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Science News for September 26, 2001


Fractal extremes predict impending breakdowns

Fractal extremes help predict when surfaces will reach critical points of erosion or accumulation, enabling better material designs and reliable devices. The study uses scaling math and extreme-value statistics to model surface growth and erosion processes, providing a more accurate method for predicting these events.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateSep 26, 2001

NHLBI supported study finds inhaled steroids accelerate bone loss in women with asthma -- treatment still recommended for persistent asthma

A new study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that premenopausal women using inhaled corticosteroids for persistent asthma experience accelerated bone loss in the hip compared to those not using the medication. The study suggests a potential long-term risk of hip fractures for these women.

SourceNIH/National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateSep 26, 2001

The RANKL cytokine at 2.6 Å

The RANKL cytokine at 2.6 Å resolution provides detailed information on its structure and function in the body. Researchers used this high-resolution imaging technique to study RANKL's role in bone formation and immune system regulation.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateSep 26, 2001

Censoring self-specific B cells

Researchers have developed a method to 'censor' self-specific B cells, which can help treat autoimmune diseases. This approach may lead to more effective treatments for conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateSep 26, 2001

Brainy cameras

Researchers at the University of Illinois have developed a 'Self-Aiming Camera' that uses a simulated neural network to analyze sensory input, process it, and make decisions in real-time. The camera can learn and improve its abilities over time, enabling discrimination between targets such as humans and vehicles.

From rockets to hot rods to....

Advanced Ceramics Research (ACR) Inc., a Naval research-funded company, has partnered with the Tohono O'odham Native American Nation to establish a high-tech manufacturing facility. The joint venture aims to produce eco-friendly composite products, including Aquacore, a water-soluble polymer matrix composite.

Listening for an ocean

Researchers suggest deploying vibration-sensitive acoustic sensors on Europa's surface to probe the interior structure and search for signs of life. Massive ice fractures generate unusual cracking sounds that could penetrate the thick ice layer and propagate through the underlying ocean.

U.S. Department of Defense awards University of South Florida $4 milliion to prepare state's public health system for bioterrorism threat

The US Department of Defense has awarded the University of South Florida $4 million to develop a statewide public health system capable of responding to bioterrorism threats. The project aims to create a surveillance system that can detect and track both naturally occurring infectious diseases and potential bioterrorist attacks.