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Science News Archive November 2001 - Page 2


Page 2 of 9

Two thirds of the world's blind are women

The analysis found that two-thirds of the world's blind are concentrated in India, China, and Africa. Women living in underdeveloped countries were almost 40% more likely to be blind than men, while those in industrialized nations had a risk 63% higher.

SourceBMJ Specialty Journals·JournalBritish Journal of Ophthalmology·DateNov 28, 2001

Activist jazz-tap scholar shares as she learns

Kilkelly's research explores the historical performances of jazz-tap dancing, considering constructions of gender, race, class, and sexuality. She aims to increase appreciation for tap dancing as a valuable art form revealing American culture.

SourceVirginia Tech·DateNov 28, 2001

Air pollution causes lung disease in school-age children

A study found excessive inflammation and abnormal markings in lungs of healthy, middle-class children exposed to high levels of air pollutants in Mexico City. The research suggests a significant link between pollution and lung disease in otherwise healthy children.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·DateNov 28, 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.

Researchers find that vitamins may prevent repeat blockage of the coronary artery

Researchers have found that vitamin B-vitamins can reduce the risk of repeat blockage in coronary arteries by 48 percent. This is based on a clinical trial involving 205 patients who received either a placebo or vitamin B-vitamins, with significant differences observed between the two groups.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateNov 28, 2001
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Optimizing antiviral peptide vaccines

Researchers have developed optimized antiviral peptide vaccines that exhibit enhanced efficacy against various viral infections, including HIV and SARS-CoV-2. These improvements are attributed to the incorporation of specific amino acid sequences that enhance immune responses.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateNov 28, 2001

Risk of injury high among young goalies using adult sized soccer balls

A study of over 1,900 young football players found that nearly a third suffered wrist fractures while trying to make saves with adult-sized balls. The most common injuries occurred during informal play on grass, with adult-size balls involved in almost three-quarters of incidents.

SourceBMJ Specialty Journals·JournalBritish Journal of Sports Medicine·DateNov 28, 2001
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.

Poor or immobile elderly may not eat well this holiday

A study by Cornell University researchers found that factors like poverty, low education, and social isolation are linked to inadequate purchasing power for a nutritious diet. The research also reveals that functional impairments significantly increase the risk of food insecurity among elderly individuals.

SourceCornell University·JournalJournal of Nutrition·DateNov 28, 2001

Study proves flu shot safe for asthmatics

A new study has shown that the flu shot does not trigger asthma attacks in people with moderate to severe asthma. The study included 2,032 children and adults diagnosed with asthma, who received either a real or placebo flu vaccine, with all participants receiving the actual flu vaccine by the end of the study.

SourceUniversity of Vermont·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateNov 28, 2001

Stanford engineer studies neural prosthetics

Researchers at Stanford and Caltech have made a breakthrough in neural prosthetics, demonstrating that electrical signals from the parietal reach region can control movement and planning. The study enabled a monkey to control a cursor with its thoughts, paving the way for potential applications in helping severely paralyzed patients.

SourceStanford University·DateNov 28, 2001

Radio frequency energy zaps tumors without surgery

Researchers have successfully treated kidney tumors using radio frequency energy, achieving a 91% tumor ablation rate and no cancer recurrences in 9 of 11 patients. The minimally invasive procedure is less expensive, safer, and easier than surgery.

SourceUniversity Hospitals of Cleveland·DateNov 28, 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.

Study confirms secretin no more effective than placebo in treating autism symptoms

A study published in 2001 found that patients with autism who received secretin showed no statistically significant improvements in core symptoms compared to those who received a placebo. The researchers tested porcine secretin and found no improvement in secondary measures of autism either.

SourceNIH/Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry·DateNov 27, 2001

Brains of deaf people rewire to ‘hear’ music

Researchers found that deaf people's brains process vibrations in the same part of the brain as sound, leading to a similar musical experience. This discovery challenges the long-held belief that brains are hardwired at birth and instead shows that our genes provide a developmental strategy for brain organization.

SourceUniversity of Washington·DateNov 27, 2001

Hubble measures atmosphere on world around another star

Astronomers detected sodium in the atmosphere of a gas giant exoplanet orbiting a yellow star. The team used Hubble's spectrometer to analyze light passing through the planet's atmosphere, revealing less sodium than expected, which may indicate high-altitude clouds blocking some light.

SourceSpace Telescope Science Institute·DateNov 27, 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.

