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Science News for December 3, 2001


Researchers distinguish new type of leukemia

Researchers distinguish a new type of leukemia called mixed-lineage leukemia (MLL) that is genetically different from acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). The study used DNA microarrays to compare gene expression profiles and found clues about the origin of MLL, suggesting it is caused by arrested maturation of lymphocytes.

SourceHoward Hughes Medical Institute·JournalNature Genetics·DateDec 3, 2001

Annals of Internal Medicine, December 4, 2001

Two studies examine the link between sex hormones and coronary artery spasm, finding that estrogen levels during menstruation affect blood vessel function. Automated external defibrillators are also shown to be safe and easy to use by trained laypersons, paving the way for potential home sales.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateDec 3, 2001
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

New portable device senses chemical weapons

Researchers at the University of Delaware have developed a portable detection platform that can detect chemical and biological weapons using infrared spectroscopy. The device, about the size of a large shoebox, can identify even small amounts of agents in solid, liquid or vapor phases.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·DateDec 3, 2001

Stratospheric polar vortex influences winter cold, researchers say

Researchers at the University of Illinois found a statistical correlation between weak polar vortices and severe cold outbreaks. The study proposes a dynamical mechanism where stratospheric forcing stimulates pre-existing modes of variability in the troposphere.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·DateDec 3, 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.

Human cancer-detection test showing promise in pets, too

Researchers at the University of Illinois have developed a simple protein test to detect telomerase activity in cancerous cells of dogs and cats. The test has shown promising results in diagnosing malignant tumors in pets, with high accuracy rates compared to traditional diagnostic methods.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalAmerican Journal of Veterinary Research·DateDec 3, 2001
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

New depression and anxiety treatment goals defined

A panel of experts recommends focusing on remission as the goal for treating depression and anxiety, rather than just partial improvement. This aims for virtual elimination of symptoms and restoration of psychosocial and occupational functioning.

SourcePorter Novelli·DateDec 3, 2001

Scientists developing strategies for upcoming phosphorus mandates

Researchers at the University of Illinois have identified key factors affecting phosphorus runoff and developed management strategies to minimize its impact on lakes and streams. The team suggests adopting no-till soil conservation practices, injecting liquid manure and fertilizer into the soil just below the surface.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·DateDec 3, 2001

Wine-bottle shard provides long-sought proof of old French site

Archaeologists have found a fragment of a French wine bottle made around the time of the American Revolution, confirming the existence of an old French site in Peoria, Illinois. The discovery resolves a decades-long debate over the village's location and sheds light on the life of Louis Chatellereau, a French farmer and fur trader.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·DateDec 3, 2001

Smoking increases likelihood of impotency

A study by Northwestern University researchers found that men who smoke are more likely to experience erectile dysfunction due to the negative effects of smoking on blood vessels. The prevalence of erectile dysfunction in former smokers was similar to that of never-smokers, highlighting the long-term risks of tobacco use.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalThe Journal of Urology·DateDec 3, 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.

7-day-on, 7-day-off regimen could reduce cost, toxicities of HIV therapy

Researchers suggest a structured intermittent therapy approach, where patients receive daily doses of HAART for seven days, followed by seven days off the medication. This regimen has shown significant reductions in certain side effects, including cholesterol and triglyceride levels, without compromising treatment efficacy.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 3, 2001

World’s smallest reptile discovered in Caribbean

The discovery of the Jaragua Sphaero, a lizard measuring about three quarters of an inch from snout to tail, highlights the Caribbean's unique species diversity. Rapid population growth, agricultural practices, and lack of access to data contribute to the region's biodiversity loss.

SourceConservation International·JournalCaribbean Journal of Science·DateDec 3, 2001

Gatekeepers may not be essential to keep HMO costs down

A new study found that eliminating gatekeepers in health maintenance organizations (HMOs) does not necessarily increase costs. In contrast to traditional HMOs, point-of-service plans with open physician panels showed comparable spending on medical care expenditures, including physician services, hospital services, and prescription drugs.

SourceCenter for Advancing Health·JournalHealth Services Research·DateDec 3, 2001

Research study looks for answers to treating teenage depression

A new study aims to determine the effectiveness of drug therapy, psychotherapy, or a combination in treating major depression in teenagers. The study, administered by Northwestern University Medical School, will enroll participants between 12-17 years old with clinician-diagnosed depression.

SourceNorthwestern University·DateDec 3, 2001

Inhibition of mast cell survival as a novel therapy for allergic diseases

Scientists at Uppsala University have identified a gene that regulates mast cell survival upon allergic activation, providing hope for a novel therapy to treat allergies. Inhibition of this gene, A1, leads to the death of mast cells, decreasing their numbers and alleviating allergic symptoms.

SourceUppsala University·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateDec 3, 2001
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

Paradox of groundwater age has implications for hydrology

Researchers found that groundwater in aquifers is generally older than expected based on flow velocity, due to mixing between aquitards and aquifers. This discovery has significant implications for estimating water supply yields and predicting contaminant migration rates.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·DateDec 3, 2001

World's smallest lizard discovered in Caribbean

The newly discovered species, Sphaerodactylus ariasae, is the smallest of all 23,000 species of reptiles, birds, and mammals. The tiny lizard can curl up on a dime or stretch out on a quarter, measuring only 16mm long.

SourcePenn State·JournalCaribbean Journal of Science·DateDec 3, 2001

Shipboard aerosol measurements enhance climate models

Researchers measured aerosols in clean marine conditions and under polluted conditions, revealing large concentrations of particulate material including mineral dust. The findings will help reduce uncertainties in global climate models and develop better policies.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·DateDec 3, 2001
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.

Floods ain't what they used to be; Study shows wing dams have made them worse

A recent study by Washington University in St. Louis researchers attributes increased flood levels on the Missouri and Mississippi rivers to the placement of thousands of wing dams, built by the US Army Corps of Engineers in the 1930s and '40s. The structures impede water flow during floods, causing water levels to rise.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalGeology·DateDec 3, 2001

Animals can play key role in therapy for severely disabled children

Research at Hope School found that animal-assisted therapy improved mobility, communication, compliance, and attention span in severely disabled children. The study suggested that a team effort among administrators, teachers, and staff is necessary for effective therapeutic interventions.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalJournal of Rehabilitation·DateDec 3, 2001

Estrogen holds promise as preventive therapy for cardiovascular disease

A randomized controlled trial found that unopposed estrogen therapy reduced atherosclerosis progression by .0017 millimeters per year in postmenopausal women. The study also showed that cholesterol-lowering drugs had a similar effect when combined with estrogen, suggesting potential benefits for cardiovascular health in women at risk.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateDec 3, 2001