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Science News for March 15, 2005


Answer from 'dusty shelf' aids quest to see matter as it was just after big bang

Researchers dust off dusty shelf by applying Hanbury Brown-Twiss Interferometry to high-energy gold nucleus collisions, reconciling experimental data with theoretical expectations. They found that pions in the plasma have a low mass inside but a higher mass outside, helping create quark-gluon plasma conditions similar to those just aft...

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMar 15, 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 shows risk of cardiac death after radiation for breast cancer has dramatically decreased

A recent study found that advancements in radiation techniques have greatly reduced the risk of cardiac death after radiation therapy for breast cancer. Women with left-sided breast cancer had a higher mortality rate from ischemic heart disease compared to those with right-sided breast cancer, but this difference decreased over time.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateMar 15, 2005

Cure no quick fix for cancer survivors on long road to recovery

A national study of cancer patients who underwent bone marrow transplantation reveals long-term quality of life issues persist for decades. Cancer survivors report lingering sleep, sexual problems, pain, cognitive decline, and poor physical well-being compared to healthy peers.

SourceUniversity of Florida·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateMar 15, 2005

Plan to protect soybean crop is ready

A comprehensive plan has been developed by Virginia Tech to minimize losses from Soybean Rust, a disease that severely affected Brazilian soybeans. The plan includes educational programs and a monitoring system to identify the disease, as well as guidelines for scouting and treating infected fields.

SourceVirginia Tech·DateMar 15, 2005

Schering-Plough honored for contributions to chemistry scholarships

The American Chemical Society has recognized Schering-Plough's unique contribution to the ACS Scholars Program, providing grants of $50,000 to support 20 freshmen students each year. The program has awarded $8 million in scholarships to nearly 1,500 talented minority students with financial need since its inception.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·DateMar 15, 2005
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.

USC chemist wins national award for lifetime achievements in chemistry

Olah's work on hydrocarbon chemistry led to improvements in lead-free gasoline, cleaner fuels, and insights into chemical processes used in pharmaceutical and industrial chemistry. He also developed a new, highly efficient fuel cell and has guided over 200 research associates throughout his distinguished career.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·DateMar 15, 2005

Determining the fate of cells in the human body

The study found that Twist1 and Hand2 proteins couple to determine the number of digits on a hand, paw or wing, and whether these digits are webbed or not. Additionally, the researchers identified high-frequency mutations in patients with Saethre-Chotzen Syndrome, which may lead to cardiac and placental tissue defects.

SourceIndiana University·JournalNature Genetics·DateMar 15, 2005

Researchers discover chemical compounds that affect plant growth

A team of researchers has identified 219 chemicals that affect plant growth due to gravity, leading to a better understanding of protein transportation and genetic signaling in plant cellular membranes. The discovery uses chemical genomics to study the link between endomembrane system components and gravitropic response.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 15, 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.

Study challenges claim that the Internet promotes price competition

A recent study published in Management Science suggests that the internet may not lead to lower prices for consumers, contradicting common assumptions. The researchers found that businesses have no incentive to undercut their rivals due to easy price monitoring on the web.

SourceOhio State University·JournalManagement Science·DateMar 15, 2005
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.

Compound may help prevent diabetes in fast-food fans

Researchers have discovered that a compound called HPMC, commonly used as an additive in foods and drugs, may help prevent diabetes in people who frequently consume high-fat fast foods. The compound works by regulating metabolic genes and slowing down the absorption of fats, potentially reducing the risk of developing insulin resistance.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·DateMar 15, 2005
GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.

New ways to design safer & more effective topical (transdermal) drug delivery announced in the PNAS

Researchers at UC Santa Barbara have engineered over 300 new chemical penetration enhancers (CPEs) to improve the safety and efficacy of topical drug delivery. The new CPEs were designed using computer-aided modeling, allowing for the prediction of skin penetrability and potential irritation.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 15, 2005

Probing the promise and perils of nanoparticles

Dendrimers have shown promise for precisely delivering drugs to their targets inside the body, but high concentrations can be toxic. Researchers discovered that engineering dendrimers in particular ways can prevent this damage and make them better at what they do.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·DateMar 15, 2005

Blacks less likely to get expensive, newer heart treatments

Researchers found that black high-risk patients were more likely to receive older treatments and less likely to receive newer drugs, including glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors and clopidogrel. Despite these disparities, short-term outcomes did not differ significantly between blacks and whites.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·DateMar 15, 2005

Beef feeding research studies pasture vs. grain

Research by Virginia Tech finds pasture-fed beef has less fat and higher conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), a fatty acid beneficial for human health. The study's goal is to develop efficient, profitable, and sustainable grassland-based production systems in the Appalachian Region.

SourceVirginia Tech·DateMar 15, 2005

Epstein-Barr virus protein crucial to its role in blood cancers

Researchers found that a specific viral protein EBNA3C triggers uncontrolled growth of B cells, initiating cancer. The study provides new insights into how Epstein-Barr virus drives cancer and paves the way for developing targeted therapeutics.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalMolecular and Cellular Biology·DateMar 15, 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.

Antiretroviral therapy may prevent excess risk of some cancers in people with HIV

A study analyzed data from over 7,300 people infected with HIV and found that HAART treatment can lower the risk of Kaposi sarcoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma. However, no significant reduction in risk was observed for other types of cancer. Smoking is a major risk factor for lung cancer among people with HIV.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateMar 15, 2005

Government wasting your taxpayer money on ineffective drug cure

The government is funding an ineffective drug cure for chronic hemodialysis patients, with costs estimated at $8086 per year per person. Dr. Theodore Steinman argues that more and better studies are needed before L-carnitine can be used on a wide scale basis.

