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Science News Archive August 2001 - Page 7


Page 7 of 8

Waiting times for breast cancer diagnosis

A study of 13,958 Canadian women found that the median time from screening to first assessment was 2.6 weeks and to diagnosis was 3.7 weeks. Women with breast cancer waited shorter times than those with benign findings. However, even with expedited investigations, 10% of women with breast cancer still waited over 12 weeks for a diagnosis.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateAug 6, 2001

Salmon life stories recorded in strontium

Scientists have discovered a natural method to track Atlantic salmon using strontium isotopes, which can reveal the fish's origin and migration patterns. This discovery could provide valuable insights into salmon habitat restoration efforts and inform more effective conservation strategies.

Taking the pulse of heart failure treatment

A recent Canadian Medical Association Journal study found that 88.5% of patients admitted to hospital with congestive heart failure underwent left ventricular testing, but only 23% received target doses of ACE inhibitors as prescribed in clinical trials. This underdosing rate is lower than previously reported rates in Europe and the US.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateAug 6, 2001

Strontium titanate - a deformable ceramic

Researchers discovered strontium titanate deforms plastically at low stresses and temperatures, contrary to its brittle nature. Detailed analysis reveals the existence of different dislocation core structures, suggesting potential applications in forming or enhancing ceramic properties.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateAug 6, 2001

Climate change in the USA

Researchers will examine climate change's effects on ecosystems, societal perceptions, and natural resources in the United States. Key findings include vulnerabilities of specific regions and possible coping strategies for adapting to projected water and nutrient shortages.

Chemists predict silver-flourine superconductivity

Researchers at Cornell University propose that silver-flourine compounds could exhibit high-temperature superconductivity, building on similarities to oxocuprates. Theoretical predictions are supported by detailed calculations and chemical reasoning, but experimental production will be challenging.

SourceCornell University·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateAug 3, 2001

Engineers 'tread' toward quieter tires

Researchers at Purdue University have created a mathematical model to analyze tire vibrations and identify the components that produce the most noise. The model, which creates a visual representation of the tire's vibration pattern like a fingerprint, will help engineers design quieter tires and reduce highway noise.

Scientists find drastic underestimations of malaria morbidity, mortality, and economic burden

Scientists have found that between 700,000 to 2.7 million people die annually from malaria, with African children being the hardest hit. The disease also has significant economic implications, as countries with severe transmission experience slower growth rates than those with fewer infections.

SourceNIH/Fogarty International Center·JournalAmerican Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene·DateAug 2, 2001

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.