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Science News for April 18, 2002


Superficial science - surface chemistry protects metals

Researchers at Kansas State University have developed a new protective process using phosphates to bond with metal surfaces, preventing corrosion and improving safety. The technology has potential applications in industries such as healthcare, where it could be used to create safer implants.

SourceKansas State University·DateApr 18, 2002

Amphibians and crippling parasites

A new study found a striking connection between malformed amphibians and the presence of Ribeiroia, a parasitic infection. The parasite was linked to limb malformations in over 12,000 amphibians across 11 species, with Pacific treefrogs exhibiting the greatest number of abnormalities.

SourceEcological Society of America·JournalEcological Monographs·DateApr 18, 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.

Scientists document water molecule movement across cell walls

Researchers at the University of Illinois have successfully simulated the movement of water molecules through aquaporins, ensuring only water passes between cells. The study reveals that water molecules pass single-file and reverse orientation midstream, preventing ion conduction and maintaining cell metabolism.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalScience·DateApr 18, 2002

Still no effective treatment for post-lyme disease symptoms

A double-blind clinical trial of 55 Lyme disease patients with severe fatigue revealed that while ceftriaxone showed promise in reducing fatigue, it was not without significant adverse effects. The study's results do not support the use of repeated courses of ceftriaxone due to these risks.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·DateApr 18, 2002

New evidence for organic compounds in deep space

Scientists have found organic compounds in deep space, a discovery that supports the hypothesis of complex organic compounds causing the Unidentified Infrared Bands. The study used a special laser to measure the spectrum of polyaromatic hydrocarbons in deep space.

SourceNetherlands Organization for Scientific Research·DateApr 18, 2002
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Protein research illustrates how drugs fight malaria, other diseases

Researchers have discovered a new standard for selectively targeting malaria-causing parasites, which could lead to breakthroughs in treating other diseases such as HIV, cancer, and Alzheimer's. By understanding how proteins like DHFR are regulated, scientists can develop more effective and non-toxic treatments.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalScience·DateApr 18, 2002

Let them sleep!

A study of 729 teenagers aged 12-17 found they slept an average of 8.5 hours during the week and 9.5 hours on weekends, with nearly half reporting daytime sleepiness. The later wake times among older teens suggest starting school later may improve attendance and academic performance.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·DateApr 18, 2002

Stressed intestine can give rise to food allergy

Researchers found that stressed mice exhibited increased diarrhoea responses to egg albumin, while non-stressed mice also showed occasional reactions. The study suggests chronic stress may contribute to food allergies and intestinal diseases like Crohn's disease.

SourceNetherlands Organization for Scientific Research·DateApr 18, 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.

Development of dementia in Parkinson’s patients

Researchers found that Parkinson's patients who developed dementia had a significantly higher risk of death, regardless of hallucination or depression status. The study also revealed that incident dementia and disease severity were independently associated with an increased risk of mortality.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·DateApr 18, 2002

Short teenage boys earn less than tall teenage boys when they each grow up

A recent study by University of Pennsylvania researchers found that a boy's height at age 16 is a significant determinant of his salary as an adult. The study controlled for race, gender, and socio-economic status, and found that taller teenagers earned up to 15% more than shorter counterparts in any given field.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·DateApr 18, 2002

Junior doctors need training to reduce prescribing errors

A study found that most prescribing errors were caused by slips in attention or lack of relevant rules application. Hospitals should train junior doctors in drug dosing principles and enforce good documentation practices to reduce errors.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateApr 18, 2002

Input from youth is crucial in promoting adolescent health

The Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health study emphasizes the importance of involving adolescents in their own health promotion. Young people offer a unique perspective and valuable insights that can improve survey design, outcomes, and overall effectiveness.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalHealth Promotion Practice·DateApr 18, 2002
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.

New report explains ice-age mystery

Researchers at UC Davis and UC Santa Barbara have discovered a link between rapid changes in ocean carbon chemistry during the last ice age and shifts in ocean circulation. The study sheds light on how human-induced global warming may affect ocean currents, weather patterns, and climate worldwide.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalScience·DateApr 18, 2002

Rare rocks offer a unique glimpse of the Earth's core

Geologists analyzed rare rock samples from California and Oregon, which contain large amounts of osmium, a key element in the Earth's core. The findings suggest that these rocks came from hotspots at the core-mantle boundary, providing valuable clues to the Earth's core composition.

SourceStanford University·JournalScience·DateApr 18, 2002

Gene mutation influences filtering of blood by kidneys

A study using mice found that mutations in the Lmx1b gene cause a reduction in two proteins necessary for mature podocytes to function properly. This disruption leads to immature podocytes and impaired kidney filtering, increasing the risk of kidney problems associated with nail-patella syndrome.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateApr 18, 2002
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.