SourceBlackwell Publishing Ltd.·JournalSeminars in Dialysis·DateMar 15, 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.

Mayo Clinic discovers 'new pathway' against pancreatic cancer

Researchers at Mayo Clinic discovered a new pathway against pancreatic cancer by targeting the GSK-3 Beta molecule, which regulates NF Kappa B activity. This finding may lead to new drug development strategies for other cancers and improve treatment options for pancreatic cancer patients.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalCancer Research·DateMar 15, 2005

Dealing with conflict in caring for the dying patient

The article highlights five major types of conflict in caring for the dying patient, including physician-family, physician-nurse, and family-family conflicts. It suggests negotiating a course of treatment with all parties involved to avoid potential conflicts and emphasizes the importance of empathy in resolving disputes.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Medical Center·JournalJAMA·DateMar 15, 2005

Polymers with copper show promise for implanted sensors

Researchers at the University of Michigan have developed new polymer coatings that generate nitric oxide from compounds found in blood, which may improve accuracy and reduce clots in implanted sensors. The copper-based materials could lead to longer lifespans for these devices, addressing limitations of earlier designs.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·DateMar 15, 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.

Other highlights in the March 16 JNCI

A new study found that racial and ethnic differences in breast cancer rates can be largely explained by the distribution of risk factors, except in African American women. Among those diagnosed with breast cancer, African American women are more likely to have advanced-stage disease, larger tumors, and estrogen receptor-negative disease.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateMar 15, 2005

Researchers devise way to mass-produce embryonic stem cells

Researchers have successfully developed a method to mass-produce embryonic stem cells using a bioreactor, which increases cell growth up to 193-fold in just 15 days. This innovative approach has the potential to reduce production costs by at least 80% and increase cell density by several hundred million times.

SourceOhio State University·DateMar 15, 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.

Earlier use of prostate cancer vaccines urged by Hopkins scientists

Researchers found that vaccinating mice with prostate cancer immediately after hormone therapy triggers a stronger T-cell response against the cancer. The strategy could lead to better vaccine effectiveness in humans, delaying the need for additional treatments or hormone therapy.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalCancer Cell·DateMar 15, 2005

Cardiologists underestimate racial and ethnic disparities in care

A recent study found that cardiologists significantly underreported racial and ethnic disparities in care, with only 12% reporting disparities in their own hospitals. The study suggests that increasing awareness through practice data analysis can help address these disparities.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·DateMar 15, 2005

Antioxidant blood levels key to MnSOD gene

A study found that carriers of a genetic variant associated with low antioxidant levels in the blood have a significantly increased risk of developing aggressive prostate cancer. The research highlights the potential role of antioxidants such as selenium and vitamin E in preventing prostate cancer.

SourceAmerican Association for Cancer Research·JournalCancer Research·DateMar 15, 2005

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

Research finds that ICU patients who develop bloodstream infections have a significantly higher mortality rate than those who do not, highlighting the importance of preventing these infections. The study also suggests that interventions targeting less severely ill patients and at-risk individuals may be effective in reducing mortality ...

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateMar 15, 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.

Prostate cancer screening practices examined

A massive study is examining prostate cancer screening practices to determine their impact on death rates. The study follows 75,000 men, half of whom are screened and half receive conventional care, allowing researchers to compare survival rates.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateMar 15, 2005

Chemists identify immune system mechanism for methamphetamine binges

Researchers discovered that methamphetamine triggers an immune response by forming antibodies, leading to increased tolerance and binge behavior. This finding may lead to the development of specific antibodies as a clinical treatment for addiction.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateMar 15, 2005

Risk of cardiac death after radiotherapy for breast cancer has declined, study finds

A study found that women with left-sided breast cancer had a higher risk of death from ischemic heart disease after radiation therapy, but this increased risk declined over time. Advances in radiation techniques have reduced the dose to the heart, resulting in lower mortality rates among women diagnosed with right-sided breast cancer.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateMar 15, 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.

Purdue finding could help develop clean energy technology

The Purdue team used a unique method to study the oxidation of methane on a palladium catalyst, revealing that the rate is always the same regardless of the surface exposed. This breakthrough could lead to more efficient catalytic combustion technology, reducing pollution and improving energy efficiency.

SourcePurdue University·DateMar 15, 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.

Aspirin's potential ability to prevent colon polyps may not apply equally to all

A recent study found that aspirin may help prevent colon polyps in individuals with variant forms of the UGT1A6 enzyme. However, for those without this variant, the benefit was not significant. The researchers suggest that persistent aspirin levels could lead to increased bleeding risks.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateMar 15, 2005

Iron exporter revealed that may explain common human disorder

Researchers at Children's Hospital Boston and Harvard Medical School found that ferroportin is the major iron exporter in key sites of absorption and release. This protein's loss of control may lead to excessive iron accumulation in tissues, causing hereditary disease hemochromatosis.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Metabolism·DateMar 15, 2005

Helping answer needs by developing specialists in autism

The Indiana University Christian Sarkine Autism Treatment Center has launched a new program to train teachers to support children with autism. The program, called HANDS in Autism, will provide intensive training for educators and other staff members in local school districts.

SourceIndiana University·DateMar 15, 2005

Defensins neutralize anthrax toxin

Max Planck scientists have developed a novel therapeutic strategy against anthrax using defensins. These molecules can neutralize the lethal toxin of anthrax bacilli, preventing its deadly effect and protecting against fatal consequences.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 15, 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.