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Science News for May 19, 2005


Science study holds implications for gene therapy and stem cell biology

Researchers used disabled retroviruses to discover genes that increase the multiplication rate of stem cells, which could improve regenerative medicine. The study found that these genes can be used to enhance the fitness of stem cells, potentially leading to new treatments for inherited blood disorders.

SourceCincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center·JournalScience·DateMay 19, 2005

Rock on! Indiana limestone: NIST's first and latest SRM

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has released Standard Reference Material (SRM) 1d for Indiana limestone, which is a critical component in various industries. The SRM will support the production of cement, concrete, and iron steel.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·DateMay 19, 2005

U of MN researchers discover novel way estrogen affects the brain

Researchers at University of Minnesota have made a groundbreaking discovery on how estrogen affects the brain, revealing distinct differences between females and males. The study suggests that estrogen activation of glutamate receptors could explain various non-reproductive behaviors, such as female motor control and pain sensation.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota·DateMay 19, 2005

Low back pain relief, causes, measurement & prosthetic fit, production, comfort

This article discusses various low back pain relief strategies, including prosthetic fit and production, for individuals with amputations. It also explores the impact of head and body movement on gait in patients with inner ear balance organ abnormalities.

SourceVeterans Affairs Research Communications·JournalThe Journal of Rehabilitation Research and Development·DateMay 19, 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.

'Cornell dots' for tagging, imaging and optical computing

Researchers at Cornell University have created fluorescent nanoparticles called 'Cornell dots' that can be used for biological imaging, optical computing, and other applications. These particles offer an alternative to quantum dots due to their greater chemical inertness and reduced cost.

SourceCornell University·JournalNano Letters·DateMay 19, 2005

Flexible tactile sensors could help robots work better

Artificial tactile sensors are being developed to mimic human fingers, providing detailed information on object shape and texture. The new technology could enable robots to handle delicate objects with increased precision and force control.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalJournal of Micromechanics and Microengineering·DateMay 19, 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.

NEMS device detects the mass of a single DNA molecule

Researchers at Cornell University developed a nanoscale detection device that can identify even the smallest organic molecules, including proteins. The device uses microfluidics to detect genetic markers for cancer susceptibility and has potential applications in medical and forensic diagnosis.

SourceCornell University·JournalNano Letters·DateMay 19, 2005

Tsunami earthquake triggered Earth's free oscillations

Scientists led by Professor Jeffrey J. Park have detected the natural tones from seismograms after the Sumatra-Andaman earthquake, providing information on Earth's deep mantle and core. The data supports a model of the earthquake that lasted about 10 minutes, with massive slabs of rock moving over 800 miles.

SourceYale University·JournalScience·DateMay 19, 2005
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Brain may be less plastic than hoped

A recent study using fMRI found limited reorganization in the primary visual cortex of adult monkeys after retina injury, contradicting previous thinking on brain plasticity. The results suggest that adult brains may not be as capable of compensating for injuries as previously believed.

SourceHoward Hughes Medical Institute·JournalNature·DateMay 19, 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.

ARL leads NASA effort to develop smarter machines for space missions

Researchers at Penn State are developing new approaches to integrating control and condition monitoring systems for Intelligent Vehicle Health Management. This will enable equipment to continue operating when something breaks or is about to fail, reducing the need for human intervention on long, unmanned deep space missions.

SourcePenn State·DateMay 19, 2005

Lack of coherent cloning policies reflects polarized debate, limited understanding, study says

A new report by the Genetics & Public Policy Center reveals a polarized debate over cloning policies, with high awareness but limited understanding of its scientific feasibility. The report highlights the need for sound science policy and contributes to public understanding of the complex ethical and policy issues surrounding cloning.

SourceGenetics & Public Policy Center, Johns Hopkins University·DateMay 19, 2005

The role of the Royal Society should be reviewed

The Lancet urges Martin Rees, the new President of the Royal Society, to conduct a wide-ranging review of the organization's purpose, programs, and aspirations. The society is criticized for being self-serving and superficial, lacking intellectual substance and international scope.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateMay 19, 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.

Bad teeth may signal risk for heart attack

Researchers found that individuals over 80 with active root caries had twice the odds of cardiac arrhythmias. The study suggests that oral health issues in older adults can be a marker of general physical decline and may require serious attention.

SourceBlackwell Publishing Ltd.·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateMay 19, 2005

ESC releases new chronic heart failure guidelines

The ESC has released new chronic heart failure guidelines featuring practical recommendations for diagnosis, assessment, and treatment of CHF. The guidelines highlight significant developments in CCF management, including the use of natriuretic peptides and device-based therapies.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·JournalEuropean Heart Journal·DateMay 19, 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.

Human cells can 'silence' HIV genes

Scientists have discovered that human cells use RNA silencing to defend against HIV, a phenomenon previously unknown in mammals. The discovery of a novel siRNA sequence that targets the HIV protein Tat may lead to the development of new RNAi-based drugs to combat the virus.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalImmunity·DateMay 19, 2005

Boys, too, suffer long-term consequences of childhood sexual abuse

A new study finds that childhood sexual abuse significantly increases the risk of developing health and social problems in both males and females. The study of over 17,000 California adults reveals a 25% rate of female victims and a 16% rate of male victims, with similar negative health outcomes for both genders.

SourceCenter for Advancing Health·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateMay 19, 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.