New Science Press launches Proteins: From Sequence to Structure

Proteins: From Sequence to Structure is the first book in the Primers in Biology series, covering sequence, structure, and functional properties of proteins from a post-genomic focus. The authors, Gregory Petsko and Dagmar Ringe, are authorities in their field and have received high praise for their comprehensive primer.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·DateApr 18, 2002

New treatment option for children with malaria

A new treatment combination of amodiaquine and artesunate has shown high cure rates for uncomplicated malaria in children under 11 years old. The study found that the treatment was more effective than amodiaquine alone, with higher cure rates in Gabon compared to Kenya and Senegal.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateApr 18, 2002
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.

Parental smoking around time of conception linked to reduction in male births

A recent study has found that parental smoking around the time of conception is associated with a reduction in male births. The research suggests that exposure to cigarette smoke may affect sperm cells carrying the Y-chromosome, leading to lower male to female sex ratios. Smoking was found to impact sex ratios even when only the mother...

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateApr 18, 2002

Surinamese language Trio demands honesty

The Trio language requires precision in translation to convey expectations and avoid misunderstandings. With a complex grammar system, Trio speakers must specify verb forms to indicate whether they witnessed or understood information.

SourceNetherlands Organization for Scientific Research·DateApr 18, 2002

Ten percent fatigue at work within one year

Researchers discovered that a lack of autonomy at work increases the risk of prolonged fatigue by 1.5-2 times. Additionally, men who are overweight or physically inactive experience faster onset of fatigue, while women who are underweight have a threefold increased risk.

SourceNetherlands Organization for Scientific Research·DateApr 18, 2002

Solving the COX conundrum

The balancing act between COX-1 and COX-2 enzymes plays a crucial role in protecting the heart from cardiovascular disease. The study found that PGI2 production is stimulated as a response to platelet interactions with the vessel wall, limiting the harmful effects of thromboxane.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalScience·DateApr 18, 2002
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.

Long-term benefits found in two drugs for Parkinson's

A study by Emory University researchers found that the atypical antipsychotics quetiapine and clozapine reduced hallucinations in patients with advanced Parkinson's disease. The medication group also showed a lower risk of nursing home placement, suggesting long-term benefits.

SourceEmory University Health Sciences Center·JournalNeurology·DateApr 18, 2002

NIMH awards new grants in response to terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001

The NIMH RAPID grants program funds small projects to yield information helpful in designing large-scale studies on prevention and treatment of mental illnesses resulting from exposure to mass violence. Six supplemental grants have also been awarded to existing studies to gather new information specific to the 9/11 events.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Mental Health·DateApr 18, 2002

Exposure to light and sleep pattern alteration

A study by the American Academy of Neurology found that bright light pulses lasting just two to three hours can delay human circadian rhythms. Additionally, disruptions in sleep timing also produce small rhythm delays, affecting the timing of the circadian clock.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·DateApr 18, 2002

Helium imaging detects emphysema changes in smallest airways of lung

Researchers use helium-3 diffusion MRI to detect emphysema changes in the smallest airways of the lung. The technique reveals enlarged air spaces that allow helium atoms to move freely, enabling the visualization of lung structure at a scale too small for traditional imaging methods.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 18, 2002
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.

Newly published data show at-home dialysis therapy may benefit more patients

A landmark study suggests that at-home dialysis therapy can be more flexible and manageable than previously thought. The ADEMEX study found that increasing small solute clearances did not impact patient survival rates, and body size, transport status, and other factors had no measurable effect on outcomes.

SourceManning Selvage & Lee·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateApr 18, 2002

Researchers identify protein that overcomes leptin resistance

A new research study identifies a protein called PTP1B that helps overcome leptin resistance, a common issue in obese individuals. The knockout mice lacking PTP1B displayed increased energy expenditure and were resistant to high-fat diets.

SourceBeth Israel Deaconess Medical Center·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateApr 18, 2002

Male starlings sing a song of reproductive fitness

Research reveals that female starlings choose mates with the strongest immune systems, as these males tend to have better singing abilities. The finding supports a decade-old theory that suggests evolution has found a way to prevent male birds from cheating on their reproductive quality.

SourceJohns Hopkins University·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society of London·DateApr 18, 2002
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.

Marine researchers explore sediment highways

Researchers measured unusually high biochemical activity on the canyon floor, with organic material enriching the deep-sea area. The sediment accumulates rapidly, leading to unstable floors and submarine mud avalanches every several decades to centuries.

SourceNetherlands Organization for Scientific Research·DateApr 18, 2002