Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News for July 2, 2001


Annals of Internal Medicine, Tip Sheet, July 3, 2001

Postmenopausal women taking hormone replacement therapy for less than one year had a 25% increase in risk for recurrent heart disease, while those taking hormones for two years or longer had decreased risk. UTI patients successfully diagnosed and managed their own care with short-term antibiotics.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateJul 2, 2001
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Brain parses 'movies of our lives' into small meaningful chunks

Researchers found brain areas that track continuous event boundaries, even in passive viewing, suggesting a natural process of segmentation. This study has practical implications for designing better tools for teaching new activities and understanding perception across time.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateJul 2, 2001

Polymer coatings stick on optical glass surface

A team of researchers from Penn State has successfully developed a polymer coating that adheres to the surface of optical glass, particularly phosphate glasses. This breakthrough enables new applications for these glasses in fields such as optics and photonics.

SourcePenn State·DateJul 2, 2001

Family stress a factor in asthma

A study of 84 Australian children with asthma found that family environment plays a significant role in their experience. Children from stable families with defined roles, rules, and emotional support were less distressed by symptoms.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalJournal of Asthma·DateJul 2, 2001

Genes crucial in the control of tuberculosis found by Gladstone researchers

A study by Gladstone researchers has identified a specific gene that contributes to the development of tuberculosis. The discovery highlights the importance of recruiting immune cells in controlling the disease, and raises concerns about the potential risks of CCR2 drugs.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 2, 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.

Discovery of stagnant lithosphere says less mixing occurs in Earth

Scientists investigated subducting lithosphere and deep earthquakes near Fiji, finding a group of deep earthquakes off to the side that cannot be connected to the actively subducting lithosphere. The researchers suggest that similar slabs may exist elsewhere, preserving a significant primordial component of the mantle.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalScience·DateJul 2, 2001

One in four patients has been drinking before arrival at accident and emergency

A study reveals that nearly half of all emergency department visits involve drinking before arrival, with significant correlations to self-harm, assaults, and hospital admissions. The findings suggest a growing trend among women who drink at lower levels than men, contributing to alarming rates of alcohol-related deaths in Scotland.

SourceBMJ Specialty Journals·JournalEmergency Medicine Journal·DateJul 2, 2001

Testing method misses nearly 14 percent of prostate cancer cases

A new study at Ohio State University found that using an extended sector biopsy technique can detect cancer in 13.5% more men than traditional methods. The additional tissue samples improved the accuracy of prostate cancer diagnoses, particularly for cancers detected inside the gland.

SourceOhio State University·DateJul 2, 2001
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.

Making cyberspace collaboration succeed

Researchers at University of Michigan and Northwestern University emphasize the importance of social and organizational readiness, technological readiness, rewards and incentives, and finding time in collaboratories. These factors enable effective collaboration and innovation in scientific practice.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalScience·DateJul 2, 2001

Undergrads' invention can help disabled kids enjoy playgrounds

Johns Hopkins undergraduates designed an aluminum lifting device to make playgrounds more accessible to children with limited mobility. The device features a 3-foot-square passenger compartment that can support 500 pounds and is powered by compressed air, providing a safe and efficient solution.

SourceJohns Hopkins University·DateJul 2, 2001

TDS - a new syndrome hitting men's reproductive health says Danish fertility expert

A new syndrome, Testicular Dysgenesis Syndrome (TDS), is being linked to declining male fertility rates, testicular cancer, and reproductive issues in men. TDS may be caused by genetic or environmental factors, resulting in maldeveloped testes and a range of symptoms including undescended testicles, hypospadias, and poor semen quality.

SourceEuropean Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology·DateJul 2, 2001

Caution urged in research with angiogenesis therapy

Researchers warn that angiogenesis therapy could trigger growth in abnormal tissue, increase artery-clogging plaque, and stimulate inflammatory response. Despite these potential complications, the authors remain hopeful that the therapy will ultimately prove effective and safe.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·DateJul 2, 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.

