

Training could remove racial bias from police reactions

Researchers found that training designed to eliminate racial biases in police interactions can be effective in reducing biased reactions. The study used a simulation to test the impact of different approaches on officer behavior, and the results suggest that such training could lead to improved outcomes for all parties involved.

SourceBlackwell Publishing Ltd.·JournalPsychological Science·DateMar 1, 2005

NHGRI targets 12 more organisms for genome sequencing

The NHGRI has approved a plan to sequence the genomes of 12 new organisms, including marmoset, skate, and disease-carrying insects, to gain insights into human health and disease. The project aims to identify genetic variations associated with common illnesses and develop powerful tools for biomedical research.

SourceNIH/National Human Genome Research Institute·DateMar 1, 2005

Insects, viruses could hold key for better human teamwork in disasters

Researchers are drawing inspiration from honeybees' collaborative decision-making and ants' behavior to develop new collaboration frameworks for disaster relief efforts. The study aims to create flexible networks of responders who can act based on local information, mimicking the spread patterns of viruses and rumors.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·DateMar 1, 2005

A new route for treatment of IBD

Researchers found that TLR9-induced protection is mediated through type I IFN induction, which suppresses inflammation. Type I IFN has a protective role in colon injury and protects against colonic inflammation.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMar 1, 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.

Fewer false alarms when mammographers have greater experience screening healthy breasts

A study of over 1.2 million mammograms found that experienced physicians detected cancer with higher accuracy and had lower rates of false positives. The research suggests that raising the minimum annual volume requirements for qualified mammographers could improve the overall quality of screening mammography in the US.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateMar 1, 2005

Studies address issues of risk and survival in rapidly increasing GI cancers

Researchers found that overweight patients, those with moderate income, and women survived longer with esophageal and stomach cancer. Premature birth significantly increases the risk of esophageal adenocarcinoma, potentially linked to gastroesophageal reflux disease.

SourceAmerican Gastroenterological Association·JournalClinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology·DateMar 1, 2005

Older women can benefit from chemotherapy to treat breast cancer

A study analyzing data from four clinical trials found that older patients with lymph node-positive breast cancer can tolerate standard and intensive chemotherapy regimens similarly to younger patients. The findings suggest that age is not a barrier to the effectiveness of adjuvant chemotherapy in healthy older women.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateMar 1, 2005
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.

Huge 2004 stratospheric ozone loss tied to solar storms, Arctic winds

A team of scientists found that solar storms and Arctic winds led to a 60% ozone reduction in the upper stratosphere in 2004. The study used data from seven satellites to conclude that energetic particles from the sun triggered chemical reactions, leading to increased nitrogen oxide levels.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateMar 1, 2005

Celebrex provides a two pronged attack against prostate cancer

Researchers found celecoxib reduces prostate cancer cell growth and proliferation by targeting both COX-2 and cyclin D1. In animal models, celecoxib also reduced tumor mass and blood vessel density, suggesting a potential new therapeutic approach for treating prostate cancer.

SourceAmerican Association for Cancer Research·JournalClinical Cancer Research·DateMar 1, 2005

'Smart' immune cells kill more cancer

Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have developed a new method to educate T-cells in the bone marrow, increasing their ability to recognize and kill cancer cells. The approach shows promise for treating myeloma and potentially other blood and solid tumors.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalCancer Research·DateMar 1, 2005
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.

Exercise tolerance is good screening test for chest pain patients

A Mayo Clinic study found that intermediate-risk patients with unstable angina who underwent exercise treadmill testing could be safely discharged from the emergency room without significant events. In contrast, those not eligible for testing were more likely to receive costly stress imaging and hospital admission.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalMayo Clinic Proceedings·DateMar 1, 2005

Emory study finds monarch health tied to migration

Researchers at Emory University found that infected monarch butterflies flew slower, were tired faster, and had reduced flight ability compared to healthy ones. The study suggests parasite burdens are lower in migratory populations, which may have implications for conservation efforts.

SourceEmory University Health Sciences Center·JournalEcology Letters·DateMar 1, 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.

African-Americans receive less aggressive heart attack treatment

Researchers found that African-American patients receive lower rates of cardiac catheterization for heart attacks compared to white patients, despite disparities narrowing over time. The study highlights the need for improved patient education and dialogue with medical teams to address racial disparities in healthcare.

SourceAtrium Health Wake Forest Baptist·JournalJournal of the National Medical Association·DateMar 1, 2005

Chemists synthesize molecule that helps body battle cancers, malaria

QS-21A has been shown to significantly improve the body's immune response in vaccine therapies against aggressive diseases such as melanoma and HIV-1. By improving its potency, QS-21A could save patients money on expensive vaccines and stretch limited supplies.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateMar 1, 2005

K-State professor examines practical ways to use PDAs in classroom

Researchers at Kansas State University have created a system using personal digital assistants that allows instructors to assess students' understanding in real-time. This technology enables instructors to provide individualized feedback, promoting active learning and social interaction among students.

SourceKansas State University·DateMar 1, 2005

Acting techniques may help doctors empathize with their patients

Researchers propose using acting techniques to enhance physician empathy. Deep acting uses imagination to generate genuine feelings, while surface acting displays behaviors that appear empathic. This approach aims to improve professional satisfaction and reduce burnout among doctors.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalJAMA·DateMar 1, 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.

Study examines role of EGFR gene mutations in lung cancer development

A recent study found that epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) gene mutations are more common in never smokers, females, and patients of East Asian ancestry. The mutations were also associated with increased sensitivity to gefitinib and erlotinib, tyrosine kinase inhibitors.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateMar 1, 2005

JCI table of contents March 1, 2005

Researchers at NYU School of Medicine discovered that glycyrrhizic acid can kill cells infected with Kaposi sarcoma-associated herpesvirus, triggering apoptosis in transformed B lymphocytes. This finding suggests a potential new treatment approach for latent viral infections.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMar 1, 2005

Purdue researchers use enzyme to clip 'DNA wires'

Researchers at Purdue University have developed a method to create DNA-based structures using magnetic nanoparticles and restriction enzymes. By clipping the DNA 'wires' into smaller pieces, they aim to reduce production costs and increase efficiency in electronic devices.

SourcePurdue University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateMar 1, 2005

American Thoracic Society Journal news tips for March 2005 (first issue)

A recent workshop on SARS published in the American Thoracic Society's peer-reviewed journal emphasizes the need for antiviral drugs to prevent and treat SARS. The study also explores the association between obesity and asthma, finding a significant link in female children who become overweight during late adolescence and early adulthood.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateMar 1, 2005