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Science News for February 18, 2002


Dietary supplements make old rats youthful, may help rejuvenate aging humans, according to UC Berkeley study

Researchers at UC Berkeley report that a combination of two dietary supplements, acetyl-L-carnitine and alpha-lipoic acid, improved the health and cognitive function of old rats. The supplements were found to boost energy-producing organelles in cells, restore memory function, and reduce oxidative damage.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 18, 2002

2.6 billion years of primate and carnivore evolutionary history at risk

Biodiversity hotspots, home to 55% of world's primates and 22% of carnivores, are facing extinction, threatening 343 million years of evolutionary history. Preserving these ecosystems is crucial to maintaining genetic diversity and the survival of species.

SourceConservation International·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 18, 2002
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.

Whither the GP who can do everything?

Research reveals a decline in general practitioners' and family physicians' involvement in non-office settings, leading to a reduction in comprehensive care. Alternative models such as group practices and networks can help meet the need for primary care, but reliance on core physicians working in multiple settings remains a concern.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateFeb 18, 2002

Low-intensity ultrasound therapy and fracture healing

A meta-analysis of three studies found that low-intensity ultrasound therapy significantly reduces healing time for non-operative fractures. The treatment group showed a mean time to healing that was 6.41 times shorter than the control groups.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateFeb 18, 2002

Scientists look to Europe as evolutionary seat

Scientists have discovered two significant fossil finds in Europe, shedding light on the early evolution of humans. The oldest relative of all living great apes was found in Germany, while a nearly complete skull of Dryopithecus was uncovered in Hungary.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalJournal of Human Evolution·DateFeb 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.

A genetic basis for diet-induced relapse of depression

A genetic study found that a polymorphism in the serotonin transporter promoter region is associated with mood response during tryptophan depletion, indicating a potential link between diet and depression relapse. The study suggests that individual genetic differences may influence the impact of dietary changes on depressive symptoms.

SourceMolecular Psychiatry·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateFeb 18, 2002

Agri-tech innovations promise better food security

Researchers discuss innovative examples of sustainable agriculture, such as the Ecological System of Rice Intensification (SRI), which trains farmers to adopt environmentally friendly techniques. SRI has successfully increased rice yields without relying on herbicides and pesticides, improving food security in Cambodia and Asia.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·DateFeb 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.

Annals of Internal Medicine, tip sheet, February 19, 2002

The incidence of second primary colorectal cancer is high despite regular surveillance colonoscopy after treatment of the initial cancer. Many second cancers were diagnosed within one year after a normal colonoscopy, indicating the need for further research to determine the best schedule for surveying the colon.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateFeb 18, 2002

Teen sex offenders need different treatments: Study

A study of 114 adolescent male offenders found that those committing only sexual offenses had better behavior, attitudes, and lower re-offending risk compared to those with concurrent crimes. The findings suggest different pathways to juvenile sexual offending, warranting tailored interventions.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry·DateFeb 18, 2002

Performance reviews not always accurate, professor says

A study by Rotundo and Sackett found that North American managers were not always in agreement on the most important criteria for rating employee performance. This can lead to inconsistent reviews, highlighting the need for clear communication of valued aspects of job performance.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalJournal of Applied Psychology·DateFeb 18, 2002

A genetic risk factor for substance abuse

A functional polymorphism within the m-opioid receptor gene has been linked to an increased risk of substance abuse, including alcohol and other substances. The study found that individuals with this genetic variation were more likely to develop addiction and engage in risky behavior.

SourceMolecular Psychiatry·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateFeb 18, 2002
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.

New genetic findings in manic-depressive illness

A multicentric study has identified an excess of allele1 for the GABRA3 gene in patients with bipolar disorder. This finding suggests a potential link between genetic variations and the development of manic-depressive illness.

SourceMolecular Psychiatry·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateFeb 18, 2002

New frontiers for dinosaur science

Dinosaur expert Paul C. Sereno has made groundbreaking discoveries in Africa, including the giant predator Carcharodontosaurus and the spinosaur Suchomimus. His research is transforming our understanding of dinosaur evolution, shedding light on their diversity and abundance during the Cretaceous period.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·DateFeb 18, 2002

Critical care bypass in emergency rooms

The article explores the challenges of managing emergency department overcrowding and the legal duty to provide care. It discusses the complexities of weighing patient diversion against accepting critically ill patients, raising questions about liability and hospital responsibilities.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateFeb 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.

Sounding the alarm for infections: EMBL researchers discover rapid-response, interferon-producing cells

Scientists have identified specific cells called dendritic cells that produce massive quantities of interferon quickly after a virus appears, providing a rapid response to infections. This discovery may lead to new medical applications for interferon and shed light on the body's innate immune response.

SourceEuropean Molecular Biology Laboratory·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateFeb 18, 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.

Study examines benefits of caring for seniors

A study of 289 caregivers found that over 70% reported positive feelings towards caregiving, associated with reduced depression and better self-reported health. Knowledge of these positive aspects can help professionals identify risk factors and needs in caregivers.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalInternational Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry·DateFeb 18, 2002