Pioneering experiments testing effects of greenhouse gases on crops

The SoyFACE experiment is the first test of crop growth in the presence of both increased carbon dioxide and ozone. This summer, researchers will evaluate how soybeans respond to higher CO2 levels and ozone exposure on 40 acres with 24 experimental rings.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·DateJul 2, 2001

As people’s taste for exotic foods increases, so too does health risk

Researchers found that Shigella bacteria can survive for up to six days in refrigerated conditions and rapidly multiply at room temperature. Properly storing fruits and vegetables and thoroughly washing them are crucial to removing pathogens like Shigella from produce.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·DateJul 2, 2001

Life at home key in determining child’s drive for success, study shows

A study published in Cognitive Therapy and Research found that life experiences at home significantly influence a child's perception of control, academic performance, and relationships. Children whose parents promote original thinking and independence exhibit stronger feelings of control.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalCognitive Therapy and Research·DateJul 2, 2001

New transducers may simplify treatment of prostate cancer

Researchers developed a new phased-array transducer system that enables electronic scanning of the prostate, reducing the need for mechanical adjustments. The design uses separate elements and adjusted signal timing to move the focus electronically.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalThe Journal of the Acoustical Society of America·DateJul 2, 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.

Depression, bone mass, and osteoporosis

A strong association has been found between depression and osteoporosis, with depressed individuals experiencing lower bone mineral density. Research suggests that depression may contribute to hormonal abnormalities leading to bone loss and changes in body composition.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Mental Health·JournalTrends in Endocrinology and Metabolism·DateJul 2, 2001

More sexual partners may increase risk of prostate cancer

A recent study published in the American Journal of Epidemiology found a direct positive relationship between lifetime female sexual partners and the risk of prostate cancer in middle-aged men. Men with 30 or more partners had over twice the risk of developing prostate cancer compared to those with fewer partners.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalAmerican Journal of Epidemiology·DateJul 2, 2001

System senses ice buildup on wings, alerts pilot, protects aircraft

Researchers develop AI-powered system to provide real-time characterization of ice buildup on wings, enhancing pilot decision-making and aircraft stability. The smart ice-management system aims to improve safety for pilots flying in severe icing conditions.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·DateJul 2, 2001

Experimental microbeam radiation therapy may offer improvement over traditional radiation treatments

Researchers have developed a new radiation therapy technique that shows significant improvement over traditional methods in treating brain tumors in infants. The treatment uses high-intensity synchrotron sources to confine x-rays to extremely narrow slices, resulting in reduced damage to surrounding tissue.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalCellular and Molecular Biology·DateJul 2, 2001

UCSF scientists halt tumor growth by manipulating telomerase enzyme

Researchers discovered that introducing a tiny mutation in the telomerase enzyme can trigger a DNA damage response, inducing cell-cycle arrest or cell death in human cancer cells. This approach could lead to a new therapeutic strategy for cancer treatment.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 2, 2001
GoPro HERO13 Black

GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.

Study gives clues to workings of anti-Alzheimer antibody

Researchers at WashU Medicine discovered an antibody that targets a specific region of the amyloid-beta protein, drawing it out of the brain and into the blood. The study found that mice treated with the antibody developed fewer amyloid plaques in their brains than control animals.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 2, 2001

Explosion in numbers of advice calls to hospital since introduction of NHS Direct

Two UK studies reveal that NHS Direct led to a significant decrease in Accident and Emergency department visits, with a substantial reduction in staff time needed. However, the rise in hospital switchboard calls indicates that more people need medical advice, highlighting the need for increased NHS Direct usage.

SourceBMJ Specialty Journals·JournalEmergency Medicine Journal·DateJul 2, 2001

UK scientists develop 'his-and-hers' fertility test kit

Researchers have developed a new fertility test kit that measures natural levels of fertility in couples trying to conceive. The kit assesses the concentration of motile sperm in men and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels in women, providing an early warning system for potential infertility issues.

SourceEuropean Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology·DateJul 2, 2001

System would harness GPS signals to study environment

A new technique uses GPS signals to collect environmental data, reducing the size and cost of instrumentation. The system is promising for studying ocean-related conditions and global climate change, with potential applications in satellite systems and unmanned aerial vehicles.

SourcePurdue University·DateJul 2, 2001
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.

Patient expectations influence success of treatments for low back pain

A study published in Spine found that patients with higher expectations for acupuncture or massage therapy experienced greater improvement in low back pain and function. Those with lower expectations showed only moderate improvement, highlighting the importance of considering patient expectations in treatment decisions.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalSpine·DateJul 2, 2001

Drug protects infants with high-risk heart defect from neurologic and cardiac injury after heart surgery

A new study published in Pediatrics found that allopurinol significantly reduced seizures and cardiac events in infants with high-risk heart defects undergoing heart surgery. The study, led by Dr. Robert R. Clancy, used deep hypothermic circulatory arrest and randomized infants to receive either allopurinol or a placebo.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateJul 2, 2001