Supplement reduces risk of aflatoxin-related liver cancer

A double-blind study conducted in China found that chlorophyllin supplements reduced DNA damage related to aflatoxin exposure in healthy adults. The study showed a 55% reduction in aflatoxin damage, which could lead to a lower risk of liver cancer.

SourceOregon State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 27, 2001

Canadian researchers find cancer suspect from grilled meat in human milk

Canadian researchers found high levels of PhIP, a suspected mammary carcinogen, in human breast milk, particularly in samples from women who consumed grilled meats. To minimize exposure, experts recommend reducing cooked meat intake, avoiding charbroiled or well-done meats, and exploring alternative cooking methods.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical Research in Toxicology·DateNov 27, 2001

Gender differences possible root of sleeping disorder

Researchers at UW-Madison found that female rats have an improved protective reaction to oxygen deprivation, suggesting a role for estrogen in respiratory control. The study suggests that gender hormones may be a factor in the development of obstructive sleep apnea, particularly in women.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalJournal of Applied Physiology·DateNov 27, 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.

Chlorophyllin reduces Aflatoxin indicators among people at risk for liver cancer

Researchers found that taking chlorophyllin three times a day reduced aflatoxin-DNA damage by 55 percent among residents of Qidong, China. The study suggests that chlorophyllin may act as an 'interceptor molecule' to block the absorption of aflatoxins and carcinogens in the diet.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 26, 2001

Pain, price, insurance delays for new vaccines concern kids' doctors

Pediatricians and family doctors are concerned about the high cost of new vaccines, insurance delays, and unequal access to these life-saving shots. The survey found that many doctors are hesitant to recommend the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine due to its financial burden.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalAmbulatory Pediatrics·DateNov 26, 2001

ThermoChemistry on a chip

Scientists at RTI in North Carolina have developed a high-efficiency thermocouple device that can make something hotter or colder over 20,000 times faster than current devices. This innovation has the potential to convert heat into electrical energy more efficiently and could lead to affordable plug-in modules for widespread use.

SourceOffice of Naval Research·DateNov 26, 2001

Using genetic research to treat inflammatory diseases – Vienna centre of excellence in biomedicine harnesses basic research

The Vienna centre of excellence in biomedicine is researching into the genetic causes of chronic inflammatory diseases, such as rheumatism and arteriosclerosis. The centre brings together leading university institutes, pharmaceutical companies, and start-ups to achieve rapid transfers of research results from the laboratory to patients.

SourcePR&D Public Relations for Research & Development·DateNov 26, 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.

Trends in the use of Ritalin in Canada

A meta-analysis of 2897 participants found short-acting methylphenidate effective for ADD, but with side effects such as decreased appetite and insomnia. Prescription rates in British Columbia increased rapidly compared to the US, with higher rates in lower socioeconomic quintiles.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateNov 26, 2001

Assaulting the mosquito’s sense of smell

Researchers at Vanderbilt University have identified four genes in the Anopheles gambiae mosquito that code for odorant receptors similar to those found in fruit flies. These genes are only expressed in the antennae and maxillary palps, indicating that mosquitoes use a conserved chemosensory system to track human body odor.

SourceVanderbilt University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 26, 2001

Parental marital discord affects quality of offspring marriages

A longitudinal study by Dr. Alan Booth and Dr. Paul R. Amato found that parental marital discord impacts offspring marriages, including the degree of matrimonial happiness or conflict. The transmission of poor interpersonal behaviors from parents can result in lower quality marriages among children.

SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of Personality and Social Psychology·DateNov 26, 2001

Boneless, brainy, and ancient

Researchers have discovered that an octopus's brain operates like a general in command of troops, issuing orders to independent peripheral nervous systems. This decentralized control enables the octopus to perform complex tasks with high maneuverability and flexibility.

SourceOffice of Naval Research·DateNov 26, 2001
Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

Alzheimer's disease and exposure to vaccines

A study by René Verreault and colleagues found that past vaccine exposure was associated with a reduced risk of developing Alzheimer's disease. The researchers used multivariate logistic regressions to compare vaccinated and non-vaccinated subjects, adjusting for age, sex, and education.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateNov 26, 2001

Electrical brain stimulation reduces Parkinson’s symptoms

A study published in Neurology found that electrical brain stimulation increased 'on' motor function by 29 percent and improved 'off' motor function by 38 percent in Parkinson's patients. The treatment reduced the severity of fluctuations in motor symptoms, allowing patients to complete tasks faster and improve their overall mobility.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateNov 26, 2001

Protein could help rejuvenate oxygen-starved cardiac tissue, heal wounds

Researchers genetically engineered mice to overexpress the HIF-1α gene in skin cells, resulting in a 70% increase in capillaries and normal-like blood vessels. The study suggests that HIF-1α harnesses VEGF expression in a way that could be beneficial therapeutically for conditions like ischemic tissue and recalcitrant wounds.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalGenes & Development·DateNov 26, 2001

New bacteria target cancers in mice

Scientists discovered a bacteria, Clostridium novyi, that thrives in oxygen-poor environments and destroys tumor cells. In mouse models, the bacteria was combined with chemotherapy to achieve dramatic results, completely destroying over half of the treated tumors within 24 hours.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 26, 2001

Mirror, mirror on the ball...

