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Science News for December 5, 2002


Researchers study screening and treatment of new immigrants for latent stage of tuberculosis

Researchers studied the health and economic implications of screening and treating new immigrants from developing nations for latent tuberculosis infection. They found that implementing this practice could avoid up to nine thousand future active tuberculosis cases and save $60 to $90 million per year in healthcare costs.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateDec 5, 2002

Comparisons of the new mouse genome sequence

The new mouse genome sequence comparison offers a consensus view of the mouse genome, helping researchers understand human genes and their role in diseases. The study's findings have significant implications for improving diagnostic tests and treatments for human diseases.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalGenome Biology·DateDec 5, 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.

Sunlight and serotonin underlie seasonal mood disorders

Research suggests that sunlight influences brain serotonin activity, which is linked to seasonal mood changes and depression. The study's findings provide insight into the role of environmental factors in regulating mood disorders.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateDec 5, 2002

Signaling pathway in melanoma could provide target for diagnosis, prevention and treatment

A study by Emory University scientists identified the MAP kinase signaling pathway as a key player in early melanoma development. The researchers found that this pathway is abnormally activated in early melanomas, but not in precancerous moles. This finding has implications for diagnosis and treatment of melanoma.

SourceEmory University Health Sciences Center·JournalClinical Cancer Research·DateDec 5, 2002

Salk Institute and SUGEN scientists map 'human kinome'

The Salk Institute and SUGEN scientists have created a detailed catalog of the 518 protein kinase genes encoded by the human genome. This comprehensive mapping will enable the development of new drugs targeting kinases, offering an alternative to standard chemotherapy for specific types of cancer.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalScience·DateDec 5, 2002

Scripps Institution researchers develop new approach for designing marine reserves

Scripps Institution researchers have developed a new approach for designing marine reserves in the Gulf of California, using optimization algorithms and ecological data. The study, published in Science, provides a mapped series of reserves that meet conservation goals while minimizing societal conflicts with fishing interests.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalScience·DateDec 5, 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.

Wake Forest, Pittsburgh doctors find gene behind two kidney diseases

Researchers at Wake Forest have identified a gene responsible for two rare kidney diseases, familial juvenile hyperuricemic nephropathy and medullary cystic kidney disease Type 2. The discovery may lead to early detection and improved treatment options for affected individuals.

SourceAtrium Health Wake Forest Baptist·JournalJournal of Medical Genetics·DateDec 5, 2002

Scientists find earliest 'New World' writings in Mexico

Researchers found evidence of the earliest form of writing in the New World on a cylindrical seal and greenstone plaque fragments. The discoveries date back to the Olmec era, a pre-Mayan civilization, and challenge previous notions about the earliest written communication in Mesoamerica.

SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·DateDec 5, 2002

Fossil fuels for household use are viable option for world's poor

Switching to liquefied petroleum gas for household use could add only a 2% increase in global fossil fuel emissions but greatly decrease the environmental impact on local biomass resources. Liquefied petroleum gas burns cleaner than biomass fuels, reducing indoor smoke and associated health risks.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalScience·DateDec 5, 2002

Robot space cowboys

Researchers at USC's ISI Polymorphic Robotics Laboratory have developed modular robot units programmed with

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalIEEE Transactions on Robotics and Automation·DateDec 5, 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.

Videotaping message helps black teens eat more fruits, veggies

A new study found that videotaping a message about healthy eating can increase fruit and vegetable consumption in African American teenagers. The intervention combined behavioral skills learning with motivational techniques, leading to significant improvements in dietary habits.

SourceCenter for Advancing Health·JournalAnnals of Behavioral Medicine·DateDec 5, 2002

Call for WHO elections to be more open and transparent

A joint campaign between The Lancet and the Rockefeller Foundation aims to highlight critical issues in WHO's Director-General election, including a pressing need for leadership, funding reform, and prioritizing global health equity. The campaign seeks responses from candidates on key questions and calls for public scrutiny and debate.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateDec 5, 2002

Emory study finds most baby-boomers fall short of good health

A recent Emory University study reveals that the majority of baby-boomers fall short of good health, with 62.2% categorized as 'incompletely healthy'. The research emphasizes the need for healthcare providers to adopt a more holistic approach, focusing on disease prevention and health promotion rather than just treating illness.

SourceEmory University Health Sciences Center·JournalAmerican Journal of Health Promotion·DateDec 5, 2002

Search for cholesterol absorption genes narrows to two chromosome regions

Scientists use lab mice to identify genetic basis of cholesterol absorption, aiming to develop new treatments for heart disease. They pinpoint two chromosome regions as potential sites for genes regulating plant sterol levels, which reflect dietary cholesterol absorption.

SourceRockefeller University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 5, 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.

Studies dispute ultraviolet effect on amphibian population declines

Researchers found that dissolved organic matter protects most amphibian embryos from harmful levels of UV-B radiation in natural habitats. The studies suggest that the causes of amphibian population declines may be specific to each region and require a more nuanced approach.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalEcology·DateDec 5, 2002

More treatment options for women requiring emergency contraception

A randomized trial found that a single dose of 1.5 mg levonorgestrel is as effective as traditional regimens for emergency contraception, with no significant differences in pregnancy rates or side-effects. The new regimen simplifies use and reduces side effects, allowing women to begin regular contraception sooner.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateDec 5, 2002

Reconstructing salmon populations

Researchers use tree ring analysis to estimate salmon returns, following historical catch records. The study provides insights into the relationship between tree-ring growth and salmon populations, paving the way for more accurate reconstructions.

SourceEcological Society of America·JournalEcology·DateDec 5, 2002