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Science News for August 1, 2001


Optical technique studies brain activity without surgery on skull

Researchers have developed a non-invasive optical technique to measure blood flow and oxygen consumption in the brain, allowing for simultaneous detection of both blood profusion and neural activity. This breakthrough could lead to new diagnostic, prognostic, and clinical applications.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·DateAug 1, 2001

Damage of divorce on teens evident before break-up is final

A new nationwide study found that children of divorced parents showed more academic, psychological and behavioral problems a year before the divorce. The study also revealed that family dysfunction existed long before the marriage ended, with parents who would later divorce showing lower well-being in their children.

SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of Marriage and Family·DateAug 1, 2001
Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.

Harnessing the autoimmune response

Researchers develop a technique to conjugate peptides to virus-like particles, generating high-titer antibodies that inhibit disease-causing cytokines. This approach shows promise in blocking or delaying onset of autoimmune diseases such as arthritis.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateAug 1, 2001

Artifact analyses dispute assumptions about a prehistoric society

Researchers at University of Illinois dispute extensive trade theory for prehistoric society Cahokia, citing new evidence that local red flint clay was used instead of catlinite. The study uses a new mineral analyzer technique to identify the stone's mineral composition and find no connection between catlinite and the culture.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalPlains Anthropologist·DateAug 1, 2001

Discovery of ax heads furthers understanding of Cahokian society

The discovery of 70 prehistoric stone ax heads at the Grossmann site near O’Fallon, Illinois, sheds new light on Cahokian society. The pristine ax heads, made from St. François basalt, suggest a possible connection to social status and wealth.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·DateAug 1, 2001

Nanoparticles ‘tailor’ complex fluids for photonics, ceramics applications

Scientists at the University of Illinois have devised a process called nanoparticle haloing that imparts stability to complex fluids, enabling control over phase behavior and structure. This approach allows for the creation of designer colloidal fluids with tailored properties.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 1, 2001

Mayo Clinic study links excess weight with early heart attack

A Mayo Clinic study found that overweight or obese patients had their first heart attacks at a younger age, with obese patients experiencing an average of 8.2-year gap compared to normal-weight patients. The study also revealed similar in-hospital outcomes among the three groups.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalClinical Cardiology·DateAug 1, 2001
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.

Few drawbacks to following low-fat, high-fiber diet

A new study published in Annals of Behavioral Medicine found that following a low-fat, high-fiber diet can lead to increased confidence and awareness of health and nutrition. Participants who adopted the eating plan reported no detrimental effects on taste, cost, or overall well-being.

SourceCenter for Advancing Health·JournalAnnals of Behavioral Medicine·DateAug 1, 2001

Therapy to help women reduce their concerns about gaining weight found to be effective in helping them to stop smoking

A new therapy has been found to be effective in helping women overcome their concerns about gaining weight when quitting smoking. The study, published in Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, found that 21% of women who received therapy had completely quit smoking with no relapses.

SourceNIH/National Institute on Drug Abuse·JournalJournal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology·DateAug 1, 2001

Adversaries would find other attack methods, game theory shows

Researchers applied game theory to assess the feasibility of a proposed national missile defense (NMD) system. They found that protection may be a placebo if widely believed to be effective, prompting a cautious approach to deployment. The study suggests focusing on research and development and exploring alternative credible alternatives.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalDefense Analysis·DateAug 1, 2001

The protective role of secreted CD14

Scientists propose sCD14 as a protective mechanism against LPS-mediated inflammation. Studies show that increasing sCD14 levels can neutralize LPS and reduce inflammatory cytokine secretion. The protein's role in sepsis treatment is still uncertain, but its discovery offers new hope for managing systemic effects of bacterial infections.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateAug 1, 2001
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.

Stress of neighborhood noise, pollution can undermine health

Researchers in London have found that high levels of neighborhood problems such as noise, unsafe areas, smells, fumes, and litter contribute significantly to levels of daily stress. These chronic stressors in urban neighborhoods can have important health effects, particularly for those living in lower socioeconomic status communities.

SourceCenter for Advancing Health·JournalAnnals of Behavioral Medicine·DateAug 1, 2001

Many law enforcement officers leave loaded guns unlocked

A study of Southern law enforcement agents found that 44% store their loaded guns unlocked at home. Agents with children are more likely to use safer storage practices. The findings highlight the need for better firearm safety devices and emergency response measures for officers.

SourceCenter for Advancing Health·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateAug 1, 2001

Community activism helps curb homelessness

A recent study found that community activism has a positive impact on the lives of mentally ill homeless individuals. The research, which tracked over 2,500 participants in 18 US towns and cities, revealed that those living in areas with high levels of community engagement were more likely to achieve stable housing.

