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Science News for February 28, 2000


UF researchers use injection of cells to reverse diabetes in mice

University of Florida researchers have reversed diabetes in mice by injecting cells that produce enough insulin to regulate blood sugar levels effectively. The cells were grown into small, insulin-secreting organs and implanted just beneath the skin, allowing them to function like an endocrine pancreas within days.

SourceUniversity of Florida·JournalNature Medicine·DateFeb 28, 2000

UF study: anti-cancer drug may be safe for long-term use

Researchers at the University of Florida have identified a possible pathway to protect heart cells from damage caused by doxorubicin, an anti-cancer drug. By understanding how caspases trigger cell death, they may develop targeted treatments using anti-oxidants like vitamins E and C.

SourceUniversity of Florida·DateFeb 28, 2000

University of Toronto fossil discovery has implications for patterns of evolution

The University of Toronto has discovered a new species of giant ground sloth, challenging the long-held assumption that mammals from South America were inferior to those in North America. The study suggests that these groups thrived for nearly two million years after migration across the Panamanian land bridge.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalZoological Journal of the Linnean Society·DateFeb 28, 2000
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.

Program helps patients cope with macular degeneration

Patients with macular degeneration experienced improved moods and increased use of visual aids after completing a six-week behavioral self-management program. The program also boosted confidence in daily functioning and reduced symptoms of anxiety and depression.

SourceCenter for Advancing Health·JournalAnnals of Behavioral Medicine·DateFeb 28, 2000

Researchers discover gene that regulates cancer growth

A team of researchers at the University of Toronto has discovered a gene called Mgat5 that affects cancer growth. By knocking out this gene in mice, they found a significant reduction in breast and lung cancer growth, suggesting that sugar structures play a role in promoting tumor development.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalNature Medicine·DateFeb 28, 2000

Study: Smarter teens delay sexual contacts

Researchers found that intelligent adolescents tend to postpone any kind of lesser sexual activity, as well as first sex, compared to their less intelligent peers. The association between intelligence and refraining from sexual intercourse was stronger for girls than boys, and age-dependent.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel Hill·JournalJournal of Adolescent Health·DateFeb 28, 2000
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.

One-third of participants drop out of behavioral medicine treatments

A new study found that 32-35% of patients in weight loss, headache, and chronic pain programs dropped out due to factors like emotional distress and low self-efficacy. The researchers suggest investigating variables such as support from family and friends, and the therapeutic alliance between clients and program leaders.

SourceCenter for Advancing Health·JournalAnnals of Behavioral Medicine·DateFeb 28, 2000

Open expression of thoughts benefits kidney transplant patients

A new study suggests that open family discussion about stressful thoughts and feelings can improve emotional well-being in kidney transplant patients. Patients who felt their families were supportive reported fewer symptoms of depression and anxiety.

SourceCenter for Advancing Health·JournalAnnals of Behavioral Medicine·DateFeb 28, 2000

Heat-triggered liposomes carry drugs to eradicate tumors in mice

Researchers at Duke University developed heat-triggered liposomes that can deliver anti-cancer drugs to tumors, delaying growth and eradicating human tumors in mice. The new technology uses specially engineered liposomes that release their cargo rapidly when heated to temperatures just above normal body temperature.

SourceDuke University·JournalCancer Research·DateFeb 28, 2000

Education and hostility levels linked to body 'wear and tear'

A new study links lower socioeconomic status, measured by education level, to increased psychological factors like hostility. This may lead to poor health outcomes due to increased physiological activity or strain, as well as unhealthy behaviors such as smoking.

SourceCenter for Advancing Health·JournalAnnals of Behavioral Medicine·DateFeb 28, 2000

New diagnostic methods needed to curb use of antibiotics

Researchers found that two-thirds of unnecessary antibiotic prescriptions were given to patients with negative throat cultures. Inaccurate diagnoses and lack of immediate diagnostic tools contribute to the problem. Experts blame current diagnostic methods and advocate for improved solutions.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalMedical Decision Making·DateFeb 28, 2000
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Scribbles in books can aid historians, says researcher

Researcher Professor Heather Jackson spent 15 years studying marginalia in books to uncover insights into cultural and reading habits of the past. Her findings suggest that handwritten notes left in books can be a valuable source of historical information, providing unique perspectives on authors' intentions and readers' reactions.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·DateFeb 28, 2000

New study links high-traffic streets to childhood leukemia, other cancers

A new study by Robert Pearson, Howard Wachtel, and Kristie Ebi found that children living near heavily trafficked streets have a six-fold increased risk of developing childhood cancer. The researchers used street-traffic densities to assess exposure to air pollutants from vehicle emissions.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalJournal of the Air & Waste Management Association·DateFeb 28, 2000

Focus on fitness skills, attitudes that endure, study says

A new study by the University of Toronto found that children who had a daily activity program in Grades 1 to 6 showed no advantages in aerobic fitness 20 years later. The study highlights the importance of developing lasting skills and attitudes in physical education programs.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Biology·DateFeb 28, 2000