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Science News for April 5, 2002


Many rural residents living with HIV continue risky behaviors

A study found that 43% of rural HIV-positive participants engage in elevated risk for transmitting their infection, often due to depression, stress, and lack of access to HIV-prevention programs. Many residents are isolated by the stigma of their illness and lack information about the dangers of unprotected sex.

SourceOhio University·DateApr 5, 2002

UF study: Wide generation gap in belief in the right to die

A University of Florida study found a significant generation gap in beliefs about the right to die, with grandparents more likely to believe in individual choice and family members' autonomy. Women were also more likely to support family members' decisions, while strong religious views were less supportive.

SourceUniversity of Florida·JournalFamily Relations·DateApr 5, 2002

Surviving hypoxia

The Reduced Oxygen-Breathing (ROB) device induces symptoms of hypoxia in a normal room at normal air pressures, reducing the risk of decompression sickness and pressure trauma. This cost-effective training tool will be used for periodic hypoxia familiarization training for naval aviators.

SourceOffice of Naval Research·DateApr 5, 2002
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Chip design has potential as artificial retina

A new type of analog processor, compact and fast for image processing, has the potential to replace damaged human retinas with an artificial eye. The cellular nonlinear network (CNN) chip is integrated with a camera to produce an image processor, mimicking the functions of the retina.

SourceOffice of Naval Research·DateApr 5, 2002

Brookhaven Spotlights: News from the National Synchrotron Light Source

Scientists at the NSLS have made significant discoveries, including the structure of anthrax's edema factor protein and a mechanism for high-temperature superconductivity. Researchers are also developing more efficient compounds to reduce sulfur dioxide emissions and creating new methods for examining protein structures.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·DateApr 5, 2002

Australian frog is first to make its own chemical weapons

Researchers have discovered that Australian poison frogs produce their own toxin-rich alkaloids, rather than obtaining them from food sources. This groundbreaking finding challenges the long-held assumption that vertebrates obtain these complex chemicals solely through diet.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of Natural Products·DateApr 5, 2002

Glaucoma leading cause of blindness in Hispanics

A recent study found that glaucoma was the most common cause of blindness among Hispanics, accounting for 0.3% of the population, with open-angle glaucoma being the leading cause. The prevalence of visual impairment increased with age, with cataract and age-related macular degeneration also being significant causes.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalOphthalmology·DateApr 5, 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.

Fish tales

Researchers investigate the remarkable resilience of the mummichog fish to chronic pollution in the Elizabeth River. The study reveals that these fish have adapted through genetic changes, but this comes at a cost, such as increased cancer risk and reduced ability to thrive in clean environments.

SourceOffice of Naval Research·DateApr 5, 2002

Small research big on Illinois campus

Researchers at the University of Illinois are making significant strides in nanotechnology, developing chemical and biological sensors that will be far more sensitive, selective, and cost-effective. They are also creating advanced materials, structures, and devices for various electronic and photonic applications.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·DateApr 5, 2002

Researchers identify key gene that regulates immune response

Researchers at Princess Margaret Hospital's Ontario Cancer Institute have identified the IRAK-4 gene as a key regulator of the immune response. Deleting this gene from test mice effectively tamed their inflammatory response and prevented septic shock, highlighting its potential as a target for future treatment.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalNature·DateApr 5, 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.

PET scans reduce unnecessary colorectal surgeries

A new study found that PET scans can reduce unnecessary colorectal surgeries by detecting disease earlier than other imaging modalities. The study analyzed 96 patients and found that PET scans led to active treatment for 12% of them, while conventional imaging indicated rising cancer markers in 10 cases.

SourceSociety of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging·JournalJournal of Nuclear Medicine·DateApr 5, 2002