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Science News for April 1, 2002


UCLA scientists discover African strain of AIDS in two American infants

Researchers found that two American infants were infected with African strains of HIV as early as 1994. The study suggests that more complicated regimens work best to combat the spread of HIV in pediatric patients, but may pose social problems for children entering adolescence.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalAIDS Research and Human Retroviruses·DateApr 1, 2002

The Lancet Oncology and The Lancet Infectious Diseases

A recent report highlights nuclear fallout in the US from Cold War testing, which increases cancer incidence and affects global populations. The editorial also critiques South Africa's delay in providing antiretroviral treatment to pregnant women with HIV.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateApr 1, 2002

Annals of Internal Medicine, tip sheet, April 2, 2002

A study of 643 women found that C-reactive protein (CRP) levels are an indicator of increased cardiovascular risk in people with no signs of heart disease. Regular exercise has been shown to decrease blood pressure in all groups of people, regardless of their weight or ethnicity.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateApr 1, 2002
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

Progress in the genetics of autism

Studies reveal connections between the serotonin transporter gene SLC6A4 and autism, as well as a potential link between the glutamate receptor 6 (GluR6) gene and the syndrome. The findings contribute to a deeper understanding of the genetic underpinnings of autism.

SourceMolecular Psychiatry·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateApr 1, 2002

New method used to transfer genes into mouse

University of Minnesota researchers successfully genetically modify a mouse by injecting a transposon containing the gene for yellow coat color, utilizing the Sleeping Beauty transposase enzyme. This breakthrough technology has far-reaching implications for treating diseases such as cancer and genetic disorders, including hemophilia an...

SourceUniversity of Minnesota·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 1, 2002

Immune system turned off during hibernation in squirrels

Researchers discovered that hibernating squirrels don't exhibit an immune response to bacteria when injected with lipopolysaccharide, but their temperature spikes when they awaken from hibernation to 'check' for infections. This suggests that animals may arouse from hibernation to monitor and combat pathogens in the body.

SourceOhio State University·DateApr 1, 2002

Preventing HIV infection in newborns

A retrospective review of 6 cases involving HIV-positive infants whose mothers did not know their own HIV status revealed incomplete application of guidelines. The authors recommend universal HIV testing and counselling to prevent perinatal transmission, while a commentary discusses 5 critical steps needed for prevention.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateApr 1, 2002
Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.

Osteoarthritis and genetic link

A recent study has identified eight chromosomal sites that may harbor genes for hand OA, with the strongest evidence found on chromosomes 7p and 11q. The research used a genome scan of Framingham participants and their offspring to investigate genetic linkages.

SourceWiley·JournalArthritis & Rheumatism·DateApr 1, 2002

Rock climbing harms cliff ecosystems

A study by McMillan and Larson found that rock climbing decreases vegetation diversity on cliffs, with only 4% as many vascular plant species on climbed faces. The researchers also discovered that climbing increases the proportion of non-native plants, which can outcompete native species for resources.

SourceSociety for Conservation Biology·JournalConservation Biology·DateApr 1, 2002

Labor-inducing folklore alive and well among pregnant women

A recent Ohio State University survey found that two-thirds of pregnant women believe walking and sex can induce labor. However, experts say these methods may not be effective and could pose health risks to the mother and baby. The study's author emphasizes the importance of waiting for natural labor to begin.

SourceOhio State University·JournalBirth·DateApr 1, 2002

Marijuana’s impact on intelligence

A Canadian study found that heavy marijuana use is associated with decreased IQ scores, but light and former use are linked to modest gains. The research, which followed 70 subjects over several years, suggests that the effects of marijuana on intelligence may be more complex than previously thought.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateApr 1, 2002
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.

Study reveals benefits of lay health advisers in boosting mammography

Researchers found that a network of lay health advisers increased mammography use among rural black women over age 50 by 6 and 11 percent, respectively. The program's effectiveness in boosting breast cancer screening rates was demonstrated through data from the North Carolina Breast Cancer Screening Program.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel Hill·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateApr 1, 2002

Asymmetrical birds may soon be at-risk

Researchers found that asymmetry is evident in Taita thrush populations before decline, allowing for prediction of vulnerability. Asymmetry increased with habitat disturbance levels, but only certain populations showed a lower survival rate, highlighting the need for conservation action.

SourceSociety for Conservation Biology·JournalConservation Biology·DateApr 1, 2002

HIV infection among female injection drug users

A study found that female injection drug users in Vancouver with high-risk behaviors like daily cocaine use and unsafe sex were more likely to convert to HIV. The authors emphasize the need for sex-specific prevention initiatives due to alarming rates of HIV infection among Aboriginal women, twice as high as in non-Aboriginal populations.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateApr 1, 2002

University of Pittsburgh discovers gene mutation responsible for hereditary gingival fibromatosis

A team of researchers at the University of Pittsburgh has discovered a gene mutation responsible for hereditary gingival fibromatosis (HGF), a rare condition characterized by gum overgrowth. The discovery may lead to new therapies, including tissue engineering, and could have implications for treating common dental problems like period...

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Medical Center·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·DateApr 1, 2002

Ambushing prey may make snakes vulnerable

Researchers found that snakes relying on ambush foraging are more likely to be threatened due to habitat destruction and prey scarcity. The study identified six species not listed as threatened but with similar ecological traits, highlighting the need for closer management.

SourceSociety for Conservation Biology·JournalConservation Biology·DateApr 1, 2002
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

Traditional floodplain forest restoration may decrease bird diversity

A study found that traditional floodplain forest restoration may decrease bird diversity, with some species preferring uncommon tree species. The researchers recommend replanting floodplain forests with rare and heavy-seeded trees to support a diverse avian community.

SourceSociety for Conservation Biology·JournalConservation Biology·DateApr 1, 2002

New tool helps automakers silence irritating whistle noise

Ohio State University engineers designed a generic pipe adapter to diagnose and eliminate whistle noise in vehicle engines. The adapter reduces sound levels by up to 30 decibels, saving automakers time and money.

SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of Sound and Vibration·DateApr 1, 2002

Mexican reserves fail to protect monarch butterflies

New research reveals that Mexico's protected reserves for monarch butterflies are being destroyed due to increased timber harvesting, threatening the species' survival. Despite government protection decrees, logging has continued and even increased in some areas, with degradation tripling since 1986.

SourceSociety for Conservation Biology·JournalConservation Biology·DateApr 1, 2002
Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.

Patch delivers longer, deeper relief from dental pain

A recent study by Ohio State University found that the DentiPatch, a small adhesive patch containing lidocaine, delivers longer and deeper relief from dental pain. The patch's anesthetic effects last up to 45 minutes, whereas traditional gel-based treatments only last about a minute.

SourceOhio State University·JournalThe Journal of the American Dental Association·DateApr 1, 2002

Under one roof: The risks associated with living in three-generation households

A recent study found that 26% of preschool children lived in three-generation households, with 39% having a history of maltreatment. The research also revealed that 32% of the young mothers were depressed. As these young mothers mature, role conflicts may arise between being a teenage daughter and a young mother.

SourceUniversity of Maryland Medical Center·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateApr 1, 2002

Scientists trace recently found genes to the evolution of big brains

Researchers discovered new genes that play a crucial role in the formation of oligodendrocytes, a type of cell responsible for transmitting nerve signals. The findings may lead to more accurate diagnosis and treatment of brain tumors, as well as insights into diseases such as multiple sclerosis.

SourceDana-Farber Cancer Institute·JournalCell·DateApr 1, 2002