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Science News for December 3, 2002


UV radiation may not be a factor in amphibian declines

A recent study suggests that dissolved organic matter in water absorbs UV-B, protecting 85% of amphibian habitats. The timing of breeding also plays a crucial role, with early breeding reducing UV-B exposure in certain regions.

SourceU.S. Geological Survey·JournalEcology·DateDec 3, 2002

It may take a mouse to understand the behavior of 'jumping genes'

Researchers developed a mouse model to study L1 retrotransposition, a process that can cause mutations in genes. The study found that the mouse model mimics human L1 behavior and could aid in understanding how genes function and potentially lead to genetic therapies.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalNature Genetics·DateDec 3, 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.

Alternative treatment for secretory diarrhea linked to the cystic fibrosis gene

Researchers identified a new compound, thiazolidinone, that effectively inhibits CFTR-mediated chloride secretion, reducing excess intestinal fluid secretion in mice with secretory diarrhea. The study's findings suggest that this compound may be useful in treating secretory diarrhea linked to the cystic fibrosis gene.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateDec 3, 2002

OHSU researchers make key immune system discovery

OHSU researchers identified a critical role of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules in training T-cells to combat infections. The discovery may lead to the development of more effective vaccines and immune system boosting strategies for susceptible populations, such as the elderly.

SourceOregon Health & Science University·JournalScience·DateDec 3, 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.

Study finds seasonal differences affect Brahman bull sexual maturity

A study by Dr. Ron Randel found that fall-born Brahman bulls take longer to reach sexual maturity than spring-born bulls, delaying breeding by up to 39 days. This delay has little impact on long-term reproductive efficiency, but affects commercial cattle producers who buy young bulls for early use.

SourceTexas A&M AgriLife Communications·DateDec 3, 2002

Other highlights of the December 4 JNCI

Researchers developed new compounds to optimize apoptosis-inducing ability of celecoxib, a COX-2 inhibitor. They found that the structural features required for apoptosis induction differ from those required for COX-2 inhibition.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateDec 3, 2002

Climate change will affect carbon sequestration in oceans, scientists say

Climate change affects ocean's sequestration capacity, with the Atlantic Ocean proving more effective at storing carbon dioxide. The impact is most pronounced in the Atlantic, where rising sea surface temperatures slow down thermohaline circulation and reduce mixing, exacerbating the problem.

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

CWRU researcher reveals differences in high-altitude living

A CWRU anthropologist has discovered a distinct pattern of human adaptation to high-altitude hypoxia among the Ambaras people in Ethiopia, who have normal sea-level hemoglobin and oxygen saturations. This finding suggests that there are three patterns of adaptation to high-altitude living among indigenous populations.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 3, 2002

Portion size matters: Given too much, we eat it

A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that larger portion sizes result in consuming 30% more calories, regardless of individual eating habits. This suggests that portion control is crucial for weight management and suggests alternatives like low-calorie vegetables and broth-based soups.

SourcePenn State·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateDec 3, 2002
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.

Diabetic gene linked to heart disease

A new genetic test can identify patients with diabetes at high risk for heart disease, potentially saving lives through early intervention. Researchers analyzed the haptoglobin gene in a population-based study and found that individuals with one form of the gene were five times more likely to develop heart disease.

SourceAmerican Society for Technion - Israel Institute of Technology·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateDec 3, 2002

JCI Table of Contents, December 2, 2002

Researchers have discovered that angiopoietin-1 can restore faulty blood vessel architecture in mice by promoting sprouting, survival, and stability of new vessels. This study highlights the importance of pericytes in maintaining normal vessel stability and may lead to new treatments for diseases like diabetic retinopathy.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateDec 3, 2002

Birth control pills associated with breast cancer risk in BRCA1 mutation carriers

A study found that long-term oral contraceptive use is associated with a 33% increase in breast cancer risk among women with BRCA1 mutations, particularly those who started using contraceptives before age 30. In contrast, no significant increase in breast cancer risk was observed in women with BRCA2 mutations.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateDec 3, 2002

Additive-free cigarettes may pack a more toxic tobacco punch

A recent study found that alternative cigarettes like bidis and additive-free tobacco can deliver high levels of nicotine and other toxins, similar to conventional cigarettes. The study's results suggest that these products may pose a significant health risk to adolescents and young adults.

SourceCenter for Advancing Health·JournalNicotine & Tobacco Research·DateDec 3, 2002
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.

Restoration of faulty blood vessel architecture by angiopoietin-1

Researchers developed a system to study blood vessel development without mural cells, revealing that angiopoietin-1 partially restores large vessel structure. The study suggests Ang1 is crucial for normal vessel stability and highlights the importance of pericytes in maintaining vascular networks.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateDec 3, 2002

Scientists find new way to assess where cotton-killing pests develop

Researchers used stable isotope assessment to determine that most late-season moths in the Cotton Belt are developing on non-cotton plants like corn, providing a major refuge for H. zea moths and helping to control pesticide-resistant pests.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 3, 2002

UB engineer develops novel method for assembly of nanoparticles

Researchers develop a novel method to assemble nanoparticles using non-uniform AC electric fields, allowing for the creation of ordered structures with desired properties. This process can be used to manufacture nanoscale tools and devices, including sensors and photonic devices.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalElectrophoresis·DateDec 3, 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.

Promising biomarker for melanoma is identified

A study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute found that higher levels of the molecule HDM2 are associated with a better prognosis in patients with melanoma. Patients with high levels of HDM2 lived significantly longer after treatment than those with low levels, even ten years after diagnosis.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateDec 3, 2002