Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News Archive 2002 - Page 31


Page 31 of 93

Another view of Chicago school policy

Professor Lipman's research highlights how current policies exacerbate existing inequalities and create new ones. She recommends providing all students with an intellectually rich education, deploying significant resources to under-resourced schools, and challenging deficit notions about children of color.

SourceAmerican Educational Research Association·JournalAmerican Educational Research Journal·DateSep 4, 2002

Endangered chimpanzees focus of urgent action

The western chimpanzee is critically endangered with only 4% of its original population remaining. Conservation efforts are underway to address threats such as agricultural development, logging, and the bush meat trade. The action plan provides a roadmap for halting or reversing the decline in chimpanzee numbers in West Africa.

Study finds new target for development of anti-cancer drugs

Researchers at Penn State have identified a protein, km23, that is defective in nearly half of human cancer tissues. Alterations in this protein disrupt cell signaling, leading to tumor growth and spreading. The team hopes to develop drugs targeting km23 to prevent tumor progression and diagnose specific cancers.

SourcePenn State·JournalMolecular Biology of the Cell·DateSep 4, 2002

Identifying individuals at risk for Alzheimer's disease

A study has identified genetic markers that can help guide clinical trials for anti-Alzheimer drugs, potentially leading to the development of a more manageable pool of individuals at high risk. These markers may allow researchers to winnow down the general population and focus on those with relatively higher risk for Alzheimer's disease.

SourceMolecular Psychiatry·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateSep 3, 2002

Sensing tanks, as well as cancer

A newly developed 200-channel hyperspectral remote sensing capability has shown astounding results in improving breast cancer diagnosis accuracy. The algorithm, invented by ONR scientists Dr. Harold Szu and James Buss, uses a brain-like approach to analyze thermal heat distribution and detect early-stage ductal carcinoma in situ.

Study finds additional evidence for contamination of herbal supplement for prostate cancer

A recent analysis of eight PC-SPES lots revealed widespread contamination with indomethacin and diethylstilbestrol, two potent synthetic compounds that undermine the supplement's anticancer potency. The study suggests that the contaminated batches had significantly reduced anticancer activity.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateSep 3, 2002

For the first time, drug shows promise to help spit tobacco users quit

A new study found that bupropion significantly improved abstinence rates among participants who used spit tobacco, with 44% quitting after 12 weeks compared to 26% in the placebo group. Additionally, participants taking bupropion gained less weight than those on the placebo, averaging only 1.54 pounds versus 9.7 pounds over the 12-week...

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalNicotine & Tobacco Research·DateSep 3, 2002

Dinosaur ancestor's vision possibly nocturnal

Researchers recreated a 240-million-year-old protein to study the vision of dinosaur ancestors, finding evidence that they may have had dim-light vision. The discovery offers insights into how biologically important molecules evolved over time and paves the way for further studies on ancient species.

SourceRockefeller University·JournalMolecular Biology and Evolution·DateSep 3, 2002

Leaner, meaner carriers

The Navy is exploring the use of HSLA-65 steel in its next-generation aircraft carriers to reduce weight and increase service life. Preliminary calculations suggest that this new steel can provide equal or greater service life than traditional high-strength steel, but be thinner and weigh less.

Cigarette tax hike could save millions of lives

A recent study estimates that cigarette tax hikes could prevent between 5 million to 16 million tobacco-related deaths globally. The greatest savings would be in low- and middle-income countries, with the greatest impact on young smokers. Price increases are considered the most cost-effective anti-smoking intervention.

SourceCenter for Advancing Health·JournalNicotine & Tobacco Research·DateSep 3, 2002

Clash of values at crux of debate over landscape aesthetics

Researchers argue that prioritizing ecological aesthetics over traditional scenic preferences may not be the best approach. Instead, they suggest building a consensus on ecosystem health and understanding how people adopt environmental concerns. The study highlights the need for a balanced approach to landscape management.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalLandscape and Urban Planning·DateSep 2, 2002

The myth of globalisation

According to Professor Rugman's research, only a handful of multinational companies, such as Nestlé and Unilever, can be considered 'global'. The majority focus on sales within their home region, with many struggling to maintain profitable foreign operations. This trend towards 'de-globalisation' is driven by persistently poor global p...