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Science News Archive 2002 - Page 9


Page 9 of 93

Black holes in a double pack

Astronomers detected two active black holes at the center of galaxy NGC 6240 using NASA's Chandra X-ray Observatory. The binary black hole system will eventually merge, producing massive gravitational waves detectable by LISA.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateNov 21, 2002

Statins benefit older people

A recent study found that pravastatin treatment reduced coronary death, non-fatal heart attack, and fatal or non-fatal stroke by 15% in adults aged 70-82. The benefits were most pronounced for reducing death from heart disease, with a nearly 25% relative risk reduction.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateNov 21, 2002

To thin or not to thin

Forest thinning may improve plant diversity and support animal habitats if done correctly, according to USGS-funded research. The study found that selective thinning of dense young forests can promote the growth of hardwoods, large trees, and old-growth characteristics.

Unearthing the San Andreas fault zone

Researchers have made key findings about the San Andreas fault system, predicting major earthquakes within 30 years for certain areas. The study, which analyzed paleoseismic data from 10 sites, suggests that at least 120 miles of the southernmost section of the fault may rupture in a large earthquake of magnitude 7.6 to 7.8.

SourceU.S. Geological Survey·JournalBulletin of the Seismological Society of America·DateNov 21, 2002

Getting the jump on hackers

Virginia Tech researchers are working on ways to protect battery-operated computers and wireless devices from hacking attempts that can drain their batteries. The project aims to develop built-in measures to prevent such attacks, which could become a major concern for the wireless industry.

Sleep apnea linked to early brain damage

Researchers found dramatic gray matter loss in the brains of men with sleep apnea, primarily in regions controlling speech production, movement, and emotion. The severity of brain damage correlated directly with disorder severity, suggesting that early brain wiring abnormalities may contribute to sleep apnea onset.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateNov 20, 2002

Want hypertension? Hurry up!

A pioneering study found that time urgency and impatience during young adulthood are associated with increased risk of developing hypertension years later. The strongest link was seen among white men, who were more than three times as likely to develop high blood pressure as those in lower TUI groups.

Ag economist calculates value of knowing that food's safe

A study by Purdue economist William Masters found that African mothers are willing to pay a premium of 30% for infant food with guaranteed quality and safety information. This could lead to reduced child malnutrition rates if generic options were made available, saving up to 6 million lives annually.

SourcePurdue University·JournalAmerican Journal of Agricultural Economics·DateNov 20, 2002

First potentially clinically useful independent marker for lung cancer identified

A study by researchers at the H.Lee Moffitt Cancer Center has identified the ERCC1 gene as a potentially clinically useful independent marker for lung cancer. Patients with high levels of ERCC1 are more likely to survive after surgery and may benefit from platinum-based chemotherapy, while those with low levels have a poorer prognosis.

Ovarian cancer detected in blood samples

Researchers used digital SNP analysis to detect ovarian cancer in 87% of early-stage and 95% of late-stage patients, with high total DNA amounts found in most cancer cases. The test holds promise for improved detection in a wide range of cancers.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateNov 19, 2002

The growing Staphylococcus aureus arsenal

The study reveals the role of Map in promoting S. aureus persistence and survival in infected mice by interfering with T cell function. Researchers warn that the increasing prevalence of multidrug-resistant strains poses a significant threat to public health.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateNov 19, 2002

Targeting bone metastasis and hypercalcemia

Researchers have identified two compounds that inhibit PTHrP production, reducing metastatic bone breakdown and tumor burden. The findings suggest potential therapeutic benefits for treating both bone metastasis and hypercalcemia in breast cancer patients.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateNov 19, 2002