SourceCenter for Advancing Health·JournalHealth Services Research·DateAug 1, 2001

Past domestic violence predicts future risk for women

A new study found that positive screening questions forecasted future violence in nearly nine times more likely to be victims of domestic violence. Women at highest risk were those who screened positive and recently separated from their spouse.

SourceCenter for Advancing Health·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateAug 1, 2001
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

The glory of a nearby star

Scientists have successfully observed an optical coronal line from iron ions in a star called CN Leonis, located 8 light-years away. This achievement marks the first time such a detection has been made outside of our solar system and opens up new avenues for studying stellar cycles.

SourceESO·JournalNature·DateAug 1, 2001

CWRU researchers study life after cancer for older Americans

A five-year research project investigates the quality of life of older adult long-term cancer survivors, revealing that while cancer can affect their identity and relationships, it does not fundamentally change who they are. Many survivors report positive family dynamics and hope for the future after treatment.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·DateAug 1, 2001

Exercise offers emotional benefits for the frail elderly

A large clinical trial found exercise improves emotional health in frail elderly adults by increasing self-efficacy and sense of mastery. However, improvements were modest in size and did not affect physical health parameters such as gait speed.

SourceCenter for Advancing Health·JournalAnnals of Behavioral Medicine·DateAug 1, 2001

Microchannel technology bodes well for ammonia as refrigerant

Researchers at University of Illinois developed a new microchannel heat exchanger design to improve ammonia refrigerant efficiency. The new system significantly reduces refrigerant charge while increasing heat transfer capability.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalInternational Journal of Refrigeration·DateAug 1, 2001

Simple handwashing reduces rates of respiratory illness

A program called Operation Stop Cough reduced illness rates by 45% among Navy recruits who were ordered to wash their hands frequently. Handwashing may be especially valuable during the respiratory disease season, as it can prevent less virulent illnesses and mitigate outbreaks.

SourceCenter for Advancing Health·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateAug 1, 2001
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.

Earlier weaning, high-energy diet produce higher quality beef

A new study published in the Journal of Animal Science reveals that early weaning and high-energy diets can produce higher-quality beef with increased marbling and reduced waste fat. This approach may help cattle producers achieve consumer demand for leaner beef while reducing feed costs.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalJournal of Animal Science·DateAug 1, 2001

Cancer diagnostic method could reduce biopsies

A new imaging method developed at Ohio State University uses computerized analysis of magnetic resonance images to detect blurred regions that may indicate cancer. This method could significantly reduce the number of painful biopsies women undergo, with a recent study showing nearly 100% accuracy in detecting these regions.

SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of Magnetic Resonance Imaging·DateAug 1, 2001

Law enforcement officers leaving loaded guns unlocked, study shows

A recent study by Dr. Tamera Coyne-Beasley found that 59% of surveyed law enforcement officers stored firearms unlocked, while 68% kept their guns loaded. The researchers called for mandatory safety training and stricter firearm storage laws to address the issue.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel Hill·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateAug 1, 2001

Counseling improves safe sex practices among HIV-positive individuals

A new study finds that a behavioral intervention program significantly reduces the incidence of risky sex behavior and transmission of HIV among HIV-positive men and women. The program, which included lessons on coping with HIV-related stress and promoting safer sex practices, led to increased condom use and reduced transmission rates.

SourceCenter for Advancing Health·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateAug 1, 2001
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.

GLUT4 in membrane ruffles

Researchers found GLUT4 inserted into plasma membranes at regions of membrane ruffling. High insulin and glucose levels impede this process, suggesting a novel explanation for muscle glucose homeostasis loss in diabetes. This study provides insight into the role of membrane-cytoskeletal interactions in regulating glucose uptake.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateAug 1, 2001

New long-necked dinosaur in Madagascar

A nearly complete long-necked sauropod dinosaur was recently unearthed in Madagascar, providing the first comprehensive view of a titanosaur skull. The discovery, announced by NSF-funded scientists, confirms a close relationship between titanosaurs and brachiosaurs, revolutionizing our understanding of Mesozoic reptiles.

SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·JournalNature·DateAug 1, 2001

Uninsured, medicaid patients more likely to die from heart attack

A new study found that patients with public health insurance are more likely to die from a heart attack than those with private insurance, highlighting an inequity in medical care delivery. The study also suggests that patients with inferior insurance status may have more advanced disease and experience poorer outcomes.

SourceCenter for Advancing Health·JournalHealth Services Research·DateAug 1, 2001