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Science News for June 18, 2000


New compound may permit definitive diagnosis and treatment monitoring of Alzheimer's in living patients

Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine have created a stealth-like molecule called BSB that can effectively breach the blood-brain barrier and bind to amyloid plaques, enabling visualization using PET or SPECT imaging. This breakthrough paves the way for the refinement of BSB as a diagnostic tool for Alzheimer...

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 18, 2000

Gene found responsible for social amnesia

Scientists at Emory University Health Sciences Center have discovered that the oxytocin gene is necessary for forming social memories, allowing individuals to recognize familiar faces. The study found that mice lacking this gene exhibited social memory deficits, which were restored with oxytocin treatment.

SourceEmory University Health Sciences Center·JournalNature Genetics·DateJun 18, 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.

Community programs can help prevent heart disease

A community program in rural Maine associated with a significant decrease in heart disease death rates, thanks to its comprehensive approach to tracking patient risk factors and providing lifestyle education. The study suggests that such programs can be an effective way to blunt the worldwide cardiovascular disease epidemic.

SourceCenter for Advancing Health·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateJun 18, 2000

Primary care falls short on helping people with diabetes to help themselves

A recent study reveals that primary care practices neglect to counsel diabetic patients on how to self-manage their illness, leading to a lack of comprehensive disease management. Despite this, patients who utilized community resources for support received more medical and counseling-related services from their physicians.

SourceCenter for Advancing Health·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateJun 18, 2000

Efforts to encourage physical fitness don’t have to be expensive

A study found that two methods to increase physical activity among sedentary adults were comparable in effectiveness but differed in cost-effectiveness. The lifestyle approach, which taught problem-solving and self-management skills, was more cost-effective, averaging $17/month over a two-year period.

SourceCenter for Advancing Health·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateJun 18, 2000

Global warming may be delayed by increase in ocean silica

Boston College scientist Kevin G. Harrison proposes the Silica Hypothesis, which suggests that increasing ocean silica levels can remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, slowing global warming. This mechanism may be responsible for decreased atmospheric CO2 levels during glacial times and could be relevant to today's climate change.

SourceBoston College·JournalPaleoceanography·DateJun 18, 2000
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

Molecular mechanism for learning and memory is identified

Researchers at Northwestern University have discovered that the growth-associated protein GAP-43 enhances learning and memory in the mammalian brain when overexpressed in a phosphorylatable form. This finding could lead to new treatments for memory loss and learning disorders.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 18, 2000