Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News for February 20, 2002


Leptin replacement therapy reduces metabolic abnormalities in patients with rare fat disorders, researchers report

Researchers report significant improvements in patients with rare fat disorders who received leptin replacement therapy, including reduced triglyceride levels and liver fat accumulation. The therapy also controlled severe insulin resistance and improved blood glucose levels in most participants.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateFeb 20, 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.

Hawaiian Ridge HOME to efforts to understand deep-ocean mixing

Scientists discover that internal waves generated by the moon's pull at the Hawaiian Ridge can mix ocean waters at rates up to 1,000 times more intense than in areas without such topography. The measurements provide new insights into the global ocean circulation and nutrient cycles.

SourceUniversity of Washington·DateFeb 20, 2002

Speeding product design

The partnership aims to speed up the design process by using advanced simulation and computerized component testing. Companies involved in the project include United Technologies, Visteon, John Deere, and Procter & Gamble.

SourceRensselaer Polytechnic Institute·DateFeb 20, 2002

New research reveals that fibre can improve mood

A four-week study found that those on a high-fibre diet had improved moods, reduced fatigue, and lower depression scores compared to those on a low-fibre diet. Kellogg’s All-Bran and Kellogg’s Bran Flakes were identified as rich sources of natural grain fibre.

SourceCardiff University·DateFeb 20, 2002

Questions have a higher pitch

Women tend to make greater tonal movements and use more intonation in questioning, enabling clearer differentiation between statements and types of questions. The findings suggest that women prioritize clarity and are less afraid of adopting a position of dependency in communication.

SourceNetherlands Organization for Scientific Research·DateFeb 20, 2002

A current controversy: Is Europe about to freeze?

Researchers warn that slowing thermohaline circulation could have severe consequences for Europe, including a dramatic drop in temperatures. The phenomenon is sensitive to temperature increases and influxes of fresh water, which could accelerate its slowdown.

SourceOregon State University·JournalNature·DateFeb 20, 2002
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Dartmouth researchers expose weakness of common parasite

Researchers at Dartmouth have discovered a mutant strain of the T. gondi parasite that can provide protection against the normal parasite, while also being harmless to infected individuals. The mutant strain was created by inactivating a key enzyme in its biochemical pathway, rendering it unable to cause disease.

SourceThe Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth·JournalNature·DateFeb 20, 2002

Satellite images help find safe routes to South Pole

Researchers at Ohio State University used satellite images to identify potential routes across the Ross Ice Shelf, avoiding deep crevasses. The identified safe corridors could enable more economical and convenient overland transport than air transport.

SourceOhio State University·JournalCold Regions Science and Technology·DateFeb 20, 2002

New superconducting transformer is light and compact

Researchers developed a new method to wind coils from fragile conductor, using an insulating layer folded lengthways around the tape to prevent discharges. The new superconducting transformer is compact and light, making it attractive for use in trains and large town centres.

SourceNetherlands Organization for Scientific Research·DateFeb 20, 2002

Rensselaer faculty member honored by NSF, navy for research

Yuri Lvov, a Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute faculty member, has been honored with two prestigious awards for his outstanding research in weak turbulence theory and deep internal ocean waves. His work aims to improve weather prediction accuracy and semiconductor laser efficiency.

SourceRensselaer Polytechnic Institute·DateFeb 20, 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.

Science backs Cod Liver Oil as cure for arthritis

Researchers at Cardiff University discover that Cod Liver Oil's Omega-3 fatty acids can slow cartilage degradation and inflammation, offering a potential cure for osteoarthritis. The study suggests that taking Cod Liver Oil in early adulthood may prevent the onset of osteoarthritis and reduce its symptoms.

SourceCardiff University·JournalArthritis & Rheumatism·DateFeb 20, 2002

Rat makes a partial recovery following a spinal cord lesion

Researchers successfully implanted nerve cells in rats with partial hemisection spinal cord damage, showing partial recovery of walking abilities. In contrast, complete transection and ventral root avulsion models showed limited or no regrowth of damaged motor neurons.

SourceNetherlands Organization for Scientific Research·DateFeb 20, 2002

Kingston named Virginia Outstanding Scientist of 2002

Kingston's work led to a semi-synthetic process for creating Taxol, improving the efficiency of a potent anti-cancer drug. His research also contributed to saving vital tropical forests in South America by preserving traditional herbal remedies.

SourceVirginia Tech·DateFeb 20, 2002
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.

Studies suggest new headache treatment is more effective than medication

Researchers discovered a link between inflamed tender areas above upper molar teeth and headaches. A new treatment involves chilling the area to reduce swelling, eliminating pressure on nerves. The anti-inflammatory gel was found to be more effective than existing medications in reducing headache burden and analgesic use.

SourceWestchester Head and Neck Pain Center·DateFeb 20, 2002

Predicting the species diversity of large herbivores in nature reserves

Researchers from Wageningen University predict the species diversity of large herbivores in nature reserves by analyzing soil fertility and rainfall data. The study finds that areas with fertile soil and average rainfall are ideal for high species diversity, contrary to expectations.

SourceNetherlands Organization for Scientific Research·DateFeb 20, 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.

Land conflicts due to accumulated legislation

Land conflicts in Honduras stem from inconsistent legislation that prioritizes central government property over farmers' claims. Inconsistent laws also lead to conflicts between traditional customs and official laws, resulting in family disputes and violence.

SourceNetherlands Organization for Scientific Research·DateFeb 20, 2002