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Science News for December 18, 2002


Similar outcomes for limb reconstruction and amputation after trauma

A study comparing limb reconstruction and amputation after trauma found that patients undergoing both procedures experienced similar functional recoveries, with 53% returning to work within two years. Despite medical advancements, those with amputations had higher rates of rehospitalization for complications.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases·DateDec 18, 2002

Smaller high schools achieve big results

Researchers found that smaller schools with strong teacher-student relationships, personalized curricula, and graduation requirements led to improved attendance, grades, and college readiness. The Coalition Campus Schools Project demonstrated potential in helping youth achieve academically.

SourceAmerican Educational Research Association·JournalAmerican Educational Research Journal·DateDec 18, 2002

Orthodontic and regenerative therapy work together

A 49-year-old patient with chronic periodontitis was treated with a combination of orthodontic and regenerative therapy to address a furcation defect. The treatment proved successful after nine months, demonstrating the potential for regenerative periodontal tissues to adapt to orthodontic movement.

SourceAmerican Academy of Periodontology·JournalJournal of Periodontology·DateDec 18, 2002

More dialysis, highly permeable artificial kidney may not aid some, UT Southwestern researcher finds

A recent study published in The New England Journal of Medicine found that higher doses of hemodialysis and more permeable artificial kidneys did not improve survival rates for all patients with end-stage kidney disease. However, selected subgroups, such as women and those treated with a more permeable membrane, showed significant impr...

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateDec 18, 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.

Do Asian American faculty face a glass ceiling in higher education?

A study by Professor Sharon M. Lee found that Asian American faculty have fewer paths to increase earnings and experience smaller benefits from certain characteristics compared to White faculty. The research highlights the need for policymaking to address issues of racial and ethnic diversity in higher education.

SourceAmerican Educational Research Association·JournalAmerican Educational Research Journal·DateDec 18, 2002

Rain will take greater toll on reindeer, climate change model shows

Rain-on-snow events are projected to affect reindeer herds in northern regions, causing food shortages and potentially devastating impacts. Climate change is predicted to increase the frequency and duration of these events, with a 40% increase in land area affected by 2080-89.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateDec 18, 2002

Stem cells put to the test in UNC studies

Researchers at UNC School of Medicine successfully transdifferentiated rat stem cells into functional new tissue, including platelets, red blood cells, and heart muscle cells. This breakthrough finding may provide clues to the therapeutic potential of human adult stem cells for tissue repair.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·DateDec 18, 2002

Hospital length of stay may not affect a newborn's health

The Harvard Medical School study found that hospital length of stay does not significantly impact newborn health, contradicting popular assumptions. The study also showed that introducing a state law guaranteeing minimum postpartum stays actually led to less frequent follow-up care for newborns.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateDec 18, 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.

PNNL expands blood serum protein library

Researchers at PNNL have identified nearly twice as many proteins in human blood serum as previously known, including low-abundance proteins that play crucial roles in cell signaling. The study provides a significant advance in understanding the proteome of blood serum and its potential applications in disease diagnosis.

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·DateDec 18, 2002

Discovery of giant X-ray disk sheds light on elliptical galaxies

Researchers at Ohio University have discovered a massive X-ray disk in an elliptical galaxy, revealing complex dynamics and challenging previous assumptions about galaxy formation. The giant disk is 90,000 light years wide and spinning through the galaxy, suggesting that elliptical galaxies may not be as simple as previously thought.

SourceOhio University·DateDec 18, 2002

Preemies’ temperaments shift in first year of life

Preterm infants exhibit intense moods, withdrawal to new stimuli, and irregular bodily functions at 6 weeks, but these challenges resolve by six months and 12 months as they adapt to full-term infant-like behavior, according to a study published in the Journal of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics.

SourceCenter for Advancing Health·JournalJournal of Developmental & Behavioral Pediatrics·DateDec 18, 2002

Hydrogen-powered cars, other futuristic products all in a day's work for NASA space product manager

Jeneene Sams, a NASA space product manager, works with companies to conduct experiments in space that improve their products and ultimately people's lives. She sponsors two commercial experiments: one on growing zeolite crystals that can store hydrogen, a pollution-free fuel, and another testing a fire-fighting system in microgravity.

SourceNASA/Marshall Space Flight Center News Center·DateDec 18, 2002

Computers in churches, laundromats may bridge digital divide

A study of two Georgia cities reveals that basic IT literacy has only marginal success in helping underserved groups access economic opportunities. Most disadvantaged social groups face difficulties sustaining their use of technology beyond initial classroom training, leading to frustration and limited benefits.

SourcePenn State·DateDec 18, 2002
GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.

An unlikely new weapon against a deadly bacteria in oysters: A virus

Researchers at the University of Florida have developed a novel approach to curing mice of Vibrio vulnificus, a deadly bacteria that causes flu-like symptoms and can be fatal. The treatment involves using a virus to attack the bacterial source, showing promise as an alternative to antibiotics for treating this disease.

SourceUniversity of Florida·JournalInfection and Immunity·DateDec 18, 2002

Researchers reveal new secrets of the brain

A study by Karel Svoboda's team found that new connections form and dissolve in the adult brain as mice take in sensory information. The total number of synapses stayed relatively constant, but individual connections often changed, with some sticking around for only a few days.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalNature·DateDec 18, 2002
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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