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Science News for August 20, 2002


Ginkgo fails important memory test, according to study in JAMA

A recent study published in JAMA found that ginkgo biloba provides no measurable benefit in memory, attention, or concentration in healthy older adults. The study, conducted by researchers at Williams College, tested the effects of ginkgo on memory and cognitive function in 230 volunteers over 60.

SourceWilliams College·JournalJAMA·DateAug 20, 2002

Satellites to profile weather, improve forecasts through GPS

The COSMIC satellite network will collect a global, 3-D data set, improving analyses of both weather and climate change. The satellites will probe the atmosphere using radio occultation to track temperature in the upper atmosphere and measure high-altitude electron density.

SourceNational Center for Atmospheric Research/University Corporation for Atmospheric Research·DateAug 20, 2002
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Brain damage in infants not always tied to delivery

A study of nearly 22,000 infants found that only one case of seizures was linked to a low Apgar score and high umbilical cord acid levels. Seizures were common in babies born weighing less than 3.3 pounds, affecting 6% of those cases.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalThe Journal of Maternal-Fetal & Neonatal Medicine·DateAug 20, 2002

Researchers discover how herpes tricks the immune system

Scientists found that herpes virus uses regulators of complement activation (RCA) to evade the immune system. The study reveals that complement plays a crucial role in controlling persistent and latent infection, contradicting previous assumptions.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalImmunity·DateAug 20, 2002

Researchers aim to control treatment-resistant head lice

Scientists at the University of Massachusetts have developed a way to grow colonies of mutated head lice in a laboratory setting. This allows them to examine the biochemical and molecular mechanisms of resistance and monitor the frequency of mutations that cause resistance.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·DateAug 20, 2002
Creality K1 Max 3D Printer

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.

Herbal dietary supplement alters metabolism of chemotherapy drug

A study found that St. John's wort significantly lowers blood levels of irinotecan's active metabolite SN-38 by 42%, decreasing detoxification and reducing overall antitumor activity. Patients receiving chemotherapeutic treatments with St. John's wort may need to increase drug dosage.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateAug 20, 2002

Study finds childhood health is directly related to social class

A new study published in Ambulatory Pediatrics found a strong correlation between social class and childhood health, with lower-income children experiencing greater symptoms of physical and mental illness. In contrast, higher-income children exhibited better risk-avoidance behaviors.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalAmbulatory Pediatrics·DateAug 20, 2002

Anemia drug reduces transfusions and chemotherapy-related fatigue

A phase III trial found that darbepoetin alfa reduced blood transfusions by half and increased hemoglobin levels, while decreasing fatigue. The treatment also showed similar adverse events to those in cancer patients receiving chemotherapy.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateAug 20, 2002
GoPro HERO13 Black

GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.

LECs may be future of flat panel color displays

Scientists at Penn State have developed a voltage-controlled, two-color bipolar LEC that can produce yellow and red light, paving the way for efficient and stable full-color displays. The technology has high luminance intensity, efficiency, fast response time, and long-term stability, making it suitable for flat-panel applications.

SourcePenn State·DateAug 20, 2002

Risk from breast cancer susceptibility gene may be exaggerated in most studies

A recent study suggests that breast cancer susceptibility gene may be associated with lower penetrance than previously estimated. Genetic counselors must consider multiple risk factors when predicting an individual's risk for breast cancer, as the presence of a BRCA mutation does not define her overall risk.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateAug 20, 2002

Researchers pinpoint pain responses in newborns

Newborn infants exhibit increased pain response after repeated painful procedures, learning to anticipate pain. The study supports efforts to decrease pain in infants undergoing medical procedures.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalJAMA·DateAug 20, 2002

Athletes' wives cope with stress through 'control work'

The study found that athletes' wives develop 'control work' as a coping mechanism, focusing on fulfilling their husbands' emotional needs, managing the family, or demonstrating domestic mastery. This helps them feel loved, needed, or validated.

SourceOregon State University·DateAug 20, 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.

Researchers link red wine to 'good cholesterol'

A new study found that moderate red wine consumption is associated with higher levels of HDL cholesterol in regular drinkers. The researchers discovered that the fatty acid composition of these HDL particles may play a beneficial role in reducing cardiovascular risk.

SourceCenter for Advancing Health·DateAug 20, 2002

Other highlights in the August 21 issue of JNCI

The incidence of Kaposi's sarcoma and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma declined sharply in the mid-1990s, mainly due to AIDS treatment improvements. However, non-AIDS-associated non-Hodgkin's lymphoma incidence has continued to rise.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateAug 20, 2002