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Science News Archive 2001 - Page 30


Page 30 of 47

Social class and weight history predict adult obesity

A study published in American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that adult obesity is predicted by family social class and weight history. The research examined the relationship between body mass index (BMI) and social class across four generations. Early age at menarche was also linked to later obesity, while BMI at age 14 was a str...

SourceAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateAug 23, 2001

Physical examination findings are important in predicting outcomes in heart failure, researchers report

Researchers found that patients with either a third heart sound or elevated jugular venous pressure were more likely to have progressive heart failure and subsequent hospital visits due to heart failure. The study highlights the importance of physical examinations in predicting outcomes for heart failure patients.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateAug 22, 2001

Heavy metal stars

A team of Belgian and French astronomers have discovered three distant stars with extremely high Lead abundances, exceeding other elements heavier than Iron. This finding aligns with current stellar models predicting the buildup of heavy elements in stellar interiors.

SourceESO·JournalNature·DateAug 22, 2001

Brittlestars use crystal lenses to spot approaching predators unique “visual” system is the first of its kind to be discovered in animals inhabiting the earth today

Brittlestars, also known as serpent stars, possess a unique 'visual' system that enables them to detect shadows and escape from predators. Their skeletal elements feature crystal lenses that transmit light to their nervous system, allowing them to respond to light changes.

Exploring the frontier of ultra-small electronics

Two Cornell University researchers are working on separate projects to develop new devices that could lead to huge increases in data storage and processing speed. George Malliaras is investigating the electrical properties of individual molecules, while Robert Buhrman is studying spin manipulation and quantum manipulation.

Playground bullies healthier than their victims

Research shows that children who bully others have fewer health problems than their victims, while those who are both bully and victim experience more physical and psychosomatic issues. Breaking the cycle of bullying in early primary school years is crucial to prevent long-term health problems.

SourceBMJ Specialty Journals·JournalArchives of Disease in Childhood·DateAug 21, 2001

Neurons implanted in stroke-damaged brain tissue show function, say University of Pittsburgh researchers

Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center have successfully implanted LBS-neurons into patients with chronic stroke, showing a greater than 10% increase in metabolic activity in damaged areas. The surrounding area showed maintained or improved function, suggesting integration of the new neurons.

Earth-friendly, odor-free chemistry

Researchers at the University of Illinois Chicago have developed a fluorous chemistry-based method to convert alcohols into aldehydes and ketones, retaining the convenience of the Swern reaction. The new reagents eliminate the byproduct dimethyl sulfide, producing an odorless and easily recyclable alternative.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateAug 20, 2001

Better computer modeling provides a new look at large biomolecules

Researchers at Howard Hughes Medical Institute developed a new parallel focusing method to solve the Poisson-Boltzmann equation, enabling efficient simulation of complex biomolecules. This approach allows for high-resolution modeling of molecules like microtubules and ribosomes, providing insights into their collective properties and p...

SourceHoward Hughes Medical Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 20, 2001

Dartmouth Medical School professors study the uneven landscapeof newborn intensive care services: Variation in the neonatology workforce

A study by Dartmouth Medical School researchers found significant regional variation in neonatal intensive care workforce distribution, with cities like Washington DC and Newark NJ having higher numbers of neonatologists. The team's findings suggest that more resources do not necessarily lead to better outcomes for newborns.

Study indicates alternative medicine here to stay

A new study by Harvard Medical School researchers suggests that complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is here to stay for the foreseeable future. The use of CAM therapies has steadily increased in popularity since the 1960s, with the largest growth rate occurring during the transition from the 1960s to the 1970s.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateAug 20, 2001