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Science News for April 15, 2002


Sea Grant news: Shipworms, ozone, hurricanes

Scientists discover ozone reduces common spoilage bacteria in seafood processing facilities, extending shelf life. Researchers also study hurricane-resistant retrofits on damaged houses to reduce storm damage.

SourceNational Sea Grant College Program·DateApr 15, 2002

Nature's own antidote to cocaine

A study found that individuals carrying a high-output version of the dynorphin gene are less susceptible to cocaine dependence. The genetic association suggests a possible neurobiological function for this particular variant, which may modulate cocaine's effects and increase protection against addiction.

SourceRockefeller University·JournalAmerican Journal of Medical Genetics·DateApr 15, 2002

Changes in agricultural practices help clean up Lake Erie

Changes in agricultural practices have led to improved water conditions on Lake Erie, with phosphorus levels from fertilizers decreasing by over 50% for all seasons. Climate change also played a role, increasing nitrogen levels by up to 500% due to winter runoff and soil leaching.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalJournal of Environmental Quality·DateApr 15, 2002
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Annals of Internal Medicine tip sheet, April 16, 2002

Two new studies published in Annals of Internal Medicine shed light on diabetes diagnosis and management. A mathematical model predicts type 2 diabetes with high accuracy, while a report card reveals significant gaps in diabetes care. Additionally, experts emphasize the importance of preventive methods to address partner violence.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateApr 15, 2002

UMass scientist leads team that builds antibacterial molecules

Researchers create custom-built antimicrobial agents using polymers and oligomers inspired by natural defense peptides. The new approach focuses on overall shape rather than specific chemistry, offering a novel solution for combating bacterial infections.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 15, 2002

Researchers find synthetic molecules that may literally be the key to 'locking away' unwanted DNA

Scientists at the University of Warwick have created a large synthetic molecule that binds to the major groove of DNA, causing it to coil up and resembling how chromosomes package DNA. This breakthrough could enable precise control over gene expression and improve treatments for diseases by delivering drugs directly to specific cells.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 15, 2002

Nanotube-laced epoxy: three times harder, far better at conducting heat

Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania have developed a new type of epoxy that is three times harder and conducts heat significantly better than regular epoxy. The addition of carbon nanotubes to the adhesive yields enhanced thermal conductivity and mechanical strength.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateApr 15, 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.

The Lancet Neurology launched

The Lancet Neurology aims to report the most important advances in neurology, predicting risk of neurological conditions through genetics and imaging. Experimental therapies like gene therapy and stem cells offer potential for treating neurological disorders.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet Neurology·DateApr 15, 2002

2001 Lovelace Award goes to Dr. Dorothy Denning

The Association for Women in Computing presents the prestigious Lovelace Award to Dr. Dorothy Denning, recognizing her significant impact on information technology. This notable achievement solidifies Dr. Denning's position as a trailblazer in the field, inspiring future generations of women in computing.

SourceAssociation for Women in Computing·DateApr 15, 2002

Human antibodies against spores found by researchers suggest new tool to detect and treat anthrax

Scientists at Scripps Research Institute have identified human antibodies that can recognize spore surfaces, enabling the detection of anthrax and other bacterial spores. These antibodies could be used to passively immunize individuals exposed to anthrax, providing a simple and inexpensive treatment option.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 15, 2002

Impact of tuition fee increases on medical students

A study by Jeff Kwong and colleagues found that tuition fee increases in Ontario are disproportionately affecting lower-income students, with fewer from these backgrounds enrolling in medical school. The researchers also noted that first-year Ontario students expect higher debt loads at graduation than their peers in other provinces.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateApr 15, 2002
Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

The brain risks of binge drinking

A new study confirms that binge drinking can cause neuronal damage in the brain. Damage to the olfactory bulb occurred after just two days of 'binge drinking', while other regions were damaged after four days. The study suggests that alcohol-induced brain damage occurs during intoxication, not withdrawal.

SourceAlcoholism: Clinical & Experimental Research·DateApr 15, 2002

Testosterone aids older men’s brains, UCSF study says

A new UCSF study found that older men with higher testosterone levels performed better on tests of cognition, including concentration, memory, and attention. However, the researchers emphasize that the study only examined natural testosterone levels and did not prove the benefits of testosterone supplements for cognitive health.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateApr 15, 2002

Suicidal behavior among alcoholics

A study found that nearly 16% of alcoholics had attempted suicide, and first-degree relatives of those who attempted suicide were more likely to have made attempts as well. The risk factors included a history of severe alcohol dependence and psychiatric disorders.

SourceAlcoholism: Clinical & Experimental Research·DateApr 15, 2002

Study shows loosening managed care restrictions may improve doctor-patient relationship

A recent study found that loosening managed care restrictions can lead to better patient relationships with primary care physicians. Patients in managed care programs were more likely to have continuity with a specific clinician, but these relationships were less likely to last more than 12 months.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateApr 15, 2002
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.

Brain-imaging study offers clues to inhalant abuse

A brain-imaging study has shed light on the reasons behind inhalant abuse by revealing how toluene moves into the brain rapidly and affects reward centers. The study shows that toluene spreads more generally to the entire brain before clearing the body, which may explain its addictive potential.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalLife Sciences·DateApr 15, 2002

Alcohol, drugs and violence between intimate partners

A study examining associations between male and female alcohol problems, drug use, and risk of intimate partner violence found that female alcohol-related problems were associated with an increased risk of moderate and severe male IPV. Couples living in high-unemployment neighborhoods were also at increased risk for severe IPV.

SourceAlcoholism: Clinical & Experimental Research·DateApr 15, 2002

Scientists close in on trigger of insulin resistance

Researchers found that extra sugar on proteins can cause insulin resistance in cells. The discovery provides a potential target for developing new strategies to treat or prevent diabetes.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 15, 2002
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.

Is medical school only for the rich?

A study found that Canadian medical students are more likely to be from visible minorities, but underrepresented from certain minority groups like black and Aboriginal. Medical students also tend to come from higher socioeconomic backgrounds and less rural areas compared to the general Canadian population.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateApr 15, 2002

Kaleidescope eyes: the secrets of a novel gift

Synaesthetes have an extra layer of information that helps with rote memory and creativity. The University of Melbourne team used Magnetic Resonance Imaging to analyze brain images of synaesthetes, revealing the secrets of how their brains function.

SourceUniversity of Melbourne·DateApr 15, 2002
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

New tool speeds study of mammalian protein function

Harvard Medical School researchers developed a new technique to silence specific proteins in mammalian cells using vector-based RNA interference. This method can be used to complement existing knockout animal models and conduct experiments with cells grown in vitro.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 15, 2002