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Science News Archive 2002 - Page 47


Page 47 of 93

Good news about oral contraceptives

A new study of over 10,000 women nationwide found no increased risk of breast cancer from taking birth control pills. Meanwhile, similar studies suggest oral contraceptives may reduce the risks of uterine and ovarian cancers by as much as 40%.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJun 26, 2002

Bacterial quorum-sensing structure solved

Researchers at Cornell University and Argonne National Laboratory have solved the structure of a key bacterial quorum-sensing protein, which could lead to new treatments for biofilm-related diseases. The discovery may also enable the design of targeted therapies to prevent harmful bacteria from forming biofilms.

SourceCornell University·JournalNature·DateJun 26, 2002

Historic U.S.-Peru debt-for-nature swap

The U.S.-Peru debt-for-nature swap aims to conserve ten tropical rain forest areas covering over 27.5 million acres, home to rare biodiversity and threatened species. The agreement generates funds for local Peruvian conservation groups and provides critical income streams for front-line conservation efforts.

Chemistry of tanning

Self-tanners contain dihydroxyacetone (DHA), which interacts with skin proteins to create a brown glow. Newer sunscreens offer greater protection against both UVA and UVB radiation, including those developed by Craig Bonda, who found that adding DEHN to avobenzone extends its effectiveness.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical & Engineering News·DateJun 25, 2002

Cell phones don't cause cancer, rat study finds

A long-term industry-funded rat study has found no statistically significant increases in any tumor type, including brain cancer, after exposure to radio frequency radiation at common cell phone signals. The study builds on earlier research and suggests the greatest hazard with cell-phones is driving a car while talking.

Decision making at the cellular level

Researchers discovered a molecular switch that guides cell communication before a message reaches the nucleus, adding complexity to understanding cellular signals. This switch determines which signal - calcium or cAMP - will be used, leading to different responses in target proteins and potential therapies for serious disorders.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalNature·DateJun 25, 2002

Purdue marshals new approach to protect software

Researchers at Purdue University have developed a new approach to protect software by placing hundreds of tiny 'guards' throughout the code, making it harder for hackers to use the program without permission. The system has shown promising test results and is being licensed to a startup company, Arxan Technologies Inc.

Examining the healing mystery of Aloe

Researchers at Texas A&M University are investigating the healing properties of Aloe vera, particularly its polysaccharide, which binds growth factors in wounds and speeds up the healing process. The study aims to improve wound healing for elderly patients with bedsores, diabetic ulcers, and vascular ulcers.

Abnormal chemical bonds cause bleeding disorder

Researchers at Washington University School of Medicine have found that a defective form of vWF causes chemical bonds to persist longer than they should, leading to a bleeding disorder. The defect in the vWF protein changes the kinetics of the chemical bonds between the protein and platelets, resulting in the disease.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalBiophysical Journal·DateJun 24, 2002

Two new monkey species discovered

Scientists have discovered two new monkey species, Callicebus bernhardi and Callicebus stephennashi, which are named after Prince Bernhard and Stephen Nash. These discoveries highlight the vast biodiversity of the Amazon rain forest, with over 95 species of primates found in Brazil alone.

SourceConservation International·JournalNeotropical Primates·DateJun 24, 2002

Ames Lab seeking materials research proposals

The Materials Processing and Characterization (MPC) program at Ames Laboratory is offering research proposals for scientists in Condensed Matter Physics, Materials Science, and Physical Chemistry. Proposed projects can focus on developing fundamental materials processing knowledge, materials process models, or synthesizing novel materi...

Aqua mission status

Aqua has successfully transmitted engineering images from five of its six instruments, providing a glimpse into the spacecraft's performance and paving the way for operational data in early September. The high-quality data will help improve weather forecasts and advance our understanding of Earth's climate system, particularly the role...