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Science News for October 31, 2001


Majority of pediatric cancer patients use alternative therapies: Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center survey

A recent survey conducted by the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center found that nearly three-quarters of pediatric cancer patients in western Washington use alternative therapies. The most common types of alternative medicine used were herbal and high-dose vitamin supplements, which were reported to have substantial improvements in ...

SourceFred Hutchinson Cancer Center·JournalPreventive Medicine·DateOct 31, 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.

First global-scale assessment of biodiversity beneath our feet

The Global Litter Invertebrate Decomposition Experiment (GLIDE) aims to advance understanding of soil and litter fauna's distribution, diversity, and importance in ecosystem processes. The study will provide unprecedented data on the animals involved in litter decomposition across different biomes and latitudes.

SourceInternational Biodiversity Observation Year·DateOct 31, 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.

Final Phase I results reported on new cancer drug

Researchers at University Hospitals of Cleveland report promising results from Phase I trials of a new cancer drug, Combretastatin A4 Prodrug. The study showed significant reduction in tumor blood flow after infusion of the drug, with some patients experiencing complete remission and prolonged periods of freedom from disease progression.

SourceUniversity Hospitals of Cleveland·DateOct 31, 2001

Studying growth, poverty and well-being in Africa

A multidisciplinary team led by David E. Sahn will explore access to health education and nutrition, including HIV/AIDS, poverty traps, and food insecurity. The research aims to better understand the economic and social constraints that hinder Africa's poor from prospering in growth-oriented reforms.

SourceCornell University·DateOct 31, 2001

NHLBI study finds high-normal blood pressure increases cardiovascular risk

A new NHLBI study found that high-normal blood pressure increases the risk of heart attack, stroke, and heart failure by 1.5 to 2.5 times in 10 years compared to optimal blood pressure levels. The study also showed a continuous increase in cardiovascular events with age, especially in older adults.

SourceNIH/National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateOct 31, 2001
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.

Foxo1 and the insulin resistance of cultured kidney cells

Researchers discovered that Foxo1 is involved in regulating glucose metabolism and promoting insulin resistance in cultured kidney cells. Increased Foxo1 activity was linked to decreased insulin sensitivity, highlighting its potential as a therapeutic target for treating related disorders.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateOct 31, 2001

Patented technique binds and removes mercury from combustion exhausts

A new patented technique uses titanium dioxide nanoparticles to bind and remove mercury from combustion exhausts, trapping the toxic metal with high effectiveness. The process leverages photocatalytic properties of titanium dioxide to oxidize mercury, making it a promising solution for controlling mercury emissions.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalAIChE Journal·DateOct 31, 2001

Old drug shows promise for helping treat advanced lung cancer

Researchers found that small doses of suramin enhanced chemotherapy effectiveness in treating advanced stage IIIB/IV lung cancer. The tumors halved in seven patients and didn't progress in eight, showing a potential treatment option for patients with metastatic lung cancer.

SourceOhio State University·DateOct 31, 2001
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.

Heroin users released from methadone detox or jail may be at higher risk for overdose, according to UCSF researchers

Researchers found four characteristics independently associated with recent overdoses in a San Francisco Bay Area population: homelessness, lengthy prison sentences, and sex work. Targeted interventions to decrease overdose risk are urgently needed, according to the study's lead author.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateOct 31, 2001

OSU scientists study novel treatment for leukemia

Researchers at Ohio State University are studying a new treatment that blocks the production of Bcl-2, a protein overexpressed in many cancers, and found nearly half of 20 patients responding favorably. The treatment showed safety and induced disease remission in some patients.

SourceOhio State University Wexner Medical Center·DateOct 31, 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.

Harmless virus prevents HIV variant from spreading in human tissue blocks

Researchers found that HHV-6 inhibits early-stage HIV variants by blocking CCR5 receptors, slowing their reproduction. The harmless herpesvirus may create favorable conditions for later-stage HIV variants that use CXCR4 receptors.

SourceNIH/Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development·JournalNature Medicine·DateOct 31, 2001

Wealth of new species discovered from the abyssal plains of the Atlantic Ocean

Preliminary findings from a deep-sea expedition have uncovered a vast array of new species in the Atlantic Ocean's abyssal plains. The discovery, part of the DIVA project, confirms the diversity of deep-sea life and reveals significant differences in sediment structure and fauna composition across different sites.

SourceInternational Biodiversity Observation Year·DateOct 31, 2001
Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.

DDR2 and hepatic fibrosis

Research has identified DDR2 as a key player in the development of hepatic fibrosis, a liver disease characterized by excessive scar tissue buildup. High levels of DDR2 expression have been linked to advanced fibrosis and poor patient outcomes.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateOct 31, 2001

HMO gatekeeping does not appear to cut specialty visits

A new study from Massachusetts General Hospital suggests that HMO gatekeeping policies may not be effective in reducing specialty visits. The study found a small increase in new specialty visits, but no change in overall rates of specialist visits.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateOct 31, 2001

GammaDelta T cells in innate anti-bacterial defenses

GammaDelta T cells are activated by bacterial pathogens, recognizing and responding to peptidoglycan patterns. They release pro-inflammatory cytokines to coordinate an immune response, providing innate protection against bacterial infections.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateOct 31, 2001

Scientists identify cells necessary for tumor angiogenesis

Researchers found that bone marrow-derived cells contribute to tumor blood vessel formation and promote growth. Targeting specific VEGF receptors blocks tumor formation, offering potential new therapeutic approaches.

SourceMemorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center·JournalNature Medicine·DateOct 31, 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.

Prayer, noetic studies feasible; results indicate benefit to heart patients

Researchers found that patients who received intercessory prayer in addition to coronary stenting had better clinical outcomes than those treated with standard stenting therapy alone. Noetic interventions, including prayer and guided imagery, were shown to reduce adverse outcomes by 25-30 percent.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalAmerican Heart Journal·DateOct 31, 2001

Study: King Midas' feast offered golden opportunity for fungi

Researchers analyzed wood samples from the King Midas tomb, finding that a soft-rot fungus was fueled by nitrogen from the king's body and meat-based food sources. The study may provide insights into preserving historical sites from fungal degradation.

SourcePurdue University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 31, 2001

Duke surgeon: use of common clotting agent should be restricted

Researchers found that bovine thrombin causes an immune response similar to lupus in mice and can lead to post-operative complications. Bovine thrombin is a potent enzyme used in surgical procedures, but its use should be restricted to life-saving surgeries due to the risk of autoimmune responses.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalAmerican Journal Of Pathology·DateOct 31, 2001