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Science News for April 29, 2002


Mastiffs could aid treatment of retinitis pigmentosa

Researchers have discovered a genetic mutation in English mastiffs that causes retinal dysfunction and degeneration, mirroring human dominant retinitis pigmentosa. The study aims to find treatments and cures for inherited forms of blindness in humans by testing therapies first in dogs.

SourceCornell University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 29, 2002

Drug cocktail prevents hepatitis B virus from recurring after liver transplant

Researchers have found a combination therapy of lamivudine and hepatitis B immune globulin significantly reduces HBV infection recurrence after liver transplant, with one-year and three-year survival rates of 92% and 81%, respectively. This breakthrough treatment offers hope for patients with chronic HBV cirrhosis.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalAnnals of Surgery·DateApr 29, 2002

Finding tiny particles in hurricanes may help with predictions

Researchers found high concentrations of small ice crystals at the top of Hurricane Humberto, reflecting more sunlight and creating a temperature contrast that may contribute to its strength. The discovery is being entered into computer models to improve hurricane predictions.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateApr 29, 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.

Yale study reinforces theory that babies count

Researchers found that 5-month-old infants can determine the number of collective entities, moving groups of items, when non-numerical factors are controlled. This suggests that infants can represent numbers and perform simple arithmetic operations, challenging existing theories about mathematical knowledge development.

SourceYale University·JournalCognition·DateApr 29, 2002

Brookhaven Lab researchers develop a new method for producing electrodes

Researchers at Brookhaven National Laboratory have developed a new method for producing electrodes, allowing for the creation of novel alloy compositions and improving electrochemical reaction rates. The method uses hydrogen to form nanocomposite materials, making it more effective and practical than traditional methods.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·DateApr 29, 2002

Hope for kidney transplant patients of improved graft survival

A recent study found that CellCept therapy can effectively reverse kidney damage and improve graft survival in patients with chronic kidney function decline. The results showed a significant increase in kidney function reversal or stabilization in patients treated with CellCept compared to those on cyclosporine.

SourceKetchum UK·DateApr 29, 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.

Yale researchers report on brain activity believed related to sudden infant death syndrome

A Yale research team proposes that serotonin neurons play a crucial role in detecting carbon dioxide levels during sleep and triggering arousal. This response is absent in infants who die of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), potentially leading to fatal consequences. The study's findings shed new light on the underlying causes of SIDS.

SourceYale University·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateApr 29, 2002

Scientists discover gene in human egg that may be necessary for female fertility

Researchers have identified a human gene that appears to be the counterpart to the mouse Mater gene, essential for fertilized egg development. The discovery may lead to new approaches in studying and treating female infertility, as well as understanding the role of the immune system in premature ovarian failure.

SourceNIH/Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development·JournalHuman Reproduction·DateApr 29, 2002

HIV/AIDS education for women in jail could reduce epidemic nationally

Women in jail have high HIV infection rates, with specific risk factors identified as substance abuse disorders and severe mental illness. An HIV/AIDS education program in a correctional setting has shown promise in reducing the spread of HIV in communities.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateApr 29, 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.

Study yields new clues on body’s rejection of transplanted organs

Scientists have made a breakthrough in understanding the body's rejection of transplanted organs. Memory T cells were found to trigger rejection, even when other immune cells are disabled. This discovery may lead to new treatments that block memory T cell function and improve organ transplant success rates.

SourceVeterans Affairs Research Communications·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 29, 2002

Drug reduces risk of acute rejection in kidney transplantation

A new study found that patients receiving the drug Thymoglobulin had two and half times fewer episodes of acute kidney rejection than those receiving Simulect. The study's findings are significant as they show a potential benefit for up to half of kidney transplants from cadavers.

SourceWashU Medicine·DateApr 29, 2002

UNC, other physicians setting up national registry

The Antiphospholipid Syndrome Collaborative Registry aims to enroll 2,000 patients over five years to better understand the disease, its causes, and treatment options. The registry will facilitate research, diagnosis, and development of diagnostic tests and treatments for antiphospholipid syndrome.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel Hill·DateApr 29, 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.

A small number of homeless people keep the ER busy

A small percentage of homeless individuals in San Francisco account for the majority of emergency department visits. These high users often have substance abuse and mental health problems, and are more likely to be younger, female, and Medicaid-insured.

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

The paper chase

A study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal suggests that journals' practices for accelerating publication may be inconsistent. General internists rated articles from The Lancet and New England Journal of Medicine, finding case articles scored higher on importance, ease of applicability, and health outcomes than contr...

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateApr 29, 2002

Autoimmunity in autism

Researchers have discovered abnormal immune regulation and autoimmunity in children with a form of autism characterized by sudden regression. The study reveals distinct autoimmune features in the epithelium of the small bowel, which may contribute to bowel symptoms and cognitive regression in autistic children.

SourceMolecular Psychiatry·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateApr 29, 2002
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.