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Science News for February 1, 2002


Exposure to toxin in certain foods could cause testicular cancer

A new theory proposes that exposure to ochratoxin A during pregnancy or early childhood can induce damage to testicular DNA, increasing the risk of testicular cancer. Testicular cancer is more common among people of higher socioeconomic levels, who are more likely to breastfeed.

SourceAtrium Health Wake Forest Baptist·JournalCancer Causes & Control·DateFeb 1, 2002

Computerized tool predicts sarcoma outcome and improves ability to make better treatment decisions

Researchers at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center developed a nomogram to predict sarcoma patient outcomes, combining age, tumor size, and other factors to provide more accurate prognosis. The tool enables doctors to tailor treatments based on individual patient risk, potentially leading to better outcomes.

SourceMemorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateFeb 1, 2002

Researchers develop world's first light-tunable 'plastic' magnet

Scientists at Ohio State University developed a plastic material that becomes highly magnetic when exposed to blue light, but loses some magnetism with green light. The technology has potential for future applications in magneto-optical systems for writing and erasing data from computer hard drives.

SourceOhio State University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateFeb 1, 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.

Hormone can predict future congestive heart failure

Researchers tested BNP levels in 325 patients with dyspnea, finding those with high levels had a 51% chance of developing congestive heart failure or dying within six months. The study supports the use of BNP testing as a tool for diagnosing patients at risk of congestive heart failure.

SourceAmerican College of Emergency Physicians·JournalAnnals of Emergency Medicine·DateFeb 1, 2002

Recent trends in motorcycle fatalities

Recent trends in motorcycle fatalities show older riders are more likely to be involved in fatal crashes, often on rural roads. Over half of all motorcycle fatalities involve collisions with other vehicles.

SourceAmerican College of Emergency Physicians·JournalAnnals of Emergency Medicine·DateFeb 1, 2002

Some patients not seeking rapid heart attack care

Certain patient groups continue to experience delays in seeking emergency care, despite public education efforts and improved treatment times. Researchers found elderly patients (over 64), women (35%), black patients (6%), and diabetic patients (25%) are disproportionately affected by late hospital arrivals.

SourceAmerican College of Emergency Physicians·JournalAnnals of Emergency Medicine·DateFeb 1, 2002
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Contact lens solutions may not kill off harmful eye bugs

Researchers found that some contact lens solutions may not effectively kill Acanthamoeba cysts, which can lead to serious eye infections. The two-step hydrogen peroxide solution was the most effective against both trophozoites and cysts.

SourceBMJ Specialty Journals·JournalBritish Journal of Ophthalmology·DateFeb 1, 2002

Nanowire-based electronics and optics comes one step closer

Researchers have successfully fabricated nanowires that combine diverse materials, paving the way for ultra-small-scale electronics and optoelectronic devices. The breakthrough could lead to significant advancements in fields such as energy production and manufacturing, and may even help address concerns about Moore's Law.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalNano Letters·DateFeb 1, 2002