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Science News Archive 2002 - Page 54


Page 54 of 93

First consensus guidelines on lightning safety issued before summer storms

The American College of Emergency Physicians has issued first consensus guidelines on lightning safety before summer storms. These guidelines emphasize the importance of individual responsibility in avoiding lightning injury and provide tips on safer practices, including knowing safe locations and following weather updates.

SourceAmerican College of Emergency Physicians·JournalAnnals of Emergency Medicine·DateMay 30, 2002

UNC studies add new dimension to 'lock-and-key' theory of drug action

A UNC research team has shed new light on the classic 'lock-and-key' theory of drug action by discovering functional selectivity. The findings reveal that drugs can act as both agonists and antagonists at different receptors, allowing for more targeted treatment options. This breakthrough could lead to improved clinical effects with ex...

SourceUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel Hill·JournalJournal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics·DateMay 30, 2002

Fat cells transformed to resemble nerve cells

Duke University researchers have successfully transformed adult stem cells taken from fat into cells that resemble nerve cells. The new cells were grown in the laboratory using chemicals and growth factors, and showed promise as a potential treatment for central nervous system disorders. While further research is needed to determine th...

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalBiochemical and Biophysical Research Communications·DateMay 30, 2002

High tech sky tech

Researchers aim to develop autonomous intelligent network and systems that can perform coordinated actions without human intervention. The goal is to create a 'commander' giving broad operational orders, while agents work together to overcome complex challenges, such as distributed signal processing and wireless communication.

Triggering remembrances

Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine found that the CA3 region of the hippocampus is essential for 'pattern completion', allowing memories to be recalled from partial representations. The study involved genetically engineered mice with impaired NMDA receptor function in the CA3 region, which displayed deficits in memory recall.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalScience·DateMay 30, 2002

Underwater show stoppers

Scientists have observed glowing coral reefs when illuminated with blue light, which could be used to map specific coral groups within a reef. This phenomenon is related to species and coral health, providing a potential tool for managing sensitive military areas and detecting man-made objects.

Was Einstein wrong?

A team of scientists led by Indiana University's Alan Kostelecky aims to determine if Albert Einstein's theory of relativity holds true. By comparing extremely precise clocks in zero gravity, they may find changes that contradict the theory, revolutionizing our understanding of space and time.

SourceIndiana University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMay 30, 2002

When every minute counts

QuikClot is a granulated material that rapidly absorbs all liquid in the blood and leaves behind clotting factors to effect coagulation within seconds. The product has been cleared by the FDA and is being distributed to US troops in Afghanistan, with plans for wider use in military and civilian settings.

Studies yield key insights in preventing destruction of insulin-producing cells

Recent clinical trials found that low-dose insulin injections do not delay or prevent type 1 diabetes in high-risk individuals, contrary to earlier animal studies and pilot trials. However, the trials revealed valuable insights into immune and metabolic markers for assessing diabetes risk and identifying potential prevention strategies.

Tumor vaccines via dendritic cells

Tumor vaccines via dendritic cells aim to enhance the immune response against cancer cells Researchers found that dendritic cells can stimulate the production of antibodies and T-cells specific to cancer antigens

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMay 29, 2002

Peptide promotes new growth in injured spinal cords

A new peptide developed by researchers at Yale University has shown promise in promoting new growth in injured spinal cords. The study confirmed that a molecule called Nogo blocks axon regeneration, but also demonstrated how to block its action with the peptide, allowing nerve fibers to grow back and restoring mobility to laboratory rats.

SourceYale University·JournalNature·DateMay 29, 2002

NEMO submerged in virus-prone boys

Researchers investigate NEMO submersion in virus-prone boys to identify potential risks and benefits. The study aims to provide a deeper understanding of the relationship between viral exposure and physiological responses.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMay 29, 2002

Irregular periods in young women could be warning sign for later osteoporosis

Women with irregular periods are at increased risk of developing osteoporosis later in life, according to a recent study. The research found that nearly all women with premature ovarian failure reported changes in their menstrual cycle, highlighting the importance of early evaluation and treatment.

Tobacco industry youth anti-smoking programs designed to promote the industry, study shows

A study published in the American Journal of Public Health found that tobacco industry youth anti-smoking programs were designed to serve the industry's political aims, rather than reducing smoking rates. The programs aimed to gather information on youth behavior and attitudes to inform marketing strategies.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateMay 29, 2002

Columbia study finds differences in PSA, PSA density test measurements for Caucasian, Hispanic men

A new study by Columbia University Irving Medical Center reveals significant differences in PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen) and PSAD (Prostate-Specific Antigen Density) test measurements between Caucasian and Hispanic men. The study found that while PSAD can accurately predict cancer risk in Caucasians, it is less effective in Hispanic...