Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News Archive April 2002 - Page 9


Page 9 of 10

Austin chemist wins American Chemical Society’s Priestley Medal

Bard has made significant contributions to the field of chemistry, including work on scanning electrochemistry microscopy and its applications in studying chemical reactions and biological functions. He is also a dedicated teacher and mentor, having mentored over 200 graduate students and thousands of undergraduate chemistry students.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·DateApr 4, 2002

Roll out of unique device to steer balloons in flight

The StratoSail system uses a wing suspended below the balloon to steer it through wind, enabling maneuvering towards desired regions or away from unfavorable conditions. With NASA funding, this technology aims to increase science observation strategies, safety, and payload recovery for stratospheric balloons.

SourceGlobal Aerospace Corporation·DateApr 4, 2002
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Study links single molecule to body’s healing process

Researchers found that lung injuries among mice lacking CD44 receptors developed inflammation that persisted until the receptors were restored. The study suggests a vital link between the CD44 receptor and the body's healing process.

SourceVeterans Affairs Research Communications·JournalScience·DateApr 4, 2002

Behavior management programs help seniors with chronic illnesses sleep better

Researchers found that behavior management programs improved sleep in 54% of CBT group participants and 39% in the HART group. These programs teach individuals to reset their 'sleep clock' by adhering to a regular sleep period, reducing daytime naps, and avoiding activities that make it difficult to fall asleep.

SourceRush University Medical Center·JournalPsychology and Aging·DateApr 4, 2002

Violence against women

The Lancet series highlights the prevalence of gender-based violence worldwide, which accounts for as much death and ill-health in women aged 15-44 years as cancer. The World Bank reports that violence against women is a greater cause of ill-health than malaria and traffic accidents combined.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateApr 4, 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.

Simple blood test may be able to predict risk of preeclampsia

Researchers found that women who develop preeclampsia have reduced levels of SHBG protein in their first-trimester blood tests. The association remains even in lean or overweight women, suggesting insulin resistance as a true risk factor.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateApr 4, 2002

Childhood sexual abuse proves top predictor for HIV infection in women

A recent study found that childhood sexual abuse is a top predictor for HIV infection in women, with those who suffered abuse at age 18 being seven times more likely to engage in high-risk unprotected sex. Women who experienced trauma also faced greater economic and social challenges, making them more vulnerable to further exploitation.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·DateApr 4, 2002

Dow vice president wins national award for research management

Kurt W. Swogger, Dow vice president of research and development, received the American Chemical Society's Earle B. Barnes Award for Leadership in Chemical Research Management. The award recognizes his innovative approach to developing customer-specific plastics using molecular architecture, which has led to increased efficiency and suc...

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·DateApr 4, 2002
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

Princeton chemist wins national award for molecular beams

Giacinto Scoles receives Peter Debye Award in Physical Chemistry for inventing new methods of creating controlled molecular beams, allowing study of chemical reactions in unprecedented detail. These techniques also contribute to the development of better semiconductors with improved performance.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·DateApr 4, 2002

Michigan State scientists identify chemical come-on of sea lamprey

Researchers have discovered a new method to isolate and understand the chemicals released by male sea lampreys to lure females. The study reveals that males release pheromones, not females, to initiate mating, offering potential new strategies for controlling sea lamprey populations.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalScience·DateApr 4, 2002

Tucson chemist wins national award for work with students

Dr. Doyle, a prominent chemist, has received the ACS George C. Pimentel Award for his contributions to chemical education. His most notable contribution is a study of 136 schools from 1986-2000 that found only 25% of published papers had student authors.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·DateApr 4, 2002

American Thoracic Society Journal news tips for April (first issue)

Two new studies found a relationship between high cat allergen concentrations in the home and increased asthma symptoms among sensitized women. Researchers also discovered common delays in TB diagnosis and treatment, as well as abnormal pulmonary function linked to bacterial infection in cystic fibrosis patients.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateApr 4, 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.

Chicago chemist wins national award for encouraging students

Chicago chemist James P. Shoffner has been honored with the American Chemical Society's Award for Encouraging Disadvantaged Students into Careers in the Chemical Sciences. Through initiatives like Project SEED, he provides opportunities for young students from inner cities to gain laboratory experience and connect with role models.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·DateApr 4, 2002

Microscopic hydrogel chambers facilitate drug screenings

Researchers developed a 3D biochip with tiny chemical reactor chambers and microfluidic delivery systems for growing cells and delivering chemicals. This technology enables high-throughput screening of hundreds of thousands of molecules while minimizing toxicity testing on animal models.

SourcePenn State·DateApr 4, 2002

Survival benefit for rheumatoid arthritis patients treated with methotrexate

A recent study published in The Lancet found that methotrexate treatment significantly improves survival rates among rheumatoid arthritis patients. By reducing cardiovascular mortality, methotrexate may provide a substantial survival benefit, setting a standard for future disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateApr 4, 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.

