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Science News Archive 2001 - Page 2


Page 2 of 47

Archaeologists rewrite timeline of Bronze and Iron Ages

Researchers from Cornell University and the University of Reading have given a new kind of precision to the timeline of the Bronze and Iron Ages in the Aegean and Near East. The study, published in Science, dates certain artifacts from around 740 B.C., placing an early appearance of the alphabet outside Phoenicia at this time.

SourceCornell University·JournalScience·DateDec 19, 2001

Trauma survivors losing less sleep than they think

Research suggests that trauma survivors often underestimate their sleep quality and overestimate their sleep time. Studies have found that with proper treatments like progressive muscle relaxation and stimulus control, traumatic memories can be left behind without impacting sleep., Timely treatment of sleep disorders may prevent PTSD o...

SourceAmerican Society for Technion - Israel Institute of Technology·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateDec 19, 2001

Battling the barnacle

The U.S. Navy is seeking non-toxic solutions to combat barnacle infestations, which cost billions of dollars annually due to drag on ship hulls. Researchers are exploring flexible and textured coatings that may repel or deter barnacles without harming marine organisms.

Glaucoma among Mexican-Americans

A study published in Archives of Ophthalmology found that glaucoma affects approximately 0.5% of people aged 41-49 and up to 12% of those aged 80+, with women being disproportionately affected. The high prevalence among Mexican-Americans may be attributed to barriers such as cost of care and distrust of majority culture.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalArchives of Ophthalmology·DateDec 17, 2001

Primitive microbe offers model for evolution of animals

Scientists discovered a receptor tyrosine kinase in single-celled choanoflagellates, a group of protists with characteristics similar to those of multicellular animals. The finding provides strong support for the hypothesis that choanoflagellates are closely related to metazoans and may represent modern examples of animal ancestors.

SourceHoward Hughes Medical Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 17, 2001

Do you compute?

Scientists create detailed computer simulations of brain neurons and their assemblies to understand how the brain computes. They're building VLSI chips that accurately model retinas and can produce output spikes matching real retinae, with potential applications in retinal implants.

Survey of intensive care units concludes that the current approach to preventing deep vein thrombosis is substandard

A survey of intensive care units found that many strategies to prevent deep vein thrombosis (DVT) were not being used, including support stockings and low molecular weight heparin. Physicians need more education on latest techniques to reduce DVT incidence, and fundamental research is needed to understand the condition.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalCritical Care·DateDec 17, 2001

Experts announce global antimicrobial resistance initiative - World preview of the Global White Paper on bacterial resistance in respiratory tract infections - a call for concerted international action

A global white paper on bacterial resistance in respiratory tract infections calls for concerted international action to tackle the growing threat of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. The initiative aims to implement robust surveillance, education, and patient involvement to control resistance.

Breaking the silence: Discovery could lead to new treatments for cancer, sickle-cell anemia

Scientists at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center have discovered a potential new treatment for cancer and sickle-cell anemia by inhibiting gene silencing. The compound, splitomicin, effectively blocks the silencing of genes critical for healthy growth and may also be effective against certain cancers.

SourceFred Hutchinson Cancer Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 17, 2001

Scent of a lobster

Researchers are studying the small hairs on lobsters' antennules to capture odors at high resolution. By understanding how these hairs process information, scientists hope to create more efficient chemical-sensing systems for the Navy.

NHLBI study finds DASH diet and reduced sodium lowers blood pressure for all

A recent NHLBI study found that the DASH diet and reducing dietary sodium can lower blood pressure in diverse populations, including those with hypertension, older adults, and younger individuals. The study's findings suggest that these lifestyle changes can benefit Americans of all ages, backgrounds, and health statuses.

SourceNIH/National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateDec 17, 2001

Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center investigator finds that transplant patients' newly-developed immune systems function effectively 20 to 30 years later

A study by Dr. Jan Storek found that long-term bone-marrow and stem-cell transplant survivors can live normal lives without frequent infections, with immunity recovering to normal within 20 years. The researchers also discovered that transplanted hematopoietic cells remain functional for at least 20-30 years.

Why do we 'choke' under pressure?

Golf putting study reveals that over-attending to well-learned skills can hinder performance, especially under pressure. The experiment shows that adapting to an environment where individuals focus on performance from the start of learning may provide immunity against 'choking'.

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·JournalJournal of Experimental Psychology·DateDec 16, 2001

New picture of intelligence highlights the overlooked role of visuospatial abilities

Visuospatial abilities and working memory are strongly correlated with executive function, a central cognitive command and control. This finding ties these skills to general intelligence, suggesting that traditional IQ tests may overlook important aspects of human cognition. The study aims to contribute to more fair and comprehensive t...

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·JournalJournal of Experimental Psychology·DateDec 16, 2001

World's smallest atom storage ring is first to guide ultra-cold neutral atoms; a step toward 'atom fiber optics'

Researchers at Georgia Institute of Technology have developed the first storage ring to confine and guide ultra-cold neutral atoms in a circular path. The Nevatron ring marks a step toward creating atom fiber optics that could improve aircraft guidance systems and open new areas of study in basic physics.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateDec 15, 2001