Indian Ocean earthquake data suggest disaster warnings too conservative

Scientists analyzed data from the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake, revealing a catastrophic event that highlights the need for more extreme worst-case seismic forecasts. The earthquake's impact was exacerbated by its location, which coincided with a popular holiday and high tide, resulting in widespread damage and loss of life.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalScience·DateMay 19, 2005

Seismologists publish detailed analysis of the great Sumatra-Andaman earthquake

The study provides a comprehensive analysis of the earthquakes, including the longest fault rupture and duration of faulting, as well as the seismic waves that traveled around the globe. The researchers also found that the earthquake caused the planet to vibrate with 'free oscillations,' like the ringing of a bell.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Cruz·JournalScience·DateMay 19, 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.

President Bush honors excellence in mentoring

Nine individuals and five organizations have received the PAESMEM award for broadening opportunities in STEM education for underrepresented groups. The awardees include mentors who have pioneered innovative programs to improve retention rates and graduate success among underrepresented students.

SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·DateMay 19, 2005

Lack of funds hampering important child health study

The National Children's Study aims to track 100,000 children's health from birth to 21, but faces $2.7 billion funding gap over 25 years. The study will examine environmental factors contributing to childhood chronic disease, with potential economic benefits of reducing disease burden by 1% annually.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateMay 19, 2005

Gene keeps neural cells on correct developmental path

A single protein, REST, directs the transformation of embryonic stem cells into mature nerve cells by keeping genes off in non-neuronal tissues. The study reveals fundamental details of how stem cells retain developmental plasticity.

SourceHoward Hughes Medical Institute·JournalCell·DateMay 19, 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.

Los Angeles 'big squeeze' continues, straining earthquake faults

Scientists have found that strain is rapidly accumulating within a specific area south of the San Gabriel Mountains in Los Angeles, primarily in the San Gabriel and San Fernando Valleys. The study suggests that the Puente Hills Fault and nearby faults may be more likely to break than others, increasing the risk of earthquakes.

SourceAmerican Geophysical Union·DateMay 19, 2005

Study depicts peril, hope for children of jailed mothers

A new study published in Child Development found that children placed in a stable home environment fare better than those bounced from one home to another. Children whose emotions were more sad than angry tended to do well, while confusion and intense feelings of sadness prevail among many.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalChild Development·DateMay 19, 2005

GM rice will not end hunger in China

Despite China's genetically modified (GM) rice ambitions, poverty and unequal land distribution will persist, hindering efforts to eliminate hunger. The Lancet notes that GM technology is not a solution to food insecurity, but rather a Band-Aid on the symptoms of deeper issues.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateMay 19, 2005

Neutrality and the National Security Council adviser

The role of the National Security Council adviser requires balancing brokerage and political advocacy to maintain neutrality. However, in limited forms, advocacy can be beneficial when an underrepresented point-of-view needs to be heard. The adviser's ability to make sound decisions depends on effective processes.

SourceBlackwell Publishing Ltd.·JournalPresidential Studies Quarterly·DateMay 19, 2005
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.

More than 'SNARE' needed for proper synapse

A team of researchers discovered a new protein, Vha100-1, necessary for the transmission of nerve signals. They found that this protein works together with SNARE proteins to facilitate the fusion of vesicles containing neurotransmitters and their release from nerve cells.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalCell·DateMay 19, 2005

Chest CT can be first step to identifying if patient has had a heart attack

A recent study suggests that chest CT scans can be used to identify patients who have had a heart attack. The study found that normal heart muscle enhancement is reduced in patients who have had a recent heart attack, making it possible for radiologists to look for this sign as the first step in identifying a potential heart attack. Fu...

SourceAmerican College of Radiology·DateMay 19, 2005

Nanoscale switch links electronics to photonics

Researchers at Cornell University have developed a silicon device that can modulate light on a micrometer scale, enabling the integration of electronics and photonics. The device uses a ring resonator to filter out specific wavelengths of light, allowing for efficient switching between states.

SourceCornell University·JournalNature·DateMay 19, 2005
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

New MRI techniques may help patients avoid knee surgery

A new MRI technique called isotropic imaging shows promise in detecting meniscal tears and other knee injuries, potentially avoiding knee surgery altogether. With an accuracy rate of 96%, the technique could be used to determine if patients need immediate surgery or can benefit from rehabilitation first.

SourceAmerican College of Radiology·DateMay 19, 2005

As morphine turns 200, drug that blocks its side effects reveals new secrets

A new understanding of morphine's side effects has been gained through the discovery of methylnaltrexone, a peripheral opiate antagonist. This breakthrough allows scientists to distinguish between morphine's central analgesic and peripheral side effects, offering new hope for patients experiencing severe nausea, itching, and constipation.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·DateMay 19, 2005

Photos reveal new primate species

A new long-haired forest primate, named Highland Mangabey, has been discovered in Tanzania's Southern Highlands. The critically endangered species is characterized by a distinctive call and adaptation to the cold climate, with an estimated population of between 500-1,000 animals.

SourceWildlife Conservation Society·JournalScience·DateMay 19, 2005

Scientists generate patient-specific stem cells, Science study says

Researchers have created patient-specific stem cell lines using somatic cell nuclear transfer, enabling the study of human disease in laboratory cells. The new cell lines displayed signs of immunological compatibility with patients' cells.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateMay 19, 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.

NIST method improves timing in oscilloscopes

A new NIST method corrects time distortions in oscilloscopes, improving signal accuracy and reducing noise interference. The free software package can be applied to a wide range of equipment and signals.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·DateMay 19, 2005

Sumatra-Andaman earthquake modeled and mapped

Researchers used various models to recreate the rupture history and variation along the fault, revealing the earthquake's length, epicenter, and speed. The study provided valuable insights into one of the largest earthquakes recorded on modern equipment.

SourcePenn State·JournalScience·DateMay 19, 2005