Minneapolis chemist wins national award for unique separations

A Minneapolis chemist has won a national award for his work on separating molecules using membranes, which can improve efficiency in distillation processes. His unique approach has also been applied to separate oxygen from water, as demonstrated by an experiment with a dog named Muggins.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·DateApr 4, 2002

Birmingham chemistry teacher wins national award for classroom innovations

Theresa Corley, a Birmingham chemistry teacher, has won the ACS James Bryant Conant Award in High School Chemistry Teaching for her innovative approach to teaching high school chemistry. Her method incorporates real-life scenarios, history, and guest presentations to foster a sense of inquiry among her students.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·DateApr 4, 2002

Tallahassee chemist wins national award for 'weighing' mixtures

Marshall's work with mass spectrometry has enabled the analysis of complex mixtures such as blood and crude oil, identifying thousands of molecules and creating unique identifiers for oil sources. His techniques have been widely adopted in various industries, including pharmaceuticals and forensic science.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·DateApr 4, 2002

Chicago chemist wins national award for new research methods

Bipin V. Vora has developed more efficient ways to make chemicals from petroleum, reducing environmental harm. His work on linear alkylbenzenes has improved the manufacture of environmentally-friendly detergents, making them safer for water and wildlife.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·DateApr 4, 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.

Carbon nanotubes grow up, out, and in all three dimensions

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute researchers have developed a method to grow carbon nanotubes up, out, and in all three dimensions, providing unprecedented control over their growth. This breakthrough could lead to the creation of Lilliputian devices and complex networks comprised of molecular units.

SourceRensselaer Polytechnic Institute·JournalNature·DateApr 3, 2002

Anti-inflammatory drug fails to prevent a hereditary colon cancer

Researchers found no statistical difference between sulindac and placebo groups in preventing polyp development or colon cancer, contradicting previous evidence. Sulindac may be ineffective at preventing polyps in newly diagnosed FAP patients, suggesting a need for alternative treatments.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateApr 3, 2002

Rare fossilized tube feet suggest functional shift through time

Scientists have discovered a rare fossil of a brittle star with preserved fleshy tube feet, providing evidence of an ecological shift through time. The findings challenge traditional understanding of soft tissue preservation and offer new insights into the evolutionary history of starfishes.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·DateApr 3, 2002

Low-voltage MEMS switch developed for high-speed electronics

A new low-voltage microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) switch has been developed for integration with existing technologies in high-speed electronics. The switch boasts a tiny metal pad that can move up or down in under 25 microseconds, providing a very low insertion loss of less than 0.1 dB.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·DateApr 3, 2002
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

Scripps scientists find ‘ignored’ species play key role in ecosystem interactions

A new study by Scripps scientists reveals that intermediate-sized predators can have significant impacts on ecosystems, contrary to previous conclusions. The research highlights the importance of considering all species, not just larger ones, for maintaining ecosystem stability and biodiversity.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 3, 2002
AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.

Sandstone formation study may help petroleum industry

Researchers studied sandstone formation in Pennsylvanian time period to understand climate, environment, and grain influences on diagenesis. They found quartz cement played a significant role in storing silica-rich fluids, potentially leading to discoveries of oil, gas, or water.

SourceVirginia Tech·DateApr 3, 2002

Antioxidant vitamins may help transplant patients

A new study suggests that taking supplements of both vitamins C and E can significantly reduce coronary arteriosclerosis in heart transplant patients. After one year, the group receiving antioxidants showed little to no thickening and narrowing of their coronary arteries, while those receiving a placebo experienced significant changes.

SourceOregon State University·JournalThe Lancet·DateApr 3, 2002

More patients would refuse treatment if the outcome were impaired quality of life

Researchers found that when treatment outcomes were impaired quality of life, such as severe functional or cognitive impairment, a significant number of patients (74.4% and 88.8%) lost their willingness to receive treatment. In contrast, the impact on preferences was more nuanced with mortality, where only when the likelihood increased...

SourceYale University·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateApr 3, 2002

NASA pinpoints where rain comes from and where it goes

The new model traces water vapor from its source in the atmosphere to where it falls back to Earth, providing a clearer picture of how water moves. This allows for more accurate weather forecasts by identifying regional sources of atmospheric moisture.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·JournalJournal of Hydrometeorology·DateApr 2, 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.

Novel gene therapy approach in 1st human trials

A novel gene therapy approach has been successfully tested on a 33-year-old cystic fibrosis patient, using a patented DNA compaction technology. The treatment aims to deliver healthy genes into cells to produce normal proteins needed by patients with the disease.

