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Science News for December 17, 2002


Other highlights of the December 18 JNCI

Researchers investigated the association between alcohol consumption and lung cancer risk, finding no statistically significant link. The Journal of National Cancer Institute also published studies on body surface area-based dosing for anticancer drugs and carbohydrate binding protein's potential to inhibit tumor growth.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateDec 17, 2002

Health statistics data reveals trends, factors in the use of cancer screening tests

The study analyzed data from the National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) between 1980 and 2001, revealing increases in cancer screening test usage since 1987. Key factors influencing screening use include age, sociodemographic status, healthcare source, and knowledge of cancer risk factors.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateDec 17, 2002

PPPL researchers Yamada and Ji awarded by American Physical Society

Researchers Masaaki Yamada and Hantao Ji at PPPL have received an award from the American Physical Society for their groundbreaking research on magnetic reconnection. Their work has elucidated a fundamental problem in plasmas, relevant to fusion energy and astrophysical phenomena.

SourceDOE/Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory·DateDec 17, 2002

Firefly molecule could quickly shed light on how well new drugs work

Researchers inserted a firefly gene into mice with cancer, allowing them to detect cell death in real-time. The technology uses luciferase to emit light only when cells start dying, enabling rapid testing of new drugs for cancer and other diseases.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 17, 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 ritual qualities of texting

A team of researchers found that young people use texting to widen their social networks and cope with demands from friends and parents. The report also highlights the 'gift-giving' properties of text messaging and its impact on industry plans for future mobile features.

SourceEconomic & Social Research Council·DateDec 17, 2002

Clinicians’ personal theories influence diagnoses of mental disorders

A study found that clinicians' personal theories significantly impact diagnoses of mental disorders, with central symptoms leading to more accurate diagnoses. The researchers suggest that expert theorizing can be idiosyncratic and lead to conflicting diagnoses due to a lack of understanding of the underlying causes of mental disorders.

SourceVanderbilt University·DateDec 17, 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.

NHLBI study finds traditional diuretics work better than newer medicines for treating hypertension

A recent NHLBI study found that traditional diuretics are more effective than newer antihypertensive medications in treating high blood pressure and preventing cardiovascular events. The study, which involved over 42,000 participants, showed that diuretics reduced the risk of heart attacks and strokes by 34% compared to the other groups.

SourceNIH/National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute·JournalJAMA·DateDec 17, 2002

Less-expensive diuretics found superior in treatment of hypertension

The Antihypertensive and Lipid-Lowering Treatment to Prevent Heart Attack Trial (ALLHAT) revealed that diuretic chlorthalidone is more effective in controlling hypertension than other drugs. The study, involving over 33,000 participants, showed that patients require multiple medications to manage blood pressure effectively.

SourceAtrium Health Wake Forest Baptist·DateDec 17, 2002

Body language, conversation and environment key to communication

A new perspective on communication emphasizes the need to consider all aspects, including nonverbal cues, spoken words, and environmental factors. Successful turn-taking communication is crucial, and physical touch requires verbal clarification. Video analysis can help improve communication skills.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalJournal of Communication·DateDec 17, 2002

Cancer specialists in disagreement about purpose of clinical trials

A survey of 1,120 cancer physicians reveals substantial differences in views about the purpose of clinical trials. Pediatric oncologists are more likely to enroll patients in trials for state-of-the-art treatment, while other specialties prioritize scientific advancement and future patient care.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateDec 17, 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.

Increased bone mass in a calcitonin knockout mouse full of surprises

Researchers discovered that calcitonin knockout mice have greater bone mass and increased bone formation, suggesting a novel function for the calcitonin gene product. This finding has implications for preventing bone loss associated with estrogen deficiency, potentially leading to new treatments for post-menopausal osteoporosis.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateDec 17, 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.

Chicken pox vaccine OK for children with kidney disease

A new study has found that chicken pox vaccine is safe and effective for children with chronic kidney disease. The study shows that vaccination can prevent severe complications such as pneumonia and brain inflammation in these patients.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalPediatric Nephrology·DateDec 17, 2002

Older people & lifelong learning

Research highlights the importance of lifelong learning for older adults, with formal classes often being supplemented by informal activities. Informal learners reported engaging in daily routines like reading and watching documentaries as an integral part of their lives.

SourceEconomic & Social Research Council·DateDec 17, 2002

JCI table of contents, December 15, 2002

Research reveals that mice without the calcitonin gene exhibit greater bone mass and formation, suggesting a novel function for this hormone. This discovery opens up new avenues for preventing bone loss associated with estrogen deficiency.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateDec 17, 2002