Science News for July 4, 2001

Measles vaccine reduces health inequities by dramatically improving survival of poorest and most vulnerable children

A new study reveals that vaccinating poor children against measles significantly improves their long-term survival rates and reduces health inequities. The research found that vaccinated children from poor families were 50% less likely to die before age 5 compared to unvaccinated children.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalPopulation and Development Review·DateJul 4, 2001

Wildlife variety is the spice of life, say scientists

A new analysis of the BIODEPTH project reveals that complementary interactions between species play a stronger role in determining ecosystem productivity than previously thought. This finding suggests that conserving a variety of species is crucial for maintaining healthy ecosystems.

SourceImperial College London·JournalNature·DateJul 4, 2001

New studies report AVANDIA may have the potential to reduce cardiovascular risk by targeting a fundamental cause of Type 2 diabetes

New studies announce that AVANDIA (rosiglitazone maleate) may significantly reduce insulin resistance and lower cardiovascular risk in Type 2 diabetes patients. Insulin resistance is a fundamental cause of the condition, and targeting it with AVANDIA could lead to better outcomes.

SourceShire Hall Communications·DateJul 4, 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.

Women with prior Ceasarean at risk of uterine rupture during labor

A US study found that women with a prior Caesarean delivery are at increased risk of uterine rupture during labor, especially if induced. The study analyzed data from over 20,000 births and found associations between induction methods and uterine rupture risk.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJul 4, 2001

Israeli fertility experts call for international chromosome registry

A study by Israeli fertility experts found that a quarter of women and two husbands had abnormal chromosomes, leading to repeated embryo implantation failure. The researchers are calling for an international registry to be established to record chromosomal aberrations in infertility patients.

SourceEuropean Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology·DateJul 4, 2001

Sorting the girls from the boys

Researchers have developed a pre-conception sex-sorting technique that significantly increases the number of female embryos available through IVF. The MicroSort technology, which uses flow cytometry, has shown a 9 out of 10 chance of biopsied embryos being female, benefiting couples with X-linked disorders.

SourceEuropean Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology·DateJul 4, 2001

New study highlights impact of bipolar disorder on society

A new report reveals that bipolar disorder costs the UK over £2 billion annually, with up to 85% associated with lost productivity. The study suggests Risperdal as an effective treatment for acute bipolar mania, improving symptoms by at least 50% in patients.

SourceKetchum UK·DateJul 4, 2001

Quantum interference demonstrated for first time in liquids as physicists make superfluid analog of superconducting SQUID, a potential ultrasensitive gyroscope

Researchers at UC Berkeley create a superfluid analog of superconducting SQUID, detecting quantum oscillations in helium-3 and measuring tiny changes in rotation. This breakthrough enables potential ultrasensitivity in gyroscopes and testing predictions from Einstein's general theory of relativity.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalNature·DateJul 4, 2001

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.