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Science News for March 11, 2005


Domesticated pig's wild origin mapped

A new study has mapped the domesticated pig's wild origin, showing that domestication took place in several different geographical regions in Europe and Asia. The technology for domesticating wild boars is believed to have spread across the world, rather than domesticated wild boar itself.

SourceSwedish Research Council·JournalScience·DateMar 11, 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.

Company Web sites need re-design to lure job searchers

Researchers analyzed 7,000 job-related queries and found that online job searches have a higher percentage of non-relevant returns (60%) compared to general web searches (50%). The study suggests that company web sites need re-design to highlight geographical information and use user-friendly terms for better search engine indexing.

SourcePenn State·JournalInternet Research·DateMar 11, 2005

Consensus on childhood obesity recommends classification as disease

The Endocrine Society recommends classifying childhood obesity as a legitimate disease to encourage public funding and insurer reimbursement for treatment programs. This classification aims to prevent and treat obesity in children, reducing serious health risks such as diabetes, heart disease, and respiratory disorders.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateMar 11, 2005

Women lag behind men in academic leadership positions worldwide

The study found marked differences among countries, with Turkey, Brazil, and Mexico showing the highest number of women faculty. Despite increasing numbers of female physicians, disparities persist in specialties like rheumatology, influenced by factors such as family vs. career emphasis and cultural norms.

SourceWiley·JournalArthritis & Rheumatism·DateMar 11, 2005

Unique weather a factor in record 2004 Midwest crop yields

The 2004 Midwest crop yields were record-breaking due to unique weather conditions, including an unusually high number of sunny days that aided photosynthesis. This anomaly in atmospheric circulation patterns contributed to the exceptional yields, which surpassed predictions and models.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·DateMar 11, 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.

Radiography used to identify teens with sleep apnea

Researchers studied 590 patients aged 7-18 to develop a cephalometric radiograph score. Those with high scores were more likely to have higher RDI (respiratory disturbance index) scores, indicating potential sleep-disordered breathing risk. This pilot study suggests radiography may be used to identify teenagers at risk for sleep apnea.

SourceInternational Association for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research·DateMar 11, 2005

Cornea transplants can be improved

Researchers evaluated microscope image quality and endothelial cell density to assess corneal health. Current system shows promise, but improvements needed in some eye banks to enhance image quality and accuracy of counting cells.

SourceUniversity Hospitals of Cleveland·JournalOphthalmology·DateMar 11, 2005

Artificial antenna helps 'cockroach robot' scurry along walls

A Johns Hopkins engineering student built an antenna inspired by a cockroach's sensory system, enabling a robot to scurry along walls and avoid obstacles. The device sends signals to the robotic brain, allowing it to maneuver in low-light environments with polished surfaces.

SourceJohns Hopkins University·DateMar 11, 2005
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Age shouldn't be a factor in kidney transplantation

A recent study published at the Central Surgical Association meeting found that success rates for kidney transplants are comparable regardless of donor and recipient age. The research suggests that using newer methods to match kidneys with recipients can increase organ availability for older patients.

SourceAtrium Health Wake Forest Baptist·DateMar 11, 2005

Acid rain likely stunts US forests

A recent study found that acid rain can severely degrade forest soils, leading to poor tree growth rates and potentially high mortality rates. The research, conducted near St. Petersburg, Russia, tracked tree growth for the first time with changes in soil from acid rain, highlighting the need for recovery strategies beyond surface waters.

SourceU.S. Geological Survey·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateMar 11, 2005

Discovery may lead to better Candidiasis drug

Histatin binds to TRK1p membrane protein, regulating potassium ion flow and killing fungal cells by preventing ion regulation. The finding paves the way for developing a more effective Candidiasis drug.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·DateMar 11, 2005

What are little boys made of?

Scientists have discovered that an estrogen receptor, ERβ, plays a crucial role in regulating defeminization, a process by which males lose female-like behavior. The study found that neonatal males are exposed to estrogen produced by their testes, leading to changes in gene expression and neural architecture.

SourceUniversity of Virginia Health System·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 11, 2005
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.

Defenseless plants arm themselves with metals

Researchers at Purdue University discovered that a group of plants called metal hyperaccumulators can store high levels of metal in their tissues, making them resistant to pathogens. This trait allows these plants to thrive in soils naturally enriched in metals without succumbing to diseases like powdery mildew.

SourcePurdue University·JournalPLANT PHYSIOLOGY·DateMar 11, 2005

Routine dental panoramic X-rays not necessary, study shows

A new study by University at Buffalo researchers found that panoramic X-rays have limited value and can be used selectively in some cases. The study, which evaluated 1,000 panoramic X-rays, revealed that lesions in sinus cavities, soft tissue of the neck, and upper jaw bone were not always picked up on full-mouth-series X-rays.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·DateMar 11, 2005

Nobel laureates to open ASBMB annual meeting in San Diego

Dr. Goldstein and Dr. Brown will discuss their research on the regulated intramembrane proteolysis (RIP) of sterol regulatory element binding proteins (SREBPs), which regulates lipid biosynthesis and plasma cholesterol levels. Their work has been recognized with numerous awards, including Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine.

SourceAmerican Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology·DateMar 11, 2005
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.