The Starshine Satellite Project involves students from Pakistan, New Zealand, Brazil, and India polishing thousands of mirrors to help calibrate The Fence, the Navy's space surveillance network. Once launched, students will be able to track the satellite's movement as it passes across the skies.

SourceOffice of Naval Research·DateNov 26, 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.

Antarctic plants repair themselves

Researchers found that Antarctic plants can repair themselves after exposure to harmful UV radiation, with effective DNA repair mechanisms at low temperatures. However, the team expects a rise in temperature to lead to a shift in vegetation composition, with rapidly growing grasses and mosses replacing lichens.

SourceNetherlands Organization for Scientific Research·DateNov 26, 2001

Antique device makes microscope faster

The Utrecht spectrograph uses a prism to disperse light, resulting in faster pictures with reduced light loss. Researchers used it to study proteins from muscle tissue and discovered unexpected chemical reactions triggered by illumination.

SourceNetherlands Organization for Scientific Research·DateNov 26, 2001

The immune system and Alzheimer’s disease

The amyloid beta protein found in plaques stimulates the production of toxic substances that attract new surrounding cells, causing brain cell death. Astrocytes, normally involved in maintaining brain structure, slow down these processes and protect against inflammation.

SourceNetherlands Organization for Scientific Research·DateNov 26, 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.

Analyses show water stayed on Mars longer than previously thought

Researchers analyzed topographic maps and meteorites to determine that water circulated in the upper part of Mars' crust within the last billion years. This finding suggests that water may still be present near the surface, with evidence of recent gullies forming in high-latitude regions.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·DateNov 26, 2001

Hip research: Making more durable artificial joints

A team of researchers at Case Western Reserve University is developing computer simulated models to predict the performance of new implant designs before they are implanted into patients. They aim to uncover how damage occurs in plastic used in total joint replacements and identify potential design concerns.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·DateNov 26, 2001

Earth’s magnetic field really did reverse itself

Researchers used a new method to study sediment sediments, revealing a short-lived change in the earth's magnetic field. They found that bacteria formed magnetic material in an organically rich layer in the eastern Mediterranean.

SourceNetherlands Organization for Scientific Research·DateNov 26, 2001

Genetically engineered T cell tackles kidney cancer

Researchers at Rotterdam University Hospital develop genetically engineered T cells to target kidney cancer. The therapy combines the cellular immune system with the humoral immune system, offering a promising treatment option for patients with metastases.

SourceNetherlands Organization for Scientific Research·DateNov 26, 2001
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.

Black Hole research shows English football (soccer) is 30 times more boring than football (soccer) games in rest of world

A study by University of Warwick researchers found that English football games are characterized by fewer high-scoring matches compared to the rest of the world. In contrast, top division matches globally exhibit a much higher frequency of high scores, suggesting a significant difference in the level of excitement between the two.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·DateNov 26, 2001

Iron Age burial sites provide evidence of social changes

In the Iron Age, local identity was centered around ancestral burial sites, but shifted to family and settlement ties as people began to settle and cultivate land. This change had significant implications for community cohesion and collective identity.

SourceNetherlands Organization for Scientific Research·DateNov 26, 2001
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.

Scientists determine the structure of human Monoamine Oxidase B (MAO B)

Researchers at Emory University Health Sciences Center revealed the architecture of MAO B's active site and membrane binding sites, enabling improved drug design with increased specificity and fewer side effects. The study also highlights potential applications in treating depression and neurodegenerative diseases.

SourceEmory University Health Sciences Center·JournalNature Structural & Molecular Biology·DateNov 25, 2001
Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.

Forest management may mitigate global warming

A decade-long study suggests forest management can influence carbon uptake, but factors such as tree species and age confound the process. The researchers' findings validate a new method for measuring carbon dioxide levels, highlighting the need for careful consideration of forest management strategies.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalScience·DateNov 22, 2001