Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News for December 11, 2001


Osteoporosis remains underdiagnosed in the United States

The largest US study on osteoporosis risk factors found that almost half of women over 50 are at risk for the bone disease. The study, led by Dr. Ethel Siris, highlights the need for more women to get tested and treated for osteoporosis, as it can lead to debilitating fractures.

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalJAMA·DateDec 11, 2001

Pet scans can monitor fatty acid metabolism diseases

Researchers at Columbia University Irving Medical Center used PET scanning to assess abnormal energy metabolism in the hearts of young patients with fatty acid metabolism disorders. They found that affected children have a diminished capacity to use fatty acids and experience metabolic crises if untreated.

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·DateDec 11, 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.

2001 Louisa Gross Horwitz prize awarded to ubiquitin system researchers Avram Hershko and Alexander Varshavsky

The Louisa Gross Horwitz Prize recognizes the groundbreaking work of Dr. Avram Hershko and Dr. Alexander Varshavsky on the ubiquitin system, which regulates protein balance in cells. Their research has far-reaching implications for understanding cellular processes and diseases like cancer and neurodegenerative disorders.

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·DateDec 11, 2001

Durable responses reported with Bexxar

Durable responses were reported with Bexxar in a clinical trial of 582 patients with relapsed or refractory low-grade NHL. A total of 57% of patients achieved an overall response, while 28% showed a complete response. The average follow-up was 1.3 years, and half of the patients remained in remission for over 14 months.

SourceJMPR Associates, Inc.·DateDec 11, 2001

Nuclear medicine aids early diagnosis of pulmonary anthrax

A new nuclear medicine procedure has received preliminary approval for a clinical trial to diagnose inhalation anthrax in its earliest stages. The technique uses a 99mTc-labeled monoclonal antibody to detect the infection before other diagnostic tests can, enabling early treatment and reducing long-term antibiotic use.

SourceSociety of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging·JournalJournal of Nuclear Medicine·DateDec 11, 2001

Ischemic changes not linked to adverse outcome after t-PA treatment

A new study contradicts European clinical trials that excluded stroke patients with early ischemic changes from thrombolytic treatment. After analyzing CT scans, the study found no association between t-PA treatment and increased risk of adverse outcomes in patients with early ischemic changes.

SourceHenry Ford Health·JournalJAMA·DateDec 11, 2001

Researchers uncover how some AIDS drugs may cause cardiovascular problems

Researchers have found that protease inhibitors used in AIDS treatment can lead to severe cardiovascular problems by accumulating a certain apolipoprotein in liver cells. This accumulation causes the liver cell to release excessive lipoprotein particles into the bloodstream, increasing the risk of heart disease.

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalNature Medicine·DateDec 11, 2001
AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.

Low doses of radiation in nature may pose more risk

A recent study by Columbia researchers suggests that low doses of radiation can cause widespread mutations in living cells, even if they only affect a small percentage of the population. The findings highlight the importance of considering the 'bystander effect' when assessing radiation exposure risk.

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 11, 2001
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Jumpy reflex is defence mechanism, researchers find

A study published in Neuroscience found that the primary role of the startle reflex is to defend the body against strong impact stimuli, such as head blows. The research suggests that humans have the same timing as rats and that the startle response protects against these types of impacts.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalNeuroscience·DateDec 11, 2001

USC researchers link muscle disease to enzyme associated with"Alzheimer protein"

Researchers at USC have discovered an increase in BACE enzymes in patients with inclusion-body myositis (IBM), a crippling muscle disease. The findings suggest that cholesterol may play a role in the production of toxic amyloid-ß protein, which could lead to new treatment options for both IBM and Alzheimer's disease.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalThe Lancet·DateDec 11, 2001
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Rutgers astronomer sheds new light on dark matter

Astronomers have shed new light on dark matter distribution by tracing it closely to galaxy patterns. They found that dark matter is distributed in a parallel pattern to galaxies and makes up about seven times more mass than ordinary matter.

SourceRutgers University·DateDec 11, 2001

Pollution in Asian air mass likely measured on both sides of Pacific

Scientists took detailed measurements of a pollution plume containing Gobi desert dust and hydrocarbons on both sides of the Pacific, revealing elevated levels of pollutants. The study shows that Asian air pollution can affect air quality in North America, with significant implications for climate change.

SourceUniversity of Washington·DateDec 11, 2001

Sexually assaulted spouses report crimes sooner, U of T study shows

A University of Toronto study found that women sexually assaulted by their husbands are more likely to inform police sooner than those sexually abused by boyfriends or acquaintances. The study also found that victims of spousal sexual abuse are more likely to seek treatment and consent to forensic evidence collection.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalViolence Against Women·DateDec 11, 2001

Study, review and editorial focus on religion, spirituality and medicine

A Mayo Clinic study investigated the impact of intercessory prayer on patients' medical outcomes, finding no significant difference between the intervention group and control group. The study highlights the importance of addressing spiritual needs in patients, which may facilitate recovery from illness.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalMayo Clinic Proceedings·DateDec 11, 2001
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.

New view of bacteria-mineral interface to advance bioremediation

Researchers created high-resolution pseudo-images of minerals within basalt and bacterial growth, providing critical information about bacterial metabolism. The technique also creates three-dimensional images, allowing researchers to understand the complex relationships between microbes, minerals, and contaminants.

SourceDOE/Idaho National Laboratory·DateDec 11, 2001