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Science News for December 31, 2000


Aspirin use may increase pancreatic cancer risk

A long duration of regular aspirin use is associated with a significant increase in pancreatic cancer risk among women. Women taking 14 or more tablets per week experience nearly an 86% increased risk, while those taking six to 13 tablets per week see a 41% higher risk.

SourceAmerican Association for Cancer Research·DateDec 31, 2000

Converging pathways regulate energy metabolism

Researchers discovered two converging pathways regulated by leptin, which modulate energy expenditure through the TRH promoter. Thyroid hormone also suppresses TRH production, integrating various signals to control energy metabolism.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateDec 31, 2000

Early treatment of blinding eye disease in infants can prevent severe vision loss

The Early Treatment for Retinopathy of Prematurity (ETROP) study demonstrated that premature infants who receive early treatment have better vision outcomes compared to waiting until the traditional treatment threshold. The study also established a new risk assessment model to identify high-risk infants, reducing poor visual outcomes a...

SourceSmith-Kettlewell Eye Research Institute·JournalArchives of Ophthalmology·DateDec 31, 2000
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.

NIH scientists highlight role of macrophages in HIV infection

New research suggests that macrophages are an underappreciated reservoir of virus in HIV infection. Macrophages continue to produce large amounts of an HIV-like virus even after CD4+ T cells are depleted, providing new insight on how the virus survives. This discovery may lead to new strategies for eliminating the virus from the body.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 31, 2000

Other highlights in the November 5 issue of JNCI

Two large studies followed US and British factory workers for extended periods, finding associations between formaldehyde exposure and increased risk of leukemia and lung cancer. However, the authors caution against drawing definitive conclusions about the carcinogenicity of formaldehyde in humans.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateDec 31, 2000
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Chemokines and angiostasis

Human microvascular endothelial cells express CXCR3 receptor in response to cell cycle regulation, leading to antiproliferative effect. This mechanism provides an additional pathway for controlling angiogenesis, potentially blocking tumor growth.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateDec 31, 2000

Creation of molecular nano motor: Fraser Stoddart/UCLA

The researchers designed and made a rotaxane-based nano motor powered by sunlight, which operates according to a four-stroke cycle. The system works continuously without consuming chemical fuels or generating waste.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 31, 2000

Three genetic steps convert normal mammary cells into breast cancer cells

Scientists successfully transform human mammary epithelial cells into breast cancer cells by introducing three cancer-associated genes, revealing key mechanisms underlying tumorigenesis. The study also highlights the importance of cross-talk between cancer cells and their microenvironment in metastasis.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalGenes & Development·DateDec 31, 2000

Pharmaceutical 'smart bomb' targets cancer cells

Researchers at Rutgers University have developed a new pharmaceutical 'smart bomb' that targets cancer cells using an improved prodrug delivery system. The system uses nitroreductase as the activating trigger, guaranteeing a direct hit on cancerous cells and minimizing damage to normal cells.

SourceRutgers University·DateDec 31, 2000
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.

Some Americans, fed up with conflicting diet and nutrition messages, respond with less healthful eating habits

A study by researchers at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center found that people who feel frustrated with dietary recommendations are more likely to eat a fat-laden diet. The study, which surveyed 1,751 adults in Washington state, also found evidence of 'nutrition backlash,' where negative feelings about diet messages lead to unhealthy ea...

SourceFred Hutchinson Cancer Center·JournalJournal of the American Dietetic Association·DateDec 31, 2000

Other highlights in the October 15 issue of JNCI

A new study confirms previous findings that hair color, number of moles on the legs, and history of sunburn are risk factors for malignant melanoma. The study also found that use of sunbeds and other tanning devices is associated with an increased risk of the disease.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateDec 31, 2000

Inactivated flu vaccine linked to fewer medical visits than intranasal vaccine

A study found that inactivated flu vaccine (TIV) was associated with lower health care visits and hospitalizations for pneumonia and influenza compared to the intranasal live attenuated influenza vaccine (LAIV) among US military personnel. TIV may be more effective than LAIV in preventing morbidity in highly immunized adult populations.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateDec 31, 2000