SourceUniversity Hospitals of Cleveland·DateApr 2, 2002

Engineers make strong, environmentally friendly plastic foams

Researchers at Ohio State University developed a dense plastic foam material reinforced with tiny clay particles, increasing its density and strength. The new technology aims to replace solid plastics in structural applications, making products lighter while maintaining their appearance.

SourceOhio State University·DateApr 2, 2002

Chemical messenger controls bone growth in embryos, study finds

Researchers have discovered a chemical messenger called fibroblast growth factor 18 (FGF 18) that regulates bone development in growing embryos. FGF 18 appears to coordinate both the lengthening and hardening of bones, which may lead to new understanding of diseases such as achondroplasia and osteoporosis.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalGenes & Development·DateApr 2, 2002

Leptin linked to obesity and blood clots

Scientists at Michigan Medicine have discovered that leptin is linked to blood clot formation, particularly in obese individuals. Knowing how to block this interaction could help prevent heart attacks and strokes.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJAMA·DateApr 2, 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.

Other highlights in the April 3 issue of JNCI

Researchers have identified new markers for prostate and colon cancers, as well as a potential tumor suppressor gene. TIG1 was found to be expressed in normal prostate tissue but not malignant tumors, suggesting it may play a role in cancer progression.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateApr 2, 2002

Japanese government agency awards Nakamura multi-million dollar grant

The University of California, Santa Barbara's Nakamura is awarded a multi-million dollar ERATO grant to develop gallium nitride bulk crystals, crucial for commercial use in lasers and transistors. The research aims to explore inhomogeneity in nitride crystals and enable the tuning of energy levels.

SourceUniversity of California, Santa Barbara - Engineering·DateApr 2, 2002

High Hep C levels found among young low-income women

A UCSF study found high levels of HCV infection among young low-income women in San Francisco, with injection drug use and HSV-2 co-infection contributing to transmission. The study also highlights the need for public health efforts beyond needle exchange programs to address non-needle drug use and sexually transmitted diseases.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateApr 2, 2002

U-M scientists find new genetic marker for prostate cancer

Researchers at the University of Michigan have identified a gene, AMACR, which triggers production of a specific enzyme involved in fat metabolism. The protein is detected in over 95% of localized prostate cancer cells and shows high sensitivity and selectivity ratings for diagnostic purposes.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJAMA·DateApr 2, 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.

Cellular link between sleep apnea and atherosclerosis found

A study led by Dr. Lena Lavie found that sleep apnea patients have increased adhesion molecules and free radicals on their white blood cells, which contribute to the development of atherosclerosis. Effective treatment with CPAP may not reverse this process, highlighting the need for further research.

SourceAmerican Society for Technion - Israel Institute of Technology·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateApr 2, 2002

Gene alteration spurs growth of colon cancer

Researchers identified a novel gene alteration that contributes to colon cancer growth, suggesting a new target for diagnosis and treatment. The discovery also hints at the possibility of reversing methylation-based tumor progression, potentially leading to a non-invasive diagnostic test.

SourceHoward Hughes Medical Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 2, 2002

Genetic variants put some patients at risk for particular drug reactions

A study by Dr. David Veenstra at the University of Washington identified two genetic variants associated with an increased risk of severe bleeding incidents in patients taking warfarin. Patients with these variants required longer time to achieve stable dosing, suggesting potential for dose adjustment and closer monitoring.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalJAMA·DateApr 2, 2002

Low socioeconomic status may influence quality of breast cancer treatment

A recent study found that women with lower incomes and those insured by Medicaid had worse breast cancer treatment outcomes, including later-stage diagnoses, reduced radiation therapy, and higher mortality rates. Socioeconomic factors accounted for most of the disparities in these outcomes.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateApr 2, 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.

Hormone replacement therapy may be associated with increased ovarian cancer risk

A new study found that hormone replacement therapy, particularly estrogen alone, may increase the risk of epithelial ovarian cancer in postmenopausal women with an intact uterus. Women who used sequential progestins with estrogens had a higher risk of developing ovarian cancer compared to those who never used HRT.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateApr 2, 2002

Primate bushmeat : Populations exposed to simian immunodeficiency viruses

A study found that nearly 800 monkeys in Cameroon were infected with simian immunodeficiency viruses, highlighting the risk of human exposure through hunting and handling primates. The diversity among the viruses suggests a high degree of human exposure to SIVs.

SourceInstitut de recherche pour le développement·JournalEmerging Infectious Diseases·DateApr 2, 2002

Study links gene to success of a treatment for high blood pressure

A genetic variant in the adducin gene has been found to be associated with a significant reduction in heart attack and stroke risk when patients take low-dose diuretics. The study found that individuals with this variant were twice as likely to avoid cardiovascular events when treated with diuretics.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalJAMA·DateApr 2, 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
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.

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

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
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.