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Science News Archive December 2002 - Page 2


Page 2 of 7

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
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.

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

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
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.

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
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.

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

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
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.

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
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.

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
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.

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
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

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
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

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

Gene responsible for anemia (type CDA-1) discovered

Researchers discovered a gene, CDAN1, associated with CDA-1, a rare form of anemia. The study, involving 45 Bedouin patients, suggests the gene's protein plays a crucial role in blood cell maturation and may lead to new treatments.

SourceAmerican Committee for the Weizmann Institute of Science·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·DateDec 16, 2002
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.

Novel gene therapy approach shows promise

Researchers at Vanderbilt University Medical Center have developed a novel gene therapy approach that repairs messenger RNA, which could lead to effective treatments for inherited diseases. The method uses ribozymes to correct defective genes and has shown promising results in animal models.

SourceVanderbilt University Medical Center·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateDec 16, 2002

Researchers explain how the brain integrates head position and acoustics

Researchers discovered that fusiform cells in the cochlear nucleus integrate acoustic information with head and ear position information to pinpoint sound sources. The study found that synapses transmitting acoustic information are stable, while those carrying head and ear position information exhibit plasticity.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 16, 2002

Sandia 'be there now' hardware enhances long-distance collaborations

The Sandia hardware allows large data sets to be viewed and manipulated interactively without needing to send copies to separate locations. The technology, which leverages advances in 3D commercial rendering, enables users to experience sitting at a supercomputer from thousands of miles away.

SourceDOE/Sandia National Laboratories·DateDec 16, 2002

Light shed on vision and hearing disorders

Researchers have identified three genes, Myosin VIIa, Harmonin, and Cadherin 23, that cooperate to shape the sensory hair cell bundle. These findings provide new insights into Usher syndrome, a genetic disorder affecting vision and hearing.

SourceEuropean Molecular Biology Laboratory·JournalThe EMBO Journal·DateDec 16, 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.

Purdue research hints that birds could spread Ebola virus

Researchers found a biochemical structure similarity between the Ebola virus outer protein shell and retroviruses carried by birds, suggesting possible bird transmission. This discovery raises health concerns for humans and encourages officials to be vigilant.

SourcePurdue University·JournalJournal of Virology·DateDec 16, 2002

Dancing molecules on the make

Researchers at Max Planck Institute for Solid State Research successfully observed the formation and dynamics of coordination compounds on a copper surface. They directly imaged single molecules and monitored their movements, revealing how rotating molecules act as dynamic atom traps for individual Cu atoms.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateDec 16, 2002
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

Patients' lives at risk from needless lung scans

A recent study found that injecting contrast material before a CT scan can increase lung tissue volume in critically ill patients with ALI. This increase is attributed to fluid accumulation in the lungs, making breathing harder for these patients. The authors recommend avoiding this procedure in critically ill patients.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalCritical Care·DateDec 16, 2002

Serotonergic dysfunction doesn’t cause suicide

Researchers found no significant differences in TPH protein level or 5HT2A receptor density between suicide victims and controls. The A218C polymorphism of the TPH gene was shown to alter TPH protein level, suggesting its role in serotonergic function rather than biological suicidality.

SourceMolecular Psychiatry·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateDec 16, 2002

Drinks of the father

Researchers found that a father's maximum number of drinks consumed in 24 hours is associated with disruptive behavior disorders, early substance-use initiation, and early substance-related disorders in his children. The study suggests that this 'phenotype' could supplement diagnostic categories for alcohol dependence.

SourceAlcoholism: Clinical & Experimental Research·DateDec 16, 2002
Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.

Antarctic ice seals life's fate

Researchers find liquid lake beneath 62 feet of ice, containing seven times the saltiness of normal seawater. The isolated brine is believed to harbor life due to its chemical composition, with microbes returning to life after gradual melting.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 16, 2002

Study suggests inflammatory protein is strongly associated with heart disease

A new study suggests that high levels of inflammatory protein CRP are strongly associated with an increased risk of ischemic heart disease. The research found that patients taking beta blockers and statins had less inflammation, indicating that treating inflammation may play a crucial role in preventing heart disease.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·DateDec 16, 2002

Designing a robot that can sense human emotion

Researchers at Vanderbilt University are developing a robot that can detect and respond to human emotions. They use physiological signals such as heart rate, skin conductance, and facial muscle activity to analyze a person's psychological state. The robot is programmed to recognize specific patterns and provide supportive responses.

SourceVanderbilt University·JournalRobotica·DateDec 16, 2002

Biodegradable gelatin particles show promise for delivering therapeutic genes

Researchers at Ohio State University successfully tested micro-sized gelatin particles that may deliver therapeutic genes to the glomerulus in the kidneys. The biodegradable particles dissolved quickly enough to pass through the glomerulus within 10 hours, suggesting they could be useful in transferring genes to tissues.

SourceOhio State University·JournalBiomedical Microdevices·DateDec 16, 2002
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.

Prenatal exposure to alcohol may cause temporal processing deficits

Researchers examined two groups of children ages five to 10 years with prenatal alcohol exposure and found impaired ability to perceive and utilize temporal information. Alcohol-exposed children demonstrated slower and less efficient responses, particularly those with lower IQs.

SourceAlcoholism: Clinical & Experimental Research·DateDec 16, 2002

Common cancer gene controls blood vessel growth

Researchers discovered that the Id1 gene regulates angiogenesis in melanoma, breast, head and neck, brain, cervical, prostate, pancreatic, and testicular cancers by reducing thrombospondin-1 production. This reduction leads to increased tumor blood vessel formation.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalCancer Cell·DateDec 16, 2002

Researcher debates changing attitudes of Americans: historical, generational, or aging?

A researcher challenges the idea that generations drive attitude changes in America, arguing instead that individual life experiences, aging, and historical events play a significant role. Alwin's study suggests that social change is more complex than previously thought, with multiple factors contributing to generational differences.

SourceAmerican Sociological Association·Journalسياقات اللغة والدراسات البينية·DateDec 16, 2002

Purdue works to transform Ebola virus from killer to healer

Researchers at Purdue University have simplified the outer shell of the Ebola virus, making it easier to produce in a lab and delivering genes to defective cells. This breakthrough could lead to treatments for diseases like cystic fibrosis and lung cancer.

SourcePurdue University·JournalJournal of Virology·DateDec 16, 2002
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.